A typical race finish for Sicilian races
Day 8 – Finale to Palermo and more (119km)
We only needed 96km to make it back to Palermo. But, we’re overachievers. Ten runners were out in full force today. We made it back a day earlier than planned and exceed our goal mileage of 1,101km by nearly 20k. What a fabulous time we had sampling local cuisine, running races, tasting the wines, checking out beaches, learning some history and perhaps getting a glimpse of what distances our STARR members are running when they’re not out with the club. I for one, was very impressed with the mileage we achieved as a team in just over a week.
Robin was out bright and early before the Saturday club run and it paid off. He was the lucky winner of the last bottle of Sicilian wine – a red from the Avola region, passing the 75km to the finish marker. Mark found the hidden souvenir 50km outside of Palermo. Congrats to both.
Kari and I were surprised to hear the cheering as we neared Palermo. Something must be happening we thought. As we entered the city, the crowd got louder. Kari was first to notice the real finish line of a race and took off leaving me in her dust. She was first to cross under the finish line banner, earning a well-deserved Palermo medal. I followed on her heels and managed to get the last medal. We were truly done. It felt so good to dip our tired feet into the turquoise sea at Mondello Beach in Palermo before heading back to Canada.
We did have a few surprises that might interest you. While many were looking for sand and sea, Sarah brought along her trusty Canadian snowshoes. Does it surprise you that February is the best month for snowshoeing in Sicily in the Nebrodi Mountain range? We passed that area in the north eastern region only a few days ago. Who knew Sicilians snowshoed? Another fun fact – Etna is another ideal Sicilian destination for snowshoeing. We lost Sarah today to the mountains, so I’m told.
Did you know that soccer is Italy’s national sport? Teresa was rumoured to bring her soccer cleats. We lost her one day to a local match we think, trying out the game on Sicilian turf.
Today’s runners were Maggie (7.5k), Steve E. (7.5k), Greg (20k), Robin (21.5k), Mark (9k), Danny (10k), Jackie (11.6k), Kari (12k), Leslie Ann (10.1k) and Melanie E (10k). Although Sarah didn’t run, she snowshoed 8.5k, not included in our total. Teresa estimated 3k of running up and down a soccer field that was not included in our total.
To recap the week, 22 STARR members participated in the virtual challenge. Our STARR mileage guy was Danny who managed 200km in just 8 days. Kudos to everyone who took up the challenge. Prizes will be given out at next Saturday’s run – P2 parking lot at the Potholes. Ken arrived safe and sound on Canadian soil yesterday, and will make a short presentation to those who won wine and medals. Leslie Ann will give out the other prizes. If you aren’t there, other arrangements will be made for you to get them.
