Orillia Snow Flake Series

The Snowflake Series is almost here!

The Snowflake is a fundraising series for the Sharing Place, a food bank in Orillia.
The goal of the Snowflake is to get people out and enjoying winter and to help out our local community.


The dates for the Snowflakes are:

27 November, 2011 -5km

18 December, 2011 -5km

1 January, 2011 -10km

8 January, 2011 -5km


For more information please visit www.canirunning.com/snowflake.htm

To make things run smoothly on race day please take advantage of our online registration, there is no online fee - you pay your entry on race day.


Happy Trails

Road to Hope Marathon

On Sunday Nov 6th at the Road to Hope Marathon in Hamilton, Brendan Kavanaugh got his sub three hour marathon with a time of 2:58:24. Awesome racing weather and some BRR cheered him at a couple of points along the course and then watched him cross the finish line all smiles. Brendan was also 3rd in his age group. Well done and congrats Brendan.

Other Barrie Road Runners in the Marathon were;
Erin Barrie, 3:37
Bryan Pellerin, 3:39
Steen Klint, 3:52
Angela Rutherford, 4:06
Aniie Pilon, 4:08
Chris Battaglia, 4:19

In the Half Marathon;
Shawn Patton, 1:32
Dan Revell, 1:43
Tracy MacLean, 2:36 her official time was supposed to be adjusted by 5 minutes due to wating for a train to pass.many others were held up by the train.

Sorry for missing any other runners.

Borden Half Marathon

This weekend is the Annual Borden Half Marathon a nice low key half in a great setting. For more infor got to http://www.events.runningroom.com/site/?raceId=6770 Also the Borden race is looking for volunteers to look after registration and expo help on Friday and Saturday as well as Race volunteers for Sunday.To volunteer e-mail runbordenvolunteers@gmail.com

Another Busy weekend for Barrie RoadRunners with a number of races on the go. There was the Toronto Scotiabank Waterfront Marathon, Vulture Bait Trail races, Columbus Marathon and as usual a few crazed fools doing back to back Marathons in Hartford and Rhode Island.


The Toronto results: these searches were for Barrie runners, if you want to view a runner from another local community put that towns name in the search field.

Marathon results

Half Marathon results

Vulture Bait –

50k –
Dawn Hamel - 4:49
Lisa Van Wolde – 4:53
Nathon Brooks – 5:03
Keith Lascelles – 5:06
Kiriam Thompson – 5:26
Chris Battaglia - 6:06

25k -
Rhonda Stickle – 2:05
Joan Lascelles – 2:42
Mona Antaya - 3:19
Matt Forder - 3:28
Michelle Bannerman – 3:28
Nerina Black - 3:28

Columbus Marathon –
Karen Dennison – 5:10
Karen Caldwell - 5:27
Cindy Marcelli - 5:27
Joan Van Hilten – 5:28

Back to Back Weekend

Hartford Marathon – Saturday Half Marathon -

Kevin O’Neill – 3:15 Christina O’Neill – 2:37
Jim Tuttle - 3:59 Cindie Tuttle – 2:46
Rick MacLean – 3:59

Breakers Marathon (Rhode Island) – Sunday

Kevin O’Neill – 3:15
Jim Tuttle - 4:11
Rick MacLean – 4:11

NC24

Short Version:

I ran around and around and around and around and then I walked a little

Then I did it some more

And some more

And some more….

Long Version:

Back in January, some lunatics on RWOL forum brought up doing this 24hr event in Cleveland Ohio on Sept 17/18th. Seeing some of the awesome people doing this, I thought this was an opportunity I couldn’t miss. So I registered.

Lots of sharing ideas, tips and strategies in both the forum and FB

Training went well for the most part, several ultras and marathons, including some back to backs. Multiple races. Night runs, and lots of long runs.

One setback, after a couple of days off for recovery from one event, came down with a flu like bug, that kept me from running for two weeks, leaving two weeks to finish preparing for this race.

Finally after much anticipation, I headed for Ohio. Most of my gear was packed Thursday night and Friday I packed the last and hit the road at 7am. An uneventful drive, with a few pit stops and no troubles at the border, I arrived at my hotel around 2pm.

Met a few of the runners at the hotel as we headed out for an FE at the park where the race would take place.

I decided to make it easy for everyone to recognize me and dressed exactly as my avatar on the forum/FB.

Proving that straightjackets do come in tech fabric.

It was great, pizza and lots of snacks and a lot of new friends.

But we kept it to a reasonable hour, with the big race in the morning.

I managed 8hrs sleep Friday night and got up with plenty of time to get ready and eat my usual breakfast of Chicken Fried Rice.

7:30 we headed for the race site, which was only 5 minutes away, and dropped our gear at the RWBF encampment.

Picked up our swag, bib and chip and spent the next while getting ready and meeting the rest of our group, runners and crew, who couldn’t make it out Friday night.

Finally race time rolls around, we have the runners meeting, Susan, one of our group, sings the National Anthem, we line up and we’re off at 9am.

Some of the group head out fast, some decide to walk the first lap, I go out running at a moderate pace. I do the first loop in my straight jacket just for fun, and drop it as I pass through our aid station, just into the 2^nd loop, running in my RunningFree short sleeve shirt and compression shorts.

There had been lots of talk about strategies, 4 and 1s, run two loops walk one, etc. I go a little more aggressively, run 5 miles, walk .25 miles. As I passed through our aid station just before the walk, I would grab one of my handhelds from my cooler for the walk break. I had two handhelds, one for Gatorade and one for Perpetuem. Which I alternated each break. After the first time through I would alert the crew to which handheld I wanted, a lap before, and they would have it ready the next time I came by.

In addition, every 3 hours I would walk a full loop, eating an energy bar from my cooler and drinking from my handheld, having grabbed those as I passed through.

The crew were great at refilling my handhelds from 2 liter jugs from my cooler. They were quite apologetic for having taken them from the cooler so that they could thaw out and be poured. They were still frozen from Friday morning. Of course it was nice having cold drinks as the day warmed up.

As it warmed up, I did a quick change to my RunningFree singlet and started drinking more from both the official aid station and ours. Also ate pretzels and later pizza (during a walk break) from our aid station.

Let it be noted when I say that it warmed up, I am referring to everywhere but the north side of the loop, where the wind off the lake kept it cool, almost cold.

At 8 hours in I made a planned sock and shoe change, no issues with the previous shoes, just wanted to change it up for the feet.

At 8.5 hrs swapped my Garmin for my ironman watch as I was getting a steady low battery warning. Forgot to turn off the Garmin and it ran for another 5 hours telling me I went absolutely nowhere (don’t think it would have lasted 5 hrs if it was still tracking laps).

As it got dark, I made a clothing change, switched to my RunningFree long sleeve shirt, compression briefs, knee high compression socks and light weight long pants. Also grabbed my knuckle lights for illumination. After a bit I only ran with the one knuckle light rather than the pair, as one provided enough light and it saved on batteries. I ran down both lights during the night, as well as one extra set of batteries.

For the first 15 hours I followed the same strategy of running and fuelling with energy bars, and the odd piece of pizza. At about his point I developed some discomfort in my left shin. As I had a scheduled shoe change at 16hrs, I decided to tough it out and leave it until then, but did increase my walk breaks to .25 miles every 3 miles. Mistake. Should have changed my shoes then.

As I did the shoe change at 16 hours my left ankle ballooned up as soon as I pulled the shoe off. Don’t know if changing the shoe an hour earlier would have prevented this, but it might have been a factor. Pulled on another pair of knee high compression socks, tied the left shoe up loosely, grabbed my RunningFree jacket and headed back out.

Now with the ankle swollen I had to adjust my running plan. For the rest of the night I would walk about two loops and run about three. Starting the walk break from our aid station and restarting the running from just past the hill as we turned onto the north loop just beyond our aid station. Sometimes on the first run loop I would also walk from the porta potties at half way to the top of the incline as we turned onto the south side. (The shin did not bother me after the first extended walk break).

During these longer walk breaks I also fuelled more, lots of potato soup and noodles from the main aid station. But his was more from a desire to get something warm into me, rather than a fuelling requirement. As the night progressed it got pretty chilly, but it was such a contradiction. As I travelled into the wind, especially on the walking loops, on the north side, I would tell myself, as soon as I hit our aid station, “I’m grabbing my heavier jacket and maybe my gloves”. But as soon as I travelled down the south side, especially while running, I was loosening off my jacket and thinking don’t stop for the heavier gear. As the south side lead into our aid station this thinking won out every time.

Contrary to popular belief, I did sleep. During three or four of my walking loops on the north side, I would doze off until I walked off the trail. Too many curves in the trail to get a good sleep, the trail I trained on at home is straighter (the group thought I was joking when I posted on FB that I would sleep while running).

Finally with about a half hour to go, I dumped my jacket and I was determined to run through until the end. With the brightening morning and the return of many to the trails, I continued to pick up the pace. As I passed through loop 101 I was given my block to mark my stop to carry. As I passed through the main aid station I grabbed a quick cup of water, while still moving. The aid station worker asked if I wanted coffee the next time around. I said “hell no, I’ll still be running”. I passed through loop 102 with 8:56 remaining on the clock and determination to get as far around as possible. I continued to pass runners as I travelled around and as I ran down the south side I heard the 1 min countdown begin. I opened it up as much as I could, rounded the corner onto the final stretch and was 30ft from the finish when time ran out. I had managed the last loop in 10m/m pace after almost 24hrs, 92 miles and on a bum ankle and I felt good.

I finished with a total of 92.72 miles. 54^th out of 186 (I lapped the guy in front of me in the standings on that last loop).

My goals had been: to break 100 miles; and although I came up short, I’m quite happy with the results, as I know if the ankle hadn’t swollen up I would have made that easily.

And to keep moving for the full 24hrs (minus, of course, the planned pit stops to change clothes and shoes). Which I accomplished.

I never had any doubts about doing this. Felt strong the whole time, no emotional swings, just a bit of frustration with my ankle.

Lessons learned:

I need to do other exercises than just running (ankle strengthening comes to mind).

Shouldn’t have gone out as aggressively. Shorter runs and longer walks to begin with.

That the RWBF runners, many of who I took time to run or walk with, are the coolest and great friends.

The Crew deserve an incredible amount of thanks for helping me and all the others get through this. They are the best. Some great friendships here too.

There was a lot of craziness out there this weekend. I had brought an extra straightjacket for the craziest in our group. I wish I could have brought straightjackets for all of them, they’re all a bunch of loonies.

One good thing with the conservative last 8 hours, was a quick recovery. After dealing with a few blisters and wearing a tensor for ankle support/protection I was able to get back out running on Tuesday. Looking good for my next 50k.

Pictures from the event: http://www.flickr.com/photos/goellnitz/sets/72157627573998317/

A weekend of Racing

It seems the fall racing season has started and there were some impressive results on the weekend. Brendan Kavanagh came 13th in the Run for the Grapes Half Marathon in St. Catharines in a very quick 1:21, followed shortly after by Darren Collins.In Cleveland, Ohio Chris Battaglia competed in the North Coast 24 hour event and completed 92 miles, blowing away all his distance milestones in one day. Congrats Chris on a great job.In Dayton, Ohio the Tuttles, the MacLeaniacs and Erin Barrie ran in the Airforce Marathon and half. Cindie Tuttle was our lone rep in the Half and ran it in 2:50,Erin Barrie finished the Full in 3:46, Jim Tuttle in 3:44, Angie Tuttle in 5:26, Rick MacLean in 3:46 and Tracy in 5:55.Well done everyone.

ENDURrun +

There are a lot of crazy runners in Ontario. In fact we have our own event. It’s called the ENDURrun.

The ENDURrun is 7 races in 8 days, covering 160km (99.4miles).

I, being a complete lunatic, decided I would also throw in a 6hr trail race, the day before the ENDURrun started.

So Friday night I have my usual wieners and beans and head to bed at a reasonable hour. Only to be hit with sinus congestion from a head cold I had been trying to fight off. This resulted in the worst night’s sleep I have ever had before a race. Finally out of bed and had some Chicken Fried Rice for breakfast and off to the race.

Race #1: Aug 6th, The Dirty Girls 6hr Trail Run. This takes place at Mansfield Outdoor Center. I have run here before and it’s a tough course. The route I’m running this day is different than my previous race here. Today’s race consists of 10k loops, with 6hr cutoffs at 2.1, 5 and 7.5k.

Swag for this race is nice, instead of a shirt we get sleeves. One with the super Dirty Girls logo and the other with, for the ladies: “dirty girl” and for the guys: “I did the dirty girls”.

8am and we’re off. I’ve taken sinus and allergy medication and breathing is good. I didn’t bother carrying water on the first loop as I thought the aid stations would be more frequent, approx. every 2.5k. But they ended up only having aid stations at 5k and the start/finish. It was getting warm and humid by the end of the first loop, so I grabbed my water belt and some partially frozen bottles from my cooler and headed into loop two. I was giving Perpetuem a try during a race for the first time. I had used it once during training and found it not very thirst quenching. This time I used the maximum recommended amount of water. So I’m carrying one 8oz bottle of Perpetuem and another of water. 2^nd loop is a little slower as I’m feeling the humidity, hills and lack of sleep. I started eating pretzels at the aid stations half way through this loop. Still on track to meet my goal though. Started the third loop be switching out my two empty bottles for two fresh frozen ones. I’m going through them a little faster now too, although I still have a little ice in the water bottle at the 5k aid station, where I top it up. Slower again this loop and finish with enough time to meet my minimum goal, if I don’t fade any further. Two fresh bottles and out for the fourth loop. Still struggling and thirsty, could be the Perpetuem. At the 5k aid station I realize I won’t meet my minimum goal (besides the next 2.1 cutoff is short of my actual minimum goal), I decide to dial it back a little and save some for the rest of the week. I finish the fourth loop in 5:53:00 and call it a day at 40k.

I receive my Dirty Girls super medal, have a burger, visit briefly with a few running friends and head out to Waterloo Ontario for the ENDURrun.

The ENDURrun consists of an Ultimate Event, consisting of 7 runs/stages. Patterning itself as a Tour de France of running. The first stage is a Half Marathon on the Sunday. This gives you your placing for stage 2, a 15k time trial. Stage 3 is a 30k Trail Run. Stage 4 is a 10 mile hill run. Stage 5 a 25.6k alpine cross country run. Stage 6 a 10k time trial and finishes with stage 7 a marathon. The male and female leader after each stage wears a yellow singlet. The male and female runners with the best combined time for stages 4 and 5 are awarded as King of the Hill and the male and female runners with the best combined times for stages 2 and 6 are awarded as Speed Kings at the end of the event. The ENDURrun also has a sport event consisting of the last three stages. A relay event , where teams of 2 to 7 compete through the 7 stages. As well there are limited entries for guest runners for each stage, where individuals can run various stages throughout the week.

The ENDURrun starts with an event meeting on Saturday night for all the ultimate runners, where we do a meet and greet as well as discuss some of the event details. Here we pick up our race swag, have light refreshments and receive an open invitation to use the pool and hot tub at the RD’s house, where this meeting takes place, throughout the event.

https://picasaweb.google.com/runwaterloo/ENDURrun2011PreRaceMeeting

https://picasaweb.google.com/runwaterloo/ENDURrunPreRaceMeetingByRyanShootTheThrill

Stage 1: Aug 7th, the Half Marathon. 8am Sunday morning, a two loop course starts off pretty good but I just can’t get my quads to loosen up after the hilly trail race on Saturday. A couple of nasty little hills on the course, but I get through them okay. Pass a couple of runners in the last loop, without getting passed myself. Still ended up finishing almost 15 min slower than I wanted in 2:13. Lots of great food after burgers, tacos, fajitas’, salads, veggies, fruit and fresh made smoothies. Took advantage of the available massage and had them work on my quads.

2:12:55. 21^st out of 22 Male Ultimates, 27^th out of 29 overall

https://picasaweb.google.com/runwaterloo/ENDURrun2011Stage1HalfMarathonByRyanShootTheThrill

https://picasaweb.google.com/runwaterloo/ENDURrun2011Stage1HalfMarathon

Stage 2: Aug 8th, the 15k Time Trial. 8am Monday morning a one loop course with a tough uphill for 1/2k at 1.5k, with a corresponding downhill at 8k. A few rollers throughout the course, as well as a mix of terrain, mostly road, but some paved and gravel paths, grass and chip trails. We start off in the reverse order of our stage 1 finish, slowest first, followed at 1 minute intervals by the next runner. I start 4^th. I feel good and catch and pass the runners in front of me and at 2k I am in the lead. Unaware where any of the runners behind me are, I keep pushing the pace. Finally on a small out and back stretch, I see where my pursuers are. I get some good stretches for running and start pushing harder. I cross the finish line first, having held off all the faster runners, although many closed the gap. More good food, substituting rolls and cold cuts for the hot food. After a massage for my quads and right hamstring which was bothering me from the pace and camber of the roads. Then over to one of the crews house for a pool party.

1:25:48. 18^th out of 21 males, 23^rd out of 28 overall.

https://picasaweb.google.com/runwaterloo/ENDURrun2011Stage2ByAndrewPearson

https://picasaweb.google.com/runwaterloo/ENDURrun2011Stage215K

https://picasaweb.google.com/runwaterloo/ENDURrunStage2ByVickiShootTheThrill

Stage 3: Aug 9th, the 30k Trail Run. 8am Tuesday morning, a 6 loop 5k course, on a rainy day. Aid station at 2.5k and start finish. I was going to give the Perpetuem another try at 10 and 20k. Started off pretty good and the first two loops went pretty well, although my left hamstring which I neglected to have massaged on Monday started complaining. On the third loop I walked the biggest hill for the first time. Fourth loop started the same but I found myself having to walk the 2^nd biggest hill as well. I was also having difficulty recovering my breath after this hill, partially due to the rain sodden heavy air. On the 5^th loop, more of the same. I also walked one flat stretch for a minute or two, keeping company encouraging one of the other runners struggling badly. Managed to pick up a little in the 6^th loop and finished in 3:35. More good food, a massage for both quads and hammies. Stuck around until the badly struggling runner finished. And of course at this point the rain finally stopped.

3:36:20. 20^th out of 21 males. 26^th out of 28 overall.

https://picasaweb.google.com/runwaterloo/ENDURrun2011Stage330K

https://picasaweb.google.com/runwaterloo/ENDURrun2011Stage330K2

Stage 4: Aug 10th, the 10 mile hill run. This race is scheduled for 6pm on Wednesday night to allow a little recovery from yesterday’s trail race. This race is an out and back that takes place on Wilmot Line, home of Horror Hill.

Legs feel the best they have all week, although I do get a small twinge in my left hammie as we start off, but it quickly passes. I start off with one of the younger runners and we push the pace for first couple of k. Finally he loses me at horror hill as I have to walk it. I do manage to “run” all the other hills. Although pathetically slow and am passed by several runners. However I have great strength on the downhills and pass all but one of the runners who passed me as well as a few others. I manage to make up enough ground on the downs, that I can hold off the other runners on the final uphill. Massage again for quads and hammies. A BBQ after leading into a rest day on Thursday.

1:29:26. 17^th out of 21 males. 21^st out of 28

https://picasaweb.google.com/runwaterloo/ENDURrun2011Stage410HillyMiler

https://picasaweb.google.com/runwaterloo/ENDURrunStage4ByRyanShootTheThrillPt1

https://picasaweb.google.com/runwaterloo/ENDURrunStage4ByRyanShootTheThrill02

Thursday I meet with some of the group for lunch and beer, although I passed on the beer float. Hot tub and pool and generally relaxed.

Stage 5: Aug 12th, 25.6 alpine cross country run. 8 am Friday, a 5 loop 5.12k course at a local man made ski hill. We start out in the chalet parking lot, quickly transition into some grass running followed by some mountainbike trail. This leads us to our first climb, up a dirt access road on the back of one of the ski hills. This road is deceiving, as just as you think you’re nearing the top it rounds a bend and more up, twice. Across the top of the hill and into a small loop of more mountain bike trail on the backside pf the hill. Back up and the first major decent. Straight down the ski slope. Across the bottom and then straight up another ski slope. Straight down another ski slope and then back up on a mountain bike trail that wraps around the end of the hill. Probably the easiest ascent , but definitely tougher as the day progressed. Finally straight down a last ski slope and into the loop finish. To do it again 4 more times.

Despite the early start it was getting quite warm as the day progressed, especially on the open ski slopes. At the end of the third loop I grabbed my sponge bandana from my cooler and draped it around my neck. It certainly helped especially on the uphill ski slope, where I would wring it out over my head. Then I would dip it in a sponge bucket at the aid stations. Still struggled on the uphills and was flying the downhills. Massage for the quads and hammies after then up to the RD’s for hot tub and pool.

3:23:46. 16^th out of 21 males. 20^th out of 28

https://picasaweb.google.com/runwaterloo/ENDURrun2011Stage5265K

https://picasaweb.google.com/runwaterloo/ENDURrun2011Stage5265KPart202

Stage 6: Aug 13th, 10 k time trial. 8am on Saturday on our only point to point race. A couple of small rollers but a net downhill run. This is the most popular race and gets the most guest runners. Based on our accumulated time, and the projected times from the guests, we again start slowest first. As I also had a couple of good hill runs I’m starting further back this time. It’s also strategy time. My closest rival is about 6 min behind. Do you go all out to try to widen the gap or do you save some for the marathon tomorrow. I start the first 5k hard and pass my rival in 3k (he is having gi troubles allowing me to catch him quicker). After pushing the first 5k and widening the gap, as well as passing several other runners. I dial it back for the next 3k. 2k to go and I try to pick it up again, but the legs are getting fatigued. I don’t catch a few runners in front and with half a k to go I get passed by one of the faster runners. I pick it up for the last half k but can’t catch him. This probably is a mistake leading into the marathon. Although I did gain another 4 min on my rival. This race ends at the RD’s house, where we’re served brunch, get our massages and some people use the hot tub and pool. Later that night we return to the RD’s house for a wrap up BBQ and use the hot tub and pool once again.

52:50. 19^th out of 21 males. 24^th out of 28 overall.

https://picasaweb.google.com/runwaterloo/ENDURrun2011Stage610K

https://picasaweb.google.com/runwaterloo/ENDURrunStage6ByRyanShootTheThrill

Stage 7: Aug 14th, the marathon. 7:30 Sunday Morning (although 6 runners, including my rival, opt for a 7 am start). A 2 loop course. Race starts and right off the bat I know I’m in trouble. Left hammie is aching and doesn’t want to loosen up, plus just general fatigue in the legs. I know I can finish, so I just have to keep on moving. Frequent aid stations and I’ve stashed frozen bottles of Perpetuem at a couple of them. I finished the first half only a couple of minutes faster than my half to start the week. I cross the lines with my hands in the air as if I’ve just completed the marathon, telling the race photographer to get my finish picture now as it won’t be pretty at the end of the second loop. 2^nd loop is more of the same except warmer, so drinking lots more and getting slower. Finally round the corner to the finish with 100 meters to go and see that I have a chance to beat 4:30, so I give whatever I have left and cross the line at exactly 4:30.

Rehydrated, got my massage and enjoyed one last good meal. Congratulated all the other runners. Today we had our first drop out, a runner who’s knee went in the first half and dropped from the series at the end of the first loop. Hopefully a quick recovery and he tries again next year. My rival finished in 4:31 so I maintained my lead/placing.

4:30:00. 19 out of 20 males. 24 out of 27 overall.

https://picasaweb.google.com/runwaterloo/ENDURrunStage7ByRyanShootTheThrill

https://picasaweb.google.com/runwaterloo/ENDURrun2011Stage7MarathonPart2

https://picasaweb.google.com/runwaterloo/ENDURrun2011Stage7Marathon

There are also 4 videos here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGgZp6IxCFM&feature=youtu.be

With more to come

ENDURrun Overall, 160k 17:31:35. 19^th out of 20 males. 24 out of 27 overall.

The awards ceremony was done and a couple of us headed back to the RD’s house for one last soak in the hot tub and pool before our drive home.

Monday, I feel like I’ve been run over by a truck. As the cold I was fighting at the beginning of the week has returned.

I hit 39,000 lifetime miles during my run this morning. (It took me almost exactly 13 years to run that many miles.) And so I give you … 39 lessons learned from 39,000 miles. 1. I think the “secret” to why I am a successful high mileage runner is I did not rush into running long distances early in my running career. Running is a sport that rewards those who are patient. It is not really a sport for those looking for immediate gratification. For the first few years of my running life, I ran moderate mileage and focused my attention on excelling in the shorter races – up to about 10K. It was not until I had been running for four years that I began running even half-marathons, let alone began to tackle even longer distances. It takes time to build your bone structure, time to build up your tendons, muscles, etc. These things don’t happen over night; they happen over a period of months and ultimately years. I absolutely credit not rushing into running longer distances for why I have been successful running high mileage for many years with relative lack of injury. 2. You will never truly appreciate running until it is taken from you. Understand and embrace the concept that running is a gift. Appreciate it. It can be taken from you. 3. It’s about wanting to make the time. It may mean running at the crack of dawn, but if running is a priority to you, then you will find, or make, the time. 4. You don’t really need fancy technical clothes. You can run just fine in a cotton t-shirt. 5. The old Adidas ads from the late 90s early 2000s about runners being different … Very true. Runners are different. 6. This is an unfortunate fact, but it is very true. Runners can get sick. Just because you are young, or have a resting heart rate of 35, or can run a 2:45 marathon doesn’t make you immune to having a heart attack. Or being diagnosed with cancer. If your body is telling you something is wrong, do not ignore it. And do not let doctors dismiss you because you are seemingly the healthiest person they’ve seen that day. Delays in diagnosis can be fatal. 7. If you do happen to win the bad luck lottery and you get cancer and you are a hardcore runner, then you should make sure to ask your oncologist, “Doc, can I keep running?” If he answers you by saying something to the effect of, “If I told you not to run, we both know you’d just run anyway,” you will know you have found the right doctor. 8. Always keep a sense of humor about your running. 9. No matter how right you are, you will never win against a car. There’s a phrase: “Dead Right.” You don’t want to be “Dead Right.” Run defensively and assume every driver you encounter is inattentive and a moron. Let them prove you wrong. 10. Ninja night running is not cool. It’s dumb. As a runner, I’m much more aware of pedestrians than the average driver, and even I’ve nearly run down people who insist on wearing dark clothing with just a tiny bit of reflective striping. Wear bright colors, wear a headlamp, wear a reflective vest if you’re running in the dark. Give the drivers at least a chance to see you. 11. When you race or are around other runners, be a good citizen. Look before you spit or blow your nose. Don’t just stop dead in the middle of the course for your walk break. Don’t throw your cup of water into another runner’s path. Don’t cut in front of others in the chute if they are tearing off tags for placement. Be a good sport. Cheer and encourage the other runners. 12. If you’re not competitive or don’t enjoy races, then you don’t need to race. You’re no less of a runner. 13. Take pride in your running, but don’t become a haughty arrogant arse towards others if/when you’re successful. 14. It’s a race. It’s ok to run as hard as you can. And yes you’re supposed to try and out kick the other runners at the end (if they get mad at you for it, they’re the poor sport, not you). Just don’t sandbag just so you can launch a big kick at the end. And don’t hotdog it. That’s being a poor sport and that’s lame. 15. Runners like routine. But runners need to be adaptable and flexible too. 16. Non-runners don’t care about running. They think running is boring. You should generally avoid talking about running with non-runners. Also, resist the urge to try and “convert” people to running. If a person expresses an interest in running to you, of course you should try to encourage them and help them. But don’t become some sort of running evangelist. 17. Non-runners who do take an interest in running will frequently obsess over the health of your knees. They will also be liable to tell you that you are too skinny. It is best to simply change the subject and try not to reason with non-runners. 18. If you are a woman runner, you probably will at least occasionally encounter unwanted attention from “men.” I use the term “men” loosely because real men don’t hoot and holler at women and treat them as objects. The best advice I can give you is to ignore them. They want attention, and if you flip them off or interact with them, you’ve given them what they want. I have found running first thing in the morning avoids most of the problems. 19. Running is not always an easy sport to love. Sometimes running needs to sleep on the couch for awhile. 20. Learn to distinguish the difference between discomfort and pain. The line between them is often subtle. Running fast or hard causes discomfort. Real, actual pain means something is wrong. 21. If you run, then you are a runner. It’s really that simple. I promise. 22. Enjoy and take pleasure in the successes of your friends who also run. You more than anyone else knows what it takes to improve at running. And running is better enjoyed that way, really. 23. Never stop learning about the sport. Even someone who has been running for many years can learn stuff. Read about running and learn something about physiology so you can train more effectively. Be willing to try different things and mix up your training. 24. Never start a running streak if you have an obsessive personality. The streak WILL eventually control you. 25. You will make mistakes as a runner. Everyone does. That’s ok. Just try not to repeat them and try to learn from them. 26. Take the opportunity when you have it to learn from more experienced runners. 27. Your body is not a machine. There are a myriad of factors some you control, some you don’t control, that affect how you run on a daily basis. 28. Sometimes you will just have a bad run. Everyone does. It’s ok to try and figure out why, but if you can’t figure it out, don’t obsess over it. Just move on and try again tomorrow. 29. Make running a part of your life, but don’t let it rule your life. 30. The shoe company will change your favorite shoe. And not for the better usually. It is inevitable. That’s why it is always good to have a few shoe models that you like. 31. Mud. Every runner should occasionally get muddy. It’s good for the soul. 32. We’re each an experiment of one, especially when it comes to stuff likes what to eat or drink when running. You need to find what works for you. 33. There will always be someone who is faster than you. And even if you are the fastest, your time will pass. 34. Motivation and drive ultimately has to come from within. 35. I worked with a vet at a racetrack in high school. I learned that horses are beautiful, but they also are big and many of them are quite, uh, how can I put this nicely … dumb. When encountering a horse on the trail, always give it a very wide berth and don’t make any fast moves. 36. Yes, you can run in the winter. Yes, you can run over snow and ice. You just have to slow down. And be careful. And be smart. And be flexible. 37. You will not melt if you run in the rain. If it’s chilly, dress a little warmer (5-10 degrees cooler). Put on a baseball style cap. And just go. That said there are few things more miserable than doing a run in a 35-40 degree driving rain. You have my permission to run on the treadmill at that point. 38. Hills are good for you. Seek them out. However, know that if a hill has a name, it’s probably going to be a BIG hill. 39. Runners run for different reasons. Your reasons may change as your life changes. That’s ok. This entry was posted in Running, Running Stuff. Bookmark the permalink. Follow any comments here with the RSS feed for this post. Post a comment or leave a trackback: Trackback URL.

Simcoe Shores Relay Results

Finally the results are out for last weekends Simcoe Shores Relay. A great day was had by all in a mix of weather conditions. Barrie was well represented

The FOGS were 5th over all and 3rd in the Open Over 45 age group,Barrie RoadRunners 2 were 16 and 6th in the same age group. The Sole Sisters 1 and 2 were 2nd and 3rd in the womens group, Barrie Dashers 2 and 1 were 4th and 5th in the Mixed Over 45 group.

Simcoe Shores Relay

240km! Over 24 hours with anywhere from 4 to 7 team mates crammed in a stinky van, which will get stinkier by the hour, listening to the whining about injuries an d how tired we are... How much better can it be? Well last year it was awesome and this year looks to be at least as good. There are 28 teams signed up to do the full distance with at least nine of them from Barrie. It all starts Saturday morning at Heritage Park in Barrie, finishing at the town of the Blue Mountains on Sunday. Good luck to everyone.

Barrie Waterfront Half Marathon

This past Sunday was the inaugural Barrie Waterfront Half Marathon and a great day it was with good, but humid, weather and some very impressive times. A sucessfully run event with great volunteers and somewhat challenging course. For all the results go to Chiptime results

Another Half Marathon in our Region

If you can't make it to the Barrie Half Marathonon August 14th or maybe you are looking for more, there is the Owen Sound Half Marathon on August 28th. The Bayshore Half Marathon details can be found at the link here: http://www.bayshorerace.com/

Barrie Waterfront Half Marathon is a Go

Finally after more than 10 years Barrie has another Half Marathon. The race is to take place on August 14th and the course will be two out and backs, one along the north shore of Kempenfelt Bay and the other to the south side. The start and finish will be at Centennial Beach. To register go to
http://www.events.runningroom.com/site/?raceId=7113

Limberlost

Hi,

The snow has long gone, so now it is time for some summer racing in Muskoka. In addition to hosting Muskoka'shoe, I also co-host The Limberlost Challenge, which is on July 16th, just five weeks away. Last year we had almost 300 participants.

The 14km course runs alongside five lakes and a wetland. The scenery is spectacular.

To make the race even better than last year we will have CHIP timing, staggered starts, the addition of a trail marathon (3 loops), and camping for both the Friday and Saturday nights. There will be a 400 participant cap so if you plan on joining us this year, book your spot soon at https://www.onlineregistrations.ca/limberlost/

Check out the website at www.thelimberlostchallenge.com . There is an FAQ section that will answer many of your questions. Email me if you have any others. Take a look at the video and photos from last years race.

There will be two training runs using the 14km loop that you will see on race day. They are at 10:00am on Saturday 25 June and 10:00am on Sunday 26 June. To accommodate all runners we will go at an easy pace, stopping at key intersections so that we can re-group. HEED or eLoad, plus plain water will be available at the south end of Buck Lake(about the 6.5km mark). Email me at neil@thelimberlostchallenge.com if you will be joining us.

All the best to you.

Neil Jefferson

The Toronto Women's Only Half Marathon - May 29th 2011

I managed to snaffle Cindy M's bib for the 3rd Annual Toronto Women's Only Half Marathon, I figured I should try and get some race legs back get my mileage up a little be & gain some confidence back.

I ran the inaugral Women's only. I'm not a huge fan of races in Parks mainly because they are not closed off to the public and you have to dodge folks walking their dogs, with strollers, walking hand in hand enjoying each other's company on a fine Sunday morning. Not condusive to a focused run, not in my opinion.

The start was done in three waves - each bib was colour coded based on your stated finish time. I snuck into the last wave to start the run with Sandra. We started almost 6 minutes after the gun went off.

The race is run through Sunnybrook Park & starts near Eglinton/Leslie follows the path down towards Pottery road, but due to contruction we had to turn just after the 6k mark and then nip down this little side area and then back on to the main path way to make up the distance.

I was running with Sandra Lalonde who in the last day was able to acquire a fellow RoadRunners bib, having bumped into Sandra at the movies the night before, I was informed that we would be running together. Well so much for my slow recovery run to ease myself into the distance. LOL. Sandra is always good company & great motivation.
So we were moving.
Finally we stopped just after the turn around at the 6k mark. We were on pace according to Sandra. I'm not sure what the pace was other than fast. LOL.

The water station with the firemen... non event for me, but a big hit with the ladies. I haven't figured it out yet, but there you go. Different strokes for different folks. Maybe it's my years being married to a Police Officer that has tarnished the luster of this. Who knows. At any rate, they should be thanked for coming out to support this run and POGO (Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario) Thanks fellas for taking your shirts off for charity.


By the 10 K mark I was starting to breath a little heavier, the humidity was coming out to play & it wasn't playing nicely. Bad bad BAD humidity. Grrrr.
By the 14 K mark I told Sandra to run her own race, that I wasn't going to be able to keep up our pace. My calf muscle was doing okay, but my breathing was getting more laboured & my ITB was starting to ache.
I didn't want to hold Sandra up as that would just be more anxiety for me. This run was suppose to be about getting back into the swing of things.

Coming up to the 17 k mark, I had slowed down considerably but that was okay as my breathing became much more relaxed. I could get air finally. I was relaxing so the constriction in my chest loosened & breathing became easier.
At the 18 K mark I increased my walking as my ITB really wasn't happy at all. I could feel it just winding up for a big "BOING" ( yea folks that's a technical term) Yeeeshh everyone's a critic.

I neared the 19K mark and along with that the chocolate station. No time to eat / enjoy the choccie so I put it in my water belt pocket. Saving it for later.
Then over past the 20 K mark still doing my longer walks. I believe that I was about about the 20. 5 K mark and running rather reasonably when we hit the parking lot & some Einstein said " this is the last kilometer" ... " only one more to go" I just about did my nut. I think I was a bit grumpy. I was running to finish this race I had picked up the pace calculating everything to make sure I didn't injure myself but ran the last 1.1k & this gal threw that all off. I got so peeved I started to walk across the parking lot.
Then I realized she was completely wrong and started to run again.
I figured I would be crossing at around 2:40 and almost felt dispondent. Okay I did feel dispondent.
As I came out from under the over pass (ahahah that's funny) I could almost make out the timing clock. As I motored down the path I saw Jim T & Brendan K cheering in the runners. They almost looked out of place in their civvies.
The timing clock looming closer I read 2:25:xx. I didn't suck as badly as I thought. Sandra & I must have made some good time the first 14k. Yahhoo.

And since we were in the last wave I could subract almost 6 minutes from my time. My offical time was 2:20:44 which all things considering - was acceptable. I wasn't about to push it since my longest run had been 15.5 k the week before. I have no desire to reinjure myself and have to deal with another year of recovery.

Althugh I like the idea of a Women's Only race, I think that the venue isn't the greatest. Not only is there the fact the course isn't closed (however; most of the people in the park try to be respectful of the fact a race is in progress) but the trail is pretty much a single path and when there are runnings going both ways because the race is an out and back (and several turn arounds) space is at a premium, plus due to the rain the day before huge swampy patches that the ladies are picking through, holding up the run. I find it very frustrating.




I did manage to forget how many hills there are in the run too. Same thing I do with the Harry Rosen in High Park. ( but the trail in the park there is much wider)

The shirts this year seemed to fit rather "snuggly" I tried on the large that was in the race kit & it fit like a tailored medium. So the organizers may wish too look into this for next year.

The medal which is actually a necklace is very beautiful. Well thought out and a piece of jewelry that I haven't removed yet. The inaugral year they had the medals/necklaces hand made by Splash Pile jewelry. The last two years by Foxy Originals. I love it & a fantastic idea for a Women's Only race. Nothing better than jewelry and chocolate!!!


All in all I'd give this a 5 out of 10. Great atmosphere, just not a big fan of the course.

BIG SUR MARATHON 2011

A group of our Barrie Road Runners recently travelled to California to take part in the Big Sur Marathon. This marathon is one of the most scenic and desireable races to do, especially as a destination California. Some took part in the 21 miler,the marathon, and 1, Steen Klint did the Boston 2 Big Sur challenge, meaning he ran the Boston Marathon 2011 and then Big Sur 2011. He was rewarded with 2 medals for this challenge.Everyone had a great and memorable race and I have heard nothing but rave reviews since they returned. Congtrats and it sounds like some will be going back again.

WIN Marathon 2011

Congratulations to all who ran the 2nd annual Whitby Marathon today. Barrie RoadRunners in this event had a bueatiful day(no rain,no crazy heat) and participated in the 5K, Susan Robinson and Becky Ash, in the Half Marathon, Tracy MacLean, and in the full, Rick MacLean, Chris Battaglia, and running her first Marathon, Dawn Walton.The course was very well organized and had a bit of everything from pavement, trail, mud,wooden bridges, metal bridges, gentle rolling hills, inclines, lots of EMS on bikes, and smiling fans.Its a smaller event that will only get bigger.

T-Shirt Etiquette (courtesy of www.ultrunr.com)

Humerous look at the wearing of Race T-shirts -Particularly from an Ultra perspective.
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In the ultra running community the wearing of race T-Shirts has become a sign of accomplishment and fashion. Choosing just the right T-Shirt for that special occasion can be a daunting and difficult task. The following guidelines have been compiled (in fun) to help the responsible T-shirt wearer avoid potential embarrassment and/or elevate their status.

1. A shirt cannot be worn unless the wearer has participated in the event. (crew, significant others and volunteers are exempt)

2. Any race, less than a marathon distance, shouldn't be worn to an ultra event. It simply doesn't represent a high cool factor and sends a red flag regarding your rookiness. If you set a PR at Pikes Peak Marathon, definitely wear that shirt whenever possible.

3. When returning to a race in which you previously finished, then wear the shirt from the first year you completed the race. Don't short change yourself by wearing the shirt from the year before. It doesn't adequately display the feat of accomplishment or the consummate veteran status that you are due.

4. Never wear a race shirt from the race you are about to run. It displays a lack of running integrity and might put the mojo on you.

5. Wearing a T-shirt of the race, while currently running said race, is discouraged. It's like being at work and constantly announcing "I'm at work". Besides, you wont have the correct post race shirt then.

6. Never wear a shirt from a run that you did not finish. To wear it is to say I finished it.

7. A DNF'er may wear a race shirt if... the letters DNF are boldly written on the shirt in question.

8. During a race the wearing of shirt from a previously completed year is acceptable. Wear the oldest T-shirt you have (see guideline #3). This is probably a good practice because you now have no excuse to drop out since you've done it before.

9. Runners should buy all crew members and, as appropriate, significant others (they let you run the race in the first place) T-shirts which can be worn without regard to running the race. (see guide #1)

10. Volunteers have full T-shirt rights and all privileges pertaining thereto.

11. No souvenir shirts therefore friends or anyone else not associated with the race may not wear a race shirt. If mom thinks that the Leadville shirt is lovely, tell he to send in her application early for next year so she can earn her own.

12. Wear the race shirt of your last race at the current race pre race briefing. The more recent the race the better. This is a good conversation starter. However avoid the tendency to explain how that it was a training run for this, and this is just a training run for the next, etc. It just sounds like your rationalizing mediocre performances. Sometimes it's best to live in the here and now. ("I've never been more prepared for a race! this is the big one!)

13. It must be clean (dried blood stains are okay)

14. If you've finished Hardrock 100 then wear it as often as possible, since the race is so damn hard.

15. Never wear a T-shirt that vastly out classes the event you're running (exception: see guideline #14) Example: Never wear a Western States 100 T-shirt at, say, Cool Canyon. Too many roadies will feel put down. It's okay to wear a WS100 or Leadville or Wasatch T-shirt at ultrarunner cult events such as Gibson Ranch or Jim Skophammer 24. It's probably not okay to wear your Trans-America footrace T-Shirt to your local around-the-lake Fat Ass 50k unless you want to psyche out the competition.

A corollary: never wear a blatantly prestigious T-shirt downtown. People will just think you have a big head, which you do.

If you don't know what things like DNF, WS100 or Crew are then you shouldn't wear any race shirt until you know what they mean.

T-shirts must be used sensitively. Worn responsibly, they can help expand one's consciousness and immerse you in a great conversation with your ultra brethren. Worn stupidly, they can cause blisters, vacant stares, sprained ankles, and cause social anxiety.
NOTE: Publicly these guidelines will be denied and possibly ridiculed by ultra runners, but privately and when discussed confidentially, they sing a different tune.

Marathon Great Grete Waitz dies at 57.

Marathon great Grete Waitz dies at 57
OSLO - Grete Waitz, the Norwegian runner who won nine New York City Marathons and the silver medal at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, died Tuesday after a six-year battle with cancer. She was 57.

Helle Aanesen, the manager of the Active Against Cancer Foundation in Norway, said Waitz died early Tuesday at the Ulleval University Hospital in Oslo.

A former Oslo schoolteacher, Waitz won her first New York City Marathon in 1978, setting a world best in 2 hours, 32 minutes, 30 seconds in her first attempt at running the distance. She went on to win eight more times, with her last victory coming in 1988.

She won the London Marathon twice, in 1983 and '86, the Stockholm Marathon in 1988 and earned five titles at the world cross-country championships from 1978-81 and 1983.
Waitz also won the gold medal in the marathon at the 1983 world championships in Helsinki, Finland. A year later, she took second behind Joan Benoit in the first women's Olympic marathon.

Waitz competed at the 1972 and 1976 Olympics in the 1,500 metres, but missed the 1980 Moscow Games because of the American-led boycott.

"Grete is in my eyes one of the greatest Norwegian athletes of all time," Norwegian Athletics Federation president Svein Arne Hansen said. "Not only through her performances in the sport, but also as a role model for women in sports."

In a Twitter posting, marathon world record-holder Paula Radcliffe remembered Waitz as "an amazing champion and more amazing person."

Retired cyclist Lance Armstrong, who overcame testicular cancer to win the Tour de France seven times, called Waitz "a good friend and an incredible athlete" on his Twitter feed.

Aanesen said a private funeral ceremony is planned for next week, according to Waitz's wishes.

Waitz is survived by her husband Jack Waitz and her two brothers, Jan and Arild.

Waitz had never run a marathon when she started the New York City race in October 1978. Her husband had talked her into trying, but after about 18 miles she regretted it.

"I was hurting. I was mad. I was angry. I told Jack: 'Never again," Waitz recalled in 2008.

She broke the world record three more times: In New York in 1979 and '80 and in London in '83.

Waitz started undergoing cancer treatment in 2005 but rarely discussed her condition in public.

"That's not my personality," she said in November 2005. "I've always been a private person. … I'll do that when I cross the finish line and win this race."

At the time she was optimistic she could conquer the disease.

"I'm crossing my fingers," she said. "I will beat it."

Like Waitz, Aanesen declined to specify which type of cancer she had.

"She didn't wish to put too much focus on herself and her disease, but hoped she could contribute in some way to help others," said Aanesen, who got to know Waitz through her work with the foundation.

"She was a fantastic and immensely successful sports practitioner and also a role model and pioneer in women's sports," Aanesen said. "She showed that women too can run longer distances than 1,000 metres."

Born in Oslo as Grete Andersen on Oct. 1, 1953, she trained and raced in her youth at Oslo's Bislett stadium, which raised a bronze statue in her honour in 1984.

Waitz received numerous other awards and honours for her achievements on and off the track.

In 2008, Norway's king bestowed upon her the prestigious Order of St. Olav for being a role model for female athletes. Last year, she received the International Olympic Committee's Women and Sport Award for Europe.

Waitz still holds the Norwegian records in the 1,500 and 3,000 metres.

April 19, 2011 http://ca.sports.yahoo.com/top/news;_ylt=ApOPlHwimjb8bxpTZ_96sfJShgM6?slug=capress-ath_obit_waitz-6607610

Boston Marathon results

Some great results today from local runners at the Boston Marathon.
Congrats to all, well done!

Mud, Mud and Mud... oh and Lots of water.

It was a rainy day! To say the least it was, weather statements issued by Environment Canada, warned of torrential downpours high winds, and possible flooding. What better day to go out and run 52k on trails? So myself and Chris Battaglia met at 5 (ouch) and drove to pickering to take part in the Seaton Trail Races. There were 3 events, the 29k, 52k and 50 mile races, we were doing the 52k race. Once we got there we ran into Neil The Bastard Phillips and Deb Lancia, Neil wasn't running he was just there to support Deb who was doing the 52k as training for her 100 mile race at Sulphur Springs in May. The 52k and 50 mile race both started at 7:08 and we off into the rain and windthe first leg out wasn't too bad as we were the first ont he trails although there were a few spots that were already under water and getting muddy. The river crossing was at 2.5k in and we would cross that 4 times on the out and back course, it knee deep was cooollllddddd, but it doesn't hit you until you get out of the water that s when you realise your legs are numb from the knees down. Not long after you have forgotten about the numbness as you hit the first climb, on a dry day its tough and today was far from dry. The course had a few suttle changes, one was to bypass a really nasty climb up a hill on your hands and knees section, thankful for that. Another change became apparent after passing the turnarounds from previous years! Where the hell are they taking us? At 15k we turned around! Well, by my simple calculations that would add up to 60k, unless they have somemore surprises for us.
On the trail back it was becoming apparent that the trails were getting steadily worse with the amount of traffic on them and the increase in rain fall.
When I got back to the start finish area i checked ny watch and couldn't believe it was already at 3:22, at this rate it would be an 8 hour finish!!! I changed my sopping wet gloves and put some dry ones on my now frozen fingers, put on an extra jacket and plodded on back out there. I passed Chris after crossing the river and he wasn't doing well, I wondered whether he would start the second lap. Many others questioned their ability on this day too. A lot of walking and soul searching went on over the next few k, I got to 34k and wondered if it was possible to run another 10k just to get to the turnaround. I got to about 40k and though I will just go to the next aid station and turn there and quit. As it turned out, another change was that this was the final turnaround. Yahoo! I was starving at this point and devoured 2 P&B sandwiches (and I hate Peanut butter) soem salted potato and grabbed a couple of chocolate chip cookies for the road. I felt much better nw, knowing that I didn't have as far to go (only 12k!!!). With belly with some nutrition in it now off I went. I couldn't believe how well I was feeling, stiff and sore but moving forward.
With about 7k to go things began to unravel again and walking was more and more the the only option, the odd run thrown in to make my mind feel better.
I finished in 6:47, an hour and a half slower than my last attempt here. Chris as suspected, didn't finish. Which says a lot knowing what Chris is like. We had heard that at least 20 did not finish the 52k, which was actually 54.5k. I only saw one more runner going out to complete the third loop of the 50 mile race. Many had completed only 2 loops and settled with that. The weather and the course had taken its toll today. Its a tough race on the best of days, today was brutal. I was happy to finish.

Boston Weekend

It's Boston weekend again and a number of local RoadRunners are off to challenge the famous old race again. Here's a list of all the Barrie runners that are registerred and you can follow them on the Boston Marathon Website:

KevO with Bart Yasso

As noted in an earlier posting Kevin O'Neill won the 5k in St.Louis on Saturday. Here is a picture of Kevin with Bart Yasso receiving his award.

Paris Marathon

As mentioned below in one of the comments, Kevin Hamilton of Barrie who used to work at the Running Room, ran his first marathon this past weekend in Paris, France. Not only that he ran a very impressive 3:18. Well done Kevin.

Early results from St. Louis & Rotterdam

Looks like it may have been a tough day on our RoadRunners in St. Louis. Except for Kevin running a 3:18, Ricky Mac struggled to finish at 4:51 and there is no sign of TMac making it past the first timing mat. She may be a DNF. Hope all is well guys.
Update: It seems the course was closed (due to the heat I'm guessing and Tmac didin't make the cut off).
Theo ran 4:07 in Rotterdam, looks like it was a tough day on both sides of the pond.

Early Weekend Results

We have a winner!

In St.Louis today, the MArathon weekend got off to a great start for one Barrie RoadRunner. Kevin O'Neill won the 5k, yes WON! his time of 18:30 was 4 seconds faster than the second place runner. Awesome job KevO. 1st out of 1532 finishers. His better half Chris finished in 32 minutes, in the top third of the field. Well done Chris! Good luck to all in the marathon tomorrow.

Roadrunners on the move.

This Weekend a few Barrie Roadrunners are off and racing in the US and Europe.
Theo Bosch is off to the Netherlands' for the "Rotterdam Marathon".This event is a big one attracting over 25,000 combined for all events, and offers one of the fastest courses to run. The streets will be lined with 900,000 cheering spectators.

http://www.abnamromarathonrotterdam.com/home

Rick and Tracy Maclean, Kevin and Chris O'neiil will be travelling not quite as far to St. Louis for the "GO St.Loius Marathon". Listed as a challenging course, St.Louis has some great sights and scenery on the route.

http://gostlouis.org/

Pictures,results, and stories to follow. Good racing to everyone!

Ontario Ultra Series Spring Warm Up

It was a nice spring day and Myself, Catherine, and Bill took off to Dunedin, Ontario to take part in the Ontario Ultra Series Spring Warm up Fun Run.

The usual crowd of Ultra folks were there and we mingled at the Community centre prior to the start. Dunedin is in a valley and the only way out is up hill, an ominous sign of thing's to come. This was to be a hilly run, which should be spelt with a capital H! after the start along the main street we turned right up a 2k + hill before turning onto a unassumed snow covered road, yes still lots of snow in these parts.

Into a even snowier ravine before coming back up. More hills, and a narly, icy, snowy, deer poop covered Bruce trail section before heading back.

The second loop I took one of the alternates, longer but it avoided the nasty trail section, the other trail section became worse as the day progressed too, slipperier and muddier. Almost dangerous if you got going too fast. The wind was another factor and it was very windy at the top of some of the "mountains". In all a good day was had by all, lots to talk about after. One couple told me about their run in with a herd of deer, in which they almost got run over, and then almost stepped on a porcupine. Five to five hours of running for most on a nice sunny day was a great way to start the Ultra season.

Harry's Spring Run Off 8K - High Park, Toronto

This is my season opener for races. I love this race. It's a friggin challenging run. I use to laugh at my brother in law for training in High Park. After the first year I ran it 4 years ago, I stopped laughing. I've never really come across a route that challenging. The hill at 7.6km is just killer. My god. The one at 3k feels like it goes on for about a whole kilometer. The flatest bit is 4-5k. it's a nice piece. The rolling hills from 5-6 k are rolling but rolling up. At the 6k mark I was at 33min even. I managed to do the math... 11 more minutes for 2 km. I could probably do it if the 7k hill didn't exist. But it did. I had a quick break around 7 k just to let my breathing steady itself, then off again. I had a lady in a red shirt that I was trying to stick to, but I lost her when I walked. At the 4oo meters left to go mark was the base of the hill. I ran for about 200 meters and my lungs were screaaaaming. I had to walk - it was about 100 meters then I took off again. I could hear the crowds clearly now & heard my sister yelling ... I saw my sis/bro in law and niece at the beginning and then again just before the half way mark and just my sis at the 100 meter left mark. God did I ever need that. I dropped it into 5th and burned up the rest of the hill, around the corner and over the finish line in 46:23 chip time. 23 seconds better than last year. I'm working hard at not doing to deep a post mortum on this run. Trying ... But it gives me and idea of where I am at and where I need to work harder to improve. The one thing I did keep thinking that I'm going to have to change is " how the hell do you keep this up for 42.2 k?" I'll have to change it to " I CAN keep this up for 42,2 k" It's all good. Next race for me? I'm not sure possums what's in store for me this year. There are a lot of factors right now ... I just may focus on training & just wait until August to do the Midsummer Nights Run & then a couple of fall races. We'll see. Til the next post.

Around the Bay Results

On a cold a blustery day in Hamilton it looks like we had quite a few PB's from Barrie RoadRunners and all around good times had by most.

Here are the results:

Barrie Runners

Orillia Runners

Innisfil Runners

Midhurst Runners

Sorry if I missed anyone.

Around the Bay

Yes its that time of year again, whether your using it t judge your training while gearing up for a spring marathon or going for your longest race to date, the Around the Bay Road race 30k is a favourite for many runners in Southern Ontario. It is also a regular stop for many Barrie RoadRunners and this year is no different as a bus load and then some all head down to race this weekend. Good luck to all!

Around the Bay

March 27th 2011 - Hamilton On

Hamilton's Around the Bay is the continent's oldest road race, it's older than Boston and it's OURS!! Well Canadian, and once again Barrie is sending a bus load of runners and supports on Sunday morning to participate in race.

If you don't have a spot - ask around someone might be looking to sell theirs, also there are charity spots available for all of the events. Why not try to some fundraising? It's going to a great cause.

Good luck to all the Barrie Runners! Keep an eye out for results Sunday afternoon.

Little Rock Marathon

I heard of the Little Rock Marathon a few years ago and finaly after seeing the giant medals at an expo, we decided to run this race. That was back in Nov 2010. Jim Tuttle thought it was a good one as well, and then Bill Lovett and Cathrine "Reno" Harding comitted to, it was set to be a good March getaway. We flew out on the Friday before the race and came back on the Monday after. Its always nice to enjoy the after race celebrations without rushing back home. We all stayed at the Host hotel, The Peabody, it was a nice place with the famous Peabody Ducks that actually stay in the lobby fountain during the day. The expo was well set up and organized, nice shirt, lots of vendors and race merchandise.The race was well done to with Bart Yasso on the mic at the start, and remember this is Arkansas, southern state, warm weather which meant shorts. The course was good, tough in spots like a big hill at 14 miles and then a couple more including a bit of a test at mile 25 for me to keep my pace going. Fortunately I have been training hard thanks to the Fast Old Guys and I had a great race and a PB. We all enjoyed Little Rocks fan support and of course the giant medal.

Boxing Day Run 2010 - A race to

Race: Boxing Day Run
Where : Hamilton
When: December 26th 2010 - ( Boxing Day)
Distance in reality: 10 Miles
Distance in my mind: 50 Miles
Companions: Theo Bosch & Oliver Owens

Okay so there is nothing better than a run the morning after Christmas. Seriously... well that's how Theo sold it to me at any rate.
Being plagued by a chronic injury for the last year, I had scaled back my races significantly. I figured hey why not, you've managed a few good runs, give it a whirl and Theo has a way with words... " You racing? Day of sign up" Who could say no to an invite like that?

With my daughter gone for the Holiday Season, I thought why the heck not, gets me out and about. Fine... so in the Bosch-mobile I clammered. Around the bend and down the lane to Olivers house & then our little trio was complete & off we trekked.
Destination: the YMCA on James St Hamilton.
We got there with time to spare - registration didn't open until 10am. So we sat in the Y's little "cafe" and had a nice cuppa.
And guess who we run into none other than Chris Battaglia.
Now there's a surprise. LOL.

At 10am on the dot I was lead to the Gymnasium and duly handed over my $60.00 / registration form and in return I got a my bib and nifty Snowman gloves. It was the 90th running of the Boxing Day Run & what celebrations there were. Okay it was rather low key, but the clothing that you could buy was pretty darn great. However; since I have more closet space dedicated to running gear than civvies I thought it best to resist the temptation adding to my running gear.
The Expos was ... erhm... one table.. no wait... two. One with running stuff the other with running information.
I'm thinking they may want to expand on the expos just a tad.
At any rate - around 11:30 we headed off to the starting line on John Street where we were greeted by a very blustery wind. bbbrrrrr... so Oliver and I huddled up by the only source of heat - a running car. LOL. We got our picture taken for the Hamilton Spectator. Poor Theo ... bio break means missing out on celebraty.
The horn went and so did we all 1096 of us.
And once again I went like ... sno.. erhmm to fast. First km in 5:03, okay seriously, it's nice to know that my body can do it, but I have 9.4 miles left. Second km 5:15 and by the third km I figured it was time to walk since I hadn't run into an aid station yet. This, thought I, would slow me down for sure...
And as we turned into the marina's THERE was the aid station.. bugger... oh well. Keep going, as we exited the marina we hit the waterfront trail where I had done the Slainte Grey Cup 8k the year before & placed 3rd in my age group. I LOVE this part of the race & I was burning up the trail. I hit the 5 mile split at 47:52. PB LOOK OUT HERE I COME. My best time in a 10 miler was 2009 Acura 10 miler with a 1:39 time. I was on my way ... yahhoo.
Then as I started mile 6 ... I could feel the incline start & with that my leg pain increase - see I can ignore it very well on a flat course, but once the hills start, not so much.
We were running the edge of Chedoke Golf Course. Ack... this was not good.
Mile 7 - was the beginning of a mile climb up to the Club House & it was the begining of the end for me. My leg was not about to co-operate with me at all & let me know that there was NO WAY I was going to make a PB in fact, I was hard pressed to come close to my Angus Glen 10 miler time.
I was heartbroken.
I walked up the hill.
Then we hit a gravel rail trail - it was flat - but even that wouldn't help.
I walked some more.
Mile 9 started with a lovely down hill, so I trotted down hill... for about 500 meters. I was beside myself - Theo & Oliver were hopefully in the Y, changed and keeping warm. I tried as hard as I could not to look at my Garmin.
As I turned on to Jackson Street and headed towards the finish I figured I better run as best as I can in case Theo & Oliver were out, plus the finishing picture needs to be done running. I heard Theo .. then saw him.. It egged me on to at least keep running. Theo joined me for a hundred meters or so dangling the bling in front of me, as if that would help. I just didn't want to cry in front of the guys. I have an image to up hold. Sorta... okay not really but one must keep a modicum of ones pride intact.

So I crossed the finish line in 1:51:00
Chris Battaglia
Theo Bosch 1:31:13
Oliver Owens 1:11:52

All injuries aside - I think this is something I would do again. I did enjoy it. Hamilton is a great race town.