Wednesday, September 28, 2011

On the Run - Proper training key in marathon running

(Click on article to enlarge & read)

Islanders lead St. F.X. teams at AUS cross-country meet

Islanders lead St. F.X. teams at AUS cross-country meet

Published on September 28, 2011

Summerside native Connor McGuire’s second consecutive individual victory paced the St. F.X. X-Men to back-to-back Atlantic University Sport cross-country meet championships during the Acadia Invitational in Wolfville, N.S., recently.

McGuire’s time of 26 minutes, eight seconds topped the division, followed by X-Men teammates Riley Johnston (26:23) in second and Zach MacDonald (26:31) in third.

Dalhousie Tigers finished second in the team competition, while Memorial was third.

Kelly MacDonald of Montague ran a fourth-place time of 19:40 in the women’s cross-country event at Acadia to help the X-Women win their second straight team title this season.

Memorial and Acadia placed second and third, respectively, in the team event.

Caroline McIlroy of Memorial University finished first (18:14), while X-Women Natalie Kannenberg (19:00) and Melissa Hardy (19:27) finished second and third, respectively.

Both the men’s and women’s teams resume the season at the Universite de Moncton Invitational on Oct. 8.

Islanders on the Run - Sunday in Newfoundland



Huffin' Puffin Marathon
http://races.nautilusrunning.com/marathon


Full Results

Congrats Francis!

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Patrick Makau slashes 21 seconds off Marathon World Record Time


Makau dethrones king of the roads

Patrick Makau of Kenya crosses the finish line to win the 38th Berlin Marathon in Berlin, September 25, 2011.

Credit: Reuters/Tobias Schwarz

By John Mehaffey

BERLIN | Sun Sep 25, 2011 2:49pm BST

BERLIN (Reuters) - Kenyan Patrick Makau dethroned king of the roads Haile Gebrselassie at the Berlin marathon on Sunday by slashing 21 seconds off the Ethiopian's world record despite running on his own for the final 10 kilometres.

Makau ran under world-record pace for the entire 42.195 kms on the flat, fast course through the heart of the German capital to clock two hours three minutes 38 seconds. It was the fifth time the world men's record had fallen in Berlin.

The defining moment of an epic performance came 27 kilometres into the race on a fine, sunny autumn morning.

Makau, running easily in a leading group including four-times world and twice Olympic 10,000 metres champion Gebreselassie, decided the moment had come to pounce.

He veered across the road, drawing Gebrselassie with him, crossed back and then shot away.

Gebrselassie, who has been suffering from the exercise-induced asthma complaint which has prevented him from running in London's annual spring race on the course where he made his marathon debut, stopped shortly afterwards and stepped off the road.

He bent double in obvious distress and, although he returned to the course in less than a minute, he lasted only another eight kms before stopping for the second and final time.

"I did some zig-zag, at the time he was behind me," Makau said. "I just wanted to run and run. I went to the other side, he followed me, by the time he went back to the other side he was tired."

Gebrselassie, who said before the race he was aiming for a fast time to ensure he qualified for the Ethiopian team for next year's London Olympics, also dropped out of the New York marathon last November and promptly announced his retirement, an impulsive decision he later rescinded.

On Sunday he returned to his hotel and did not talk to reporters but his manager Jos Hermens told reporters Gebrselassie still wanted to cap his career by running in London and intended to keep running.

DUBAI POSSIBILITY

Hermens said Gebrselassie would now probably run in the Dubai marathon next January to try to clinch a spot in the Ethiopian team.

"It's not the end of Haile," he said. "I think it's the end of an era. There's a new era coming, Kenyans running in the low 2:03s and high 2:02s.

"I know several people in Kenya who are ready to run half a minute faster."

Makau, 26, clocked the 11th fastest time ever at that stage when he won last year's Berlin race in 2:05:07 in heavy rain.

He is a twice world silver medallist over the half-marathon and has run under 60 minutes a record eight times. This year he fell after 22 kms in the London marathon but recovered to take third place.

Makau said he had thought primarily about winning the race and not about a possible world record when he woke up on Sunday.

"At 32 kms I thought I could win the race and even break the world record," he said, adding that he had used the lure of a world record to spur him on.

"It was hard to for the last 10 kilometres," he added.

The women's race was a further triumph for Kenya after their heady performances at the world athletics championships in Daegu where they finished third on the medals' table behind the might of the United States and Russia with seven golds, six silvers and two bronzes.

Florence Kiplagat, another outstanding half-marathon exponent who failed to complete her only previous marathon in Boston this year, went on her own before the halfway stage to win in 2:19:44. En route she set a 30 kms women's record of 1:27:38.

Twice Berlin champion Irina Mikitenko was second and world record holder Paula Radcliffe finished third in her first marathon since she finished fourth in New York two years ago.

Radcliffe's time of 2:23:46 was comfortably under the British qualifying time for the London Games and the Olympic title which has so far eluded her, although she had hoped to run faster.

"In some ways I am happy and in other ways I am disappointed," she said. "At least I have the Olympic qualifying time. Now I have to build on that for London."

(Editing by Clare Fallon)

1st Place! Scotiabank AIDS Walk/Run for Life 2011

It was sunny and 23 degrees.

The Scotiabank AIDS Walk/Run for Life at Joe Ghiz Memorial Park. The out and back course on Confederation Trail.

I won the 9ishK Run in 35:48, and 1:51 faster than Scotiabank AIDS Walk and Run for Life 2010 time.

(This post will be updated....)

Official Result: 1st out of ?
9ishK in 35 minutes and 48 seconds


Top Fundraising Individual - Danya O'Malley

Top Fundraising Team -
Scotiabank

More Photos




AIDS Run 2007
AIDS Run 2009

Scotiabank AIDS Walk and Run for Life 2010

Photos from the AIDS walk & Run (2007-2011)


Running For Autism
Not Against It
acceptance, inclusion, awareness



Saturday, September 24, 2011

McGuire named athlete of week


McGuire named athlete of week

Published on September 22, 2011
Staff ~ The Journal Pioneer

ANTIGONISH, N.S. - Cross-country runner Connor McGuire was named the most recent St. Francis Xavier University male athlete of the week.

A third-year science student from Summerside, McGuire was the individual winner of the Saint Mary's invitational race on Sept. 17. He finished the 7.5-kilometre race in 24 minutes 36 seconds (24:36). He also led the X-Men team to 23 points and a first-place finish over Dalhousie and New Brunswick.

McGuire was a silver medallist at the 2010 Atlantic University Sport cross-country championships.

A 10 Mile PB - TOSH Farmers Helping Farmers Run

It was cloud and fog and 15 degrees.

The TOSH Farmers Helping Farmers Run at Three Oaks High School. The out and back course on Summerside Waterfront and boardwalk.

David Gallant won the 10 mile race and Jennifer Pizio-Perry for the top female.

I finished in 1:03:19, beat my 10 mile PB, 3:01 faster than Miscouche Firefighters 10 Mile Run in 2009 and came in 5th out of 64 runners.

Jimmy B won the 5 mile race and Paula Finkle for the top female.

Official Result: 5th out of 64
10 Miles in 1 hour, 3 minutes, 19 seconds






2010 TOSH Farmers Helping Farmers Run

Running For Autism
Not Against It
acceptance, inclusion, awareness

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Runman meets The Man In Motion

I meet Rick Hansen "Man in Motion". He autographed my book about him.



Rick Hansen receives rousing welcome

in Charlottetown

Rick Hansen greets Alex Bain who holds a book about Hansen during  an event at Confederation Landing Park in Charlottetown Thursday. Hansen  is on a cross-Canada 25th anniversary tour of Canada, reinvigorating  his Man In Motion World Tour of 1986.

Rick Hansen greets Alex Bain who holds a book about Hansen during an event at Confederation Landing Park in Charlottetown Thursday. Hansen is on a cross-Canada 25th anniversary tour of Canada, reinvigorating his Man In Motion World Tour of 1986.

Published on September 22, 201
Jim Day

Clifford Doucette was fully able bodied when Rick Hansen passed through his neck of the woods some 25 years ago.

Unfortunately, Doucette was unable due to work to see Hansen wheel through Saint John, N.B. in 1986 as part of the legendary Man in Motion Tour.

He wasn’t going to miss the opportunity Thursday.

“Hopefully, I can shake his hand,’’ Doucette, 68, of Cornwall said as he joined hundreds of other enthusiastic well wishers gathered at Confederation Landing Park for a community celebration with Hansen hosted by the City of Charlottetown.

Doucette has long marveled at Hansen’s great accomplishments.

And having spent the past three years in a wheelchair following a stroke, Doucette views with even greater awe Hansen’s incredible journey around the globe wheeling through 34 countries in 26 months to raise money and awareness for spinal cord injury research.

“It’s a feat that I’d love to be able to do,’’ he said.

“It shows his great determination...and he’s committed to the cause and that makes him a special individual, I think.’’

Noting the couple has a 40-year-old niece who has always needed a wheelchair for mobility, Doucette’s wife Jeanie is not short on praise for Hansen either.

“He’s a fabulous person and has done so much for spinal cord research and for the access of people in wheelchairs,’’ she said.

Welcomed with hoots of delight and loud applause, Hansen urged the crowd to continue to work towards changing attitudes and removing barriers.

He reiterated that the Rick Hansen 25th Anniversary Relay that has been running through P.E.I. the past couple days is all about celebrating the inspirational contributions of so many Canadians.

Hansen signed numerous autographs following speeches and presentations before leaving to catch a flight home to British Columbia.

The relay is making its way across the country with 7,000 Canadians who have made a difference in the lives of others retracing the original Man In Motion Tour.

Kurtis Kelly, 22, of Charlottetown was one of the 31 medal bearers covering the capital city leg Thursday.

The visually impaired young man who lost his right leg to cancer in 2009 was moved by the experience

“It was inspiring - just great seeing so many people come together,’’ said Kelly, who is learning to walk with a prosthesis.

Kourtney Kelly, who pushed her brother along as a fellow medal bearer, says the day was “amazing’’ for Kurtis.

Meeting Hansen was certainly the icing on the cake.

“It’s a great pleasure to have been able to meet someone who has inspired millions of people,’’ said Kurtis.






Rick Hansen - Man in Motion tours P.E.I.


Big celebration planned for Rick Hansen

Mary Lynn Ross and her fellow students at Montague Regional high  school are all set to welcome the arrival of Rick Hansen in a big way  today. Most secondary school students weren’t even born when the  original Man in Motion rolled through the town 25 years ago to raise  money for spinal cord injury. Now 54, Hansen is back for a second public  awareness campaign. Guardian photo by Steve Sharratt

Mary Lynn Ross and her fellow students at Montague Regional high school are all set to welcome the arrival of Rick Hansen in a big way today. Most secondary school students weren’t even born when the original Man in Motion rolled through the town 25 years ago to raise money for spinal cord injury. Now 54, Hansen is back for a second public awareness campaign.

Published on September 20, 2011
MONTAGUE – Marvin MacLeod has a jacket and a hat for Rick Hansen.

And he’ll present the original "Man in Motion" with the gifts on behalf of the Northumberland Ferry service today when Hansen boards the Holiday Island en route to Prince Edward Island.

“I escorted Rick off the ferry 25 years ago and I have been given the chance to welcome him on board a quarter century later,’’ said MacLeod, who was a deck hand back in 1986. “I am currently battling cancer and Rick Hansen is a true inspiration to me as was Terry Fox.”

It’s been a quarter of a century since Rick Hansen earned the respect of the world when he conducted his round the world Man in Motion tour (in a wheelchair) to raise money and awareness for spinal cord research. Now he’s back and eastern P.E.I.’s largest town is hosting a big celebration for the renowned Canadian.

“It will be a double pleasure for me,’’ says Mayor Richard Collins who remembers Hansen’s first visit.

Twenty-five years ago, long before text messaging and cell phones, Hansen proceeded down the Main Street here with throngs of students and well wishers. One of those well wishers was Collins, who just happened to be town mayor back then.

“We’re ready to show him a grand welcome,” he said. “And everyone is invited to share in the celebration at the waterfront.”

Hansen, who has raised millions of dollars for spinal cord research, will roll off the Wood Islands ferry around 2 p.m. Wednesday and begin his tour of the Island to mark his cross Canada relay repeat aimed at fund raising for spinal cord research.

Arrives 2:15 in Wood Island Travels direct to Murray River for short stop On to Montague regional high school for 3:15 presentation Attends public gathering with presentations, food and music at Montague waterfront at 4 p.m. -

The Canadian hero was paralyzed from the waist down in a car crash when he was 15 and continues to work for integration and environmental causes. He is back to with a cross country relay with students acting as bearers to pass the medal from one hand to another as it heads to Vancouver.

“It was a beautiful September day when he was here last time and it’s almost to the day,’’ said Collins. “We hope for a huge turnout at the waterfront.”

The 54-year-old Hansen will leave Wood Islands and head to Murray River where Colin MacLeod has been selected by the community to be the medal bearer. Hansen will have a brief stop there before heading to Montague. He is expected to visit and speak with students at the regional high school before proceeding to the waterfront around 4 p.m. for the public meet and greet.

“We hope the streets will be lined with supporters,’’ said Collins. “We’ll have a few welcome speeches and presentations and some music.”

The town is hosting a barbecue for everyone who attends and promoters say Hansen welcomes the opportunity to avail himself for photographs and autographs.

The Man in Motion will stay overnight in the area and visit Cardigan consolidated Thursday morning before proceeding to St. Peter’s and Charlottetown.

http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/News/Local/2011-09-22/article-2754937/Rick-Hansen-delights-crowds/1

Rick Hansen delights crowds



Medal bearer Kevin Jenkins of Montague give a high five to  Canadian hero Rick Hansen after arriving from his portion of the'Many'  in Motion tour at the Montague waterfront Wednesday afternoon. Hansen,  who arrived on the Island via the Wood Islands ferry, gave a talk at the  Montague regional high school and heads towards Charlottetown  Thursday. Guardian photo by Steve Sharratt

Medal bearer Kevin Jenkins of Montague give a high five to Canadian hero Rick Hansen after arriving from his portion of the'Many' in Motion tour at the Montague waterfront Wednesday afternoon. Hansen, who arrived on the Island via the Wood Islands ferry, gave a talk at the Montague regional high school and heads towards Charlottetown Thursday.

Published on September 22, 2011
Steve Sharratt

MONTAGUE — The man who circled the globe in his wheelchair 25 years ago got a hero's welcome here Wednesday and advocated inclusion for all people.

Canadian hero Rick Hansen has raised millions for spinal cord research and is on a journey to repeat his Man in Motion tour of 1986 when he crossed Canada. He started in August in Newfoundland and expects to reach Vancouver before the snow flies.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE RELATED VIDEO

There are 7,000 volunteer medal bearers joining him in the relay.

"But this time it's not a 'Man in Motion' tour,'' he told the crowd. "It's a 'Many in Motion tour' and I thank you all for being part of it, especially the medal bearers."

The Canadian athlete who was paralyzed in a car accident when he was 15 avoided any big entry to the public event and just quietly appeared; leaving the glory to the medal bearers who ran, walked, or rolled from Wood Islands during the day.

"It's great to have you back for a return visit,'' said Mayor Richard Collins, who presented gifts on behalf of the town and was the mayor in 1986 when Hansen, then 29, stopped here on his first national tour.

Hansen said everyone should work towards their dreams no matter how hard and insisted inclusion for all. The gold medallist travels to Cardigan and St. Peter's Friday morning before arriving in the capital later in the day.


http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/story/2011/09/22/pei-rick-hansen-tour-2011.htm

Rick Hansen arrived in Montague Wednesday for the P.E.I. portion of a nine-month, 12,000-kilometre trek across Canada celebrating the 25th anniversary of his Man in Motion tour.

Hansen’s first stop was the new Montague Regional High School. He described fond memories of his reception there and throughout the region 25 years ago.

Rick Hansen began the P.E.I. portion of a Canada-wide tour  Wednesday.Rick Hansen began the P.E.I. portion of a Canada-wide tour Wednesday.

"It didn't matter where we were in the Atlantic provinces, people were absolutely so hospitable and so encouraging," he said.

While visiting the province, Hansen is recognizing 100 Islanders with his Rick Hansen Medal, for what he calls their inspirational efforts to engage Canadians to make positive change.

Medal recipients will recreate Hansen's route as a relay by running, walking, wheeling or biking the route carrying the medal, which was produced by the Royal Canadian Mint.

In all, Hansen will recognize 7,000 people across the country in this way.

In Montague, Jeff Docherty was the first to carry the medal. He motivated family and friends, as well as people he didn't know but who followed his progress online, by walking every day. Docherty has lost 35 pounds and his goal is to lose 65 more.

Docherty said Hansen was a major figure in his life. He accompanied Hansen on part of his Island tour 25 years ago, and was inspired by Hansen again as an adult.

"I saw footage of him wheeling up the Great Wall of China and going through all kinds of weather injured and sore and tired, and thought if he can do that why can't I get out and walk 15 minutes every day?" he said.

Docherty was the first of four "difference makers" who carried the medal from Murray River to Montague Regional High School, each taking it 250 metres.

Christy Beck, a grade 12 teacher at the school, also expressed fond memories of Hansen's first visit.

"I remember really vividly him coming through the door and the place bursting into noise, everybody really excited that he was here," she said.

On Thursday at 3:30 p.m., Hansen will visit Confederation Landing Park in Charlottetown.

Hansen is retracing the Canadian portion of his tour, which covered 34 countries from 1985 to 1987. The tour raised $14 million for spinal cord research.

On the Run: Focus on training


http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/Sports/2011-09-21/article-2754298/On-the-Run%3A-Focus-on-training/1

On the Run: Focus on training

Published on September 21, 2011

By Doug MacEachern

In today’s column I am going to focus at enhancing your training programs.

This topic may be of interest to those that looking to improve their Island Marathon times from previous runs, qualifying for the Boston or New York marathons or just becoming a little more fit and taking your running up a notch to the next level. I would like to thank Josh Clarke from Cool

Running.com for providing some of the following information and training tips.

While the specifics of every training program should be adapted to the specific needs of the individual, the runner interested in improving performance should have a well-rounded program that includes some, if not all, of the following six building blocks:

- Fartlek (for speed and pace)

- Hills (for strength)

- Tempo Runs (for speed and pace)

- Intervals (for speed)

- The Long Run (for endurance)

- Easy run (for recovery)

Variety is the key to improved speed and performance. While the majority of your running should remain in the realm of endurance training, the addition of building-block speed and strength workouts injects freshness into what may be a stale routine.

Varied workouts teach your body varied lessons. The long run teaches endurance, track work trains ‘fast-twitch’ muscles, hills teach strength, etc. A well-rounded mix of workouts will help you improve your running form, condition your body to handle the discomfort of faster speed, give you a sense of appropriate pace, and build your end-of-the-race kick to the finish.

While your training program should be suited to your goals, you will find that by adding at least some regular speed and strength workouts will improve your performance, with the most dramatic improvement occurring when you first begin your program.

Every single one of these building-block workouts will improve some aspect of your running, and the more you incorporate into your routine the more improvement you will see. That said, be aware it takes about two weeks for your body to absorb a speed workout and translate it into a resource to be tapped during a race.

Be patient, and don’t expect every session to show an improvement in times. The fitter you get, the more difficult that becomes. Always build conservatively.

If you are a beginning runner, you may want to hold off on introducing Interval speed work into your routine.

You should have an established base of at least 30 kilometres per week before incorporating these ‘quality runs’ into your schedule. It’s also recommended to have at least a year of running experience under your belt.

The reason for both is that speed work adds considerable strain to your muscles and connective tissues. Without the necessary mileage foundation, you may wind up injured rather than fast. But feel free to add other components into your routine.

As with all your runs, you should start and finish your specialized sessions with easy running.

With all of these workouts, you’re pushing your body close to its limits, and it’s unwise either to start or stop suddenly. Stretch well and give yourself 10 minutes of easy running, both before and after the workout.

Also keep in mind that it’s important to keep moving between the ‘hard’ portions of your workout. All of the workouts discussed here involve the alternation of hard and easy efforts. ‘Easy’ means a slow pace, maybe a jog. But it does not mean walking, stopping, or collapsing to the track and wheezing.

If you need to do any of those things, you’re running the hard portion of the workout too fast. The old adage of ‘no pain, no gain’ is simply wrong.

The idea is to push only a little bit harder than your normal training pace to get the benefits; there will be some modest discomfort but certainly no pain. You should always have the energy after each interval to continue running slowly during the rest periods. By doing this, you keep your heart rate up, and as a result, you prevent blood from pooling in your legs. Keep running, even if slowly. It’s good for you.

Ideally, you should run each of the hard portions of the workout at approximately the same pace throughout the session. You should not feel exhausted by the end, but neither should you feel like you’re still full of energy. This helps teach you the value of pacing yourself in a race by being aggressive but realistic in your starting pace.

Next time we will look at each fundamental in a little more detail and explain how we can introduce them into our training routines

Before I sign off, I would like to take a minute to recognize and tip my hat to two local runners Marion Grant and Kim Bailey. Both are the first Islanders to compete as soloists in two of the toughest runs in Canada if not North America, over the past two summers. The 125 k Canadian Death Race and the 148 k Sinister Seven, both these trail events are held in Alberta on rugged trails through and over the Rocky Mountains with elevations gains of over 34,000 feet.

Doug MacEachern is chair of course logistics for the BMO Nesbitt Burns P.E.I. Marathon. For questions about training, contact him at info@princeedwardislandmarathon.com

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Inspired

Inspired


In this photo dated Sept. 26, 1986, Rick Hansen is shown chatting  with Islanders during the P.E.I. portion of his Man In Motion World  Tour. Submitted photo

In this photo dated Sept. 26, 1986, Rick Hansen is shown chatting with Islanders during the P.E.I. portion of his Man In Motion World Tour.

Published on September 16, 2011

Jim Day

Rick Hansen pushes thousands of Canadians who make a difference into the spotlight

The Rick Hansen 25th anniversary relay will take place in P.E.I. from Sept. 21 to 27 with medal bearers going through Wood Islands, Murray River and Montague on Wednesday; Montague, Cardigan, St. Peter’s Bay, Morell and Charlottetown on Thursday; Charlottetotwn, Winsloe, Hunter River, Kensington, Sherbrooke and Summerside Sept. 24; Summerside, Bedeque and Borden-Carleton Sept. 27.

For long-time runner Bob Gray of Stratford, it was an outing like no other.

The then teacher was running with fellow educator Tom Corcoran early on a cool, rainy morning in September 1986.

The two teachers were doing their best to keep pace with Rick Hansen as the great Canadian wheeled along what would be the first of three days powering his wheelchair through P.E.I. as part of the cross-Canada trek that would conclude his mind-boggling Man In Motion World Tour through 34 countries along 40,000 kilometres of roadway.

Hansen completed the equivalent of three marathons every day in an athletic and inspiring act aimed at raising money (millions of dollars poured in) to find a cure for spinal cord injury and issue a challenge to make the world an easier place for people with disabilities.

Gray, like millions of other Canadians, followed Hansen’s progress on television and in the newspapers.

He was “stunned’’ watching footage of Hansen wheel through the majestic Alps and the towering mountains of the Pyrenees in Europe just before coming to Canada.

“A guy in a wheel chair going around the world - like, your images were amazing,’’ he said.

Gray can vividly recall meeting Hansen for the first time at dawn in St. Peter’s Bay. Hansen, a good looking young man with “the biggest shoulders you could ever see in your life’’, shook Gray’s hand.

Hansen, recalls Gray, was still clearly very excited about what he was doing well into his miraculous journey.

A big grin creasing his face, Hansen simply glowed.

Gray was also struck by the genuine public reception - a reverent rather than raucous welcome extended to one of the country’s true legends.

Old folks sat in lawn chairs with blankets draped across their legs to fend off the chill in the air. Well-wishers stood roadside with umbrellas hoisted skyward.

Small children peered towards a hill in anticipation of seeing Hansen roll up, over and down.

The collective greetings were not, noted Gray, like the boisterous hoots and hollers of say downtown Toronto. It was even more wonderful than that.

Respect was extended in quiet and reserved fashion. Gray could sense the deep admiration Islanders held for Hansen.

“It made you proud to be from Prince Edward Island,’’ he said.

“It was magical, really.’’

Hansen told The Guardian earlier this week that the community response in P.E.I. was amazing from the moment he arrived in Borden by ferry to the end of his three days of wheeling across the Island.

A local legion built a wheelchair ramp.

An antique car club held a big fundraiser.

Some 300 people gathered for an event at then CFB Summerside.

A disabled student named Carl wheel out of his school and spoke with pride of being a part of the community.

“Just amazing moments and such diversity,’’ said Hansen, who dug up his old diary tapes to rekindle memories of his run through P.E.I. and the rest of the country.

“I would say the number one impresson was an absolutely overwhelming sense of inspiration and gratitude.’’

Gray had a chance meeting with Hansen last year after watching a hockey game during the Olympics in Vancouver. Gray naturally introduced himself and told Hansen about the thrill of running with him a quarter of a century ago.

“Like I’m sure he didn’t remember me...but he was so gracious,’’ said Gray.

“I think he’s a remarkable person - a remarkable Canadian...just the hour that we spent running with him from St. Peter’s to Morell certainly impacted my life and the way you look at things.’’

Hansen is not done inspiring. But now he has solicited a fair bit of help.

Seven thousand participants from across Canada who have made a difference in their own communities and in the lives of others will walk, wheel or run in a nine-month, 12,000 kilometre relay that retraces the route of Hansen’s original cross-Canada tour.

Gray, one of the founders of the P.E.I. Healthy Eating Alliance and senior manager of the 2009 Canada Summer Games, will be among 121 medal bearers over four relay days in the province on Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sept. 27.

Hansen told The Guardian that the medal bearers on P.E.I. are a diverse and inspiring group, ranging from people like 60-year-old Gray to an 11-year-old student.

“When you listen to the stories...you see there’s people who are totally and fundamentally engaged,’’ said Hansen.

“You listen to those stories and say ‘wow, this is a great country.’’’

Hansen, who launched the 25th anniversary relay on Aug. 24 in Newfoundland and Labrador, is looking forward to returning to P.E.I. to take in events on Wednesday and Thursday. The best spots for the public to see Hansen and hear him speak are at an End of Day Celebration at 4 p.m. Wednesday at the Montague waterfront gazebo and Thursday at 3:15 p.m. at Confederation Landing Park in Charlottetown.

Hansen will also do some wheeling in P.E.I. but there is no set agenda.

The medal bearers and their stories is where Hansen would like to see the spotlight shine during this 25th anniversary event.

“The best way to celebrate is to make sure my time is spread across the country and make sure it is not just about me,’’ he said.

The relay, Hansen stresses, is about people like Emma Stewart of Montague.

The Grade 6 student at Cardigan Consolidated school has been a library monitor, a canteen helper for the school lunch program and a volunteer with the P.A.L. Program.

In the latter, she has been responsible for peer mediation with students on the playground.

Or, as Emma puts it: “To make sure that nobody is sitting off by themselves and is sad and not included in anything.’’

Emma says she plans to be a lifetime volunteer because helping people makes her feel very good.

She is thrilled that her good will and good nature has earned her a spot among the medal bearers in P.E.I. Meeting with Hansen would cap off the marvelous experience.

“It will be a pleasure if I do,’’ she said.

“I would like to tell him that I really like what he is doing and how nice he is to the whole world. He’s pretty much my role model.’’

Monday, September 19, 2011

Victoria by the Shore Triathlon Results

Victoria by the Shore - September 17, 2011

Triathlon Results
J = Junior
Placing Name Swim Bike Run
1 Arend TeRaa 11:35 28:03 46:55
2 Menno Arendz (J) 14:58 30:56 47:48
3 Carson Campbell (J) 14:42 32:07 48:18
4 Alex MacKay (J) 13:08 31:50 49:12
5 Jason Sammoun 13:16 32:50 50:13
6 Gerard 15:46 34:36 53:35
7 William Stewart (J) 12:54 33:50 54:42
8 Brandon Higginbotham (J)17:19 37:41 55:20
9 Alex Neuffer (J) 25:02 47:42 64:48
10 Kirk Bellamy 24:38 44:16 67:30

Duathlon Results
1 Sandie Morrison 9:50 28:58 48:54
Congrats All!

Sunday, September 18, 2011

Islanders on the Run - Today in Cape Breton



http://www.capebretonfiddlersrun.com/

1(Place) Leo McCosham 1/9 2:43:20*
2(Place) Scott Clark 2/9 2:48:43*
9(Place) David Forsythe 2/8 3:16:44*
16(Place) Shawn Shea 3/8 3:28:54*
23(Place) Francis Fagan 1/1 3:43:01*
30(Place) Elaine Burkholder 2/5 4:02:51*
32(Place) Dianne Watts Pye 3/5 4:08:03
33(Place) Courtney Snow 1/1 4:10:12
34(Place) Maureen Leard 4/5 4:12:04
37(Place) Beverley Walsh 5/5 4:19:15
Full Results


12(Place) Brenda Benson 1/22 1:34:34
54(Place) Jo-Anne Shea 2/12 1:54:57
68(Place) Jeff Snow 10/11 1:58:28
82(Place) Donald Walsh 12/17 2:03:16
97(Place) Cathy Vaniderstine 15/22 2:09:03
Full Results


133(Place) Brian Hawrylak 13/13 1:01:03
Full Results

Congrats Everyone!


http://www.capebretonpost.com/Opinion/Editorial/2011-09-20/article-2753206/Runners-high/1


Published on September 20, 2011
Staff ~ The Cape Breton Post


So, two runners from that other island — Prince Edward Island — took the top two spots in the sixth annual Cape Breton Fiddlers Run marathon on Sunday.

That sucks, eh?

Well, no, not at all. The fact that a pair of elite marathoners — Fiddlers Run defending champion Leo McCosham of Charlottetown and Scott Clark of Summerside — made the trip across the Gulf of St. Lawrence from “the gentle island” to “Nova Scotia’s masterpiece” is an indication that the relatively young Fiddlers Run is considered a notable race on the Maritime road race circuit.
And they came from farther afield. There were Fiddlers Run participants from Quebec, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, France and even Japan.

Now, all of those people may not have travelled here specifically for the Fiddlers Run, but that doesn’t take away from the excitement of having them experience Cape Breton’s late-summer marathon and its affiliated races.

And that’s not to disregard those who made up the lion’s share of Fiddlers Run participants — Cape Bretoners — from Judique to Juniper Mountain and from River Denys to River Ryan. And Capers placed first in other divisions and distances under the Fiddlers Run banner, including top female marathoner Erin Forsey of Sydney, half-marathon race winner Daniel McNeil of Glace Bay in record time, top 10-kilometre finisher Chris Milburn of Sydney, and Will Allan, also of Sydney, placing first in the five-kilometre distance.

The Fiddlers Run, which was founded in 2005, hasn’t been without its growing pains. In 2006, organizers took some heat for cancelling the event (then held in late October) just before the race because of a poor forecast, although the weather actually cleared up. But they bounced back and decided, in 2009, to begin hosting the event a month earlier in late September when the weather is usually milder.

Last year’s version of the Fiddlers Run included 520 participants. And race director David Gabriel was right on the money when he predicted back in May between 600-650 participants in this year’s version of the event. The final tally was 631. But the Fiddlers Run — along with its affiliated fun runs and learn-to-run clinics — has the power to positively influence the greater community.

Runners talk about experiencing a “runner’s high.”

“It’s the part in a run where endorphins peak and everything you experience feels like it’s no longer work,” said Dr. Marni Wesner, a physician at the Glen Sather Sports Medicine Clinic at the University of Alberta, in explaining the phenomenon to the National Post.

Can a community — often associated with outmigration, high unemployment and relatively poor health — experience a collective runners’ high? With hundreds of passionate organizers, positive participants and clapping supporters, we think it can. And the longer it lasts, the better.

Leo McCosham of P.E.I. wins annual Fiddlers Run marathon


Erin Forsey of Sydney finished in a time of 3:19:18 to become the  first woman in the full marathon to cross the finish line at the Cape  Breton Fiddlers Run on Sunday. The winners of the full and half  marathons, Leo McCosham of Charlottetown, and Daniel McNeil of Glace  Bay, respectively, both set course records. Chris Shannon — Cape Breton  Post

Erin Forsey of Sydney finished in a time of 3:19:18 to become the first woman in the full marathon to cross the finish line at the Cape Breton Fiddlers Run on Sunday. The winners of the full and half marathons, Leo McCosham of Charlottetown, and Daniel McNeil of Glace Bay, respectively, both set course records. Chris Shannon — Cape Breton Post

Published on September 18, 2011

SYDNEY — Two islanders were crowned the top runners during the sixth annual Cape Breton Fiddlers Run.

Leo McCosham of Charlottetown, P.E.I. was the first of 46 runners to cross the finish line in the Boston Marathon-qualifying full marathon, in a time of two hours, 43 minutes and 20 seconds.

McCosham is a consecutive time-two Fiddlers Run champion after winning last year’s event with a time of 2:47:39.

Scott Clark of Summerside, P.E.I. finished in second with a time of 2:48:43, while Sydney’s Donald Macintyre finished at 2:53:31, to take the third place spot.

A total 631 runners and walkers took place in the Cape Breton Fiddlers run, up from 520 last year. This year, various high schools had groups of students cheering on the sidelines. For each high school that took part, a $250 donation was made to the school’s safe grad program, which was provided through donations by race sponsors.

“We’re elated with just how everything went, with the support we got from the community this year,” said race director, David Gabriel. “There were lots of people out cheering and we really, really wanted to develop a community spirit. It’s quite important for the runners, it gives them a little energy when the energy is lagging.”

Terry Morris of North Sydney finished in fifth place with a time of 3:05:08, while Sydney’s Erin Forsey finished in a time of 3:19:13 to take 10th place.

The Fiddlers Run half marathon walk/run was won by Glace Bay’s Daniel McNeil in 1:18:20, while Sydney’s Ian James Doyle and Glenn Myers took the number two and three spots respectively. The top female in the category was Brenda Benson of Summerside, P.E.I. with a time of 1:34:34.

Chris Milburn of Sydney won the 10 kilometre walk/run in a time of 36 minutes and nine seconds. James Forsey of Sydney finished second while Ian Henman of Dartmouth finished third.

The top female runner in the 10 km event was Julie Curwin who finished in 41:19

Will Allan of Sydney finished first in the five kilometre event in a time of 18 minutes and eight seconds, followed by Justin Lalanne of Coxheath in second and Rachyl MacPhail of Sydney River.

epottie@cbpost.com


Terry Fox Run 2011, New Glasgow PEI



It was sunny and 17 degrees. The Terry Fox Run at New Glasgow Lobster Supper.


The 7km loop course on New Glasgow Rd, Campbells Rd, Rte 13 and Rte 258.



The 22km long run home course on Rte 258, Rte 6, Grand Pere Point Rd, Rte 243, New Glasgow Rd and Crooked Creek Rd after the Terry Fox Run.




2010 Terry Fox Run - "Maritime 50K Fox Run"
2009 Terry Fox Run
2008 Terry Fox Run
2007 Terry Fox Run
2005 Terry Fox Run


Photos from the Terry Fox Run 2005-2011


http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/News/Local/2011-09-17/article-2751531/Mom-makes-Terry-Fox-Run-extra-special-for-son/1

Mom makes Terry Fox Run

extra special for son


Elle Scheepens flew to P.E.I. from Holland this week to hand  deliver money she raised back home to the Terry Fox Run and to watch her  son, cancer survivor Tim Scheepens of Cornwall, participate in the  10-km run portion of the annual fundraising event. Guardian by Jim Day

Elle Scheepens flew to P.E.I. from Holland this week to hand deliver money she raised back home to the Terry Fox Run and to watch her son, cancer survivor Tim Scheepens of Cornwall, participate in the 10-km run portion of the annual fundraising event.

Published on September 17, 2011
Jim Day

Elle Scheepens knows her son, Tim, dodged a bullet years back.

Tim was just 16 when he was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma. He beat the cancer and has been healthy for more than 15 years.

The close-knit, down-to-earth Dutch family dealt with the life-threatening situation with all the calm and purpose they could muster. Tackling Tim's plight in responsible, matter-of-fact fashion seemed far more beneficial than giving in to emotion that was never far from the surface.

Elle watched her son - a competitive swimmer - forced to walk away from the pool.

She saw him endure the angst and considerable discomfort of radiation and chemotherapy.

As Tim himself notes today, "Having to battle for your life is something a 16-year-old shouldn't have to do.''

But Tim survived. He went on to work as a police officer for five years in Holland.

In January, he married a P.E.I. gal named Ellen Jones - a woman he met while back packing in Australia 10 years ago. The couple lives together in Cornwall where Jones owns and operates Hughes Jones Centre for People and Animals.

Tim, who hopes to land a job soon as a youth worker, saw a banner for the Terry Fox Run earlier this year. He knew nothing of the Canadian legend or the annual run that has raised more than $550 million in Fox's name for cancer research since 1981.

Tim was moved by Fox's story.

"He made cancer so much bigger than about himself,'' he said.

Tim decided to sign up for the 31st annual Greater Charlottetown Area Terry Fox run that goes Sunday in Victoria Park.

He pounded the pavement raising between $500 and $600 for the event.

His parents, both home in Holland, decided to step up as well. The pair collected exactly $2,222 from friends, family and colleagues.

Elle, who has raised funds for a Dutch cancer foundation for more than 20 years, decided to hand-deliver the money and cheer on her son in the 10-km run option of the Terry Fox Run. So she flew to P.E.I. from Holland earlier this week.

Asked about his mother's special show of support, Tim tears up and his voice cracks with emotion. Mom leans in to give him a kiss on the cheek.

"It's incredible to me,'' said Tim.

"It's such a great feeling to see there is so much support for something that happened to me 16 years ago...It's a big opportunity to be able to have your mom here.''

Elle views the occasion as a celebration of her son's life -- one that could very well have been cut terribly short in Tim's teen years.

"We appreciate the fact he is still alive,'' she said.

"That is always in the back of your mind.''

Elle pleasantly surprised Tim with news that his father, Jan (pronounced Yawn), is gearing up to come to P.E.I. next year to run the 10 km-leg of the Terry Fox Run with his boy.

As for Tim, he plans to commit to the annual run for the long term.

"I will run every year, for sure,'' he said.


Saturday, September 17, 2011

ADL Golden Mile in PB Time

It was sun and few clouds and 10 degrees.

The ADL Golden Mile at Queen Charlotte Intermediate School. The course on North River Road.

Steven Baglole won the race and Ellen Burnett for the top female.

I finished in 5:14, beat my mile PB, 8 seconds fasten than last year and came in 4th out of 79 runners.

Official Result: 4th out of 79
1 Mile in 5 minutes, 14 seconds




Golden Mile 2010
Golden Mile 2009
Golden Mile 2008
Golden Mile 2007
Golden Mile 2006
Golden Mile 2005
Golden Mile 2004




Running For Autism
Not Against It
acceptance, inclusion, awareness