Salem, Oregon's
Running & Walking Club Site
Home of
Willamette Valley Road Runners (WVRR)
www.WVRoadrunners.org.

Destination: Victoria by Kathi Worley

Someone had a bright idea this summer, "How about organizing a trip to Victoria in October for the marathon?" Well, another certain someone took over the reigns of this project and lead it to fruition. That other certain someone would be yours truly. She has now been given the task of writing an article for the Striders newsletter. This task will prove to be far more of a challenge than the former! A travel agent I could be, a writer I will never be! But, what the heck, I'll give it a try!

After several months of e-mails, phone calls, negotiating and begging people to join us, 19 runners and support crew finally embarked upon our journey to Victoria BC on October 5, 2001. The group consisted of Dawn Prosser, Ann Beier, Marlee Underhill, Susan Asam, Steve Cams, Toni Tabor, Heather Elliott, Maureen McCoy, Sue Schmidt, Christine Gary, Cheryl Nordhagen, Gary Johnson, Ron Johnson, Jack Fischer, Jacqueline Zimmer, Michael Jones and Rex Storm. The first pleasant surprise was the size of our bus. We were expecting something the size of the Hut Airport Shuttle but were presented with a Greyhound size bus with lots of legroom and a bathroom. Needless to say, the women passengers (which were the majority) were very happy about this aspect of the trip! Given the fact that we were preparing for a marathon in two days and doing a very good job of hydrating, the bathrooms were most important!

The first leg of our journey was uneventful as we began the long trek north on 15. With one break to let our driver rest and for us to stretch our legs, we finally arrived in Port Angeles six hours later. Upon arrival we found that the ferry was running late so we had some time to kill and ventured out to see the big metropolis of Port Angeles. By the time the ferry arrived the majority of us were on the bus ready to board the ferry; however, we were missing Jacqueline and Michael. In a small panic we pooled our resources and came up with Jacqueline's cell phone number and attempted to locate her. Unable to reach her by cell phone there was nothing more to do other than board the ferry and hope they turned up sooner or later. Shortly after the ferry left the port, they both appeared on board having walked on at the last minute. With many sighs of relief we began the final leg of our journey.

Arrival into Victoria in the evening hours was breathtaking. The view of the city and the lighted Parliament was absolutely beautiful. (Upon closer inspection of the area near the harbor, we noted a memorial had been established for the victims of 9-11. Pictures, candles and flowers decorated the area. Reading the cards and narratives left by others was very moving.) After a long day of travel and fast food, we checked into our hotel and made separate plans for dinner and sleep.

Saturday in Victoria was a busy day filled with packet pickup, visiting the vendor booths at the convention center, buying last minute running items that were forgotten at home, and a little sightseeing. This was my first marathon and I was in awe of the number of people that were milling about in preparation for such a daunting distance run. The anxiety was now beginning to kick in.

Our group made various plans for dinner the evening prior to the marathon and we quickly found out how difficult it is to find a restaurant in a town that was hosting an event of this size. Dinner was late but satisfying and was shared with new friends. On a personal note, I was truly beginning to have some doubt about the next day. I had been on the injured list for about six weeks prior to the marathon, had not ran during those six weeks and had been maintaining my fitness level with cross training. My injury had not completely healed and I came prepared with all the medical paraphernalia I could find! During dinner I expressed my doubts about the marathon and thanks to a great pep talk by two veteran marathoners (Jack Fischer and Rex Storm) my spirits were lifted and I knew I could finish! My other saving grace was my running partner. Dawn Prosser. She also was running with an injury and we vowed to finish together one way or the other!

The day of the marathon was successful for all of those who participated. Some finished with PR's, several completed their first marathon, and others were there to provide the much needed moral support to the runners. The best part of the run was seeing other Salem runners that had not taken the bus to Victoria with us. They were there at the finish line for the first time finishers and there was nothing better than to see a familiar face waving and cheering you on those last few meters! Ron and Charlotte Hartwig were spotted at several different locations during the event cheering us on, as was Mick Evans. Mick even ventured out at 6:00 am to cheer on the early starters!

After some well-deserved rest and lots of walking to ease the aching leg muscles we prepared for a group dinner at a marvelous restaurant in Victoria. We ate, drank, told stories about our day, congratulated one another repeatedly and made lasting friendships.

With the marathon behind us, we prepared for our departure the next morning. Due to some miscommunication regarding the customs process we had to go through customs individually rather than on board the bus. This took some extra time and made the ferry about a half hour late. I don't think we made any new friends that day! The journey home was quiet and uneventful and I for one was looking forward to a couple of weeks of rest and relaxation. The general consensus was, however, that we need to do this again next year. Stay tuned for more information in 2002!

Once again, on a more personal note, Victoria was my first marathon and a day I will never forget. Running injured made it more of a challenge for me but having the companionship of my running partner, Dawn and the encouragement of so many other runners made finishing become reality. Dawn and I crossed the finish line together and no amount of words

can describe the emotional feeling that rushed through me at that moment. I cried tears of pure joy as we ran through the finish gate and the feeling of euphoria stayed with me for many hours. Sharing these past few days with friends from my running group (Marlee Underhill, Ann Beier, Dawn Prosser, Cheryl Nordhagen and Susan Asam) was wonderful. I couldn't have done it without their support and encouragement during the six-month training program. Both John and Susan Gallagher have also been a significant source of inspiration and encouragement for me. The Gallaghers' Women Clinic was the catalyst that started me on my running journey and I will be forever indebted to Susan Gallagher for this. The friendships I have made along the way are one of the most valuable assets in my life. (Another story another day!)

Go to the Club website to see photos of the Victoria adventure! www.wvroadrunners.org/cmphotos