Tim Powers has completed the Inca Trail Marathon and 30K in Peru, and shares his experience of being captivated by one of the seven wonders of the world. Then Dave Proctor, an ultra marathoner talks about his goal of crossing the country in record time in an effort to raise awareness of rare diseases. Plus, as many runners are getting ready for of the Canada Army Run, we speak with one runner about why everyone
It’s been almost five years…nearly five years since I dressed up in black light compression top and bottom, a cape and rubber cowl to run the 2013 Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon, my first. I never stopped to say, “I’ll do this again and again because it’s cool!” I only expected to do it the one time on that fateful Sunday.
I did that because I wanted to say “thank you” to the Hospital for Sick Kids, a place that (when I was seven years old) saved my life when I had a sudden appendix rupture. I owed them my life, as the doctors told my parents I was near death when the brought me through the ER (and explains why most of that night is a blur). I donated to the foundation over the years but it was never with my own unique way of displaying gratitude.
So deciding to make the SickKids Foundation my charity of choice for my first marathon was a no-brainer; that it would continue for the next half decade and it’s that part which was not in the cards.
After that first race, having people reach out to me through social media with the hopes of creating a team…what? Why? “Because we want to help.” That was deep; the birth of the “Justice League Runners” was so amazing that we’ve done other races around the province, just to put smiles on faces and be an example. How do you even dream that?
Now, here we are – on the verge of the team’s final race together (as well as mine). That we will will gather one last time for the new SuperPower 5k race, among other kids and adults dressed as their favourite superheroes, is very poetic and fitting. I couldn’t be more honoured that I was able to leave a unique stamp on my running career in the city that I love, running for charities that are more heroic than Batman or Superman put together. We as a society, as human beings…we can be more than what separates us, because that what makes us different has the power to unite us. That has never been more important than now; remembering that is make makes a hero super. People can really shine if they were to listen to what Batman once said, “It’s not who I am underneath, but I do that defines me.”
I loved being able to say “I’m Batman” (and not as a punchline). I loved even more that through those races. I was a part of something helping to make a difference. I met so many amazing people, people who are close friends and loved ones. I will carry all those memories for the remainder of my days.
My favourite lines from the “The Dark Knight” film sum up how I have been rewarded for what I did for five years: “Sometimes people deserve more. Sometimes people deserve to have their faith rewarded.” Witnessing the best of the human spirit in marathons, my faith was rewarded many times over. I will miss, but Batman can be anyone – that was the point of what I did. And I can’t wait to see who takes over for me.
As we all know race day is about so more than about runners crossing finish lines. Its about runners building community, developing healthy lifestyles and supporting one another. Burlington Ontario’s Santa Race, is a 5K event that hits each of those marks, cheering crowds, creating a sense of community and promoting healthy living. So when we found out the 2018 Santa Race need a little extra support behind it, we wanted to get the word out to our iRun community. If you’ve ever participated in this event, you know the incredible experience that it is. For race directors Mark and Kelly Arnott, it’s an event that gives the city of Burlington an opportunity to shine, brining more then 2,000 race parcitipants tot he city each year. Please click here for a survey indicating your support for the race to be held on a Saturday in December. And if you’ve never run the Santa 5K in Burlington, you can learn more about the event and offer your support too. From start to finish, it’s a most wonderful season for runners.
Reasons to run in Quebec’s capital are numerous. Considering that, event producer Gestev decided to review the SSQ Quebec City Marathon’s course, formerly on both sides of the St. Lawrence River, and to trace 42.2K directly in the middle of Quebec City. If being part of the first edition of the brand-new course has not convinced you yet to sign up for the event taking place October 12th to 14th, here are 10 reasons why you should be part of the SSQ Quebec City Marathon.
1. To see Quebec’s best attractions in one run
Imagine seeing the Château Frontenac, Place Royale, the plains of Abraham, the Old Port, the fortifications, the Parliament Building, and much more, all that, in only one run. This is what awaits the participants of the 42.2K and the half-marathon of the SSQ Quebec City Marathon.
2. Because Quebec’s scenery in fall is to die for
If you have never experienced Quebec City during Fall, this is your chance. The city is famous for its wide green spaces. When they turn red/orange/yellow, it brings magic to the scenery.
3.For a weekend with the family
If you are looking for an occasion to get sporty with the kids, you will be pleased with the SSQ Quebec City Marathon’s program. The SSQ Health 5K and the Kids Race 2K both taking place on Saturday October 13th are perfect for grandparents, parents and children looking to put on their running shoes together.
4.To qualify for Boston
The Association of International Marathons and Road Races (AIMS) accredits the SSQ Quebec City Marathon. Therefore, times achieved at this event are accepted as qualifying times for the Boston Marathon.
5.To be moved by music and cheering
A brand-new energy and vibe will come with the marathon’s new course. About thirty music and animation stations will be spread out along the 42.2K to entertain spectators and bring motivation to the thousands of participants.
6.Because Fall’s weather is perfect for long distance runs
Let’s be honest here. The outside temperature has a serious impact on your running performance. Average weather in October in Quebec City is about 15˚ Celsius, runners’ favorite forecast.
7.To release stress before your race with the SSQ Fit+Yoga
New this year! The SSQ Fit+Yoga will kick off the marathon’s weekend on Friday night, October 12th. A big outdoor yoga session combining a 30 minutes fitness training and a 30 minutes Vinyasa flow will be held in the middle of the city, gathering hundreds of yoga aficionados and runners looking for a pre-run stretching. Live DJ music, free drinks and more surprises await the participants.
8.To be part of the first ever edition of the new course
You want to be part of the new course’s history? Sign up and be among the firsts to ever cross the finish line!
9.To run in the middle of one of the UNESCO’s list of world heritage sites
The Historic District of Old Québec is the product of more than four centuries of history. Quebec City is the only North American city to have preserved its ramparts, together with the numerous bastions, gates and defensive works. Because of it’s authenticity and history, it is considered as one of the UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites.
10.Because Quebeckers are friendly, welcoming and festive
Everyone who traveled to Quebec City will agree to say that Quebeckers are very welcoming and friendly. Imagine thousands of them out in the streets to cheer you up as you are crossing the finish line… Big adrenaline rush and thrill guaranteed!
So, you want to be part of the celebration this October 12-14th ? Choose your race among the SSQ Quebec City Marathon, a healthy invitation from Brunet’s five distances and make sure you pack your running shoes.
On this week’s show, you’ll find out more about Toronto’s Shakespeare’s Run and hear thee inspiring story of an MS patient who is running the PEI Marathon. Plus, how a five kilometre race showcases how supportive the running community really is.
By Karen Kwan
Nike has brought back its Brahaus pop-up shop, this time in the Toronto Eaton Centre. Book an appointment and get professionally fitted for a sports bra. The fitter will chat with you about your usual workouts and then provides a few sportsbra that’ll provide the support you need for your favourite activities.
Some of the exciting innovations at the Brahaus? The Swoosh Pocket Bra, which is a flattering length (slightly longer than your usual sports bra). It features several pockets in which you can tuck gels, your smartphone and keys. Another cool design is the FE/NOM Flyknit bra; it’s made of the same material of Flyknit shoes and it felt lightweight and moved effortlessly with the body when we tried it on.
Also at Brahaus is a ponytail bar (complete with Just Do It scarves and hankerchiefs for your hairstyle), a juice bar, gluten-free doughnuts, and a customization bar. Here you can select from an array of iron-on designs (think swooshes and Just Do It) or have something embroidered onto your bra in the thread colour of your choice.
Open until Sunday, August 19th. You’ll find it beside the Nike store in the Toronto Eaton Centre. Book your spot here.
Karen Kwan is a regular iRun fashion and travel contributor, and you’ll find her running fashion posts every Friday on Instagram. She contributes to a number of publications and you can also follow her travel and running adventures at Health & Swellness.
You’re totally exhausted, and in a proverbial rut because of a hard effort, a race or workout, earlier in the day. It’s nighttime, you’re lying in bed, so tired that even the thought of getting out of bed seems daunting. Sleep is as important as ever in this moment, for recovery purposes. This could be you.
And yet, you remain wide awake, unable to fall asleep for minutes, if not hours. What’s going on?
“I do see that [sleeplessness after hard exercise] a bit with the athletes I work with,” says Dr. Amy Bender, a sleep expert who holds a PhD in experimental psychology from Washington State University, an adjunct professor in the faculty of kinesiology at the University of Calgary. Bender has worked with hundreds of national-calibre athletes and published “The Clinical Validation of the Athlete Sleep Screening Questionnaire” which provides framework to determine sleep assessment.
Why it happens
Sleeplessness post-hard effort can in part be due to the body’s release of chemicals including, but not limited to, adrenaline and cortisol, Bender says, which makes it more difficult to sleep if levels remain high. Exercise-related sleeplessness may also stem from muscle pain or soreness from exercise itself. (Post-marathon aches, anyone?)
Consider too that timing of a hard effort could be a factor, as your body needs adequate time to cool down from a spike in core temperature. So, a run in the evening may leave you wide awake while a morning run may not have the same effect, given the additional hours for your body to recover throughout the day. There are certain habitual limitations to this, depending on your work schedule, and when you’re able to get a run in. Fortunately, for the sake of sleep and if you find this can be a problem for you, morning races are more common than night races.
What to do if it happens and how to prevent it
Bender suggests having a consistent bedtime routine, or a to-do list to off-load your mind and relax, both of which can act as a signal that it’s time for your body to sleep. Such a routine may consist of putting away electronic devices with bright screens in the lead-up to bedtime and breathing exercises.
Alternatively, one can perform certain cognitive techniques, like the cognitive shuffle. Simply, the cognitive shuffle involves taking a neutral word, like ‘bedtime,’ and imagining an object or thing beginning with each letter repeatedly until you need to move on to the next letter. The purpose of the exercise is to scramble your thoughts. Repeat the exercise for each letter of the word. Chances are, Bender says, you won’t make it to the final letter.
Last call
Alternatively, take a warm shower or warm bath an hour before bedtime. Bender says that although your core temperature will rise, it will just as quickly cool down. Making sure one’s bedroom is dark and cool, think cave-like, because that’s also helpful.
Have your own nighttime routine that helps you sleep? Share them!
The new Reebok Floatride Run Fast Pro weighs 100 grams, the same as a cellphone. How’s it work? What’s it for? How long does it last? We went to Central Tech for a track workout with Reebok’s merchandising manager Kelly Bowden and the Night Terrors Run Crew for a demo. See the video on the making of the shoe that might just be our Shoe of the Summer.
Should you wear it this fall? Watch and learn.
For more information, see Reebok.ca.
Talk about motivation, here’s how some runners are taking their passion for the sport and marrying it with other initiatives they are equally passionate about. First Rachel Cullen gives us a sneak peak into her upcoming book, Running for My Life. Then, runner and writer Sara Lazaravich talks about what runners and races are doing to become more environmentally friendly. Plus an Ottawa runner shares the joy of and motivation behind racing twice in the same event.
When 30,000 other sweaty runners are tossing their cups, odds are more than likely that you’ll toss your cup, too. We’re normative creatures. We look to others to see how things are done. But when we stop (wait, don’t stop, you’re on track for a PB!) and think about it, we realize how unsustainable some of our race behaviour really is.
Races are about striving to be our best. When all your energy is focussed on speed, it can be hard to make time for thoughts on how to reduce the waste. But in our interviews with race directors and runners, we realized there’s greater aptitude for making our sport sustainable than you might think. Runners want to be green, but it’s up to races to make being green an easy and logical choice.
Do you need that shirt or medal?
“For people who do a bunch of races, it’s not a thing,” says Charlotte Brookes, Event Director at Canada Running Series. “For your first half and first 10K, it’s really important. Some shirts are important, and others are not seen as valuable.”
Increasingly, races are contemplating the option to opt-out of medals and shirts. But runners sometimes expect greater discounts for doing so, which can be tricky. “People say I don’t want a T-shirt and I want a $20 discount,” says Scotiabank Calgary Marathon Executive Director Kirsten-Ellen Fleming. “That’s not realistic, so all of us—race directors and runners—are still trying to figure out the new math.”
The medals, shirts, water bottles and cups are low-hanging fruit, but course-level stuff is harder to course correct. One good option is pilot tests in smaller races. “This September, we have a race with the zoo and we’re going to take that cupless,” says Fleming. “We’ll start there and see what kind of feedback we get.”
Sustainability = Inclusivity
As races creep up in price, sustainability also has the added bonus of fostering inclusivity.
Our number one goal is making sure our races are inclusive, says Caitlin Brown, outreach coordinator at Mountain Equipment Co-op. “Maybe you can’t afford to pay,” she says. “We try to eliminate that through pricing. One way to achieve that is through no frills. We’re not having those additional supplies that sit in someone’s drawer at the end of the day.”
Sponsors are on board
Increasingly, sponsors are making sure their offerings are as sustainable as possible, whether this means using compostable cups, or not giving away stuff at all. Virtual race kits offer concrete data, and a chance to optimize ads and offers to make sure they’re working. “People are definitely on board. The stats and click-through is very valuable,” says Brookes.
It’s also a great learning opportunity for everyone. Often a sponsor might not have thought about a particular sustainability issue. “Jugo Juice is one of our sponsors and when we asked them to source compostable cups, they were happy to do so,” says Calgary’s Fleming. “I think sustainability is something that everyone wants to see.”
This is our sport
A final consideration is the slightly biased idea that runners are awesome. We’re generally low-maintenance people, who love to explore the earth under our feet. Our sport takes place largely outside, and we are witness to the effects climate change is having on our stomping grounds. So it’s no surprise that runners are open to sustainable sport.
It’s a luxury to be able to train for hours a week, and to participate in races all over the globe in the name of racing and running. The challenge of making running zero-waste is a daunting one, but we face daunting challenges every time we get on the line.
To get your thoughts on sustainability and racing, please see our survey online. In addition, you can leave your survey wherever you picked up your copy of iRun to make your voice heard. Illustrations by Zhen Li.
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