Run For Vaughn 10K

Ok...here's what should be the last race entry post for one busy Sunday of racing.
Our own Theo Bosch was 9th overall and placed 1st in his age group at the Run for Vaughn 10k today. Way to go Theo!

Toronto Women's Half

And on that note, this WAS a great event today. Let's hear it from a women's perspective: While the novelty of last year's inaugural run may not have been felt as strongly in this second running of the event, the firefighters were no less burly - three times over! - and the chocolate just as deserved. The bling - I mean medal ;-) - will show off the tans everyone got today.

There were a lot of events on around the province today, and with this one filling up in November you either commit or you don't, but I think everyone who went down from this area enjoyed a Toronto race without feeling like you're in Toronto. (Some may know that my own attraction to this event is the route: it was our daily training ground for high school x-c and track... I was even pleased to have a former schoolmate shout a cheer as she was volunteering.)

The announcer today is involved with the Longboat 5&10k held on Toronto Island each September. If you like a park setting and the intimacy of a longstanding group of participants in an otherwise well-attended event, this one should find its way onto your calendar.

Happy trails!

Toronto Womens Half Marathon

Another event that took place to day was the Toronto Womens Half Marathon. In its second year that was a great representation from this area. Congratulations to all who took part on a very warm day.

Barrie results
Orillia Results
Innisfil Results
Aurora Results

Ottawa Marathon

Today was also the Ottawa Marathon and half Marathon with some great results, inlcuding a new world record in the Marathon for Rick Ball, 2:57. Not to be outdone Bosteen Klint qualified for Boston again, way to go Steen.

Barrie Results

Barrie Half Results

Buffalo Marathon

Another successful run by Roger Ison at the Buffalo Marathon today as he ran 3:36 in what must have been a very warm run. Congrats Roger!

Sulphur Springs Ultra

Feels great to have finished 50 MILES. It was a great day, very hot and not much air movement in the trails. It was tough to do 4 laps at 20k each as the day got hotter so I really had to slow it down if I was to finish. There was Kevin,Catherine,Keith and myself doing the 50 miler, Bill and Chris doing the 50k, and Tracy and Lorna doing the 25K. The course was well shaded in most areas and had its share of hills including 2 biggies; one that was steep and long, but the hardest one was called the Gulch, it was like about 3 winding Dundonald hills together..ouch! I am gratefull to all my running friends for all the years of advice, support, and training with them.
I certainly had lots of time to think out there, over 12 hours!
Congratulations to everyone

Sulphur Springs

On Saturday May 29th, a number of Barrie RoadRunners gathered for a run in the woods down in Ancaster, near Hamilton. For some it would longer than others, some would be exploring new distances and seeing what their bodies are capable of doing. Catherine Harding and Rick MacLean were attempting their first 50 Mile race, while Kevin O'Neill and Keith Lascelles were attempting their second 50 miler. Bill Lovett was taking part in his first 50k, along with Chris Battaglia who was doing his second this year. Tracy MacLean and Lorna Avery Cooper were running the 25k.
It was an early morning on Saturday (4am) to get up and get to the race for a 6 am start for the 50 milers and those doing the 100. The rest were starting at 7:30. At 6am it was still warm and as we descended into the woods the humidity became noticable. the 50 mile race consisted of 4 20k loops through the Sulphur Springs area including the Dundas Vally Conservation are, it was an absolutely beautiful area, most of the run in the shade of the canopy and only short periods out in the open and even less on a short stretch of road. As shaded as it was, it was still very warm. My goal was to pace my self correctly for what I would need for my 100 miler coming up in July. I figured 20 minutes of walking and 2 minutes of walking should do it, but the 20 minutes of running should be done at a pedestrian pace, which I through out the window right from the start. First lap done in 2 hours, but the tell tale signs of trouble were already there, I was drenched in sweat. How would I survive when the sun got higher in the sky? Shade or no shade, it was going to get warmer. A refill of the secret formula in my water bottle and off I went for the second lap, I expected to do the second lap 15 minutes longer than the first and came in at 2 hours 13 minutes, not a bad guess, but still too fast and as I went out on the third lap the doubts had set in deeply. The first lap I had gone through 1 bottle of fluid, the second I had gone through 3, on the third lap I couldn't quench my thirst fast enough, my legs were feeling fatigued, my feet felt like they were on fire and hurting. Instead of doing 20 minutes of running and 2 minutes of walking it had almost become 20 minutes of walking an 2 running. Before the 10k mark of the 3rd lap I had decided that I wasn't accomplishing anything conituing on this way and decided to drop. Unfortunately I still had to climb out of the ravine up the worst hill on the course.
Others faired much better. Rick, even though really doubting himself at the end of the 2nd lap soldiered on and had great 3rd lap and finished in 12 hours and 8 minutes. Catherine with Kevin's pacing kept at it and finished in 12 hours and 42 minutes. A great job by both, with a special credit to Kevin, who didn't even sweat throughout the race.
The 50k participants had a great race too. Bill Lovett finished 9th overall and 3rd in his age group, in 4:42. Chris Battaglia finished in 6:16.
The 25k racers were Lorna Avery Cooper in 3:39 and Tracy MacLean in 3:40. A good day had by all (almost).

The Mississauga Half Marathon

Blap blap blap blap blap blap blap blap blap blap.

That's the sound my alarm clock makes. Annoying ain't it?!

My cell phone alarm has a really annoying pinging noise. God I hate them both some days. But not the morning of May 16th. Okay maybe just a little. It was freaking early ... again. 4am.
It was time to get ready to catch the coach to the Mississauga Marathon. My goal race. Acckkk... No marathons yet, so half marathon is better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick. Right? I'm very grateful that I'm running! Half marathon is GREAT!!

My calf felt good. It was ready. I mean woot woot!! Lots of walking, swimming & cycling. I hadn't decided what I was going to do, meaning I had signed up for the half marathon run - but didn't know if I'd walk it or not. See you can walk in a running event, but you can't run in a walking event.
So depending on how my calf felt that would dictate how I would do the event.

But morning of - I felt ready go. My calf did. I managed to get to the bus despite some work issues that had cropped up at 4:30am. Sick or what?! Ack.

Cindy & I had tossed around the idea of doing the race together. She was just doing this as a recovery run from the Flying Pig & I wanted to test my running legs - maybe. But as we runners hang out with enablers - and get caught up in the joie de vivre that is running; I had decided the minute I got off the coach that it would be running as far as I could go.
I've done the half at Mississauga for a couple of years now and know the route. It's fairly flat except for the area around UTM. Slight hill there.

So I just happened to run into the MacLeaniacs & Cindy. Tracy was running for a PB & Rick was saving himself for some 50 miler. Go figure. LOL.
So Cindy and I banded together, determined to run with only the expectation to finish. I know myself well enough though. It would take a lot of self discipline to not run like a woman possessed to do at the very least a course PB.

I don't know what it is, but the first few K really bug me. Not sure if it's because we are running through the city proper or what, but it just annoys the heck out of me. I don't really start enjoying it till about the 5K mark.
Then heading down toward UTM I start to really enjoy the race.
I managed, much to my surprise, to power up the hill. I thought for sure I'd be huffing and puffing and walking up the great big hill, but I didn't. I don't know if I'd have wanted to run another one like it right away, but I was feeling really good.
Cindy was keeping me well in check, which I appreciate because every now and again I could feel my calf sing out a sharp note or two.

We had lots of questions about our compression socks though, lots of interesting conversation about them. I really love my compression socks. They make such a noticeable difference for me. I have a pair of compression calf sleeves and two pairs of Recovery Socks. I'll wear a pair for racing and then another pair for recovery. I highly recommend them.

Oh sorry back on point. The Race.

As we were heading toward the 15/16 K mark Cindy remarked that we should be running into some of the marathoners - like Old What's His Name... Kevin. Wouldn't you know it not more than a few minutes later we could make out this red blur speeding by us and the faint noise that noise the Road Runner makes ... BEEP BEEP ZZZZOOOM!!

After spitting out the sand and dust we had to eat as Kevin streaked by we managed a few hoarse rounds of " GOOO KEVIN, GOOOOOOO!!!" and " Then Kenyans went thataway" aahhh it was nice to see a Speed Demon in action. I felt the odd pang of regret deep in my belly that I wasn't doing the 42.2k this time. Then I realized it was just nausea from me stepping through the rip in the time space continuim that Kevin created ... ahahaha.. ahahah..

It was a bit odd for awhile having the Full Marathoners running with us at their 32K mark for a couple of kilometers. I felt somewhat bad for them as they needed to dodge the half marathoners beforet they had to stay to the right to do the last 10k of their race. We would shout of courtesty - stay to the right Marathoner coming through" It was nice to see the halfers do so, nothing like good running etiquette I always say.

As we were passing over the bridge heading toward the 19K mark I had mentally prepared myself for what was about to happen, it happened the year before quite badly and the year before that. As you run over the bridge you get a sick feeling and your legs turn to rubber. It's almost instantenious. So as I hit the bridge I steeled myself and my mantra was " it's the bridge, it's the bridge, it's not you, it's the bridge" Just then I hear Cindy calling out to me. " Joan I'm going to pass out, I feel really sick". I dropped back a bit and started yelling " It's not you Cindy, it's the bridge" several times. Luckily she made it with out passing out. There were others not as lucky.

I really really felt good this Missy Half. I certainly felt like I had done well. I ran the entire course ( except for the walk breaks) but for the most part I really felt good and was very pleased with our time of 2:31. It didn't feel bad at all. My calf muscle held up. I didn't do anything stupid, for a change, and managed to finish it with no incident. Now mind you the next day there was a bit of aching, but nothing that didn't disipate quickly.

Though I did too much the following Wednesday and went on a hilly run. ACK. what was I thinking? I'm not quite ready for that yet folks.
I have to keep it simple and flat right now. So no Buffalo this year. I have no one running to keep me from doing something dumb. Cuz I know I won't stop me.
Next year. Next year.

Just so you know the bling is very nice & the apres run food wasn't too bad either. Bags and bags of nuts almonds or cashews, apples, bananas, water and gatorade. It was all very tasty. Nuts, now there is an interesting choice for protien, but hey they were yummy.

Then back out to the 300 metre mark to cheer on the rest of the halfers and full marathoners coming in. It was a steamy hot sticky day - but they all did fantastically and I couldn't be happier for my fellow Barrie runners.

Until the next run. May you have wings on your feet and the wind at your back.

The Hazel 5k - 'Nuff Said

Chelsea has been bugging and bugging me since the Frosty 5k in March for her next race. "When can we go Mum? When is there another 5K that I can do?"

With little coersion I talked her into the Hazel 5k on May 15th. And low and behold they had ... yep you guessed it. B-L-I-N-G.

So Saturday afternoon we headed toward the Cawartha Community Centre. Which I happen to know you have to exit on to Cawartha Road - I know that I can get lost in a phone booth, but I've been driving the 400/401/427/QEW for the last uhmmm 26 yrs. So yeah I know that an address like 1399 Cawartha Road would need for me to exit on to Cawartha Road from the QEW Hamilton. Well not according to my GPS... stupid machine. Anyway - after turning around several times ( yah Chelsea just checking to make sure we aren't being followed... looks like the coast is clear) and getting back on the QEW and exiting on the Cawartha Road we found the longest line queue of cars I had seen for a while & figured we hit the right spot. ( Stupid GPS)

We created a parking spot erhmm FOUND a parking spot and headed to the centre to hop on a bus to the start line at the Lakefront Promenade Park. First though a quick stop inside the centre; Chelsea was none to keen on the port-o-potties after some of the horror stories she's heard me tell.

Nice facility.

We all lined up at the start - unusual I know... Hazel McCallion was there to greet all the runners & walkers - give us a little pep talk and blow the horn for the start. She was even at the finish line at the Port Credit Memorial Park, congratulating everyone as the crossed the finish line. That Dame is a tough old bird. Not as tough as her minder... but tough none the less.

We started with a really good pace, it was brisk and with purpose. Though on the way to the event Chelsea said she wasn't sure she'd get a PB because she hasn't been putting the training in like she should. WOW - finally I think she's getting the connection. I was bursting with pride. She's putting the pieces together. She just might get it after all TRAINING IS IMPORTANT!! I know I was gob smacked. You could have knocked me over with a feather.

Then as we were rounding a corner she said something that TOTALLY knocked me for six. " Mum I want to run" An audiable gasp could be heard escaping my lips. " Did you say run?" " Yah, I want to run"
AAAAAAALLLLLRIGHTY then. So we ran from one park bench to the next. Then walked. Then the next set. Then between lamp posts. She burned herself out a little but - but that's okay. It's all a learning experience and she's been bitten by the running bug. WOOT WOOT. I had hoped that she would PB - but alas it wasn't to be.
Chelsea did however finish RUNNING across the finish line at 47:11 and getting her first REAL 5K medal.

It is good to know that even through these turbulent teen years we can still bond over bling. *sighs* It does a mother's heart good.

I'm proud of my little girlie!
And if any of the folks that read this blog know of any 5K events that have bling - in the GTA, Golden Horseshoe or Simcoe area - drop me a comment. Chelsea is ready for her next challenge.

Way to go!!

B

Whitby International North Marathon

It looks like Tracy MacLeaniac couldn't resist the urge to squeeze in another Marathon on an off weekend. A week after finishing the Mississauga half, Tracy made the last minute decision to sign up for the inaugural Whitby International North Marathon. Congratulations Tracy on finishing on what here in Barrie was a very muggy day, hopefully there were some cooling winds blow off the lake for you. Also competing was Chris Battaglia. How many is that this year Chris?

Chris's time: 3:58

Tracy's time: 5:52

Noah Dennison's Mississauga Marathon

Of all the incredible and amazing stories that come from a Marathon, here is another one from Mississauga Marathon 2010.
Noah Dennison was diagnosed with Autism last year at 8 years old.Even though this presents some balance and co-ordination issues, he is still a runner like his Barrie Roadrunner parents Bruce and Karen Dennison. Noah completed his 4th race in 2 years in Mississauga by following a 6 week training program that totalled his running distance to 40k. Then, he completed the 42.2k distance with a 2k run and crossed the same finish line as his Mom had earlier. Noah ran with his Dad who when asked him if he wanted to stop at the water station he said "no time for water" and kept going.He was so happy to tell Karen he had run the whole way without stopping. Noah recieved a medal and a 42k certificate.
His other races are The Disney 400m, The 1K cub run, and 2.87K Molson Indy Lap.
You can see by the picture how great Noah feels, and Karen and Bruce are so proud of his new found self confidence and achievement. Way to go Noah! We'll have to see if Bill can hook you up with a Barrie Roadrunner Shirt.

Volunteer Oportunity for Athletically Minded Indivduals

Wow! Track and field must be making a comeback... Barrie's Special Olympics athletics team - the Barrie Trackers - has an impressive membership of 38 athletes this year. In order to accommodate all those athletes, we are putting out the call for more volunteers.
The club has athletes in the sprints (100m, 200m, & 400m) and middle distance (800, 1500) and trains in long and standing jump, shot put, and hurdles. There is a great range of abilities, with each athlete always trying to do their own best in their events.
Our athletes have enjoyed great success in their sport. We had excellent representation at last year's Provincial Games and have three athletes attending National Games this July.
We don't hesitate to sign volunteer service forms for high school students.
Please consider coming out and joining us on Mondays from 6:30 to 8:00 at Eastview. Please email Hellaina for more information and to confirm your interest (we have a bit of a wonky schedule for May 31/June7/June 14): vanroth@csolve.net. THANKS!

Mississauga Marathon

Sunday was Marathon day in Mississauga and what a day it turned out to be for Barrie RoadRunners. Many PB's and Boston Qualifiers to be had. althoguh I can't list all the results here they are available at SportStats. Some noteable results were Kevin O'Neil with a 1 minute PB in 2:53. Bill Lovett with another great time 3:09 (How soon till he goes sub 3?), Brendan Kavanagh 3:10. Also Dave Jupp at 3:25:50 qualified for Boston in his first marathon. Brett Jacques qualified at 3:28:07
IF there are any noteable results that are worth mentioning let me know. There were over 120 Barrie and area runners in the Marathon and half Marathon today. Great job by all.

Mississauga Marathon

Did you know there are over 120 participants from Barrie in the Mississauga Marathon this weekend? This is a huge number representing all events including almost a 50/50 split in the Half and Full Marathon, WOW! There are many others from close by areas as well like Innisfil, Orillia, and I wish everyone a great race and I will be cheering you in at the finish line!

When Pigs Fly

“Come fly with us the first Sunday of May”, that’s the tag line for Cincinnati’s Flying Pig Marathon, and fly we did.

Cindy Marcelli, Sam Furlong and I had planned this run since last year’s Niagara Falls Marathon Expo. IT WAS A PINK MARATHON… BOOYAAAHHH.. I was going. Damn straight I was going!
I signed up in December and eagerly awaited the monthly installment of the Squeal, the Flying Pig’s E-Newsletter.
Even with my bulging muscle I was determined to go, I’d walk if I had to. So I did. I decided that I would walk the half marathon, I couldn’t see myself being able to finish the course in the allotted time given, being the novice walker that I was.
Plus I had looked at the course elevation. Hills from 5.5 mile mark until the 11mile mark for the half marathon and similar for the full marathon, until it broke from the half at the 8 mile mark and then rolling hills until the 21st mile. I’ll take Half Marathon Walking for a Finish Alex!

We piled in Cindy’s car and headed out to Cincinnati with high hopes of the race to come. Weather had the temperature in the mid 20’s with thunder showers. Fingers crossed for just showers. Aaaaack.
I had packed for all possibilities this time. There would be no repeat of Disney this time. At least I thought I had packed for all possibilities, for the weather, but apparently not for running. I had left my shoes at the front door. Zout alors! Ahh well, I had planned on buying new Saucony’s while I was there at any rate.

We crossed the border with little hassle, though the crossing officer did find it odd that we ALL knew each other and we ALL were going to the same race and we were ALL from the same town. “We belong to the same running club”... you could see the light turn on at that point. Nice girl, not the sharpest hair pin turn on the map though.

The trip down the I-75 was cool! Gas prices were terrific, as were the prices for the snick-snacks. Hard to find healthy though, but then again perhaps I wasn’t looking that hard. LOL.

We signed into the Millennium hotel downtown Cincinnati with little incident. Though there was some discussion about the male front desk staff’s doubling as a male review later that evening…. Girls will be Girls.

We headed off the Expo and WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Was I ever impressed. The only down side was the T-shirt, poster & sports bag pick was at the OTHER end of the Expo – so you had no choice but to go through the entire Expo. NOT that I wouldn’t have, but I like having the option not to.
I had to switch my marathon to the half marathon – there was a $10 cost, but I had entered so early this year I had a special discounted discount, so the $10 wasn’t too bad. And they were really nice about it as well. No hassles. None, the switch over was painless. The only thing I would improve is the communication between runner and administration when it comes to deferring. I had tried to email the administration to request a deferral and that took about 2 weeks. Then there were no details as to when I would know. It would be very handy to have been advised from the get go that deferrals are sent out AFTER the marathon if approved.

As for the Expo, it was brilliant. LOTS of PIG paraphernalia, much pink everywhere. I was in heaven. Yippee. Yah for me.
I managed to find myself a pair of Hurricanes – size 8 – pink detailing. Does it GET any better?
We got some freebees along the way. I got a Saucony water bottle from the “official” Saucony stall;sad as they were they didn’t have my shoes in stock, they were pleased that I stuck with Saucony and found my shoes at a different exhibitors stall. Hence the water bottle, my gift for being loyal to their brand.
We ran into the Officers at the Air Force Marathon stall, they talk a good talk. I just may do that this year. We’ve had a few RoadRunners go there last year and had nothing but good things to say, perhaps it’s time to send the female contingency amongst the Air Force pilots. <<>>

Off we went for a nice Italian meal at Campinello’s for dinner. We walked down 5th Street, turned right at the Fire Hall and down Centre Street to our restaurant. Wow. The food was great, not a lot of vegetarian options, but okay. We were greeted by a gentlemen at the bar, the biggest fellow I have seen close up, I didn’t realize we posed a security threat… we were seated. In the back corner of the first floor, it’s got basement apartment charm really. Our waitress, was apparently the only person that could serve us, a rather quirky rule – since we never saw her once, our servers were a mishmash of the bartender, the busboy, the cook himself. I don’t think we stopped laughing or bothering the restaurant staff. But give us our fair do; utensils are a requirement to eat pasta with in civilized society. Oh how they laughed at we quirky Canadians. They could almost talk hockey as well, right up until they said “ the Habs are going down” – at that point it was time to pay the bill and leave. It’s okay for we Toronto fans to dis the Habs, but that’s where I draw the line.

Our trip back to the hotel was fraught with adventure as we passed the fire hall. We were invited in to have a look, then to sit up in the fire truck, try on the coats and hats & have our pictures taken with the handsome firefighters on hand. Who needs the male review when you have friendly firemen at hand… <<>>

Saturday early morning bade us hello with a seriously wicked thunder and lightening storm followed by a torrential downpour, we had our brekkie at the hotel, and then toddled off to the expos again – just cuz it was so good the first time. And it was close – we wouldn’t get to wet.
As Sam, Cindy and I wandered around the Marathon Merchandise area I heard my name being called… What the?? Ahhh it was another Barrite, Tigera Turner! WOOT WOOT another RoadRunner – there can never be enough of us running an event.

After dropping our packages off in our room it was time to take a tour of Macy’s and Victoria Secrets for a few hours before heading back to the hotel and prepping for dinner. We opted for the Runners Buffet Special that the hotel had put on. Lots of white pasta & salad, fruit and dessert, all reasonably priced. And off for an early night we went.
Or so we thought.

Alarms set, running gear set out, bibs, shoes, hats, rain gear… yep. The rain was not due to stop any time soon. Our only prayer was that the thunder & lightening would cease prior to the starters horn.
As we lay in bed giggling and chortling about the things running through our minds we finally managed to quiet ourselves sufficiently to get some sleep, now if we could only get the mariachi band to stop. We were 17 floors up – single paned windows, and we could hear ever pitch change that the singer of the Latino band was hitting.
So a quick call down to the front desk confirmed our worst nightmare – there was a bar attached to the hotel that was playing live music and it wouldn’t close until 2:00am. Wonderful, can we speak to a manager please. This is the official race hotel for the Flying Pig and you have a dance bar open until 2:00am playing LOUD music when runners have a 6:00am start? Oh there isn’t a bar? It’s part of the Flying Pig festival? It stops when? 11pm? Well that is far more reasonable. Thank you? Where’s the dance bar in the hotel? There isn’t one? Ahh okay… Good to know. True to their word at 11:00pm the music stopped. BAM.. No messing around there folks.

5:00am came as quickly as the rain did. Luckily the thunder and lightening had eased off. We donned on our Pig rain ponchos and headed out the door. We slopped our way to the start line which was 0.6 miles from the hotel and squeezed in to the melee at the start line.
It rained a lot with it easing up as we came to the 5 mile mark. The first mile was interesting – we trudged through downtown Cincinnati on our way to the bridge to Covington Kentucky. We had a wonderfully brisk pace on with the hopes of a sub 3 half marathon walk. As none of us had ever done a walk of this caliber, it was going to be a “walk” in progress.
We clicked off the miles to the bridge back to Cincinnati. Cindy spotted a pink hat and suggested that I go pick it up, it was pink after all. So after a moments debate and some coaxing from Cindy I ran back to pick the hat up. Apparently it was but a rouse to get me to break my rather oppressive pace, they needed the break?!?! With friends like that….

The whole way through the race we were met with “ Are you REALLY from Canada?” why yes we REALLY are. “Thank you so much for coming to our race!” They were so appreciative and friendly, warm and sincere. Why along the 6 mile mark we were beset by an American runner that had gone to Western University and felt the need to have us sing the Canadian National anthem with her. Not to be out done, we sang the American Anthem sans aide. Then the British … we started the Swedish but I had spied a Gold Lamee Elvis and ran screaming up to him. It was a photo op to be sure, mind you I’m not sure about an Elvis impersonator that sings to Neil Diamond tunes…
At the 8 mile mark things had cleared up weather wise and it was the turn off for the full marathon runners. Cindy had hummed and haaa’d about doing the full. She felt good enough so we sent her off on her own to finish the last 18 miles. I tell you – I was so tempted to veer off along with her, but knew I’d be only hurting myself in the long run.

Sam and I continued our steady climb up Cincinnati’s finest hills, there were many cries of “not long now” or “it’s down hill from here”. Yeah not so much buddy. I read the elevation chart I know it doesn’t start downhill until the 11th mile; this is only the 10th mile. I may not do math, but even I can do the math on that one.
And down hill it was – HOLY SMOKES. I had to run down the hill because the idea of walking down that was more than I could bear. My glutes, hip flexors and core were screaming in protest at the thought of walking down that hill, running was my only respite at that point.
Boy do I miss running. It felt so good! So good in fact I ran a little bit more. At about the 12.5 mile point Sam suggested that we continue to run all the way to the finish line, I couldn’t say yes quickly enough, she didn’t have to ask me twice!
We came in at 3:02 – just over my hope of a sub 3 but I was still happy with the result.

We went through the finishers chute, got our medal, water, chips removed, and headed towards the food stalls. There was donuts, bagels, Yo-pops, Lays chips, Cheetos, Doritos, fruit cups, bananas, apples, orange slices. It was a food festival. Heck there was a beer stall on the other side of the runners’ area. WOOT WOOT.

We quickly showered and changed and made it back to the finish line to see Cindy come in at 5:45. That lady truly hauled ass and did a negative split to finish as quickly as she did. Not only that, she looked as fresh as a daisy. On our way back to the finish line for Cindy – Sam and I ran into Tigera on her way back. Sadly Tigera didn’t have as much fun on her run as we did in our half or Cindy in her full. That’s too bad, it’s sad when you travel so far and don’t have a good time or enjoy your race.
I would, however; highly recommend this race for anyone looking for a fun run. You may not get a PB out of it as there are several miles of steady uphill running in the half and full (and then rolling hills there after in the full.) However; for sheer fun and pure PIG pleasure this race is, if I may mix my metaphors, the cats meow.
Two Joannie thumbs up on this race!! Next year – look out, I’m going to be recovered and injury free running the full!

I must say these American cousins of ours really know how to throw a Marathon. Holy smokes, not only did we get the Tech Shirt, but they also gave us a running bag with the Flying Pig patch embroidered on – nice quality stuff, and a poster. Woot woot. Friendly pleasant volunteers, great support through out the race. Why there were folks on their porches cheering us on, bands, cheering squads. There was lots and lots of participation from the citizens of Cincinnati & neighbouring Covington Kentucky.
I think the folks of Toronto should take a page out of the books of the local support crews down south. They love “their” race and embrace it. Everyone is PIG mad for the weekend; I can only imagine what it’s like for the month leading up to the race. All the shops, restaurants and people are completely tuned in to getting this race going. Last year the Flying Pig brought in $7.5 million dollars in revenue to local business owners. That’s a lot of money folks, we could sure use that don’t you think. Time to embrace the race Toronto, make it yours!

This race gets 5 out of 5 pigs.

Illinois Marathon 2010

The race was May 1st, the doubt, it was going to take place started April 30th as Danny Churchward, Tracy, and myself were finishing the 11 hour drive to Champaign/Urbana Illinois. We had the local radio classic rock station on in the car and we kept hearing this loud buzzing which was interupting the music every 15 mins or so. As we were parking at the University of Illinois, site of everything from Expo, Start, and Finish, we realized that the buzzing on the radio was followed by local weather warnings of tornadoes in the area. That explained the 45mph winds going on. So once inside the expo and talking to the locals, they get these warnings all the time in the Mid-West and emergency procedures are in place just in case, but not likely to see a twister anyway.Unfortunately, the weather forcast for Saturday was thunderstorms including lightning, which they had rumoured would also postpone or even cancel all races.Thankfully this didnt happen, instead the clouds cleared, the wind ceased, and by mile 4 the sun came out for one hot and humid marathon.Great, I think? Our sunglasses are in the car because its supposed to rain!

This was a 10 out of 10 Roger recommended race.I loved the course, mostly flat, the poeple, non stop from start to finish actually said thanks for running here. Awesome shirt,medal, and food after was Poppa John's Pizza and Pasta. The finish, last mile all downhill, was into University of Illinois Stadium from the endzone to the finish line right on the 50 yd line were you could see yourself on the jumbotron screen. You couldn't help but love this set up. Danny hadn't run a marathon in well over a year and had a strong run. Tracy and I dont do so well in the heat but still enjoyed this marathon.I ran with a girl from Wawa for a while and passed a Canadian flag someone had on the sidelines. If it wasn't so far away I would do this one again, it's well worth going.The whole city, and state for that matter wears Orange, Blue, or both, or has a big"I" on their shirts. They love Illinois. So thanks to a Saturday race, we also got some shopping in, and were able to relax for a nice dinner and drinks in Michigan City Indiana. Thats as far as we travelled back after the race to split up the long drive home for the night.If you want to do marathon in Illinois and cant get into Chicago, do this one. Its very affordable and east to get around.

Vancouver Marathon

Look like one of our newer members Doug Cochrane, from Thornton, ran his first half Marathon in Vancouver last weekend in 1:53:57! Congratulations Doug.

PYP 2010

Barrie was well represented in all distances (12.5k, 25k, 50k) this year at the Pick Your Poison (PYP) out in Horseshoe Valley. A new and challenging 12.5k loop course that offers a spectacular view from atop the final ascent (ski hill) that leads down to the finish. Tradition is beginning to dictate that we be accompanied by rain and thunder for part of the race but we were also blessed with mild temperatures. Mud soaked and water logged all had smiles as they finished up their respective last laps and were awarded the coveted "skull" socks. This is a small race that is well organized and supported. If you are a trail fan you should check it out in 2011!

Illinois Marathon Results

In hot, humid conditions Danny Churchward (3:52), Rick MacLean (4:28), and Tracy MacLean completed the Illinois Marathon today. Luckily there were no twisters reported. Looking forward to the report from Rick.

Pick Your Poison Results

Unofficial results for Barrie RoadRunners etc.

12.5k -
Kelly Huang - 1:22
Peter Ashworth - 1:27
Lorna Avery Cooper - 1:38
Jenn Thurston - 1:47
Leslie Wright - 1:47
Angela Willows - 2:01

25k -

Krista Bolyea 2:13 (1st female)
Dawn Hamel 2:18
Shawn Patton - 2:18
Greg Cormack - 2:39
Brenda East - 2:58
Sandra Lalonde - 3:03

50k -

Keith Lascelles - 5:15
Oliver Owens - 6:18
Chris Battaglia - 6:27
Catherine Harding - 7:35ish.