Power of One: One T-Shirt Feeds One Child for One Month

March 21, 2018

By: Anna Lee Boschetto

Can one T-shirt make a difference? If you ask Chris Cooper, the founder of Runners Heal, the answer is most definitely yes. No further questions asked. Runners Heal is an organization on a mission to relieve hunger and educate children and families in East Africa with the help of the global running community.

Each item of clothing sold, supports school meals for the children who need it most. Cooper has been on this mission for nearly a year, and with 90,000 meals provided in Kenya’s Kerio Valley he and others are seeing their impact. We caught up with Cooper shortly before his recent trip to Ethiopia, to talk about how he began this movement, his own marathon goals and why he’s so passionate about the running community at large.

iRun: Tell us about Runners Heal. Can you walk us through the process of making donations to Kenya?

Chris Cooper: We are a social enterprise, which donates a percentage of the sale item to fund school meals. As for the spark, it was never actually planned – but during a trip to Kenya I was so shocked with the conditions I found, I wanted to make a difference. Each item of clothing is worth a certain number of meals. We purchase the meals ourselves from local farmers to aid the community, and then deliver the food to the schools ourselves. It’s important for us to keep total control and transparency over the donation element.

iRun: Why the connection with runners, what made you decide to target the running community specifically?

CC: Being passionate about running, it’s something I am happy to talk about all day so it made sense. Plus the best runners in the world come from East Africa, so the link was clear to me

Mary Keitany, ladies world record marathon holder has partnered with Runners Heal to help provide the 90,000 meals through her farm.

iRun: How many meals have you provided to children? Does money raised go towards other programs including education? Can you explain?

CC: We are closing in on 100,000 Meals since our start. At the moment we are purely focused on meals, as meals equal school attendance and therefore result in a higher education level. With surplus money we have also built two farms on school lands, to boost this process and help reach the children how to farm and grow their own crops.

iRun: Runner Heal has a pacer and ambassador program how does that work? How else can people get involved with Runners Heal?

CC: I am keen to keep Runners Heal personal, by runners for runners. So our ambassador programs are not based on how many thousand followers you have, but more a reward for helping us grow. We highlight awesome posts and people who are clearly part of the movement and send them free stuff as a thank you. As for the pacers, that’s a little more closer to the “influencer” category, of which we are inviting our key pacers to a meeting in Kenya this summer.

iRun: Many races are connected to charity organizations in some capacity, why do you believe it’s so important to give back to communities in this type of a way?

CC: Audrey Hepburn once said that as you grow older you realize that you have two hands, one to feed yourself and the other for helping others. I’m a big believer in that where possible we should all stick together and make our brothers and sisters lives better if they are in need.

iRun: You seem quite hands-on going into different communities, it seems very personal for you, why is that connection important to you?

CC: Well firstly, I enjoy helping others and experiencing cultures. But from a commercial perspective I think that the followers of my journey appreciate the work I do personally, and there’s an element of trust and security when they can see a guy documenting his journey delivering the aid.

iRun: What or who keeps you inspired to continue building Runners Heal? Where do you see it going next?

CC: The community on social media. Daily I get messages and comments that inspire me to continue and grow. As for next, let’s see. I’m heading to Ethiopia for the first time, with the view to expand our reach but it depends what I see. I visited a few places in Kenya previously and decided instead to focus more on our current area of Kerio Valley as I just felt they were in greater need.

iRun: How and when did you get into running?

CC: All my life I’ve been active, but running became a hobby a couple of years ago when I was diagnosed with double pneumonia and I knew I needed to make a health change

iRun: As we all know music can be the motivation we need to carry on in our training. Do you run with music and if so, can you tell your top five tunes on your running playlist that help you push past difficult moments?

CC: I’ve a wide range of music taste to be honest. Mostly for running I have a mix from SoundCloud downloaded and I listen to a live DJ set, but depending on my mood I can also switch to some U.K. rap music or have a sing-along to Rag ‘N’ Bone Man. As I said, a wide range!

iRun: Where will running/racing take you next–what are the races you plan on participating in this year?

CC: Berlin and NYC Marathons. Although to be honest, don’t be too impressed – due to my efforts in Runners Heal alongside my full time job and weekly commute to my son in the UK, my fitness levels are far from where they should be approaching these races.

iRun Radio – March 18th, 2018

Why I Run

March 18, 2018

Canadian marathon runner Trevor Hofbauer believes in pushing his limits and on this week’s show he talks with Mark about just how far he can go. Then a 64 year old who has run 100 of races before and after having hip surgery explains how he recovered and keeps on running. And Jody Hutchison shares her inspiring story of finishing every event at the Disney Princess Half Marathon.

iRun teams up with the Toronto Marathon for new speaker’s series

Ben Kaplan

March 14, 2018

The Toronto Marathon, celebrating its 41 anniversary on Sunday, May 6, 2018, is pleased to team up with iRun magazine to present their daylong speaker’s series on Saturday, May 5, the day before the big race. Expect titillating conversations, tips you can use for race day and all the race history and lore you’ve come to expect from one of the country’s best race expos.

“It’s just part of my calendar every year,” says Kathrine Switzer, one of racing’s most legendary figures, the first woman to run the Boston Marathon in 1967 (a race in which she was tackled by the organizer, Jock Semple). “I can’t wait to come back to Toronto for the Toronto Marathon. By now, I feel like I’ve made so many good friends.”

Switzer, who galvanized race fans last year with an in-person chat with Canadian record holder Lanni Marchant, will be joined at the race expo by her husband, legendary race historian Roger Robinson; plus nutrition expert Ashley Leone, psych team lead Peter Papadogiannis and Eliud Lagat, a Kenyan coach and racer. Currently experiencing a 30% increase in race attendance against 2017, race organizer Jay Glassman believes the speaker series, moderated by iRun editor Ben Kaplan, is an exciting new addition to share with runners, and race fans.

“We listened to our racers last year and while everyone enjoyed the impromptu discussions taking place all over our Expo, we thought it would be best to set up a stage and organize a series of talks,” says Glassman, offering a marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K and a relay event. “We’re proud of the talent we attract to our race every year, and this year we’re pleased to put them all up on a pedestal to answer your questions.”

Expect conversations about proper fuelling techniques, how to dress for your race (and shop at the Expo), and learn about running strategies from some of the best minds in the sport. Robinson, for his part, mentions that the Toronto Marathon is one of the best races in North America for reaching a Boston Marathon-qualifying time. He’s been bringing runners to the race for years.

“I coach a New York runner, who was chasing his age 70-74 Boston qualifier. He missed three times, so I recommended the 2017 Toronto Marathon. As a frequent guest there, I knew the conditions are almost certain to be cool, and the course is absolutely certain to be BQ-friendly,” Robinson says. “Toronto has mostly flat terrain, overall elevation drop, smooth surfaces, varied scenery, good atmosphere, perfect race operations (marshalling, volunteers and water), and a field the right size to give you stimulating company without getting blocked or jostled. Dennis ran 4:19, a six-minute PR. He will be running his first Boston this year, at age 71. He’s ecstatic. Thanks, Toronto.”

The conversations begin Saturday morning at 11 a.m. at the Enercare Centre, 100 Princes Blvd., Heritage Court. Expo hours are Friday, May 4 12 p.m. – 7 p.m. and Saturday, May 5, 9 a.m. -5 p.m. See you there.

John Stanton interviews Fred Fox before the Terry Fox Marathon of Hope Celebration

Ben Kaplan

March 14, 2018

It was 1982, the whole country was mesmerized and inspired by a young Canadian, named Terry Fox. My two sons and I laced up to run the Terry Fox 10K in Edmonton to show our support for Terry’s vision to find a cure and provide care for cancer victims. The fact that Terry was an amazing visionary, tenacious fundraiser, brilliant speaker and motivator was only eclipsed by the amazing athletic accomplishment of running a marathon each and every day, day after day. He did so on an archaic prosthetic, by today’s standards. This feat so inspired and motivated us all to help continue his dream. Running a 10K was frail and pale compared to Terry’s athleticism!

One of the foundations of the Running Room—and of races across Canada—is they all create a win for some charitable cause in the community. This too was started by Terry Fox. Terry was first an athlete and an amazing Canadian who would be proud of how Canada and the world have mobilized his dream. Canada as a country will be forever indebted to Terry Fox and the Fox family. I caught up with Fred Fox, Terry’s brother, ahead of our Marathon of Hope celebration on April 15, 2018. For more information on the event, please click here.

Stanton: April, 1980. Terry started out on his iconic run. What do you remember about that day?

Fox: I actually don’t remember much about the day other then the anticipation of watching the CBC news later in the day to see if there would be any coverage of Terry leaving St. John’s, NL. I remember more about the day Terry & his best friend Doug Alward left Vancouver airport. They left home April 7^th and the departure was full of tears and uncertainty. No one knew, especially Terry, of what to expect once he arrived on the East Coast.

Stanton: What were his spirits like?

Fox: I would say Terry’s spirits were high, he was excited, but I’m sure at the same time, a bit nervous. Terry knew that he had done all of the hard work of training, to get his body prepared for running 42km’s or more a day. He was committed to his plan of running across Canada and was anxious to get started.

Stanton: Could you ever imagine what it might become?

Fox: No, not at all. I think in the beginning Terry could have only hoped his Marathon of Hope would have gained the attention that it had in the summer of 1980. By the time Terry was doing the bulk of his training in preparation to run across Canada, I wasn’t living at home anymore. I didn’t see Terry run any of those more then 5,000 training km’s. I saw him run for the first time while watching the 6 o’clock news. It wasn’t until I was able to run with Terry when he ran down University Avenue in Toronto, that I realized what his Marathon of Hope had become and the impact it was having on so many Canadians.

Stanton: As he went across the country, the country came along with him. How did that change his spirits?

Fox: I believe for the most part Terry’s spirits were always very good. Sure there were day’s early on when he’d arrive in a community and the local organizers had nothing planned. It disappointed him that he was working so hard, running everyday, that the effort on the other side might not have been happening. For Terry, it was all about raising money for cancer research, not about Terry Fox. When he felt that he was getting more attention then the purpose of his Marathon of Hope, it got him down a bit. His spirits were bolstered by knowing that the amount of money that was being raised was increasing.

Stanton: It changed me, watching him run. And it changed running in this country. Do you see his impact in the sport of running today?

Fox: Terry was an athlete, after being diagnosed with cancer and losing part of his right leg above the knee, taking chemotherapy and seeing others suffering and in pain, Terry decided he needed to do something. As an athlete, running is what he knew and decided that was going to be his way of making a difference. I don’t know what impact Terry’s running during his Marathon of Hope may have on running today. I meet people all of the time who are training for their first 10K race or marathon and when they are struggling, they think about Terry—he is their inspiration to continue.

Stanton: What would you want today’s half marathon runners, marathon runners, 5Kers, all of us — to know about him?

Fox: Terry was a hard worker, he didn’t believe in quitting. From the time he was a kid, he wasn’t the strongest, fastest or the best athlete in the group. But through perseverance and hard work, he accomplished many of the goals he set for himself. It was that way with his training and running. He took no short cuts, he worked through the challenges he faced.

Stanton: “Even if I don’t finish, we need others to continue. It’s got to keep going without me,” he famously said. Tell us about your role in keeping his dream alive.

Fox: From the beginning our family was supportive of what Terry was doing in 1980. When Terry passed away in June of 1981 after the cancer had returned to his lungs, it was our Mom (Betty) that was thrust out into the public eye to share Terry’s story. For over 30 years Mom worked hard to protect Terry’s values and the principles that he believed in, it wasn’t always easy, she faced many challenges to keep them intact. Now that both Mom & Dad are no longer with us, it’s up to my siblings, Judith, Darrell & I to continue where our Parents left off. In my role at The Terry Fox Foundation I have the wonderful opportunity to visit communities and schools across Canada to share Terry’s story and to thank many Canadians young and older that have been dedicated to keeping Terry’s dream alive.

Stanton: What do you miss most about your brother? What should the world remember about how Terry lived?

Fox: The things I miss about Terry most doesn’t have anything to do with his Marathon of Hope. I miss the things we did as kids, also the things we did after he was first diagnosed with cancer, playing golf and going to hockey games.

Stanton: Last year, with the help of the Running Room, we crossed Canada over 8 times. Is there a message from you to the runners who join in the cause?

Fox: Thank you, thank you for doing your part in keeping Terry’s dream and legacy alive. Terry said during his Marathon of Hope when explaining why he was running across Canada that we will all be touched by cancer. Maybe not personally, but maybe through a family member, friend or neighbour. That’s why he felt it was important to give to cancer research. Terry would say if you’ve given a dollar you are a part of the MOH. Terry’s request to raise funds is still as important today as it was in 1980.

Stanton: Terry has done so much for cancer research, so much for Canada, and so much for our sport. What do you think Terry would make of how many people are now running?

Fox: Terry loved sport, he was proud to be an athlete. Terry felt it was important to stay active for all of the health benefits that it provides. Terry ran cross country in high school. He ran to stay in shape for the other sports he played. When Terry started training with an artificial limb in February of 1979 in preparation for the Marathon of Hope, running in weekend 10k’s or half marathons, running was in it’s very early stages. Terry would be happy to know so many more people are running to stay healthy.

Stanton: What did he love about the sport?

Fox: Terry loved to compete. He may not have been the best on the team or best athlete, but he was always the one that worked the hardest. He loved the competitiveness of sport, but also the friendships it created.

Stanton: Tell us about yourself lastly. What’s your involvement with the Foundation currently? How’s the family? Who else is involved? What are your plans for the year ahead, beyond?

Fox: In my role at The Terry Fox Foundation I have the wonderful opportunity to visit communities and schools across Canada to share Terry’s story and to thank many Canadians, young and old, that have been dedicated to keeping Terry’s dream alive. I’m involved in reviewing requests that come in regarding Terry or events people want to create. Judith, Darrell & I are excited that our children, the next generation, are now getting more involved with how things work with the Terry Fox Foundation, their Grandma and Grandpa would be so proud. The Terry Fox Foundation is evolving and developing new opportunities to raise funds for cancer research. We have also starting to work on plans for the 40^th anniversary. The TF Research Institute, where funds raised by TFF are distributed through are doing great things with treatment and collaborating with other research organizations.

5 Things to You Really Need for Spring

Training

March 12, 2018

With the days slowly getting longer and the warmer weather just around the corner, now is the time to come out of outdoor running hibernation. But dusting off the cobwebs and finding the motivation to get outside on these dull dark days can be tricky. Here are five ways to find the inspiration you need to lace up your shoes this spring.

By Pamela Mazzuca HBSc. Kin, Athletic Therapist

Start Off Slow

It’s been a long winter and you have lost some of your conditioning so don’t expect to start off where you left off. Don’t push too hard at first otherwise you will suffer excessive muscle soreness, increase your risk of injury and you will be left feeling completely overwhelmed. So start off slow – decrease your mileage, speed, time and intensity. And most importantly always listen to your body; it will tell you if it’s too much, too soon.

Build a Foundation

Hold off on speed and interval training for now and instead focus on improving your cardiovascular endurance. Your training should consist of easy aerobic runs for the first 4-6 weeks, depending on how long your running hiatus was. Progress the intensity of your runs (speed OR duration) by no more than 10% per week to minimize the risk of injury.

Schedule Your Runs

Getting back into the habit of running can be difficult. Make a commitment to yourself and schedule your runs into your day like any other important meeting. Running first thing in the morning tends to work best as less things come up (work, traffic, family commitments) to distract you from your run. And remember it takes 21 consecutive days of doing something to make it a habit. So be patient and consistent.

Create Incentives

Find things to keep you motivated. New gear, a massage or a new smart watch can sometimes be just the motivation you need to get started and to keep going. Don’t let your training become a chore, keep it fun and remember to reward yourself for your hard work.

Set Goals

Setting realistic goal gives your training purpose and helps keep you motivated even when you would rather skip a run. A goal needs to be measurable and have a deadline. Maybe you want to try a new distance, or aim for a new PB, whatever your goals are write them down and post them where you can see them for a daily dose of inspiration.

iRun Radio – March 11th, 2018

Why I Run

March 11, 2018

On this week’s show, Mark talks about the life of Roger Banister who broke the 4 minute mile in 1954. Then an Ottawa Runner shares her story of running in memory of a colleague at this year’s Ottawa Race Weekend. Plus Rick Raymond, a Toronto dentist, talks about his 40 year running streak which includes 353 marathon.

What does Asics new Queen Street store signify to runners?

Ben Kaplan

March 9, 2018

Asics’ flagship store on Toronto’s Queen Street West is slick and cool and looks a little like one might envision an Apple store in Tokyo. “Not your grandfather’s sneakers,” a tag line might read. There’s a gleaming wall of hip retro shoes and fashionable gear, as modelled by the international EDM superstar Steve Aoki, that puts to shame the more conservative fair offered at Lululemon, which isn’t very far away down the block. What’s happening with the 69-year-old Japanese running shoe company? Is one the most iconic running shoe brands in the world suddenly, um, cool?

“We will always be a performance brand,” says Richard Sullivan, president of ASICS Canada, in an interview ahead of his store opening, one of only four flagship Asics’ stores in the world (the others are in New York, Tokyo and London). “That said, of course we want to reach new consumers and, without for one minute exchanging anything in terms of quality, we want to have some fun in telling our brand story to consumers.”

So far, consumers have been more than engaged and Asics has the sporting, and running, world buzzing. The Nimbus 20 was launched earlier this year with new FlyteFoam technology and later this summer will see the launch of Kayano 25, the 25th edition of the flagship Asics’ shoe. Clearly the brand of Boston winner’s like Bill Rodgers and Amby Burfoot isn’t leaving competitive marathon running. (Indeed, Asics is the title sponsor of June’s Scotiabank Vancouver Half Marathon and next month’s Banque Scotia 21K in Montreal). However, by joining forces with Aoki and Penny Oleksiak, the youngest ever Canadian Olympic medallist—albeit, a swimmer—the brand is looking to cast a wider net, a younger net, and a net that might value “cool.”

I Move Me is the name of their new campaign and Asics wants to be on the feet of athletes everywhere, from the gym to the dance floor to a 5K start line.

“Steve Aoki, I thought he was a perfect fit. He’s a Japanese-American, a true fitness fanatic, and we can use him to demonstrate the freedom of I Move Me to get people active, whether it’s movement in running or training or tennis or court sports,” Sullivan says. “The point is we have a strategic plan leading into the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, of which we’re a gold sponsor, and I Move Me and the new flagship location are all part of our plan to tell our story in a better way.”

Running companies are adapting with the times. And the Asics shop on Queen Street West has a high-tech gait analysis system to pair runners with shoes. With the launch of their new store and their partnerships with Penny and Steve Aoki, Asics appears to be adapting in high style.

What International Women’s Day Means to Women Who Run

Anna Lee Boschetto

March 8, 2018

Who run the world? Girls. Beyonce really did sing it best. So on International Women’s Day we a turned to some of Canada’s top female runners to find out what this day means to them as an athlete, women and mother. As we all rally together and #PressforProgress we would love to hear who are the women that inspire you, motivate you and get you running in your world. Tag us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using the #iRunWomen and you may appear in an upcoming issue.

“To me, International Women’s Day brings meaning to the path to equality in our modern world where everyone can pursue their very best regardless of gender or orientation. In sport, I draw strength from the movement and find it motivating to be fearlessly independent to take risks and go for it at my very best! Most importantly, it’s a good opportunity to share with the next generation of Canadian running talent on what I have learned and hopefully inspire some future women’s stars.--Rachel Hannah

“I believe International Women’s Day is hugely important and worth everyone stopping and taking note of some of the amazingly strong and empowered women that are out there trying to make the world a bit better. There still those who will try to detract from the positive nature of this day, which is all the more reason for strong women to continue to celebrate each other and continue to generate momentum for future gains. We need all of the momentum we can get.” –Lanni Marchant

“While it can have its challenges, I thoroughly enjoy the balance of life as an athlete, mother, and health professional. In particular it’s incredibly enjoyable to be a role model for my young daughter, and other mothers also juggling multiple balls in the air. I enjoy being a woman! “–Krista Duchene

Running the Ottawa Marathon to honour the life of a lost partner

Ben Kaplan

March 7, 2018

Kuniko Soda works at the law firm Smart-Biggar, and she’s part of a team running the Tamarack Ottawa Marathon to raise money to combat the disease ALS, which struck down a popular partner in 2013. According to Soda, the training’s brought the firm together, highlighted David Morrow’s memory, given everyone a shared goal and provided a way for the company to do meaningful work, all while her company works together at living healthy. We chatted with Soda about what running can mean when it’s about more than just hitting a certain time.

iRun: When did the idea to run the Ottawa Marathon as a company start?

Soda: I knew about Kichesippi Workplace Run Off Charity Challenge of the Ottawa Race Weekend. I have been running for a long time, so I thought this would be great for connecting people in the office and team building.

iRun: How did it spread from person to person? Why? How many folks are currently involved?

Soda: I reached out by email to several colleagues of mine who are also runners and asked if they would be interested in forming a team for the Ottawa Race Weekend. They all immediately expressed their interest and that’s how it all started. One of them is a real “people-person,” and knows everyone in the office. She became our head recruiter and brought several more people in a couple of days. We then sent out an office-wide email calling for more runners, which resulted in about a dozen more people very quickly. And after that, some of us directly asked people in their sections who were sort of interested in joining but somewhat hesitant because they had never run or raced. We assured them that this is not about goal time. We now have 27 runners on our team.

iRun: Obviously it’s personal for your firm with regards to David. Can you talk a little about who he was?

Colin Ingram, partner: David was a partner of our firm for 29 years, and was chair of the firm from 2000 until 2007 when he retired. He was diagnosed with ALS in 2011 and died December 2013. Not only was David a great lawyer, and a leader, but he was also exceptionally healthy, active and fit. It is therefore fitting to participate in “active” support of the ALS charity in his name.

iRun: How is the firm working to raise money together?

Soda: In addition to online/verbal solicitation for donation from family and friends, we are planning a number of events including a pub trivia night, spring flowers campaign, and some team challenge events like short distance racing, stair climbing, and have ideas for other internal office events such as a 50/50 draw, and office casual wear days.

iRun: Can you speak directly to other companies—what has it meant to Smart-Biggar, with employees working together, being healthy, and doing it all for David’s cause?

Soda: It has brought us all together—definitely because of who David was. It has brought people together with different age groups, career background, running experience and fitness levels—all running for a common goal. In terms of healthy lifestyle, I certainly don’t believe that running is for everyone, but would be very happy if someone came to like running because of this project. I do think, however, that at lunch time everyone should leave their computer and go outside!

iRun: As race day approaches, how’s training going?

Soda: With the winter being so cold in Ottawa, many of us are just starting to run outside now. Some serious runners, however, have been running throughout the winter and cross-training by cross country skiing, snowshoe running, and skating on the Canal. Winter makes us tough! We are also planning more group runs between now and the race weekend.

iRun: Are there plans for a celebration following the event?

Soda: Our plan is to win the grand prize and have a big post-race party at the Kichesippi brewery!

iRun: Lastly, and I guess it’s early days but still: could this become something you do annually?

Soda: I would love to do this every year. This is our first time as a team, so figuring out the logistics took us a long time. Next time on, it would be smooth sailing. I think that the company that does fun things together stays together!

“When you’re 41 and can still snag the win, it’s something to cherish.” Krista DuChene on her Boston build and the Chilly Half

Ben Kaplan

March 6, 2018

What do I like most about this marathon build? Well, I’m not crossing every t and dotting every i. I’m not doing busy work, feeling the need to supplement my training with excess pool running. I’m not counting every minute of core, stretching and rolling nor am I even doing it every day. I’m skiing with my family, enjoying a few more bites of sweets, and having one complete day off each week. I’m taking risks, enjoying the juggling act with our three active kids, and I’m living my life.

Years ago I worked in a kitchen at a nursing home with a woman named Denise, a cook who was very deliberate about every step she made. She didn’t scurry around the kitchen, going back to one drawer then the next, retracing her steps to pick up the items she missed the first time. She had wisdom that came with experience and age. She rarely made mistakes and knew how she needed to do her job effectively without tiring herself out at the end of her shift. She had a lot of responsibility and she was very good at what she did.

One of the best things I’ve learned with Coach Dave Scott-Thomas (aka “DST”) is understanding my own, “As You Feel, aka AYF.” At first, I wondered what he meant by it. I thought I needed at least a range of specific numbers when given my workouts for the week. But by “rolling” with it (another common DST term) and in speaking with Trevor Hofbauer who also started with Speed River around the time I did, it was reinforced that I (we) just had to keep figuring it out. It ignited a new interest and learning in the sport that wasn’t there before, even after 14 years of marathoning. Around the same time Reid Coolsaet told me that it might take a year to fully fall into the swing of Dave’s coaching. At first I doubted it would take that long. I was a seasoned athlete after all. An Olympian. How much different could it be? But he was right and here I am—rolling with it like Denise.

Because there are so many factors that fall into the performance of one marathon, and because it’s been 13 years since I ran my first Boston Marathon, I won’t be able to or feel the need to compare my 2018 to my 2005 experience. But I do know that I’m enjoying this build more than I can ever remember for any other race. It’s fun to work hard, but not have to be so serious when qualifying times, fitness standards, and placements are not on the line. I don’t have a performance time for Boston. My goal is to make it to the start line fit and ready for the hills in order to cross that finish line in a decent position, and earn a bit of an income. It’s a deep field with several fast women, American in particular. I’m not sure I can even say that Deena Kastor is my main masters competition, with her 2:19 American record (oh, and she’s a 3-time Olympian with a bronze from 2004), but I’ll be on that line ready to race just like everyone else.

This past Sunday was the Chilly Half Marathon in Burlington, Ontario. It was a crazy busy weekend with our kids’ sports schedules, but my husband and I divided and conquered. On Saturday night I spoke at the pre-race cocktail party. It was quite enjoyable to be in a room with a mix of sponsors, athletes and VIP’s, sharing my journey of a hockey background with a few broken bones and babies along the way while making it to the 2016 Olympics at the age of 39. My husband and kids joined me at Wendell Clark’s Classic Grill and Bar later while they had a late dinner and I continued to visit with those lingering after the event. My son stayed with me at the hotel since I would be taking him back to his swim meet the next afternoon after my race. Sunday morning was a perfect temperature around 0 C with sunny skies and some wind. I knew what pace I believed I was capable of holding so didn’t plan to go out with the leaders. The first few kilometres felt pretty good so I settled in with a 3:35/km pace. I had the top two women in sight and around 8K made my way to them. Leslie Sexton was one of them, our rising marathon star who had an epic race at the 2017 Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon. Unfortunately for her, it wasn’t her day.

When I passed her I did so with confidence and didn’t look back, knowing that she passed me nearer to the end of this exact race for the win in 2016. I ran solo for most of the race, which is something that I am quite used to doing, and just checked off the kilometres like I knew how. I must say that the support from the crowd and other runners is amazing in this race with the out-and-back course. I can’t even count the number of “Go, Krista!” shouts of encouragement I heard. Thank you, everyone!

In the final stretch of the race there’s a slight incline but I didn’t really notice it. I sure hope it’s because of the hill training I’ve been doing! After crossing the line I soaked in the atmosphere. When you’re 41 and can still snag the win, it’s something to cherish! My son joined me for some pictures and the awards before we went back to the pool for his competition. I finally made it home around 8 p.m., dumped my belongings in the laundry room, got into my pyjamas and crashed on the couch before transferring myself into bed shortly after 9 p.m. This morning I enjoyed a bit of easy pool running and some strength work in the gym then headed out for another crisp and sunny run on the trails. Upon my return I soaked in an epsom salt bath while consuming my oatmeals after my green smoothie, had a power nap, completed an on-line nutrition session with a client, baked a birthday cake and threw together a lasagna for my daughter’s 7th birthday, and attended my son’s basketball game. The sink is full of dishes, the floor could be mopped, and the laundry isn’t yet done, but I finished this blog in time for our dinner since my son is now on his way home from practice.

I’m living my life.

Photograph by Edison Yao, courtesy of VR Pro and the Chilly Half Marathon.

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