My Worthwhile Struggle of Daring to Dream by Krista DuChene

March 9, 2017

Like my journey to the Olympics in Brazil, I thought I would share my journey for high altitude training in Africa. Many people told me how much they enjoyed it and some day I will appreciate looking back on the details of this experience. I will plan to post every few days, either on this blog or social media.

It’s 8:00 pm on Thursday, March 9 and I’ve now been at the High Altitude Training Camp (HATC) in Iten, Kenya for just over 24 hours. Planning this trip was exciting and knowing what I could get out of it was even better.

Then there was doing it.

I’ve experienced various degrees of pain and sorrow in my life and completely understand the difference between being prepared for and having the knowledge of something vs. actually living through it. The two things that come my mind are deaths of loved ones and childbirth. After losing my parents two years apart to cancer when I was barely an adult, it was then that I completely understood what it was like to mourn someone. I can’t say that it was something that I had prepared myself for; not many do at that age. Then there was childbirth, something for which I completely prepared. Then I gave birth, three times. Wow. Both sets of pain, emotional and physical, were by far the most difficult experiences I’ve ever had.

The weekend leading up to my departure for Kenya was busy, which was a good thing. I then had to work Monday evening, which at first I wish I had rescheduled but was later glad because it helped to occupy my mind. However, after my last patient, I really started to feel awful. The tears started earlier that day and started up again. My stomach was tight and I had that lump in my throat you feel when fighting tears. I had texted my husband the idea that our daughter could open my spring Saucony shipment as something to distract her Tuesday morning after seeing I was gone. But in his wise and gentle words, he replied, “Honestly, I don’t want to make a huge deal about your trip with her. She will have her sad times, I know this, but I don’t want to create drama where none exists. You can open with her tonight.”

That is when I had to let it go. I had done everything possible to help them, but likely more me, during my absence. His words helped me move along in the process of actually leaving my family for four weeks but I still felt terrible. I held it together when saying goodbye to the kids and tucking them into bed for the last time, but lost it when my husband came to say goodnight. I hadn’t felt like this since my dad died in 1995.

I’m very glad that I had an early ride to the airport so that there wouldn’t be any good byes with me trying to get out the door. Thankfully with our dog’s loss of hearing, he didn’t hear the car (and bark) and I escaped quietly. The 24-hour door-to-door trip to Iten had me teary much of the time, but I knew I was doing the right thing. I knew this season was about giving everything with no regrets. I kept speaking truth to myself while continuing to pray that I would get through it. Messaging family and friends while at the airport and reading messages was so encouraging. As always, my friend Stacey was supportive and my sister was incredible, encouraging me with her story about returning to teach full-time while leaving her young children at home. After posting a picture of my Team DuChene goodbye note, a Kathi Dewey from Instagram wrote, “Always remember that your children are watching what it looks like to work hard, to chase your dreams and to sacrifice — you are teaching them all of this by going! What amazing lessons!”

I even tear up now, writing this. Kathi, I can tell by your profile picture that you are a mom and I deeply thank you from the bottom of my heart. Those were the exact words I needed and continued to read along my journey to Africa. They were words of truth.

So, moving along. Thanks to Reid and John, my travel was perfect. They gave me much assistance and several helpful tips to make everything go as smoothly as possible. I left home Tuesday at 5:30 a.m. and arrived at Pearson Airport at 6:30 a.m. for my 10:15 a.m. flight, which would be about 13 hours to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. I then immediately got a connecting flight to Nairobi, Kenya, which was about a two-hour flight. Once landing I had a few hours to get Kenyan shillings, a SIM card and eat something before checking in for my next flight, which would get me to Eldoret in 45 minutes. Like many flyers, I killed time by napping, reading, watching a few movies, taking washroom and stretch breaks, and waiting for the next meal or snack to be served. I met a man from China who was also travelling to the HATC and we easily found our ride to the camp, which was about a 75-minute drive to Iten.

With every moment closer to the camp, I felt that much better about what I was doing. My children would be cared for and I was making a great investment. Immediately upon arrival to the camp I was greeted by the staff and Speed River teammate, John who introduced me to two other Canadians, Kristina and Neasa. I met my roommate, Julia, and unpacked some of my things before John took me to get some water. I went for a shake-out run with the women, had a shower and joined the group for my first delicious meal. African living is simple, but the food made with just a basic kitchen is far beyond simple. I’ve now had four meals, which I’ve enjoyed immensely (ok, yes it definitely helps that I am not doing any of the prep, cooking or clean up). The camp set up is bang-on perfect for that of a runner; sleep/rest, run, eat and repeat.

After being in bed at 9:00 p.m. it took me a while to get to sleep, but it was decent and I was out running with Julia at 6:30 on the red dirt paths with countless other runners doing the same. Breakfast, rest, more unpacking, tea time, visiting, lunch, nap, another easy run, time in the pool and sauna, showering, dinner and a trip to the “club” filled my day.

I have much more to say, but have plenty more time for that so will leave you with these words for now.

How a Runner Will Raise a Strong Independent Woman

Startline

March 8, 2017

I sit here benched on International Women’s day because the tiny woman in my uterus (who is currently hiccuping) has different plans for me.

The past year of my life has been a whirlwind of emotion.

From extreme highs to the most extreme lows.

Life can change in an instant and things will throw you when you least expect it.

I spent the last year of my life chasing the dream of bettering myself. And I did in a way.

I surrounded myself with an amazing group of women.

From coaches who always had words of encouragement, to my running wife who saw me at my worst, to my friends who made me go faster and harder than I ever had before.

My wolf pack. My support system. My lifeline.

These women went from running buddies to best friends.

These women cheered me on when I was at my best and picked me up when I was at my worst.

These friends have made me excited to be able to raise a strong, independent woman.

Even though I have spent the better part of the last six months injured, nauseous or too tired to run, I got to see these women continue to train, kick ass and inspire.

I sometimes feel as though I have let others down but then I am quickly reminded that the journey I took the past year led me and my body to be able to house the life that is inside of me. Life has a really funny way of working out.

I am excited to be on the sidelines cheering these women on this year.

Running will always be there but for now my family is what is important.

Krista DuChene on the Chilly, leaving for Kenya, and the big London plan

Krista DuChene

March 6, 2017

March 5, 2017

I must say I can hardly believe this day has come already. Back in early January I turned 40 and booked my first ever trip for altitude training. We had two local races on the schedule: the Re-Fridgee-Eighter (8 mile) in Waterloo on February 12 and the Chilly Half Marathon in Burlington on March 5. Then it would be time to make the big 4 week trip to Kenya. In the 8 weeks since then I’ve logged 1320 km, filled the two fridges and freezers with numerous items, completed three sets of various school forms, written one chore and one lunch-bag packing note, recorded 31 bedtime stories on the iPod, packed my one suitcase and one bag, and countless times crossed off items on my to-do lists. I wanted to get as much done as possible before this weekend that would include volunteering at the provincial swim meet, my daughter’s sixth birthday, the race, and the kids’ usual hockey and swimming activities. For more on how I emotionally prepared for this trip, particularly for my daughter, check out page 27 of the most recent iRun magazine.

Training has been very going well. My body is responding well to higher mileage and my long runs and workouts are strong, steady and consistent. I’ve only had a few very minor niggles that have been easily managed with great care from Brenda, Paul and David. I’ve enjoyed the change in my diet, particularly in how I consume (or don’t consume) my carbohydrates in long runs, low-glycogen runs, and fasted runs. My energy is great, I’m enjoying two days of double runs that usually allows for one weekly rest day, and I’m feeling refreshed with the slight adjustments to my cross-training, strength and preventative maintenance routines.

The results of my two wintery races certainly aren’t outstanding. But I know that weeks of uneventful grit and grind get me results, and the race that matters the most to me in any season is my goal marathon race. We’re still investing and I fully believe I will reap the rewards on April 23 in London, England. I’m strong and healthy and know there is much more work to do, and the time to do it.

And onward I go, continuing to step out of comfort zone and familiarity. #ThisIs40

Photograph at the top, by Kevin Smith, 2017 Chilly Half Marathon; at the bottom, photograph courtesy of Michael Lin.

Under Armour is the title sponsor of the Vancouver Eastside 10K

AttheRaces

March 2, 2017

Exciting news in the world of sports sponsorship: Under Armour has signed on as the title sponsor of the Canada Running Series’ Vancouver Eastside 10K.

The event—September 16 in Vancouver—is five years old and marks the first Canadian race to receive UA’s title sponsorship. Under Armour, based in Baltimore, MD., earned US$4.6-billion in revenue in 2016 and has recently been working to expand its Canadian footprint.

“Under Armour is passionate about making all runners better and we are thrilled to partner with Canada Running Series to elevate the awareness of the Eastside 10K race,” Shana Ferguson, Director of Marketing, Under Armour Canada, said in a release. “This is one of the highlights of the Vancouver fall racing calendar, as the race winds through some of the most historic and vibrant areas of the city, and we are looking forward to outfitting runners in our innovative gear.”

For the Canadian Running Series, which puts on the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon, the Oasis Zoo Run, Scotiabank Montreal and other events, the announcement comes at an exciting time. As the group puts together the Race Roster Spring Run-off on April 8 in High Park, there’s also the Toronto Waterfront 10K on June 17 for runners to enjoy.

“This is a strategic partnership between two premier high-performance brands,” Canada Running Series president, Alan Brookes, said in the release. “This partnership with Under Armour, the global leader in innovation performance product, is about bringing the latest and greatest to the Canadian road running scene. Together we will be able to grow the Under Armour Eastside 10k into an even bigger and better international running event.”

When large brands team up to make events better in Canada, runners all across the country reap the rewards. In Vancouver, Under Armour will be supplying the race shirts at the Eastside 10K. Let’s hope this is just the first step on a long series of exciting announcement in the weeks and months to come.

Be A Part of History with the Around the Bay 30K

AttheRaces

February 27, 2017

It’s the history, one that spans more than 120 year (older than the Boston Marathon) that keeps runners like Ron, who has participated in the Around the Bay 30K 26 times, and this year will run his 27th race! Plus, the opportunity to run a race that’s been run by so many incredible Canadian and international athletes means that you’re running along side some of the best of the best in sport, even if this is your first race, there’s nothing quite like it!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i0vigjKl5TU

Boston Marathon Training Season Kicks Off with Manulife

AttheRaces

February 24, 2017

By Altaira Northe

Boston Marathon training season is upon us. Every year, headlining sponsor Manulife has a kickoff run and Q&A with some of their Toronto staff, and Canadian elite athletes heading to Boston in the spring ahead. This year, I had the good fortune of sitting in on this Q&A session to hear what these athletes had to say about the marathon, past competitions, and the road to Boston ahead. The panel featured Greg Meyer – 1983 Boston Marathon Champion; Rachel Hannah – 2015 Pan American Games Bronze Medalist; Reid Coolsaet – 2012 London Olympics, 2016 Rio Olympics; Eric Gillis – 2008 Beijing, 2012 London, 2016 Rio Olympics.

For many runners, Boston is THE race, but further to that, the marathon is THE distance – it’s what runners aspire to; it’s the holy grail. But none of the runners on the panel today started off their running careers with great distances in mind. In fact, most of them started off in the same way that I did, by running at practice for other sports. This became track or cross country in high school, but didn’t translate into marathon distance until later in life.

Each runner shared some of their favourite moments, including the feeling of standing on the starting line in Rio, and unexpectedly coming in 10^th place, belatedly receiving the bronze at PanAm, and winning Boston. They also shared some words of wisdom on running in general – it’s important to visualize the race ahead of time; be consistent in your pre-race diet (if something works, stick with it); don’t run too hot out of the gates at the starting line.

Meyer was the only panelist who has run Boston before, and in terms of advice specific the golden child of marathons, this is what he had to say for those running in April:

The spirit in Boston for the marathon is unlike other races. And while it’s easy in all races to get swept up at the start line, this is particularly true of Boston. It’s important to take a deep breath and remember yourself, and remember your plan. Boston is a tough course, and you don’t want to burn yourself out in the first 10km.
Likewise, it’s important to remember that the uphill in Boston doesn’t start until 30km, which is already the point where the marathon starts to break most runners. Don’t forget to save something for those hills.

The other thing that Meyer had to say that had nothing to do with actually running Boston, but everything to do with the spirit of the race is that in Boston, the marathon is not just a run, it’s a holiday. And like any other holiday, the people of Boston have created their own sets of rituals and traditions around race day. They make themselves and their families the same breakfast pre-race, they stand in the same spot to cheer every year, they don their lucky scarf, they take the day off work and plan their day around the marathon. And this spirit spills over into the rest of the year. It’s no coincidence that Boston is consistently ranked one of the most fit cities in America. When you live in a city where the marathon constitutes a civic holiday, it’s hard not to get swept up in the mantra of Everybody Run.

For those of you still considering whether the marathon is for you, consider that like the Boston Marathon in Massachusetts, the impact of the marathon will spill over into the rest of your life in the best way. When asked what effect running has had on his life outside of running, Meyer said this, “One of the things that I’ve seen in marathoning in particular – if you accomplish this, especially for those people who never thought they would run a marathon, you gain a certain amount of self confidence that translates to other parts of your life. It gives you the freedom to think that you can do almost anything in life. There’s not a challenge that you’re going to be afraid of, because you know you can do the work. I can’t tell you how many people have done the marathon and told me two months later about how they accomplished something else in their life. No matter if you’re still running marathons or not, you can remember that experience, and know that you can do the work.”

As someone who’s run my own marathon, and has spoken to countless other marathon runners, I can definitely attest to this being true. Running a race of that distance changes you. The marathon is hard, and horrible, and exhilarating, and empowering. You will experience every emotion during the marathon, and you will want to quit so many times, and you will question your own sanity, because why are you doing this thing that seems so trivial while you are running it. But when you cross that finish line, you will cry, and you will laugh, and you will forever have this new quiet strength inside of yourself telling you, “You can do this; you’ve done hard things before.”

The Late Bloomers: Kristi’s Slippery Slope Upward

UpToSpeed

February 22, 2017

Over the next few months, we’re interested in telling the stories of those who came to running after the age of 40 and what they’ve learned and accomplished in the process. If you’re interested in participating, tweet Ravi and introduce yourself.

You can ask any runner which distance they love racing most and, if you ask enough, you’ll hear a case for nearly every one. Some will love the all out intensity of a 5K. Some will express their love for the half, the most increasingly popular distance, and the fact that it allows a runner to safely push their speed while also presenting an endurance challenge. Some may even sing the praises of the self punishment that is the full marathon.

It’s perhaps unlikely that if you survey 100 runners that any would proclaim their favourite distance to be the 50K. If we’re going based on the typical ultra runner prototype of the rail thin, six foot plus man with a surprisingly well maintained beard, we probably wouldn’t expect anyone in love with the 50K to describe themselves as, “a 47 year old wife, mother of two, and teacher.”

That, however, is how Ottawa resident Kristi Raz (@AverageRunnerK) introduces herself. Taking up running in 2012 at the age of 42, Kristi says, in what seems to be a common refrain for late in life runners, “I’d never been a runner and certainly did not see myself as an athlete,” though she does claim a lifelong love of the outdoors.

Kristi is likely one of few runners who would describe the 50K as her favourite distance.

The outdoors are still Kristi’s first love and a shared passion among her family, all of whom join her at road races, snowshoe races, trail races and events with Orienteering Ottawa.

In May, Kristi will chase her fourth 50K race in Utah, but her early ambitions in running were quite modest. “I took up Nordic Walking about a year after my second son was born, honestly as a way to get out of the house on a Saturday morning,” Kristi recalls. Finding out that races allowed for walkers, she walked the 10K at the Ottawa Race Weekend.

“Somewhere along the line, I decided to see if I could run,” and thus Kristi decided to set a once more modest goal of running 3K without stopping. That took Kristi to her biggest running achievement yet, which was completing her first 5K running, “desperately trying not to lose my breakfast on the lovely finish line volunteers!”

“If I could run 5K, why not 10?” Kristi figured. When she managed to run 12K consecutively, she then figured why not go for her first half.The step toward the full marathon came with a bit more hesitation when Kristi struggled through her first 25K run. “It was like entering a different world of running for me,” she recalls, realizing that the transition to a full marathon is so much more than just an increase in distance. It’s practically a different sport with wholly unique effects on your body and mind. Nonetheless, Kristi, “struggled through, did as much training as I could fit into my schedule, and completed my first marathon.”

The stubbornness has now led to six marathons and a stint as a pace bunny at the Ottawa Marathon – Kristi will be the five hour bunny at this year’s race.As of last year, Kristi completed three 50K races. Whereas shorter distances require you to be in control the whole way through, Kristi relishes that the ultra long distances require you to submit yourself to the course and let your body give what it can and your mind go where it wants to go.

Not one to confine herself to roads, Kristi is also an avid snowshoe racer.

According to Kristi, on the trails, “I barely look at my watch. I am at the mercy of the trail and I simply do what I can in the moment. Somehow, the hours slip by and yet I have little sense of time.” With four 50K races soon to be under her belt, Kristi admits that the temptation to add distance is still strong.

There’s a lot that Kristi has learned and gained from running, foremost a desire, “to challenge myself to try something new even if I might finish at the back of the pack.”

If she could start at age 42 with no running experience, then maybe, “you can start something at any age.” And in her view, she’s really only getting started. Kristi remembers one particular incident during her second ultra when, “a fellow runner asked my age and then proceeded to tell me as a distance runner I was only approaching my prime. Who would have thought?”

– Ravi Singh (@ravimatsingh)

Introducing Team Beau’s the Ultimate Beer Runners

AttheRaces

February 21, 2017

Beau’s, like iRun, is a sponsor of the Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend and when we heard that, we challenged Beau’s CEO Steve Beauchesne to run his first half marathon. At first, he wasn’t too sure. But he’s since come on board, brought his friends and will be reporting back on his training and experiences and offering the occasional free beer incentive prize for anyone else following our program. Here’s a little more about Steve and his brew crew!

Steve Beauchesne

Role at Beau’s: Co-Founder and CEO

Number of years running: New to running!

Longest distance to date: 5K

Running super-power: Sister, Jen B

Achilles heel: Beer

Goal for Ottawa Half-Marathon: Ummm … to complete it?

Why I run: To allow myself to drink beer guilt-free!

Bridgid Young

Role at Beau’s: Toronto Sales

Number of years running: 17-ish years. My on-again, off-again relationship with running started with high school cross country – we’re currently on a break

Longest distance to date: 30km, ran Around the Bay waaay back in 2010

Running super-power: Mid-run pick-ups caused by inspiring signs, high fives and cowbells

Achilles heel: These darn knees and hips

Goal for Ottawa Half-Marathon: Finish without injury and with a smile on my face!

Why I run: To clear my head and feel alive in my body

Bryce McBain

Role at Beau’s: Brewer

Number of years running: 7

Longest distance to date: 10K

Running super-power: Getting red in the face

Achilles heel: Shin splints

Goal for Ottawa Half-Marathon: Under 2 hours

Why I run: Mind and body health

Marybeth McLaughlin

Role at Beau’s: Events and Sponsorships

Number of years running: I’ve never been a constant ‘runner’ unless it was for a specific sport but doesn’t everyone run as soon as they can walk?

Longest distance to date: 12km unless you count Tough Mudder which was about 16 km, but you half walk, half run the course. Both of these were years ago!

Running super-power: Will power

Achilles heel: My right ankle; it’s been injured uncountable times

Goal for Ottawa Half-Marathon: Finish the race with no injuries

Why I run: Free exercise

Jen Beauchesne

Role at Beau’s: Wordsmith and Media Relationships (and big sister!)

Number of years running: 1.75

Longest distance to date: 21.1 km

Running super-power: Very patient bladder

Achilles heel: Wimpy hips, miniature lungs

Goal for Ottawa Half-Marathon: Under 2 hours (or at least a PR I am proud of)

Why I run: To get outside, beer tax, and to chase the crazy away

Be A Part of Around the Bay Race History

AttheRaces

February 21, 2017

First run in 1894, the history of Hamilton’s Around the Bay Race runs deep. As the oldest race on the continent (three years older than the Boston Marathon) over the years this race has attracted a roster of athletes from Boston Marathon winners to Olympians. Become a part to the history by running this challenging course this year!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p46nYPSpzPk

Tell Us Your Story

Karen Karnis

February 21, 2017

I enjoy reading about the elites of our sport as much as the next runner. Any time I get to interview one for iRun, I take a few minutes beforehand to remind myself not to fangirl on the phone or beg for a photo if I meet them in person.

Be cool, Karen. Be cool.

Not surprisingly, it only takes talking for a few minutes before you realize that your hero is just a person – and most of the elites I have spoken to will tell you that our experiences as runners aren’t that different. Sure, they are way faster than I am, but there are so many similarities – the elation of achieving a goal and the heartbreak of missing one; the burning in your legs and your lungs and the desire to eat everything in sight – it’s quite similar.

I remember when three-time Olympian Eric Gillis came to speak to a running clinic I was leading about “fitting it all in.” I think that was just the topic we gave him as an excuse to have an Olympian talk to the group, because as he pointed out, running is…well, his job. He gave us a quick rundown of his routine before saying something to the effect of, “But really, you are the experts on this. You fit running in around full-time jobs, childcare issues, and whatever other commitments you have – I fit my other commitments around running.”

And he’s right. Most of us pay our bills using some other qualifications – and yet we find time to run.

In addition, many people have everyday family life as well as the extremes, like sick kids or ailing family members – and yet we run. A lot of us have made commitments to communities, charities, boards, or other groups of people to whom we give our time – and still, we run. Some of us use all of our energy to face down mental illness, cancer, divorce, stress, and countless other personal tragedies. But still, we run.

We are the running community – the heart and soul of our sport. We deserve to have our photos and our stories in iRun!

So let’s do it – let’s put our stories and photos in iRun. And since it’s Canada’s 150^th birthday, let’s try for 150 stories. All ages, all speeds, from coast to coast to coast.

What’s your story?

Tell your story in 50-60 words, and send it, along with your age, location, and a photo to me at 150runners@iRun.ca, and you could see it in the next issue!

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