What a wonderful day...very emotional...the best way to say good bye to my beloved home town Quito, just a couple of days before I leave to move to the US again.

The race day started for me pretty good, I had good solid 6 hours of sleep, that really made me feel rested and ready for the action.
But why did I mention that it was an emotional day? The reason, my Dad, made his comeback to serious racing after 11 months of recovery and therapy for an herniated spinal disc and the subsecuent surgery. He was pretty much tense, uptight and nervous, from the night before, he told me this mornign that he just sleept 3 hours at the most, and his stomach was spinning like a dryer....mmmmm not a good thing right.
Well we had our usual race day breakfast, with energy bars, tea, gatorade and a few crackers...
Them Mom was our corner lady, carriying all our stuff, camera, gels, and so on...she was our technical support. It was all family business. Dad felt much better at the warm up, he told me:"I feel strong son..." so I felt calm.
RACE: We started the race, really happy, minutes prior the departure a military band played our National Anthem...pretty weird...I all my races it was the first time they do that here...but hey! I am leaving the country...probably for good...what a gorgeos morning to say good bye singing to my contry.
BANG!...the race was on!!!
We took a easy pace at the begging and I really wanted to see how dad performed in the openings...he was going good...less than 6 minutes in the firt 4 km. Dad had a bit of a labored breathing...but he kept saying that he was doing alright. We kept going together till we cross the 9km mark...where mom took some pics and gave us gels and water...The dad ordered me:"you better pick up your pace, and kick some butt" so I said ok...and started to push....
So, for me it was all regular business from there...enjoying my race...keeping myself well hydrated, the race organizers really took care of the water and sport drink..for every racer...so no problem...I used one more gel during the race...I felt strong...
I tussle a bit with a guy, friendly fella, I have to say...he wanted to put some preassure...but after 3 ks of running together he could not follow.
So I crossed the finish line at 1:46 min...the last 3 kms I really ran as fast as my heart and muscles let me....and it was all worth it.
Then I got really nervous...clock was ticking...and my dad was missing.....I really worriend...I thought "dang...his back really gave up" or something...I was really worried...big time...
But after long....long minutes...he appeared...tired...but he crossed the line at 2:10 and I was there for him...to take him, hoge him...and feel really proud of my old man....he was a worrior today. Then mom came, and congratulate her to racers...took some picks with our medals...and now..we just came back from a restaurant having...yeah!!! a big and nice Rib-Eye. I am proud of my dad...he overcame a very disabling injury...overcame pain, and now he is back.
Sorry if it was long...but I am leaving in days time my country...and I just wanted to express my feelings, and joy after a wonderful race, with all of you my fellow Trifuel Friends;)