Monday, May 26, 2008

Just returned from the big Marathon weekend in Ottawa.


















We had a lot of skirts out on the course for the 5k, 10k, half marathon and marathon events. Photos & video footage:



After working the expo and being on my feet 3 days in a row, I wasn't sure what to expect on Sunday for running the half marathon. The half marathon started at 9:00 a.m. - 2 hours after the marathon start. It was a warm sunny day already at 9:00 a.m. I did take my ritual night-before ice bath to help flush the legs, but at the 3k mark on the course, they were still feeling pretty heavy. I plodded along noticing that my first 2 mile splits were a bit aggressive as the course led us into the Quebec portion of the course. I tried to rein myself in a bit and hoped to run the 2nd half a little more agressive. Here are the splits: 6:47, 6:57, 7:17, 6:58, 7:15, 7:10, 7:06, 7:13, 7:24, 7:20, 6:53, 7:09, 6:52 - you can see where I hit the hillier portions of the course. I finished the half in 1:34:04 (garmin said 1:32:50 - wierd!) I've come to the conclusion that my garmin just doesn't work right on raceday - maybe it's the proximity to hundreds of other garmins in the pack. Anyone else experience this with their Garmin 305?

The marathon course had a few good climbs but for the most part was rolling hills into Hull, Quebec and along the Rideau canal in Ottawa. All in all it was a pretty pleasant race, a little warmer than I'd prefer, but manageable. It was really green and pretty (I missed the famous tulips - sorry, Carlene!) Where are those tulips anyway? I'm convinced they must just be on the full marathon course only. There were lots of water & gaterade stops, one sprinkler and even a sponge stop to help combat the heat. I arrived at the finish line one soaking wet drowned rat...but a cool soaking wet drowned rat in a cute new camo/aqua running skirt.

Oh yeah - I could have done without the obnoxious "space invader" dude in the red skull cap and white jersey with ipod on (you know who you are!). Apparently my new camouflage/aqua running skirt rendered me invisible because he just kept cutting me off. I understand this happens in crowded courses & that's perfectly understandable, but it was pretty thin where we were in the pack - probably only 4 of us stretched out along an entire street at that point. For some reason, this guy would keep running up next to me and than would step right in front of me as if we were going into single lane course....not once, or twice, but 3 times. I had to keep darting out from behind him and moving aside to get back in stride. He was wearing an ipod, so perhaps he didn't hear me either...or maybe he was just bitter he was getting outran by a skirt! Now I sort of understand why race directors are starting to forbid the headphones though, it can be a hazard for runners that are oblivious and discourteous to other runners around them.

Monday, May 12, 2008


















Our RunningSkirts.com Olympic hopeful won the Mississauga Marathon 10k event this last weekend. Josiane ran the 10k as a training run in 35:11. She is hoping to run an Olympic Qualifier at the Ottawa marathon in a few weeks! Congrats Josiane! Please join us in supporting a fellow woman to accomplish her Olympic Dreams. Even a dollor or the cost of your daily starbucks can make a difference for Josiane!

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Sunday, May 11, 2008

Happy Mothers Day!
















Today was my first Mothers Day, I still look at our little guy with awe and thank
God to be blessed with a wonderful healthy & happy child! I was also lucky enough to start my day out with a great half marathon in Mississauga. My angel neighbor came through again and watched baby bear while we made the early morning journey to Toronto for this morning's race. I made it just in time for a quick visit to the portapotty and meet up with my sister-in-law Val at the start line. Val just ran a PR Boston 2 weeks ago and was hoping to run a NYC marathon qualifying time for the half marathon (1:37 or better) crazy but true! We were lucky to get great weather - cool & sunny. Spits: 7:01, 7:03, 6:48, 7:03, 7:03, 6:44, 7:28, 7:06, 7:00, 6:59, 7:00, 8:06, 6:15.

Here's a shot of us almost halfway into the race!
















I'm happy to report that we beat the 1:37 goal by almost 5 minutes, finishing in 1:32:20. This is one of my favorite 1/2 marathons - a beautiful and very fast course! The three days of rest were perfect for the hamstring, it didn't bother me at all today.
And the finish:















Here's Arma who ran an awesome first post-baby race in Mississauga also!



















Check back for more photos & details about Josiane's 10k win Saturday night!

Thursday, May 08, 2008







This weekend was a family race weekend with Union Tribune Kids Magic Mile Race for Literacy on Saturday and the 8k race on Sunday. The race was a lot of fun and Ronald McDonald, Rolly the Newspaper and our favorite race announcer Rudy were there cheering on all the kids. Sadly, or maybe its a good thing, our kids had absolutely no idea who the orange haired guy was. They did run their little







hearts out though...Hudson cruised in the stroller until the last 20 meters then he sprinted in and stopped right in front of the finish line like a deer in headlights. The race announcer was calling out his name and Ronald McDonald was there and it was all too much. He stopped a foot short of the finish line and just started crying. Avalon ran the entire mile...there were a few tears along the way but "She Did It!!!". They got awesome medals and books at the finish and ate their weight in Tiger Milk Bars.
Christy

Monday, May 05, 2008

Sunday, May 04, 2008

May 4-11 Weekly mileage:
5/4 Sun- 10 miles
5/5 Mon -rest day
5/6 Tue -6 miles
5/7 Wed - 4. 5 miles (mile repeats & 800s)
5/8 Thur - recovery day (sore hamstring)
5/9 Fri - Mississauga Marathon Expo
5/10 Sat - Mississauga Marathon Expo
5/11 Sun - 1/2 Marathon 1:32:20
Video of my niece (Christy's Avi) running the Keebler Kids Mile at Legoland in Carlsbad a few months ago. I've been meaning to share it - it is adorable! Watch closely where she makes a pit stop for "free legos" who could resist!?