Sept 21st - getting closer Parade of Nations/Opening Ceremonies

Team Bike Ride very well attended at 06h50 despite it barely being light enough. 2c made it bloodly cold! Glad I brought plenty of $ store mitts - both Kasia & Brian have benefited :~) as well as xtra race belt that my Kasia forgot.

Speaking of Kasia - yesterday she realized that there was 20 years between us - not that it matters we're having fun bonding but she said "you're my mother's age!"

As we begin our bike ride of the course Kasia confesses she just about burnt down her hotel this morning. Her tights were still wet so she turned on the radiator and well as they say "a picture speaks a 1000 words"

Really glad I did the bike ride "getting back on the horse" so to speak was important confidence-wise as well as getting the only chance to cycle the course pre-race and ... as expected I needed to see if I had any injuries that would be more painful when cycling. Unfortunately I discovered a couple of more issues especially my right foot isn't happy and both hips. Dealing with it. The cobblestones in and around  are transition are seriously treacherous with cleats on or socks...bare feet is likely the best but I'm not doing it. Cycling on the stones is dangerous so my goal is to be the slowest doing that!!

Back at hotel from bike at 8am frozen solid! Kasia and I dropped her bike off at her car and fast walked to my hotel. Changed into warm clothes then off to enjoy a piping hot strong coffee! Managed a banana.  Big time nausea today. Drinking most of my food. Hurray for Vega nutritional supplements and sports energy and recovery drinks. 

It had warmed up by the time we walked back to the Ibis but I could make a fortune selling the hotshots I brought, especially on race morning - lol!
Here's Team Nova Scotia this morning post bike for the gals and pre-bike for all.
Moka - Brian - Karen - Kasia - Zack

Birdie was supposed to meet us the Ibis for the run but wasn't there. As I suspected she got lost. No wonder, she was so tired last night she didn't really register the way to and from the Ibis. She was a smart Bird though and found Place Stanislas where she knew we'd gather b4 doing the course loop. It was great seeing her and having her join us.

As we were finishing our run Diana, Kasia and I became a team of first responders to an elderly woman from Holland who slipped walking down the cobblestone steps and landed on her face!! Severe cut above and below her eye  and cheek - swelling fast and blood. We all took a role. Diana and Kasia held kleenex to the wounds. An ambulance was called so I went into a restaurant and got 2 cloth napkins and filled them with ice which the gals applied to the woman named Wil. She was in her 80's and remained calm. The ambulance took forever to arrive. They spoke only Dutch but understood French to I did the communicating. Her husband Yan and she became worried they would miss their coach which was to leave at 11am ... it was 10:45am. Three paramedics had parked in Stanislas square and could come no further as the barriers and transition were being set up for tomorrow (Elite & youth). I explained the situation to the paramedics. They helped Wil walk to the ambulance meanwhile I reassured she and Yan that we 3 gals would find their coach and let their people know and we'd return asap. Diana teased me as one paramedic flirted with me - as I was obviously getting chilled post-run (headlights I guess) ... he said he'd warm me up quick! Nice ego boast for sure - let's say all the gals agreed (more Team Canada athletes and Joyce by now became spectators to our good deeds). We 3 first aiders ran in the direction of the coach and I explained what had happened to  the driver who eagerly followed us back to the ambulance, thanking us profusely. The relief on Wil and Yan face when they saw the driver was heartwarming. Now in capable hands, we bid everyone farewell and best wishes. The paramedics were explaining to the driver (multilingual) that she needed xrays and to be seen by a doctor.

We stuck around the square a bit watching set up.

Headed back toward the Ibis in the direction of the Dutch coach, all feeling good. Then we spot a bus load of white hair seniors looking bewildered. So again I explained what had happened, made sure to reassure everyone that Will was ok and being well cared for but their driver was detained. They thanked us with smiles - noting our Canadian uniforms.

Back at the hotel - Dr Jeff asked for an update on my health and well being. Told him I hadn't slept, couldn't eat but was well hydrated and he agreed that as long as I drank nutrition that was ok. He suggested he give me a sleeping aid tonight. Two kinds - long lasting for 8hrs sleep but with a "hangover" effect or short acting plus pain meds and no drowiness tomorrow ... we opted for the latter. Have appointment with Physio tomorrow at 11:30am too. 

Diana and I decided to go separate ways until 6:15pm rendez-vous with team for photo and ceremonies. As we are saying au revoir we here honking - the Dutch coach - driver honking and coach full of seniors waving at Bird and I! We enthusiastically waving back, we commented more than once that it was nice to continue the tradition of Canadians help the Dutch ... it just dawns on me that having being raised in Ottawa, I was fortunate to enjoy the gift of tulips in honour of our troops helping to liberate Holland... and as my nearest and dearest know - tulips are my favourite flower!

A special day already.  More to come!