Canadian Mosaic. Tim Van Horn, the director at Canadian Mosaic, took this picture on May 28, 2012. This photo reminds me of the day I took Ivey, my 1-year-old weimarner, out for a dog walk at Roxboro Park in Calgary, Alberta. The photo taken was a few days after I had finished the Golden Triangle, a 3-day bike tour in the mountains and the Scotiabank Calgary Marathon. I was cold, tired, and in pain.
The Golden Triangle followed a clockwise route consisting of three approximately equal distance days. About 250 riders participated in this event and rode 300 kilometers. The weather changed drastically from a snow blizzard, sky winds, heavy rains to sunny blue skies. It was purely an active business social event for me. After cycling 100K per day, I would set up a medical tent and treat the athletes. Many athletes continued to see me in clinic after the ride was completed.
Whether you know Calgary or not, the Scotiabank 42.2 Calgary Marathon route would have made you blush and smile because of the western hospitality. It was my first marathon running with Ivey, my 1-year-old weimaraner. We made it to the 10K mark without any issues. It all changed when I tripped over her leash and my right knee hit the pavement. I power walked and hobbled for the remaining 30K. I never blushed or smiled once.
Since I lived next door to the finish line, I skipped the finish line and went home to look after my knee. At the time, picking up a medal was not that important. I was in too much pain. Sometimes I wonder if it would have made a difference to cross the finish line regardless of my screaming knee. My home was only 0.2km away. If there was someone rooting for me at the end, I would have probably pushed myself harder to make it to the very end. I desperately wanted to hear someone cheer me on.
While hanging out with Ivey at Roxboro Park on May 28th 2012, Tim was taking pictures. He asked me if I wanted to have my picture taken for his Canadian Mosaic project. I agreed. It was the first and last time I saw him. Little did I know that we would connect again in the future. Seven years later, his name popped up on my Facebook feed. Apparently, Tim made connections with the same people that I met on my journey in Alberta and Northwest Territories.
Now, I wonder if our next adventure is to do a Canadian Mosiac Marathon. What do you think Tim?