This hotel is fortunate to be right on the starting line of the ING National Capital Marathon, which has turned into a huge event here in Ottawa. Even better, ING stays with us through this exciting weekend, so we are really caught up in all the excitement and I love it.

I have been running all my adult life, starting when I was 16 or so and still at 50, I try to get out a few times each week. A couple of years ago, my husband decided he was going to train for the 1/2 marathon. Hey, I have always been the runner in our family… what’s this?? Now he was giving me tips on running.

Well, this year has been my third participating. I started to train with Fred (my husband) and suddenly I was up to 10 km first year, so thought - why not? I ran the 10 K and he ran the 1/2 Marathon. Last year, I got up to 18 km training with him, so I thought why not do the 1/2. He ran the entire marathon and I did the 1/2 with my son Harry. This year, Fred and I trained together for the 1/2 - with no stopping. We enjoyed our long weekend runs and I was all ready for the big race. Then last Tuesday, I wrenched my knee on the stairs at home… I was so disappointed. My knee was swollen and I was hobbling the next day. I had already registered and everything - what a drag! Well, by Friday, I thought… hmmm, this is feeling better - why not just try to see how far I can go. I’d just drop out when the pain got too bad. Well, I just kept going and it wasn’t until the last 2 km that I was having some trouble. Well, can’t give up with only 2 K to go, so pushed through..and finished! What a great feeling!

I am hooked! I love the challenge, and the incredible sense of accomplishment each weekend when we do our long runs. I love the excitement of the day - all the people getting pumped up for the run - the horn blasts and off we go. I love the cheering all along the route - thank you to all of you who come out and cheer and support the runners. And finally, getting to that finish line.. what a feeling!

So for all of you who may be thinking of joining the challenge, hop on. It’s not as hard as it looks.

March is not always the brightest month in Ottawa. The canal is closed, the skiing is just about done and the tulips are not yet up. So we decided to add a little sparkle in your stay in March by offering ALL of our guests something that anyone would love – either to wear or to give away… a diamond ring. It is so easy. Each time you enter your room when you check in; you will find an envelope on your pillow. In it will either be a coupon for Taing Jewellers or if you are really lucky, you will find the ticket for the ring of the week. The rings are really beautiful. They can be worn on their own, or beside another ring. Or, if you had something else in mind, Taing Jewellers will certainly be able to exchange this ring for that special piece you had in mind!