Race Report by Dom Repta

Just came back from a great experience with Monica.
The race course was varied, icy, snowy, beautiful x2,
steeps and flats.

I joined Monica at 54km, and planned to run 90-100km
depending on when we reached the 154km, where my truck
was. I only did 90 because I had to get to the airport
and catch a plane.  After Esmond informed me that they
were breaking trail up high, I knew we would be in for
a long one.

I joined Monica at 5:30pm, and we zoomed off. It was
so great to hear Monica's running philosophy and try
to understand what motivates her.  I think I need to
incorporate some of her head space. It got quite cold,
where at times I think Monica was bordering
hypothermia, and to say the least she got a little
sleepy. After PB last week, she may have still been a
little tired. Monica had 3 8.5-9.5 falls on icy
patches, was literally falling asleep while running
(quite funny afterwards, but not so funny when
hypothermia is a threat), but never wavered in the
purpose..to finish. I did turn around to notice Monica
lying on the trail, and she said "just two seconds",
counted, 1,2, and got up! Not lying down again. With
it being dark by 6:00pm, we ran a lot in the dark,
without getting lost!!! Time during the night just
seemed to blend, but with 21km between some aid
stations, we were quite packed with gear, camel backs
that were completely freezing (we needed some of Jim
Morrison's super tech gear) and pockets full of maps, food,
clothes, etc..Seeing the sunrise in Kananaskis was
uplifting and breathtaking. It re-energized Monica,
and our pace was consistent and deliberate. I was sad
to leave at the 150 marker (17 hours with Monica), but
a plane was waiting. Monica's finishing time was
29:06:11. The icy, snowy, cold slowed the body down a bit.

Monica's dad was there and very helpful, along with
the RD, Istvan and some other troopers. It was odd
that after 2:00am, Monica and I were the only ones
running the course, so all support was geared towards
us.

I would like to thank Monica for allowing me to
experience a race with her, having great conversation,
and sharing her strength. I have never seen someone so
focussed yet so unassuming about what they are doing.
Her mental toughness is incredible!!!!!

So, the Canadian Rockies 100, a great course, and the
"unofficial" 100 mile record breaker (21 - 20 by Hans-Dieter
Weisshaar was the previous record) for Monica. Congrats and
keep going strong.

Peace
Dom