New Race in Oakville

Looks there is a new race in Oakville on Tuesday June 1st to raise awareness of the 975 MW gas fired power plant being built in the neighborhood, 300m from a school, 400m from many homes and adjacent to the rail lines. I would like to know if we could advertise with a link on your site? Its a beautiful route, and easy, as there are no hills in Oakville.

http://www.c4ca.org/component/content/article/1-latest-news/146-run-4-clean-air-

More Races this Weekend

The racing season is heating up! More races this weekend including the Local trail race Pick Your Poison, the Macleaniacs are travelling to Champagne, Illinois for the Illinois Marathon, Cindy Marcelli, Samantha Furlong and Joan van Hilten are going to Cincinnati, Ohio for the Flying Pig Half marathon.

Pick Your Poison is being run at Horseshoe Resort with 12.5k, 25k and 50k races on tap. More information can be found on the web site Pick Your Poison.

Mercedes-Benz 10K Oakville

The weather wasnt quite as nice in Oakville as it was for racers elsewhere, but we had a great time. The rain held off until the start of the race then it drizzled non stop. The course, fast and flat is a great place for a PB, but not with a strong head wind from 6k to the finish. I highly recommend doing this one with all the great prizes they drew for, like a $4800 cruise, hundreds of dollars in gift cards, and the incredible 1 year lease on a brand new Mercedes. Now thats value for your race entry. Congrats to all.

5 Peaks

This past weekend was the first race in the southern Ontario 5 Peaks series. Durham Valley was a new venue and purportedly the "easiest" of the runs. While there were a few minor snags during the day it was offset by a spectacular setting and a day to match. Congrats to all the Barrie and area runners who participated and a clap on the back to Bill Lovett for taking 2nd in his age category! Also a special thanks to Greg McKinnon who came out just to support and take a few pics! Race two at Durham Forest on June 12 still has spots available but I am sure not for long.
Happy Trails :)

Busy Weekend

Looks like Barrie RoadRunners were very busy this weekend. Saturday was the first of the 5 Peaks trail series of races. Enduro Race Results

Barrie Runners

Orillia Runners

Alliston Runners

In the Sport Race:

Tracy's result

On Sunday a number of races took place. Alan Hewson completed his second Marathon this week after completing Boston on Monday, he travelled down to Waterloo to do the St. John Ambulance Marathon and finished 127th in a time of 4:29 in pouring rain.Not to be outdone it looks like Chris Battaglia ran the same race in 3:54 the day after finishing the 5 peaks Enduro race.

Alos on Sunday there was the Mercedes 10k in Oakville with a number of the 5 peaks runners running this race as well.

Barrie Runner Results

Orillia Runner Results

Also on Sunday was the Huronia Run for The Chicken Half Marathon. results havent been posted but we do know that Nancy Chong won her age category, as did Brendan Kavanagh. Other runners represnting the RoadRunners proudly were Shawn Patton, Oliver Owens, Angela Willows, Lisa Thurlow, Mary Mitchell

Boston Marathon results

Looks like another successful day for Barrie RoadRunners at the Boston Marathon today, Can't wait to hear the stories.

Seaton Trail 52k

Well it was not a repeat of 2 years ago when, two RoadRunners came first and third, but it was still a successful day in Pickering for the 6th Annual Seaton Trail Races. 3 Barrie RoadRunnerstook to the trail this day, Chris Battaglia was about to lose his Ultra virginity, while ultra "veterans" Kevin O'Neil and myself (Keith Lascelles) were toeing the line for another one of many. The drive down was rather ominous as it was snowing. I think we've been spoilt by mother nature lately, but thinking back to 2 years ago it was a warm day compared to the +2C it was Saturday morning with the intermittent snow fluries.
We lined up at the start line with the other hardy folks doing the 52k and 26k races, the 78k race had started an hour earlier. The course is an out an back 26k, so you do the math. For me it was supposed to be a training run for my 100 miler in July, but as much as I tried to keep it slow I still went out too fast. Kevin complaining about me going out too fast as he passes me. The race is advertised as a trail runners dream, especially if you like hills and dirt. There is only a short paved section between trails. The river crossing was "refreshing", actually it didn't feel to bad until you got out, then your feet went numb. By the 4th time through the water it was not any better, or worse. Just before I got to the turn around for the first time I felt my left calf seize up on me, no warning signs, just bang. Initially I thought my race was over, but I walked on it for a bit, took some salt caps and an advil and walked some more, eventually trying to run again, which while painful at first wasn't too bad as long as I didn't push it. So this is how the run went for the next 40+k. Kevin stuck with me until he found out that I wasn't going to quit at halfway, to his dissapointment, this meant he would have to continue on too and not sit back and drink Guinness. Well maybe he should thank me, because although we were 8th and 9th at the halfway point Kevin passed a number of runners in the second hakf to finish 3rd overall in 5:28 and first male over 45. Myself, I finished 10th in 5:57 and second male over 45. Chris should be applauded for finishing his first Ultra in 7:10.

Seaton Trail 50 mile, 52 km & 26 km Trail Race

Okay so a couple certifible Barrie RoadRunners have hit the road this morning for the Seaton Trail Race... it was a fine April snowy morning... Pickering should be just as tropical. Looking forward to reading that blog. AHAHA.

Good luck to Kevin O'Neill & Keith Lascelles. Hope you packed the thermals.

Course Description
A 13 km out and back along Duffins Creek featuring single track trail, water crossings, lots of ups and downs, twists and turns and roots and rocks. One aid station is located on a 300 ft' stretch of road, otherwise, the entire course is on trail. This course is a true ultrarunner's dream! Note: In 2010, Suicide HIll will NOT be a part of the course

Aid Stations & Facilities
Three aid stations en route: start/finish; Taunton Rd; Whitevale. Washrooms & showers at the school gym. Lots of parking

Boston Bound

Good luck to all the Barrie RoadRunners that are off to Boston this weekend:
Theo Bosch
Alan Hewson
Darren Collins
Robin Lesperance
Kellie Silva McNabb

Sorry if I missed anyone.

MEC coming to Barrie !! HIP HIP HOORAY

Okay so besides La Senza & DIY stores (whaaat???? -it works for me) I have another favourite FAVOURITE store. It's MEC - Mountain Equipment Co-op. I just got an email from them and guess what...

THEY ARE OPENING A STORE IN BARRIE NOVEMBER 2010 - off Bryne Drive.

I'm so freaking excited.

I can't wait.

MEC have some terrfic products and reasonable price points. Now I don't have to travel all the way down to Burlington to get my fix & pick up my NUUN tablets. WOOT WOOT.

I'll be there at the grand opening.

I can see many new pieces of MEC type sports wear in my future. OMG - Stacy and Clinton better stay out of my closet. But according to my Brother in Law (who in my opinion is the authority on most everything) wearing running gear outside of running is most acceptable. Phew. Cus if I keep purging my closet - the only thing I'll have are my business clothes and my Tech shirts & compression tights.

*grins*

See you on opening day!!!

Another Winner

Looks we had another winner on the weekend. Roger Ison travelled to Xenia Ohio to take part in the Ohio River Road Runners Club Marathon and placed 23rd overall and won his age group, in 3:33. Way to go Roger.

Martian Marathon

Six Barrie RoadRunners took part in a very successful Martian Marathon on Saturday coming away with 3 PB's, and 2 age group awards. It was beautiful day in Dearborn Michigan, although a very chilly below zero to start, but it gradually warmed up and even with a head wind comng back in the second half a good race was had by all.

Bill Lovett was the first RoadRunner across the line in 3:09 a 6 minute PB and 3rd in his age group. Shorlty followed by Keith Lascelles in 3:14 and 1st in his age group. Rick MacLeaniac was the next to finish in 3:50 (another PB) with Oliver Owens coming in 2 minutes later. Catherine Harding finished with a 7 minutes PB in 4:40 and Tracy MacLeaniac finished in 5:30.

In all it was a fun event in a nice area on a completly closed course.

Running a Marathon on Mars????

Well not quite, but 6 Barrie RoadRunners are doing the next best thing and going to Detroit, Michigan, who some people say is not of this world. Actually The Macleaniacs, Rick & Tracy (Never ones to miss the chance to run a marathon within 20 hours driving distance, hey it is a free weekend) along with fellow maniac Keith Lascelles, Oliver Owens, Bill Lovett and Cathereno Harding will be in Dearborn Michigan to take part in the Martian Marathon on Saturday April 10th. If you have a chance visit the web site as it is very entertaining to read. Good luck to all.

HRSR 2010 correction

Oh my lands people... I was sooooooooooo wrong. ACK! I mean completely not even close. See this is what happens when you suffer from dyscalcula. Numbers get inverted. I wrote that I didn't PB the Harry Rosen 8K Spring Runoff on April 3rd 2010 - High Park Toronto.

Well I DID I PB'd THAT COURSE .... I FREAKING DID IT... ahahaha... WOOT WOOT.
*happy dance* I beat 2008's time by almost 8 minutes and 2009 by 3 minutes.
*screams* I'm happy happy happy.

Erhhmm sorry folks, but can't help but be excited. The HRSR is my benchmark for the years race season.

:)

Have a super terrific race season everyone!!
Til the next blog entry..

Around the Bay 2010 Results

Below is a partial list of Barrie runners that took part in the Around the Bay Road Race. Individual Runners. A list of Relay Runners is on the way. ( Once I figure out who you are... )


Dave Jupp 2:20:40.8
Duane Craig 2:20:52.5
Craig Owens 2:27:43.4
Kellie McNabb 2:27:59.7
Brian Chew 2:26:11.5
Oliver Owens 2:30:36.2
SARA MCKENTY 2:32:45.9
Brett Jacques 2:33:19.2
Robin Lesperance 2:33:35.9
Zoe Farrell 2:35:29.9
Erin Barrie 2:35:29.9
Jessica Shaw 2:37:14.6
Mike Murphy 2:38:15.8
Dan Revell 2:38:15.8
Bryan Pellerin 2:37:30.3
Steen Klint 2:38:56.0
Sarah Breese 2:38:56.0
Chris Battaglia 2:39:55.9
Terry McFarlane 2:42:57.7
Danny Churchward 2:43:12.9
Wayne Fidley 2:43:12.9
Victoria Northcott 2:43:12.9
Shannon Lloyd 2:54:55.2 (running as J van Hilten)
Mike Thrane 2:56:46.3 (running as J Bois)
Lisa May Huby 3:02:17.0
David Lochhead 3:06:48.0
Sandra Lalonde 3:08:06.0
James Rooney 3:16:16.0
Lyndy Mcphun 3:16:39.2
Tim Squires 3:16:39.5
Jane Fetter 3:20:32.2
Glen Shaw 3:18:40.7
Regina Pehr 3:18:40.9
Karen Dennison 3:34:48.5
Veronica Widawski 3:34:48.9
Kerstin Thompson 3:59:10.3
Karen Flynn 4:03:53.7
Susan Carmichael 4:03:54.5
Helen Gormandy 4:04:27.6
Gayle Blackburn 4:06:26.0


For a complete list of all the results please go to http://www.aroundthebayroadrace.com/results.htm

Around The Bay

Well it may be a bit after the 30K Around The Bay in Hamilton, but heres a brief rundown for you.
It was another great Terry and Sandra organized bus tour down and back to the race. There was a full busload of runners and supporters hoping the rain would hold off for the race, and it did for the first 3 hours, and after that there was a bit of rain, but nothing major. This race sells out every year and its funny how many runners were scrambling to get a spot days and weeks before. It seemed to work out for most with some last minute cancellations. For anyone that hasnt expierienced a Barrie RoadRunner bus trip, get on board, they are the way to go! The race was a good one as usual, after all, it was the 116th running. It was a good race for everyone who had just done the Chilly half and decided to ramp up to something bigger. Kevins speed Demons, and Scotts A Team were also using it as a tune up for thier upcoming Marathons. Kellie had an awesome race a picked up a silver for finishing sub 2:30 Way to Go Kellie!
This was my 4th time running this one and I really like the course, especially the finish inside Copp's Colliseum.
Congrats to all, and thanks to Terry and Sandra for the bus trip.

JVH is going to post the times.

Harry Rosen Spring Run-off 8K Results

Rick MacLean 39:25.1
Joan van Hilten 46:49.0
Tracy MacLean 54:18.7

Woot woot!!!

Canada Run Series - Harry Rosen 8 K Spring Run Off

Spring Run Off - are you serious? More like Sweat Off! Or take your top off! HOLY SMOKES where did those temperatures come from? Last year's run was in one word - FRIGGING COLD. ( okay so it's two words - sue me). Oh and let's not forget wet.
This year it was like the universe was smiling down on us. AAAAHHH.. I dusted off my Barrie Road Runners tank top & my UA compression shorts, both had been buried in my drawers after that wonderful run in Disney World.

So I met the MacLeaniacs, Rick and Tracy, at the commuter parking lot and off we went - picked up a fellow runner, Dawn and headed down to High Park. Luckily I have friends ( well family) that live around the corner. We managed to find a parking spot in their neighbours drive way - used their facilities - adjusted ourselves and headed across Bloor Street to High Park.

Now the nice thing this year is that they moved the "festivities" to the top of the park - near Bloor Street, previously the tents for baggage, late registration & kit pick up was down by the Grenadier Restaurant. What a treat not to have to walk all the way down there - then walk all the way back up to get to the start line. Then all the way back down at the end of the race to get the food and any checked bags. Then all the way back up to get to your car. Kudos CRS for that small yet significant change.

Okay I have to confess. I did something some what unethical. I changed the colour dot on my bib so I could start the race with my fellow BRR's. I stole a Red Dot. I had no idea what corral the red dot stood for - but I was all for it. I had been corralled in the yellow area - and I know the CRS security at the corral openings. They are very very very stringent about the right colours going into the right corral.
Well I just about fainted when I realized the red corral was right behind the elites. EGAD... they are going to know just by looking at me - I've done the five finger lift. I'm going to be getting a cavity search .. I know I am, I just know it!! Oh well what's life if you can't live on the edge right? Ack.
So there I am standing at the back of the Red Corral as far as I could when my brother in law walks in. Yeah - he's got legs up to his chin. Runs like the wind. Sub 3 marathoner. Qualifies for Boston every year. New York as well. If he weren't my brother in law and I love him to death, I'd hate him.
He looked at me & chuckled. Waaat? Please BiL dearest whatever you do, don't rat me out. I'll baby sit for you every NYC Marathon weekend for the rest of my life. That CRS dude with the rubber glove terrifies me. I beg you... don't rat me out.
Phew.. So yeah for me. He wandered away - safe in the knowledge he's got me in his back pocket from now til eternity. Drat and double drat.

My strategy for this race as this: FINISH. My injury has kept me sidelined for a number of weeks. The bulging muscle syndrome continues. But I had this puppy taped up securely. My technique was picked up from watching the Ki kinseology sports tape how to videos online & some Joan ingenuity. My calf was taped and taped well. Nothing was going to bulge and stop me. I was going to run smart -slow and steady. Careful on the downhills as they are killers right now.

The blower went, thanks to Jack Layton - prostate cancer survivor and leader of the National NDP party. Not sure why he needed an air horn. He's got enough hot air being a politician and all. Waaat? Oh right sports blog - save the politics for the political blog.

Down hill off the bat. blech. But I managed fine. I had intended to run with Tracy, she'd keep me reigned in sufficiently. By the first mile marker I couldn't see her at all. Drat - my strategy so far has gone amok. Double Drat. Stupid Colborne Lodge Rd. West Road didn't prove to be any more successful at keeping me in check.
Uphill on Centre Rd seemed to though. At least I think it's Centre Road. I have a great memory - but it's extremely short. I decided to walk it after all I had decided the finishing was enough. Right? ack. Then I felt a tap on my shoulder and a woman running by saying - "keep going". Oh geez... why do people that wear the Iron Man shirts have to be so freaking nice? I smiled and nodded, what else do you say?

Oh boy... the inner battle between wanting to run to make a great time and wanting to have a race season for the summer were battling it out in my mind. I thought perhaps a compromise would be okay.
The rolling hills and beautiful scenery down by Genadier Pond as usual, was gorgeous. Water fowl, birds & sunshine. I had a couple of ladies that I decided to dislike immensely so I could summon the motivation to get a head of them and pace myself by them. It was cat and mouse -I passed on Spring Road. They passed me going up the first hill. I caught up to them and stayed behind them until we turned down by Grenadier Pond. Then they passed me going over the rolling hills by the pond. I caught up and passed them by the water station at the 6K mark. God I really disliked them by that point. Vehemently. It pushed the dull ache into the back of my mind. By the 7 K mark we were heading up Spring Road and at that point I figured that I had no reason to dislike them. That finishing the HRSR with out my leg screaming in pain was probably a little more important.
I had a whole running season yet. I mean the Flying Pig Marathon is less than a month away. EGAD... I tell you that was a bucket of cold water on my competitiveness. WHOOSH. Gone. I walked about 300 meters up that blessed hill. I didn't care what that guy at the bottom of the hill said.
I'm not sure why I don't find people at the bottom of a hill hurling out "give it all you've got. Get up the hill. Use whatever you've got left" at all amusing or someone I'd like to have over for afternoon tea. No I'd rather step on his pearly white runners and splash mud on his pristine HRSR jacket. I know - who'da thought a little girl like me could hold so much rage. Who knew?! I asked him if he had any friends... apparently he doesn't. Big freaking surprise there folks.

I ran the last 200 meters or more. Man starting part way up a hill - not a good idea, but oh well. Had to get across that finish line some how.
I saw the clock getting closer and closer to 47:00 minutes and that wasn't acceptable. So I dropped the hammer and managed 46:49 (chip)time.

I thought I had done my best time - but in 2008 I actually was about 90 seconds faster. Oh well. Not bad though for the amount of walking I did on the course. Had I not I would have come under that time. However; the bigger picture was more important. I want a spring & summer running season.
As much as I love running the HRSR - in support of Prostate Cancer Research - being a cancer survivor myself, I feel a great pull to run both the Run for the Cure and the HRSR to show support and raise money and awareness. However; my finishing in a better time doesn't impact any R&D it only impacts my health and wellness. The ache in my calf was telling me that 90 seconds in the grand scheme of things - wasn't a big deal. Running the rest of the season is.

So happily I "sprinted" over the finish line and met up with Ricky MacLean - and waited for Dawn and Tracy.
The Canada Run Series have brought back medals for the HRSR ( other than commemorative medals like the one for th 30th anniversary) with on site engraving by Nothers. That was awesome. I didn't take advantage of this service but I think it's a great idea. For only $5.00 you could get your time engraved either paying on line ahead of time or day of on sight.
I'd love to see this at all the CRS races. Maybe a couple of booths happening - line ups after a race really don't flip my switch. I need food & energy drinks #1 - stretching #2 & the potty #3 . All in that order.
The pancake breakfast was a little less than awesome. In fact according to the MacLean's, last years was far better. There were sausages as well. The pancakes themselves were flatter than I am. Rather underwhelming if you ask me. A nice way to get donations - but come on. You've set the bar - you can't fall under it yourselves.

Canada Run Series puts on a good well organized race. I love running the Acura 10 Miler in the summer as well as the Scotiabank half and full marathon. The Scotiabank is usually run in and around my birthday so I've run it the last 3 years (two halfs and a full). Maybe my lack luster desire to run it again will be transformed into gushing enthusiasm later in the summer. But for now I'm not sure ... perhaps I'll run in Montreal or Vancouver with the CRS.

I always enjoy the HRSR - it's my benchmark for the year. 2008 I ran it 10 weeks after surgery. 2009 I ran it 7 weeks after radiation treatment & this year with a bum leg. LOL. One day I'll run it when I'm at 100%. I better circle April 2nd on my race calendar for next year.

Until the next blog. Take care and happy, healthy and safe running.