Great Performances at Comox Valley Half Marathon!

David had a strong showing at the Comox Valley RV Half Marathon.

A warm sunny day and a snow-capped Mount Washington greeted STARRs who ventured up island to Courtenay for the Comox Valley RV Half marathon last Sunday.

Andy placed third in his age group.

It was the 25th anniversary of the event and the host Comox Valley Running Club celebrated in style with a well-run race (pun intended) and a fun award ceremony complete with awesome buffet lunch.  Five STARRs made the trip and several enjoyed an overnight stay to indulge in the local hospitality.

The race itself is a rolling out and back course climbing methodically to the 10K turnaround then descending back to Courtenay for the finish at the local community center. Several racers commented the “long sneaky” climb from 6K to 10K sapped your energy and got heart rates into the red zone. David repeated to himself “what goes up, must come down!”. All of us were thinking the same the same thing!

Andy started the race quickly to keep Jonathan in sight. Approaching the 10K turnaround, in his bright yellow club T-shirt, two competitors from his age group were discussing “following the guiding STARR”. They turned down the offer of a gel then passed him at the turnaround. I guess they didn’t need the gel! The second half of the race rolls down the same hills just climbed with a great view of Mount Washington in the background to keep your head up! Many negative splits were set on the return home and there were some great finish line photos of runners smiling in the sunny weather.

The men’s race was won by 2019 series regular Matt Noseworthy (m20-24) completing only his second ½ marathon in a speedy 1:09:28. Even more impressive was Marilyn Arsenault’s performance to win the women’s race in 1:21:18. Marilyn is in the f50-54 age group and her impressive time certainly gave the younger women hope for their future! Two age group records were set; both by women. Marilyn broke the f 50-54 record by an incredible 6 ½ minute and Roslyn (Roz) Smith broke the f 70-74 record by 5 ½ minutes. Very inspiring!

It was a successful day for STARR runner (pun intended) Jonathan Dvorak continuing his recent string of super performances with a second place in the m40-44 category in a time of 1:28:06. Andy Smith just broke the 1 ½ hour mark to place 3rd in the m55-59 age group in 1:29:53. Pauline Nielsen took 6th in the f50-54 category (tough competition Pauline!) in a time of 1:44:45. David White overcame lack of training due to illness and holidays to take 10th place in the m50-54 category in 1:54:44. Bruce Hawkes had another great race to take 3rd in the m75-79 age group in 2:35:02. Honourable mention to Greg Balchin from Sooke, a potential new STARR member who finished 10th in the m55-59 category in 1:44:15. Well done Greg and welcome!

Six strong performances in Comox Valley! It was nice to see STARR logos represented on the podium. Congratulations to all and the family members who cheered us on! The next race is the Sooke 10K in two weeks. Hope to see you there!

Johnathan placed second in his age group.

Another Brick in Nepal Trail Race

Carol, right, highly recommends the Another Brick in Nepal Trail Race!

By Leslie Ann Bent

March 10, 2019, East Sooke - What do 150 Vancouver Island runners, silk scarves and 5,000 destroyed schools have in common?  If you were part of the Another Brick in Nepal Trail Race this weekend in East Sooke Park you would know! 

This weekend marked the second annual Another Brick in Nepal Trail Race (East Sooke), with the goal of helping to raise funds to rebuild schools in Nepal that were destroyed following the 2015 the severe  earthquake and its aftershocks.  This year’s goal is to raise $50,000 to rebuild a secondary school in the Sankhuwasava, an eastern district of Nepal.  The 7.8 magnitude earthquake destroyed a million homes and 5,000 schools, and killed approximately 9,000 people.  Rebuilding is a massive undertaking that will take years for recovery.  Another Brick in Nepal has already re-built one school and furnished a school in Kathmandu.

Another Brick in Nepal offered some great scenery.

The race offers 5k and 10k options and takes place at the Aylard Farm section of East Sooke Park.  The organizers wanted to make the race atmosphere more Nepali  themed this time so that the participants could at least have a sense of what they were running for (more on that below).  About 150 runners joined the cause this year, up from about 120 last year.  The event is not chip timed.

I caught up with our own club member, Carol  Spychka, to find out more about the race and to inspire more club members to take part in this local run next year.  I hope I’ve captured the spirit of our conversation.

Q: What inspired you to participate in this event?

A: We had friends killed in the earthquake and so this event really hits home with us – a cause close to our hearts.  The race is a way to gave back and be at a local event that supports a tremendous cause.

Q:  Tell us about the race course.

A: First of all it is rugged trail. The scenery is breathtaking, passing two ocean views along the way.  The trail is mostly single track and difficult to pass people once you get into your position. You really had to watch your footing and be aware of the trail. Don’t do this race if you want a PB!  If you know East Sooke Park and the area around Aylard Farm, you might be familiar with the trail that took us to “the old cabin.”  This is a challenging course and I’d say we did more climbing than running. A few people did get lost but it was mostly well marked and well supported.  I personally loved the course. It was awesome.

Q: What were the best parts of the race?

A: Besides the scenic trail route, the great part of the race was the run for connection.  We were all running for the same cause and doing it on rough terrain.  For example, I was about the same pace with another woman and we got chatting. She was from Duncan and we had a lot in common besides our well-matched paces and mid-pack comfort. I really met a new friend on the course.  We even exchanged email addresses.  My STARR jacket also inspired discussion after the race including talk about local trails.

Second, the food was “to die for.”  The Mint Restaurant in Victoria provided the food and it was just “crazy delicious.”  Most races have food but not a full meal. The Nepali main dishes were great – rice, chicken, curry, and chickpeas if I remember correctly. The Level Ground coffee was also excellent.  There were lots of additional choices including fruit, cookies, and jujubes.

Q: How was the organization of the race and on course support?

A: A father and daughter team ran the event.  Their hearts were completely into the cause and it showed. The communication was excellent and so right up until race day the participants knew what was happening.  There were volunteers in key critical points of the race. There was also an aid station on the route. Although no spectators were out on the course, one family spontaneously came back out onto the path near the end to high 5 and cheer on runners as they reached the “2k to go” marker.  This was encouraging and an unexpected surprise.  The little things also made the race memorable - the Nepali food, and instead of finishers medals, every participant received a Nepali made silk scarf. Each scarf was unique and it was a great way to walk away from the race and reflect on why we were there.

Q: Would you recommend this event for others in the club and if so why?

A: There are a number of reasons I’d recommend it:

1.       It is a local race and really a gift to have such a great event so close to home

2.       The course is fabulous

3.       Proceeds are for a great cause and 100% are used for the school building project

4.       Great time of the year, although had the weather been wet, the already challenging course would have been harder

5.       As far as I know, it is the only CRD-approved race to start in East Sooke Park.  Take advantage!

6.       Value – It costs only $35 plus all of the perks (food, scarf, supporting a great cause, trail experience, meeting new people)

Anyone interested in running or participating in some way should check out these websites.

http://www.anotherbrickinnepal.com/ 

https://raceroster.com/events/2019/19766/second-annual-another-brick-in-nepal-trail-race

STARR racers take age group medals at Port Alberni Paper Chase 15K

Pauline won her age group at the Port Alberni Paper Chase 15K.

By Andy Smith

Stephanie earned second place in her age group.

The drive to Port Alberni was worth an early morning wakeup call for STARR racers Jonathan Dvorak (m 40-44), Andy Smith (m55-59), Pauline Nielsen (F50-54), Stephanie Croft (F45-49) and Bruce Hawkes (m75-79). Despite losing one hour’s sleep to Daylight Savings Time, STARR’s fearless fivesome made the trip to Port Alberni taking three age group wins and two second places at the Port Alberni Paper Chase 15k; the longest race in the Vancouver island Race Series so far this year.

225 racers were greeted by cool sunny conditions and light winds. Gloves or no gloves? It was five degrees at the start line but scheduled to warm up to eight degrees. The course was slightly modified this year due to snow on a trail section. The race director diverted the course using quiet local roads. The scenic loop had many elevation changes and a net climb over the first 10k followed by a rolling downhill to the finish 5k later. The uphill section spaced out the competitors as everyone adapted to their own 15k pace. Snow-capped mountains and giant trees (Cathedral Grove is nearby) provided a fitting backdrop for a Sunday run in the countryside. The course was well marshaled and oncoming traffic on the first Sunday of Pacific Daylight Savings Time was light. It’s a challenging but rewarding course with just enough difficulty to spread out the field. The downhill finish was much appreciated!

Jonathan Dvorak repeated last weeks’ success from the Cedar 12K, once again winning the M40-44 age group in 1:02:01, good for 11th overall. Nice job Jonathan! Not too far behind Andy Smith placed 1st in the M50-59 age group in a time of 1:04:34. Pauline Nielsen won the F50-54 category in 1:14:07 followed closely by Stephanie Croft ; 2nd in the F45-49 age group in a time of 1:14:24. Bruce Hawkes continues to inspire, placing 2nd in the M75-79 age group in a time of 1:40:35. Three age group wins for STARR and two second places! We continue to hold down 9th place in the series standings. A quick reminder to record your team affiliation when you register for your next race so team points are awarded!

The overall men’s winner at Port Alberni was Jackson Isnor from Nanaimo in a time of 55.05 and the women’s champ was Jessica McKierahan, also from Nanaimo in a time of 1:04:37. Both winners represented the Bastion Run Club. Awards were presented at the local community hall with some tasty food including an award-winning candied salmon chowder supplied by a local Port Alberni restaurant. All the STARRS looked great accepting age group medals on stage while the audience tucked into chowder and chili!

It’s a beautiful drive to Port Alberni and STARR’s runners are pleased to be returning home to Sooke with some hardware! Congratulations to all our competitors. The next race in the Vancouver Island Race Series is the Comox Valley RV ½ Marathon March 24th in Courtney, followed by the TriStar Sooke 10K on April 7th. Hope to see you there!

Frank, friend of STARR, and Bruce shake hands after being rewarded for finishing first and second.

Strong Performance by STARRs at Cedar 12K!

Running for STARR, Jonathan Dvorak won his age group at the Cedar 12K. Photo courtesy of Neil Gaudet

By Andy Smith

Runners representing STARR turned in a great result at the Cedar 12K road race on Sunday, March 3.

Jonathan Dvorak, Andy Smith, Pauline Nielsen, Stephanie Croft and Bruce Hawkes represented STARR at the Cedar 12K; race number 4 of the 2019 Vancouver Island Race Series. The new rolling out-and-back course just south of Nanaimo received positive feedback from the 308 racers participating in Sunday’s event. Sunny skies and 5 degree temperatures greeted racers; making for nearly perfect race conditions despite a cool breeze. All age groups were well represented. Participation increased from prior years despite rescheduling the race from February to March due to last month’s snowstorm. The host Bastion Run Club did a great job hosting the event supplying enthusiastic volunteers and a post-race “sweets” table (including, of course, Nanaimo bars) that was truly impressive!

If you look closely, you can see a Hawkes - Bruce Hawkes had a top 3 finish in his age group. Photo courtesy of Neil Gaudet

There were some excellent performances turned in by STARR racers. Jonathan Dvorak won the 40-44 age group in a time of 48:51; a tremendous effort and his first age group win. Andy Smith finished 3rd in the 55-59 age group in a time of 50:15. New club member Pauline Nielsen placed 2nd in the women’s 50-54 age group in a time of 59:37. Welcome Pauline, and congratulations! Stephanie Croft finished 5th in the women’s 45-49 category in a time of 1:00:03 and Bruce Hawkes turned in yet another impressive result in the men’s 75-79 category, to place 3rd in a time of 1:16:50.

This year’s women’s race was won by Catrin Jones of the Prairie Inn Harriers team in a speedy 45:20. The men’s race was won in a blistering time of 38:56 by Andrew Russell, also of the Harriers team, at an average pace of 3:14 per km! The open rolling terrain seemed to please the faster runners.

Andy Smith had a strong run in the Cedar 12K. Photo courtesy of Neil Gaudet

The Harriers team dominates the team standings, but good news; STARR has improved from 10th to 9th in the series standings 1 point ahead of the LifeSport team.

Congratulations to the 5 racers who represented STARR at the race, each of whom placed in the top ten of their respective age groups winning medals or ribbons and some also earning points for the club!

If club members are considering participating in The Cedar 12K next year the new course has great scenery and quiet roads plus the excitement of cheering on race leaders and teammates once they pass the turnaround on this rural out and back course. Great hospitality from the Bastion running club and a warm school gymnasium for pre and post-race activities. Hope to see you next year!

2019 Hatley Castle 8km Race Report

Andy competed at the Hatley Castle race. Photo courtesy of Ken DeEll

By Leslie Ann Bent

The Hatley Castle 8km race was the third in the Vancouver Island Race Series that was held on February 24, 2019 at the national historic site.  Below is this year’s race report. 

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Jonathan finished second in his age group.

Mother Nature has a way of reminding us who is in charge.  En route to the race, we encountered some rain and snow.  It is after all, winter in Canada despite being on the southern tip of Vancouver Island.  The day was actually a good one for a race – not much wind and perhaps 3 or 4C at the start line. The snow had stopped by then too.  It is a fairly hilly and challenging course (don’t let the course profile fool you), counter balanced by a beautiful scenic course with a mix of views of the strait, paved paths, a castle and groomed trail.  The first hill is just under a km into the race and although it doesn’t look too daunting as the climb starts, it is a little over a km before the course reverses into a descent.  The next hill is the steep one that passes the castle. Huffing and puffing and feeling more than challenged, I remembered Vince’s words, “I’ve never met a hill I couldn’t walk” so up I marched unceremoniously  to the top and to the water station.  Not long after this time, the front runners would be crossing the finish line and Andy would be duking it out with 3 other runners in his age group for placements. (Unbeknownst to Andy at the time, there would be 4 seconds between the 3rd and 6th age group placement). The last km or two of the race is in a lovely wooded trail and mostly a nice downhill to the finish line. If you haven’t raced this one, it is a definite one for testing your hill running skills while its location not being too far from Sooke.  

Before the awards ceremony, a wonderful tribute to Vince was made in honour of all the racing and support Vince had done for the running community over the years.  It was an impressive list of accomplishments and it seemed that everyone in the gym was nodding in acknowledgement of his contributions to the sport, and reflecting on a man we will truly miss.  A moment’s silence to remember our dear and beloved friend opened the awards ceremony. 

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Andy took sixth in his age group.

No course records were broken this year. Matt Noseworthy (M20-24) placed first overall in the men’s division with a time of 26:53.  For the ladies, Julia Tschanz (F30-34) placed first with a time of 30:21. The first STARR shirt across the finish line was Vince’s own jersey worn by Jonathan Dvorak with a time of 33:17. What a wonderful tribute to Vince and a great performance from Jonathan. Vince would have been so pleased to see one of his shirts cross the finish line so fast. Overall attendance was good with 365 runners completing the race this year compared to 321 in 2018. Officially, STARR had 5 members registered of which 4 respectably placed in the top 10 of their age groups.  The results for STARR are as follows (gun time):

Jonathan Dvorak (M40-44) 33:17, 2nd place

Andy Smith (M-55-59) 34:58 6th place

Stephanie Croft (F45-49) 40:54 9th place

Bruce Hawkes (M75-79) 52:32 2nd place

Leslie Ann Bent (F50-54) 1:12:20

There were 9 other Sooke runners.  Of interest might be the first place finisher in the over 80 category, Robert Butterworth with a time of 53:37.  Angela Puszka who runs with our group from time to time, ran the course in 40:55. STARR is now in 10th place in the series with a score of 185. If you are running in the series, don’t forget to select STARR as your team when you register.

Upcoming races in March on Vancouver Island:

Vancouver Island Race Series – March 3 Cedar 12k, March 10 Port Alberni 15k , March 24 Comox Valley half marathon       http://www.islandseries.org/

Other races –  March 10 Another Brick in Nepal  5k & 10k trail,  March 16 Keg Leg 7k, March 24 Keep the Hope Alive 5k, March 30 Run Crew Relay 10k, March 31 MEC series race one  5k, 10k, 18k options.

40th Annual Harriers Pioneer 8K

The 1st race of the 2019 Island Race Series, the 40th Annual Pioneer 8K, was held on 13 January. The weather was absolutely perfect, approx. 10 deg, sunny and calm. Compared to last year's wind and rain, this was a breeze. There were 547 runners/walkers (2018 481) covering the out and back course and finishing at the Pat Bay info centre. The nice weather did bring out the fair weather participants. The start was delayed 1/2hr to 11:30am  due to the large attendance.

The overall (OA) winner was Anthony Tomsich (35-39) in a time of 24:44. The top Female was Natasha Wodak (35-39) with a time of 26:04 and 5th OA. Wodak also holds the Pioneer 8K record with a time of 25:28 set in 2013.The top Male Master was James Richardson (40-44) from the Ceevacs crossing the line with a 26:18 and 8th OA. The top Female Master was Catrin Jones (40-44) in a 29:09 and 36th OA.

STARR had 7 runners/walkers scattered throughout the course in various age groups. Our 1st runner in was Jonathan Dvorak (40-44) with a time of 32:35. He had a 5th in a field of 18 and was 83rd OA. Our next runner and newest STARR was Andy Smith (55-59) in his 1st Pioneer. He hit the mat with a 33:53 and was 7th in a field 28 and 114th OA. Good job Andy. Also in his 1st Pioneer, David White (50-54) was next in with a 38:14 and was 13th in a field 23 and 212th OA. Next in was our long time STARR Stephanie Croft (45-49) with a time of 39:35 and 11th in a field 30 and 245th OA.

In a time of 52:16, Jenny Adams (F60-64) was 21st in a field of 35 and 465th OA. Our next runner in was veteran runner Bruce Hawkes (75-79). Hawkes was in with a 54:08 and was 8th in a field of 10 and 488th OA. Closing our STARR field and also new to the STARR’s and the Pioneer, walker Leslie-Ann Bent (50-54) was in with a 1:08:11. She was 20th in a field of 20 and 535th OA. Well done Leslie Ann.

Congratulations to all the STARRs for the excellent performance on the course. Let's give them a high 5 in the results since they deserve it. I would be reticent if I did not mention our STARR cheering squad…Megen and her two girls, Adriana and Vince throughout the course. All our STARRs were gathered at the finishing line to bring our last runner in.

We are presently in 16th position with 47 pts. This was another Pioneer 8k in the books. Hope to see everyone next year. The next race is the Cobble Hill 10K on 27 Jan …another series favourite known for the race food at the finish line. A Bravo Zulu to all.

Report by Vince. Photos by Megen

Big Sunday Hike

By Jackie Eddy

The day started ominously after a night of steady rain.  I figured maybe 6 would show for what looked like a possible very wet day and was astounded to end up with 50 legs!! 17 humans and 4 dogs!!  

And after a group picture we set off up the Charters Trail.  As there were several who had never been up this way before, we had a quick look at the Charters reservoir and the newish gate…then continued onward and upward.  One of the reasons for this particular route was to start the endurance training for those who are signed up for the famous Kusam Klimb in June.  Looking for as much steep uphill as possible for a taste, the route I selected turned out to be a little too ambitious on this day. Nonetheless we plodded our way up to the turn to Long Mt. called this by Danny and other old guys but I think on a map it says Monument.  Long is a good description though.  Several grand look out spots and finally at the top is a memorial plaque to a young guy who loved hiking this area during his short life.  

Elevation gain was apparent as it started snowing, hailing and sleeting!! The ground had white stuff!! After a bit of making sure we were on the right trail (you do this by going one way, reversing, then go a different way, decide the other way was correct, reverse again, discuss east/west/north/south without the benefit a bright sun…but get it right in the end!)  Left that trail and onto the Grasse Lake trail as planned.  Side trip to the lake, so glad we did - sun shine sun shine, almost felt like going for a swim!  

Back on the trail now heading towards the ‘connector’ to Highways Trail and the plan to view the sights from the top of Empress.  This connector trail is always fun--a couple of small lakes to navigate and finally give up trying to keep dry feet heading along a trail that doubles as a creek. The downed log pile doubles as a bridge across a creek once again.  Each winter the storms add logs and take logs away but pretty easy crossing as it turned out.  No one fell in or got stuck on a log!! By the time we got to Highways Trail decided to cancel Empress for this day and just carry on to Peden Lake and have our lunch there. It was about 12:30 by this time and one does not want to be caught in the woods in the dark and it was getting very dark.  The heavens opened up and gave the liquid blessing. Peden Lake was alive with rain dancing on the surface.  The two women hikers at the cabin when we arrived must have been pretty surprised to see our group slosh in!!

Lunch done and head homeward.  Another side trip to waterfalls  (not the lower Mary Vine falls, the upper!) More picture taking.  This was one of 2 surprises I had in store.  The other one was the ‘pipe’.  I love walking or running the pipe and the challenge of going across the trestles!  Not everyone shares this view…so we broke into 2 groups. Six went on the pipe and the rest plus the pooches continued on the trail to the Goose.  From there back to Charters about 2 k and a bit.  Via the pipe, about 4k so group 1 arrived back to the cars a tad sooner than group 2!!  

No one got lost or left behind and no one reported hypothermia that I heard about so I think considering the size of the group we did very well.  Saving Empress and a different route for another day.  The Klimbers will be ready for their big day in June, if not by physical conditioning, the mental pictures painted by the 2 KK vets should have every nuance covered!  

Photos courtesy of Jackie, Megen. and Andrea

34th Annual Gunnar Shaw X-Country Classic

The 3rd race of the Thetis Lake Fall Series, the 34th Annual Gunnar Shaw X-Country Classic, was held at Thetis Lake 24 Nov. The weather was favourable…cool and cloudy conditions. The runners would face 6 significant hills and 3 major puddles. Covering approx. 10k, 177 runners would hit the cold puddle #3 (the shoe wash) to cross the line.

The Overall Winner (OA) was PIH’s Andre Russell (30-39) in a time of 34:59. The OA Female was Melissa Ross (30-39) with a 40:12 and 12 OA. The top Male Master was former Olympian Jon Brown (40-49) with a 36:06 and 5th OA. The top Female Master was Elizabeth Swiggum (40-49) with a 45:13 and 31st OA.

STARR had 2 runners on the course. In his 1st Gunnar, David White (40-49) hit the beach at 53:09 and 62nd OA. Congratulations…good Kusam training. Acting as the customary course sweeper, our ironman Bruce Hawkes (60 till death), was the last one in with a 1:30:10 and 18th OA. Well done to all. You all deserve a pat on the back. Till next year…HAPPY TRAILS.

Sicilian Race Report 2018

Hello all, Seeing I can't have Vince come over to do a Sicilian race report, I'll have to do it myself.

I've had quite a few races so far including my first 1/2 marathon in about 2 years because of the miniscus injury in my knee, up until then I have limited myself to 10km races or under. I've had

1 first, 3 seconds, 1 third, & fourth, twice. And by the way my Dad use to say it's rude to ask how many people were in your age group. I'm working on doing my second 1/2 on the 27th of January, in a city called Ragusa, which will be about 2 weeks before I return to Canada.

Another first in my life will be included in the pictures I'll send along. My running club here had year end photos taken & the executive decided to have it put on a billboard to show our sponsors & also to wish everyone a Merry Christmas & Happy New Year.

As I have said before the running when I arrive here in Aug. is a little tough due to the temperatures which go from the mid 30's to mid 40's so I don't run many competitive races, just training runs that I start around 5.30 in the morning before the sun gets too hot.

My second life here is wonderful with so much history to discover, but I also enjoy my other life on the West Coast. I tell people here that it's the last frontier & there is nothing in the world left like it.

Will close until we meet again, Stay hungry, Stay foolish, Ciao, Ciao, Ken

P.S. The other photo is two close friends from Palermo who run in the 85 to 89 age group. We just finished a race in a place called San Cataldo.

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2018 Thetis Lake Relay

The Sooke Trail and Road Runners had a fun and successful day at the 2018 Thetis Lake Relay. The club had four teams in this year's event with 16 runners making the 5K loop around Thetis Lake. 

The STARR super veterans men's squad, The Running Dead, finished third. The senior mixed team got a dishonorable mention  for worst name for its placeholder “We need a team name.”

Leslie Ann’s Diabetes Update

Although things didn’t materialize as planned due to my arm injury and half marathon nixed by my orthopedic surgeon, I managed to complete the 8km event in Victoria for Diabetes Canada earlier today. I am equally pleased that I was able to raise $725 for research and programs for the Diabetes Canada. I was diagnosed nearly 43 years ago and am living proof that the research dollars invested over the past 40 years have made a huge difference to those living with diabetes. So, I thank you for all of your generous support this past year. I thought that you might also enjoy a recap of the experience.

I started raising funds about a year ago, with a goal of running the Victoria half marathon today.  But in May, a significant fall causing a serious humerus bone break (arm), followed by surgery, a plate and 10 pins, side-lined my ability to run and train for the race.  One of the first questions I asked my surgeon post-surgery was whether or not I’d be able to run a half marathon in October, as running and cycling were off the table for “a while.”  His response was a direct and clear “no’” followed by a comment, “I hope you can get your money back.” He did say I could walk with no issues so I started building a backup plan which turned out to be the 8k event today during the Victoria Marathon weekend of events. My goal was to walk 75% and run 25%.

The day started out quite drizzly and as I lined up with the other runners at the start line in front of the famous Empress Hotel, I felt very lucky to be able to run. I checked my blood sugar and scaled back my insulin for the duration of the run. I was ready.  The course is a bit more hilly than I expected but it is a lovely course starting on Victoria’s Harbour front and winding through the downtown core of the city. It then climbs away from the inner harbor through residential neighbourhoods.  While I hustled along the course, I was able to take in the sites and the runners of all ages and abilities in all sorts of clothing from singlets to a winter coat.  I saw some inspiring participants with clear physical disabilities each one out there focused on a personal goal, I am sure. By the time I hit the half way mark, the full marathon, half marathon and 8km course converge at Beacon Hill Park and a scenic view of Victoria’s larger harbour.  The word “hill” was not lost on me, that’s for sure.  My slowest km of the course was from 4-5km which proves the need for more uphill training.  The fog and rain distracted from the view that could have been, but boats and the shoreline were still quite visible and was a lovely part of the course. By km 6 was arm was protesting  but my blood sugar level was staying quite normal so continued with my walk-run schedule.  By the time I could see the finish line the rain was coming down harder but I was happy.  It can be emotional to finish a race but doing it for such a worthy cause in a year of challenges made that finish line all of the more rewarding this time. It was my longest run since May and that too felt equally rewarding to hit another milestone.

Thanks for all of your support be it through my various book sales, encouragement and general donations. 

Thanks, Leslie Ann

Post race, wet but smiling after the finish line, wearing her medal

GoodLife Fitness Victoria Marathon 2018

Congratulations to our three STARR’s who braved the cold and rain on Sun 7 Oct.

In the 8K, Megen Seysener clocked in at 54:37. In the F40-44 division, she was 88th in a field of 174 and 1,232 OA. Well done. There were 2,160 8K runners/walkers finishers.

In the Marathon, Andrew (Andy) Smith crossed the line in 3:16:52 in the M55-59. He finished 5th in a field 45 and 103rd OA. There were 1,047 marathoners covering the course. Go to the results at racedaytiming.ca and give them both a high five. It is well deserved.

Congratulations also to Leslie Ann Bent who was also in the 8K. She finished with a 1:10:13 in the F-50-54 grouping. She was 80th in a field 103 and 1,1818 OA. Well done under the circumstances. She also deserves a high 5 for sure. Read more about her day here.