Virtual Tour of Sicily: Day 1 – Palmero to the outskirts of Trapani (134.5km!)

Alcamo Marina Sicily

We had a fantastic start to the challenge, clocking 134.5km on Day 1, completing 12% of the challenge.

It was a gorgeous day in Palermo (+17C) as 11 STARR members took to the streets for their challenge to virtually run the circumference of Sicily. Our quest started at Giardino Garibaldi the down town core of the city, with a great view of the Tyrrhenian Sea. The location is a small19th-century park with huge fig trees, ornamental fountains and busts of historical figures. The park is known for its famous ficus tree, the oldest tree in Palermo. Ken and Chloe were there to send us off and cheer us on.

Starting us out were Vanessa (6.7k), Jackie (9.1k), Jenny (10k) and Greg (10k) who meandered us through the town centre and out along the coast.  They passed Isola de Femmine where Ken tells us Joe DiMaggio’s parents are from, and then on past the Palermo airport.

Maggiarie Beach Sicily

We all expected Danny to kick us off to a good start and he didn’t disappoint.  Danny must have been thinking it’s the Sicilian beaches or bust as he clicked 20k and took us past our first official beach stop - Maggiarie Beach. While wading in the water and playing in the sand, Danny found the first prize (Italian treats) at our first of many mystery destinations.

Danny then handed the baton to Andy (10k), Leslie Ann (10.4k) and Kari (11.8k) to continue our route along the coast.  Kari, not to be outdone by Danny, lead us to another gorgeous beach, Alcamo Marina – the next mystery site on our tour.  She too earned some Italian treats. 

Danny must have been thinking he’d find more treats as he headed out on his second walk of the day (10km) but no more treats were to be had.  Robin (15k), Megen (6.54k) and Maggie (15k) finished off today’s leg.  Maggie could see the shining lights of Trapani as she put her head down for the night.

We’re looking forward to another great day tomorrow.  What mystery sites will be in store. What will we find? Stay tuned.

Ken and Chloe in front of a Giardino Garibaldi ficus tree

Hatley Castle 8K - February 13, 2022

Kari. Courtesy of Joe Crazy Legs

Vanessa. Courtesy of Joe Crazy Legs

Vanessa. Courtesy of Joe Crazy Legs

By Leslie Ann Bent

STARR was well represented at the VIRA Hatley Castle 8K race this Sunday. Set on the grounds of the national historic park, the race offers some challenging terrain – steep climbs on a mix of road and gravel terrain.  Twelve STARR members were up for the challenge. The race conditions couldn’t have been better – sun and single digit temperatures.  The racing field was deep with 412 runners tackling the course. To add to the excitement and novelty of a live race, someone lost the key to open a gate that blocked the course, delaying the start. There’s always some sort of excitement on every race.

First across the line for STARR was Marika Nagasaka with a time of 38:47.   Breathing down her neck was Steve Eriksen, speeding thought the finish at 38:58.  Bruce Hawkes took home a first-place finish in the M80-84 category.

There were no course records this year. First to cross the finish line was Andrew Russell (M40-44), no stranger to the VIRA series with a time of 26:46.  On the female side, Natasha Parsons of Nanaimo clocked in at 31:47. The top 12 runners all finished under 30 minutes.

Our runners had lots of great things to say about the race.

Marika - “I felt pretty good, my foot didn't give me any trouble so I was happy with that.  Eight km seems so short these days so it's hard to know how fast I should pace myself.  The race started a bit late as they didn't have a key for a gate that was locked that was on part of our route, but it was nice and sunny so not too bad to have to wait a little bit on the start line.  I didn't have a watch so I am not sure how long the delay was, maybe 10 min or less. The course was lovely and pretty much dry the whole way, maybe an old puddle or 2 on the course but small and easy to miss.  Everyone seemed cheerful with the lovely weather.  We got free Endur running hats so that was nice as I have been meaning to buy myself a hat.”

Claude -  “A beautiful day for the run. There was a lot of people just trilled to be doing an in-person race again, me included. I forgot how tough that course was though. LOL.  Funny though, a delayed start by 15 minutes because they didn't have a key to the gate.  All and all, it was good to be back into the Island Series.”

Maggie – “The race was amazing.  Beautiful sunny day and three good hills and a nice trail portion.  It was nice seeing STARRs out there.”

Kari – “It was such a fun event.”

STARR results (clock time)

Marika Nagasaka (F40-44)        38:47 (4th)

Steve Eriksen (M45-49)             38:58

Stephanie Croft (F45-49)           41:00 (4th)

Pauline Nielsen (F50-54)           41:34 (5th)

Claude Laforce (M60-64)           42:11 (9th)

Maggie Curtis (F50-54)              46:43 (7th)

Melanie Eskildsen (F40-44)        48:19

Crystal Heath (F40-44) 53:24

Kari Toovey (F45-49)                 55:43

Vanessa White (F45-49)            57:04

Teresa Walker (F50-54)             58:28

Bruce Hawkes (M80-84)            1:03:30 (1st)

A huge congratulations to all of our STARR runners.

Cobble Hill 10K 2022

Maggie, Pauline and Steve. Photo courtesy of Joe Crazy Legs

By Leslie Ann Bent

Despite the fog and significant highway delays for tree trimming along Route 14 on Sunday, six STARRs made their way to Cobble Hill for the first race of the VIRA series.  Yes, we had a live race! 

This race is hosted by the Ceevacs Roadrunners each year and is a popular one.  The website describes the race course as scenic and flat on country roads in the Comox Valley.  This year 414 runners took part in this annual race, along with more than 70 volunteers to make sure the event was well supported. They didn’t disappoint.

STARR’s Steve Eriksen had this to say about the race.

“We were unable to avoid the fog, as it lingered on the race course. It sure made the lovely farms and properties look great. What a scenic route and kudos to all of the volunteers. As for timing, I was able to pull out a 46:55. My PB for an In-Person race. Unfortunately, not quite fast enough to place in my division.  I didn't see Pauline until after the finish line. I think she was hot on my tail.

“Overall, it was nice to change up the scenery and get out of Sooke to run. Look out Hatley Castle, here come the STARRs!!”

Two STARR runners took home some hardware. Pauline placed 3rd in the F50-54 with a time of 50:27. Bruce snatched a win in the M80-84 with a time of 1:15:22. Maggie earned a top 10 finish in the F50-54 with a 9th place ribbon.

 

The field was hot with athletes itching to race. In case you are curious, first across the finish line was Logan Roots from Courtenay with an incredible time of 31:56 (M25-29).  Taking the lead on the women’s side was Meg Lewis-Schneider of Victoria with a time of 35:38. All top 10 runners ran under 35 minutes.

STARR results

Steve Eriksen                M45-49             46:55

Pauline Nielsen             F50-54              50:27 (3rd)

Maggie Curtis                F50-54              56:10 (9th)

Teresa Walker              F50-54              1:12:40

Bruce Hawkes               M80-84             1:15:22 (1st)

Honourable mention goes to one of STARR’s newest runners, Melanie Eskildsen. She was revved up for her first race ever, only be to delayed en route by the tree trimmers and fog, missing the race’s start. We’ll be watching for you, Melanie. There are more races to come!

Congratulations to all of our STARRs. It was a great way to ring in 2022 on the race circuit.

All photos in above gallery courtesy of Joe Crazy Legs

Sicilia Race Report 2022 Part 1

Podium at Piana D. Albanesi race

Oh yes, it's back - T shirts at races here in Sicily. After quite a few years of small towels and one strap bags (I guess to hold your computer) and it doesn't take many to have enough of those, we've gone full circle back to T shirts.

 I'll tell you how the races are done here at this time in space. Most runners register through the President of their running club. Races here cost between 8 to 12 Euro. At the race site you pickup your number by showing your Green Card (COVID vaccination proof ) and picture ID.  Mask worn (usually light blue ones) and stay on until about 150 metres into race. Some races also check your temperature when picking up number. Everybody gets a small goodie bag and maybe a T shirt or medallion at end of race. The first three in every five-year age category get either a larger goodie bag or a trophy of some kind.

Oh yea, did I mention about the accolades, that's really the good part. All the races I've done are in Sicily (Sicilia). My first race was in Valverde, (est. latter half of the 13th century) Sept. 5 and the race was hot, 1/3 up, 1/3 flat and 1/3 ----. I came 4th, got a T-shirt and small goodie bag.

At one event, every racer got a cannoli

 Next was Floridia on Sept. 19, which on Aug. 11th had the highest temp. in Europe at 48.8 C. This was a reasonably flat race - only 6.6 km. I came 4th again and when I got back to my car it registered 28C. I don't do well in the heat, it really sucks the energy from me.

Next was Oct. 3 in Trapani (est. 300 BC). I've done this race maybe five times, 10km race and came 6th and it was around 23C. it's a popular race and at the awards only the first three in each age category were allowed into a confined seating area. They are being very careful with COVID restrictions as we know how special it's to be back competitively running. Given a T-shirt at this race.

 The next, Oct. 17th was at Monterrosso, in the province of Ragusa, a hill town and was supposed to be 12km but was a 14km off road race. No no, I wasn't racing just trying to get to the finish alive. At the finish got to drink from a fountain that said, est. 1894. It's absolutely beautiful countryside with breath-taking views from the high spots in the run. Came first in my age group. Only one - the smart ones stayed away - but got a T-shirt and goodie bag.

View point from Piana D. Albanesi

 Next race Oct.31st in Piana D. Albanesi, which was est. in the late 1400s, another mountain town with a very interesting history. It was, what do we say in English "undulating," which is just a polite term for saying, you’re going to be sore after this one. Came third in my age group. I do better as it gets cooler. Got a huge goodie bag. But the great thing about this race was that before we started, we had the pleasure of watching about 100 girls and boys run, ages 5 to late teens, which was separated by sex and age, and different distances. It was so wonderful to see the racing club and community sponsor this. Plus the look of determination in their faces. They were well applauded and all received medallions. To see this goes deep to my heart.

I've done two races since writing this and hopefully a few more to come before I return to Canada near the end of Feb. 22. This is already becoming a epic novel so will save the rest for my next race report. It sure feels good for me to get back to competitive running and also the comradely.

I've got a T-shirt which I plan on passing to my son, which has printed on it " Virtual Race" from the Esquimalt Navy Run. I hope that many years from now he will put it on and say “remember when we went through that COVID thing.”

If you get a chance or time to look-up some of these cities and towns. They sure have some interesting history, but always use Sicily (Sicilia) after the name as there's many places with the same name throughout Italy. Also, some of the races are recorded by a group called DTS Sicilia and will have photos and times of the race. OK until the next report, Stay hungry, Stay foolish, Ken

Takin’ Home the Hardware - Stewart Mountain Race Report

Pauline on course. Photo courtesy of Joe Crazy Legs

By Leslie Ann Bent

This weekend the Prairie Inn Harriers hosted another great cross-country race – Harriers Stewart Mountain Challenge. Three STARR members were there to take on the challenge and our women brought back some well-deserved hardware.

Marika at the start. Photo courtesy of Joe Crazy Legs.

For those of you not familiar with the race, it takes place at Thetis Lake and offers two distances - 5 miles and 10 miles.  The website describes the race as a fall challenge on character building trails, often muddy, wet and slippery with puddles, a lake and a summit climb on the long course. Great views and single track are also part of the experience.

I caught up with Marika to hear about the race. “The Stewart Mtn 10 Mile was awesome!  The weather was perfect (a bit chilly at the start but nice once we got going).  There was a good turnout of about 117 in the 10 Mile race.   The course was in good shape, there was some new single track from 2019 so that was nice.  The climb was as rewarding and challenging as ever. It was pretty dry except for one creek crossing and having to go through the same stinky puddle as in the Gunner Shaw (the first puddle in that race).  The puddle was VERY cold this weekend (much colder than the previous week) and my ankles and feet were numb and stiff for a good while after going through it.  There was a by-pass made available but I think most people chose the puddle.  I was second guessing that decision immediately after getting through.  This was the toughest part of the course for me, it slowed me down and made it hard to pick it up for the last couple of kilometers of the race...  I surprised myself by a time of 1:35, 15 minutes faster than 2019.”

Jonathan. Photo courtesy of Jpe Crazy Legs.

We had some great results on this race.  Pauline took home first place in the F50-59 age group with an awesome run of 1:49:31, out pacing the second-place runner by 6 seconds!  Marika took home 2nd place in the F40-49 with an outstanding finish of 1:35:25. Jonathan was the first STARR to cross the finish line with a time of 1:26:57, earning him 5th place in the M40-49.

The race also had hot food - rice and choice of curried chickpeas or black lentils which was much appreciated by the runners after such a challenging run.

Congratulations to our runners.

Marika. Photo courtesy of Joe Crazy Legs.

Harriers’ Gunner Shaw Cross Country Classic Race – November 26, 2021

Marika! Photo courtesy of Joe Crazy Legs

By Leslie Ann Bent

It was a wild day of rain and wind on Vancouver Island. I was home enjoying the warmth of my home, happy to be experiencing the nasty atmospheric river from inside.  However, the elements did not deter four STARR runners as they tackled the 37th annual Gunner Shaw 10k cross country classic along with over 300 eager athletes. 

The website says that this race is a must-do autumn cross country classic! It’s a challenging 10K trail course with roots, rocks, stumps, puddles, branches, boulders and a lake - no whining! . It’s not your average race.  The finishing chute takes runners through the lake. If you were lucky enough not to get your shoes wet during the race, they sure weren’t dry when you finished! Our STARR runners did our club proud.

Pauline Photo courtesy of Joe Crazy Legs

Our first runner to finish was Jonathan Dvorak with a time of 42:44. I would have loved to have seen Pauline and Marika battling it out at the finish chute. Pauline crossed at 51:27. Four seconds later, Marika flew across the line with 51:31. Greg Carson was not far behind at 53:40. 

If you are curious about the level of competition, it was tough. First to finish was Lehm Maguire (M26) with a time of 34:35. For the women, Sarah Burger (F38) took it home with a time of 42:13. Lucy Smith edged in for a first-place finish in the F40+ category with a time of 43:19. Matt McCrank placed first in the M40+ with a time of 36:53.

I caught up with Marika to find out more about race day.

Johnathon Photo courtesy of Joe Crazy Legs

“It was a very soggy run but the temperature was mild so it didn't feel as cold as the day of the relay and maybe the rain even let up a bit for the race...  The two big puddles were as big as I have ever seen them (thigh high) and the first one was very swampy smelling with a strong odour of sulfur.  My ankles were not as achy and stiff as they usually are after the puddles again thanks to the somewhat mild temperature.”

I asked about the drama at the finish line for her and Pauline.

“Pauline always seems to be faster than me so I was happy to have her in my sights at the end (for about the last km or 2) but I just couldn't catch her.”

When asked if she’d recommend this race, Marika said she would. “This is one of my personal favourite runs and I'm already looking forward to 2022.”

Congratulations to our STARR runners.

Greg Photo courtesy of Joe Cazy Legs

Pauline's Gunner Shaw Reflection

Photo courtesy of Joe Crazy Legs

By Pauline Neilsen

Saturday November 27/2021.

The day was steeped in history.  The Gunner Shaw race honours Steven Bruce Shaw, a running legend and the founder of the Prairie Inn Harriers (PIH) in 1978. He initiated the first Harriers Pioneer 8K road race in 1980 and the Royal Victoria Marathon. Gunner’s best recorded marathon time was 2:19:01. He was an all-round athlete and earned the name “Gunner” while shooting hoops in basketball. He was tragically killed in a motor vehicle accident in 1984. He had fallen asleep at the wheel post nightshift working at the Times-Colonist, hitting a tree. The Thetis Lake run was a regular Saturday trail run and favourite of Gunner’s.

Race day was dark and drizzly. I checked the forecast and it called for 100% rain. Fitting as it is supposed to be a challenging cross-country race. I showed up early to obtain my race package and find parking. I lucked out and parked at the entrance by the crosswalk leading to the start line. I picked up my bib and returned to the car to tuck under a blanket and read a chapter from my book before the race. I had recently purchased Flourishing and Free More Stories of Trailblazing Woman of Vancouver Island written by Haley Healey.

I read of Minnie Patterson who left her husband and five children at the lighthouse where they lived to travel through a storm in the black of night. Armed with only her lantern and her dog at her side she set out to a telegraph cabin down the coast. Earlier she and her husband had spotted a ship in distress. Through their telescope they could see men clinging to the ships rigging . Her husband was unable to leave the lighthouse. So she set off to travel 10k from their lighthouse station at Cape Beale to Bamfield Creek at Carmanah Point - a part of the now famous West Coast Trail. The plan was to get word to the Quadra, a government steamer that carried mail and supplies.

In the darkness, Minnie lost and found the trail several times. Walking, running, climbing over fallen trees and sometimes gripping the telegraph line to find her way. Finally at the telegraph cabin, she dragged herself up the steps. Her friend Annie, wife of the linesman, answered the door. She reported her husband could not help as he was out fixing the telegraph line. It had been damaged in the storm. The two women got into a small skiff and rowed through the angry sea to the Quadra, taking turns bailing the boat. At the Quadra, they informed the captain of the shipwreck. He immediately set out in its direction while Minnie and Annie set to their task of rowing back to shore.

At the cabin, Annie fixed a bed and steeped a hot cup of tea for Minnie. Minnie refused the bed and took only the tea for she had a young baby back at home needing to be nursed. On her way home, her core temperature dropped. She shivered and her legs cramped. Exhausted, she continued forward and stumbled her way home. She fed her baby. A week later she received word: all 10 sailors on board the shipwreck had been saved.

Well, now it was time for my race. I opened the door and headed out toward the lake in the pouring rain. Three hundred entrants had turned out for the run. I saw lots of familiar and friendly faces. Some warming up,  some standing still, people doing their usual preface rituals. Bob Reid was on the microphone. He gave the story of Gunner and the race rules. The horn sounded and we were off.

As I ran through the puddles and sidestepped my way around obstacles I thought of Gunner and his zest for life. I thought of Minnie and her grit and determination. I drew inspiration from them pushing forward through fatigue. Heading up one of the hills I saw a rival competitor ahead and managed to pass her. A short while later I noticed my shoelace was untied. Reluctantly I stopped and tied it feeling anxious I was losing valuable time.  Oh well. What can you do?

The halfway point I came to the large “fuddle duddle puddle” as the PIH affectionately call it. Those puddles were extra stinky this year!! On the last third of the race I saw one of our own Sooke legends volunteering, directing racers: Bruce Hawkes. I managed a wave and a holler, “Hi Bruce!”

The last few hills at the end were a bit of work. My legs were tired and I could hear heavy breathing behind me. Knowing the end was near I tried to pick up the pace. The finish line required running through the water at the edge of the lake. Bob Reid was there greeting each runner saying, “Relax, you made it You are at the finish”. 

WEHW!!! Marika, one of our new STARR members and future legend, came up to me after the race and introduced herself. She reported she had been following right behind me. It was her heavy breathing I could hear.

Post ceremonies, a few of us headed to the Six Mile Pub where beers, hot steeped teas and warm meals were consumed. Steven Shaw AKA Gunner and Minnie Paterson would have approved!

As a last aside and keeping with my history theme, I walked through the Six Mile Pub searching the old photos on the walls. I heard there was an old photo of my Great Uncle Paul sitting with all his old cronies enjoying a pint. He was a regular there back in the day.

A quote from the PIH early day meeting minutes, “If you run in front of a car you will become tired. If you run behind a car you will become exhausted.”

Thetis Lake Relay 2021

By Andy Smith

It was a dark and stormy night”…..no, wait; …..that was a different story!…. 

West Coast Beaches celebrate their Masters Women’s win

It was a cold and rainy day when five valiant STARR teams (plus courageous volunteers and supporters Bruce, Lila and Georgia!) gathered at Thetis Lake on a day better suited to ducks. Ankle deep puddles and pouring rain, plus four laps of Thetis Lake’s hilly hiking trails awaited our teams! STARR was represented by our Women’s Masters team the West Coast Beaches comprised of Leslie Ann, Marika, Stephanie, and Pascale; our Men’s Masters 40-49 team of Steve E., Greg B., Steven, and Claude; (aka ”Blood Sweat and Beers”), our Super Veterans team Jackie, Steve K., Danny and Mark (The “Wheezing Geezers” LoL), and our Mixed team of Robin, Tory and David (“Pace of Mind”). Tory ran twice! Liz Stannard also represented STARR with a multi-generational family team called “3 Generations of Greatness”. Love that team name Liz!

Wheezing Geezers took second in Super Veterans

Relay events are great for morale, even when the weather isn’t. Despite soggy grey conditions our teams kept warm by cheering for each other and even engaging in friendly rivalry. Marika and Greg B. raced the steep hills and sprinted each other to the finish! In fact, all our teams showed good form and there were some impressive sprints across the finish line. (Danny, Robin, Jackie) and lots of smiles. We even brought home some hardware! West Coast Beaches (Marika, Leslie Ann, Stephanie, Pascale) won the Masters Women’s category. Our Wheezing Geezers (Danny, Jackie, Steve K. and Mark) took second place in the Super Veteran category. “Super” indeed…”wheezing” I think not!

Crossing the finish line with your friends and teammates cheering makes a cold wet day feel warmer and drier!

Check out our STARR finishing photos. Scroll down to see more pics from the event.

After a year off for Covid it also felt great to attend an organized outdoor running event and to see so many familiar, enthusiastic faces. Kudos to the Harriers for hosting a well-organized and fun event and to the volunteers (thanks Bruce!) who braved the weather to keep runners on course and through the start/finish. Everyone had a good time. I’m sure there were many wet STARR jerseys hanging on the line Thursday night, but it was so worth it! Congratulations to all our participants. Special thanks to Lila and Georgia for helping with the photos and time keeping!

 

Bruce volunteering, Photo courtesy of Joseph Camilleri, Prairie Inn Harriers

2021 Royal Victoria Half Marathon & 8K

On a beautiful fall morning, five Sooke Trail and Road Runners participated in the first large-scale road race on Vancouver Island in more than 18 months. While there was no marathon this fall, the Royal Victoria name was back and so were the runners.

“It was just fantastic to be out there pounding the pavement with fellow competitors,” STARR runner Steve Eriksen, who ran the half marathon said. “I think just being out there in the element with so many people with the thirst for competition, and being in the group environment after such a long dry spell of nothing other than virtual runs was a definite highlight.”

There were new out and back courses. They took runners through James Bay and Beacon Hill Park before going along scenic Dallas Road.

In the 8K event, STARR Karla Barylski finished in 46:08. She placed 31st out of 106 in the F30-34 division. Surrey’s Sarah Inglis, a native of Scotland who runs for Great Britain, won the women’s 8K crow. She crossed in 25:35 to break her own record of 25:43, which she set in 2019. In the men’s event, Langley’s Reid Muller finished first in a time of 24:01 to be the first male.

In the half marathon event, two Calgarians won the titles. On the men’s side, Matthew Travaglini won in 1:06:44. The top female was Leanne Klassen in 1:17:15.

The first STARR in was Steve E. He finished the course in 1:45:48. That placed him 36th out of 104 in the M45-49 category.

“I had a goal of 1:55 and managed to pull out a delightful 1:45:48,” Steve said. “Today I am thankful for my super supportive STARR community and all of the runners and friends that have got me this far. 47 years old and three years of running in, I am feeling pretty good.”

Stephanie Croft was the next STARR in. She crossed the line in 1:47:15. That placed her 20th out of 115 in the F45-49 age group.

Maggie Curtis finished in 2:01:43. That put her 41 out of 103 in F50-54.

“I did the half in 2011, just after I turned 40 and got just over 2:13 at that time, so beating myself by more than 10 minutes 10 years later felt pretty good,” Maggie said.

Pascale Knoglinger came in at 2:25:27. In the F40-44, she was 131 out of 166.

Of course, the in-person races were only part of the fun this year. STARR’s own Andrea White took on the Royal Flush Virtual Series - tackling five different distances varying from a mile to a full marathon.

Congrats to all STARRs who took on the Royal Victoria challenges - whether in person or virtually.

A Few Moments at 2,200 Metres – A Kananaskis Experience

Leslie Ann running leg 6

Leslie Ann running leg 6

I recall the afternoon sun shining and the chill of the wind nipping at me. I gazed around – nothing but mountain peaks and a nasty little incline awaiting me, luring me to test my fitness level.  My breathing seemed laboured for just standing still. There is something to be said about being 2,200 feet above sea level. I was calm but there was also a tingling, flutter inside me. I heard the announcement, “team 105 a mile out.”  That was my queue to get ready for my first live running race since November 2019.   Ten kilometers of down hill awaited – plus an up hill start and nasty up hill finish. 

2 Leslie Ann.PNG

“I’m hoping that gravity will be my friend,” I joked to a seasoned-looking runner standing beside me. He eyes met mine. His eye brows raised. His chin dipped. It was my younger sister’s “as if” look, if truth be told. A few moments later, I noticed the neon green shirt of my team mate pushing through the end of gruelling leg 5 of the famous Kananaksis 100-mile relay. We exchanged the timing chip quickly and I was off. That hill was not really a hill, but in the thin air of Highwood Pass, Canada’s highest paved pass, getting to the crest of the pass’s peak was monumental. I mostly walked up that hill, already short of breath. Before I knew it, I crested the peak and assumed it would be smooth sailing down hill. My teammates cheered me on throughout the stage. By kilometre 8 my quads were still working hard and surprisingly not minding the pounding of each step. The bottoms of my feet were tender though, noticing each landing as I decended. I could hear some old tunes blasting from Stephanie’s truck – songs with great beats we all selected to help us run fast, and perhaps to remind us of our younger speedier days.

3 Leslie Ann.PNG

The Kananaskis 100-mile relay had been on my bucket list of races to do due to its breath-taking beauty in Canada’s Rockies. In 2019 I started recruiting running friends to take up this 10-stage race with me. It is not for the faint at heart – 5 legs of climbing and 5 legs of decent into Kananakis/Nakiska’s stunning Rocky Mountains. The event is usually scheduled for the end of June to take advantage of the longest days of sunlight. No one needs reminding that 2020 wasn’t usual. COVID had other things in mind for our team. The June event turned to an August event and then postponed to 2021. Surely COVID would be “done” by then. Who knew? With multiple date and year changes, our team members dropped out and more were added but by July 2021, we were down to three members. I may be crazy, but there is no way we would split 160km between three people – more than 50km each, no way. After plans B, C and D didn’t pan out, Plan E did. Our team merged with a local team also lacking sufficient runners and voila, “How the West was Run” emerged.

4 Leslie Ann.jpg

With two vets, two nurses, two CPAs, a CFA, a teacher and an array of talents, we had a team. Stephanie, part nurse, part rancher, and mother of three became the team captain of this motley crew. We dined on BBQ’d steaks and burgers and other potluck goodies the night before on the porch of her ranch. Andy and I brought the mother of all chocolate cakes as our contribution, made by a local German bakery. Did it really take three of us to carry it? The evening meal on a ranch really set the mood for a truly Albertan experience. It was a wonderful opportunity to meet our team members. I’d like to say it was also a time for us to strategize on our race the following day.  But what the heck.  None of us had been racing for nearly two years.  We were all grateful to have a live race waiting for us the following day.  As we chowed down, no mention was made of running, at least that I recall. And, before Stephanie could race, her 4 and 6 year old boys were doing the mutton rodeo just down the street when we parted ways around 6:30pm. Her day was not over.

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So, back to the race, as the early afternoon wore on, I was treated with peak after peak of Canada’s Rockies. I breathed in the fresh crips air. I could feel the bottom of my lungs. For much of my race, I enjoyed the solitude of running, breathing and feeling lucky to be there. Many of the peaks in my view were barren grey rock – simply above the treeline. My legs felt great pounding down the slopes. My lungs and heart had other ideas such as “why was I doing this again?” at each breath.  I chose a run-walk rhythm to keep my breathing at bay, but to also take advantage of fresh legs the were egging me on down the slopes. I was unused to carrying bear spray in my hand but it was a requirement for the park. I was surprised at how quickly I got accustomed to carrying it as I ran. Andy and my long-time friend, Dave supported me with water breaks & cheering, and Stephanie’s crew provided music at various points. Thanks to a great team, I crossed the transition line ten minutes shy of the forced start cut off for our leg 7 runner, fully aware of the tune of Rocky theme song – Gonna Fly Now blasting from the van – a personal best time for 2021. Whew!

My adventure wouldn’t be complete without introducing our amazing team.  We couldn’t have done it without each other.

Our team – Rob, Dave, Steve, Andy, Eric & Marina, Leslie Ann, Katrena, Stephanie and the finish line and more

I think back to our starter, Rob. New to wheelchair racing, our man-in-motion, Rob chugged along nearly 20km up hill, grinning. It was impressive to see him rolling along in a standard wheelchair, navigating potholes and the uneven elements of old asphalt. Dave, running leg two looked tired early on and commented about his slim training plan as we clapped and supplied water. By km ten, Dave was rolling along in his old form and enjoying the moments. Steve, our third runner was our veteran. He’s tackled this challenge multiple times before but was coming off injury. He pushed hard. The day was getting hot as he tackled incline upon incline. Andy was a Speedy Gonzalez as he tackled a more technical climb and didn’t seem to break a sweat. He was inspired by the views and kept a fast pace to hand off to Eric, for the gruelling, relentless climb up the Highwood Pass. Katrena joined the team from Saskatchewan, and took leg 7, a long down hill section. We all enjoyed her awesome sprint to the finish to our cheers, overdoing it a bit for herself. Our ladies were impressively fast. Mariana had leg 8 and clocked a 5:13 pace over 16km. Ashley, new to running, and Stephanie took the cross-country trail sections. Stephanie rocked the last leg at a 4 minute pace and change, to bring home our team – 14 hour 39 minutes. Rumour had it that there was bear activity on the trails but our ladies were too fast for the bears, apparently! We all finished in one piece.

Grinning as I write this piece, it was an adventure I’ll never forget. I’m already thinking about next year.

2021 Finlayson Arm - The Double

Two brave STARRs successfully tackled the challenge of Finlayson Arm Double.

Greg Balchin and Pauline Nielsen completed a 100K run that ran from Friday into Saturday and then took on a 28K run on Sunday. They had to make it to certain points under a time limit in order to be able to keep going. Greg’s time was 29:28:23 and Pauline finished in 29:29:49.

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“So, the runners who completed the event, ran 128km and had a total climb of 24,500ft,” Greg said. “I’m borrowing the word ‘event’ from my buddy Bob Butterworth. In an ‘event,’ you can race against the clock, or other runners, or both. Ultra Trail runs, however, are ultimately against yourself. You are not just fighting fatigue, you are fighting self doubt, testing your mettle. The only worry we had was making sure we passed the check points before the ‘cut off’ times. … Pauline made sure we were well under the cut offs.”

Greg finished first in the men’s 60-99 age category. He was the oldest to complete the double. Pauline was third in the women’s 50-59 age category. A huge congrats to both!

While not an official running stat, Greg mentioned he stomped on Pauline’s heels six times over 128k.

“One of those times took her shoe right off! That was the closest I think she has ever come to actually hitting me,” Greg said. “She’s an awesome running partner. I’m very lucky she puts up with me!!”

The event is much more than literally running for days up and down hills.

“The race is only half about the runners, their blisters, their rolled ankles, etc.,” Greg said. “The most enjoyable, most memorable part of the run was the support of the volunteers, who went out of their way to make this run possible. Deep in the forest trails and at the aid stations, well-wishers cheered us on with cowbells and signs - all through the night, in the rain, whole families (even their dogs) turned out to keep us motivated and focused. They filled our hydration bags, handed us food, bandaged our feet, dried our tears, and sent us on our way. The most surreal experience I had was running into the aid stations in the dark of night. They had music playing and generators set up to power several hundred feet of Xmas lights on either side of the trail leading to the aid stations. Quite magical.

After all that, there is one obvious question. Greg said:

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“Would I run it again? At the 90km mark, the answer was ‘Hell No,’ but now I’m already thinking about what I could do to cut two hours from my running time. I think I might do it again!”

The Course

The dynamic duo started the 100k run on Friday at 5 pm. With 26 hours to complete it.

“The run is the Finlayson Arm 50k with roughly 10,000 feet of total climb,” Greg said. “Normally, they give you 12 hours to complete it, but if you run it twice, as we did, they take a little pity on the runners, and allowed us one extra hour to complete each 50k loop.

“The run starts at Goldstream, weaves through the park, through the stream and back over the bridge to Mt. Finlayson. You climb the mountain, then run down the backside, and head to Gowland-Todd (Roundtree aid station #2). Then you run to Mt. Jocelyn, and continue to Durrance Lake, where you head up to the parking lot (aid station 3) at Mt. Work. Then you cross over Mt. Work to the fourth aid station, do a one-block loop, and head back over Mt. Work again to aid station #3 (that’s an 11km run).

“Next is a reverse run back the way we came until we hit the new path, bypassing the Bear Mountain trail. This is a tricky, bushwhacking trail, just long enough to mentally write your will and obit! The rest of the run, about 3km, is relatively easy and mostly downhill. 

“We ran to Jocelyn without a headlamp, but after that headlamps lit the way. We arrived at Goldstream start/finish point around 4 a.m., got a drink, had some food, and started out again for the next 50k loop. By the time we started climbing Mt. Finlayson, the sun was coming up, so we packed up our headlights and retraced our route - finishing the total 100k in just over 24 hours.

“We were advised to slow our run down in order to conserve energy. We can run one loop in about 8 to 9 hours, but we timed the run to take us 11 hours. We came in at 10:55, that left us a total of 15 hours to complete the second loop. We finished that one in 13 hours.

“Pauline has an unwavering, disciplined fast pace. You can set your watch to it! In spite of all the protests and crying from me, she didn’t slow down for me until halfway through the 28k run on Sunday!

“The 28k was the same trail but you turn around and run back to Goldstream, once you hit the top of Mt. Jocelyn.”

Greg said 59 runners did the 100k event with 27 of them running the 28k event to complete The Double the next day.

Sooke Runners

The Double

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The 100K

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50K

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28K

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STARR Around the Bay Virtual and Simulation races, March 27-28, 2021

Sunday participants and supporters

Sunday participants and supporters

By Leslie Ann Bent

Wow! I’m so impressed with our club this weekend. Seven teams totalling 18 participants came out to do 30km in honour of the famous Around the Bay race which in pre-COVID times took place in Hamilton on the last Sunday of March since 1894 – the oldest race in North America. Whether you run for speed & competition, personal goals & accomplishment, camaraderie, to enjoy the fresh air, or just for general fitness, there was something for everyone this weekend. I’m very impressed with all of the accomplishments. Congratulations to all!

Maggie at the 5K mark

Maggie at the 5K mark

Yesterday’s virtual teams got us off to a good start with Triple Trouble setting the bar for the 3-person relay with an official time of 2:53:13. Spectators Danny and Leslie Ann were there to take pictures and cheer on the team. While chatting, both realized that together they had completed 30km themselves that day so put in a last-minute entry!

Today, the runners went out in a staggered-start format to ensure good social distancing. The out and back format with the 5km returning to the start and finish, allowed all runners to see club members along the course. Steve E. was our first runner to start, managing his team to a first-place finish in the two-person relay category. Mark, Ken, and Vanessa were next to head out into the drizzle as the first runners on their respective teams. Over the course of the morning, Jenny, Maggie, Kayla C., Andy, Claude, and Stephanie all puddle-jumped their way through the course. The photos will tell the story of lots of smiles and lots of game face focused efforts.

Steve K. finished

Steve K. finished

This afternoon, Megen’s team Duck, Duck Goose, with Donna and Justin, completed their virtual run in the howling wind and rain to bring a close to the event.

It was a wonderful way to see other runners.

The fastest runner was Andy with a 15k time of 1:06:58. Top runner for 10k was Robin with an awesome time of 48:46. However, this event was all about the teams. Here are the results:

2-person relay – 15km each

1. Harry Trotters (Steve E, Maggie) 2:50:37

2. Staggering Geese (Mark, Andy) 2:52:18

3-person relay – 10k each, running category

1. Triple Trouble (Steve K, Jackie, Robin) 2:53:13

2. 2 Jacks and a Jill (Ken, Jenny, Claude) 3:07:24

3. Sooke Supremes (Vanessa, Kayla, Stephanie) 3:13:24

Walking – all under 6 hours!

1. Coffin Ready (Danny, Leslie Ann) 5:22 (some running)

2. Duck, Duck, Goose (Megen, Donna, Justin) 5:53:03

Comments from the participants:

Steve K: “This run was important to me. Although humbling, so rewarding. So great to see my friends. I needed today more than I knew.”

Hannah and Stephanie

Hannah and Stephanie

Mark: "It was so good to see many of my STARR friends this morning. Thank you, Leslie Ann for making it possible."

Jackie: “I had forgotten how good pushing so hard is!”

Stephanie: “That was fun today but it took me a whole hot water tank shower to properly warm up!”

Jenny: “It was great to see everyone out today, especially nice to pass familiar faces en route”

Robin: “Thanks Steve and Jackie for doing this. So much fun!

Thanks, as always, Leslie Ann for organizing and for coming out to cheer us in today.”

Andy: “I really liked the layout of the course. I got to see my teammate twice and the other runners as well. It was great to have opportunities to cheer everyone on as we passed.”

Congrats to all of our STARR runners. Thanks for the support for everyone who came out to cheer and take photos. It was inspiring.