You talk about a fun event, well organized, one of the best pasta dinners I've ever been to, and lots of friendly people, that's what you have at Woody's RV World, Marathon and Half Marathon in Red Deer, Alberta, Canada!
I arrived in Calgary, Canada early Thursday afternoon, rented a car and made the hour and a half drive north to Red Deer. What a beautiful city!
I checked into my hotel, took a short nap and then headed out on a beautiful run on the many paved and unpaved trails through the forest and woods that surround Red Deer.
The next morning I was up bright and early and got in a beautiful 10 mile run, once again on the trails. At about 8 miles I was running along side a small river and I came across a beaver that I swear was the size of a small Volkswagen! After my run, I went down to the conference hall at the hotel where I met the main sponsor of the marathon, Woody Taylor. You talk about a enthusiastic, energetic person, that's Woody! I can see why he is one of the top RV dealers in all of Canada!
I spoke after breakfast to many of his staff that work at his RV Center in Red Deer. Woody preaches teamwork and setting goals, so that was my main focus of my talk. They were a great group to speak to!
After my talk it was off to Notre Dame High School where I spoke to a bunch of students, like Woody's employees, they were great!
I had a short break before it was off to the Runner Den specialty running store. I did a meet a greet and also a couple of TV interviews. I got back from that and spent a couple of hours at the expo doing more meeting and greeting. It was then off to Woody's grandson's house for supper!
Clayton Phillips and his wife Melissa hosted myself along with Woody and his partner Val for a great evening of fun! Clayton barbecued up some of the best salmon I've ever had!
Saturday morning I was up early and did a 8 mile run along the Red Deer River, I then went and ran with a bunch of folks that were in town for the marathon and we did a 2 mile fun run together on a beautiful morning!
I spent lots of time at the expo during the rest of the day. Saturday evening it was time for the pasta dinner. They had sold it out, over 300 people were in attendance and we had a great meal along with honoring some runners and then I gave my talk. My talk went well, then it was time for all to hit the hay for our races the next morning.
Sunday morning was beautiful and they had a record turnout for the marathon and half. I ran the half at a good effort but did not race it, had a wonderful run on a beautiful course!
After the run it was back to the hotel, pack, and drive back to Calgary for my flight home to Austin. If you are looking for a GREAT marathon that's not to big except in hospitality, then Woody's RV World, Marathon and Half Marathon in Red Deer is the place you don't want to miss! Thanks Woody and Red Deer, Alberta, Canada!
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