She’s Got Next

September 21, 2015

Rachel Hannah ran her first marathon this May in Ottawa. Now the Toronto resident has her sights set on the Olympic games.

By Kelly Steele

Rachel Hannah has run competitively for most of her life. So when her coach and boyfriend David Korell suggested tackling the marathon, she jumped at the challenge.
“We made the decision to sign up for the Ottawa Marathon a week before the race,” she said, with a laugh. “I had been focusing on 10K, but had been ramping up my miles and when David mentioned it I thought I’d give it a try. He had confidence in me and my training and my gut was to go for it.”

Hannah’s gut was right. She came across the finish line of the Ottawa race in 2:33:30 and was the top Canadian female finisher. The 28-year-old runner had hoped to run under a 2:35 so she was pleased with her performance.
“I was nervous at the start because I didn’t know what to expect,” she said. “I was worried about my fuel and of course about hitting the wall. But it was OK. I had some GI distress which made me feel pretty sick, but there was a lot of positive energy which pulled me through.”

Coach Korell credits one thing to her success. “She is very competitive,” he said. “A lot of people look at her and she comes across as very calm and collected, but the beast comes out of her on race day. She has the drive to get the most of her body.” Prior to the Ottawa marathon, Hannah was already tearing up the 10,000 metre circuit with a handful of notable performances. But Hannah wanted to participate in the Pan Am Games in Toronto this summer and her best chance was the marathon as Lanni Marchant and Natasha Wodak had already claimed the two spots for the 10,000 metre distance.

“We viewed the marathon as a chance for her to qualify for the Pan Am Games and she did that,” he said. “Her long runs leading up to the race suggested she could do it.”
Hannah qualified for a spot in the Pan Am games and last month toed the start line with some of the top athletes from around the world. She crossed the finish line in 2:41:06, which earned her fourth place. “The Pan Am Games was an amazing  experience,” she said. “I started to fall off at 25 kilometres and again was battling some GI distress. It was really humid and that along with a very challenging course made it difficult. But the crowd was fantastic and being out front and listening to the cheering was the motivation to get me across the finish line.”

Competing is nothing new to Hannah. She’s been running since Grade 4 when her teacher had the class do laps on an old gravel track. She fell in love with the sport, joined a track and field group and years later accepted an athletic scholarship for Georgia State University. At University she made the decision to become a registered dietician. “I’m really very passionate about teaching people to eat healthier,” she said. “You start to realize the impact and importance of eating healthy, especially if you are an athlete and expect your body to perform.” Hannah has put her dietician background into use and works full time at MedCan clinic in Toronto.

She admits it can be a challenge juggling a full-time job along with a gruelling training schedule, but she finds a way to make it all work. “It definitely is a balancing act,” she said. “I’m lucky that work is very flexible and it works well that my coach is my boyfriend. I pretty much work and train. Often I will start my warm up from work. It’s all about finding ways to be more efficient. You just find ways to make it work.”

Hannah now has her sights set firmly on the Rio Olympics in 2016 and her coach has confidence she’ll be there either for the marathon or 10,000 metre distance. “She is someone to definitely watch,” Korell said. “I’m a big believer in stepping stones and she’s already checking the correct boxes. If she works at it, there’s nothing she can’t do. There’s good things ahead for her.”

For Hannah, the Olympic dream is exciting and she’s not backing down on the work to get there. She’s headed to the Houston Marathon in January. Canada will send three Canadians to the Olympics, fellow runner and friend Krista DuChene has already snatched one spot. In Houston, Hannah needs to run better than a 2:29:50. Her current personal best is 2:33:30. “From the first time I raced I loved it, loved the challenge,” she said. “I love the marathon distance because it’s so mental, it teaches me stuff about myself and especially about not giving up and having patience. It’s all about being in the moment. But most of all I believe running makes me a better person.”

Kelly Steele is the fitness reporter for the  Windsor Star.This is her first story for iRun.

#Noexcuses: The running playlist that will get you going

Training

September 17, 2015

In the words of the legendary Canadian rock band Sloan, who just closed out Season 2 of our Live at Massey Hall series – “You Don’t Need Excuses to be Good!” This playlist is specifically designed to keep you going, remember some old favourites, and introduce you to some new favourites! If music is what motivates you on your long runs, then this one will put a smile on your face. Admittedly, some of these artists have not (yet!) played on our stage but that doesn’t stop us from loving what they’ve recorded and being thrilled to share it with you.

This list features the infectious pop sounds of Icona Pop who kick-starts this run. The 10-minute soul-saving “Good Name” by the mysterious William Onyeahbor, is the type of track that when it’s over you wish the entire playlist was built around this song on repeat. Afrobeat/funk threads through this middle section with The Funkees and Tony Allen, some new songs from Operators, Youth Lagoon, and El Vy (which is the new recording project from The National lead singer Matt Berninger), there’s also one of my favourite songs from Stone Roses singer Ian Brown (F.E.A.R.), and a fist-pumping Modern Love from the great David Bowie. End your run with the aforementioned Sloan and the artist who is playing the first show in Live at Massey Hall Season 3 with a sold out show, Bahamas, with the decidedly not Sonny and Cher cover, “I Got You, Babe.” Enjoy your run!

Take it out for kicks and let us know what you think. This is the Emergency Running Playlist

Emergency – Icona Pop
Go! – Santigold featuring Karen O
Good Name – William Onyeabor
Modern Love – David Bowie
Breakthrough – The Funkees
Go Back (radio edit) – Tony Allen feat. Damon Albarn
True – Operators
F.E.A.R. – Ian Brown
I’m the Man to Be – El Vy
The Knower – Youth Lagoon
I Got You Babe – Bahamas
You Don’t Need Excuses to be Good – Sloan

Fitbit Surge Winner Spotlight: April Boultbee

Training

September 14, 2015

Yet another week has passed of out Sport Chek Fitbit Surge contest! Wow, how time flies.

Remember that we are giving out a Fitbit Surge EVERY WEEK until the end of our ULTIMATE FALL TRAINING PROGRAM. Head over to mybestrunningrace.com to check it out and be sure to share the program and contest with family and friends!!

We’d like to congratulate April Boutlbee for being this week’s winner! Be sure to follow and check out her running story on Twitter @AprilBoutlbee! Without further a due, here is this our interview with April about her running journey…

My upcoming fall running race… Technically still in the summer, but That Dam Hill 24 race on Sept. 19th. No other races planned. Still a rebuilding year for me.

My favourite running moment was… Running along the Northwest Passage while running the Northwest Passage 50K – my first 50K. The Arctic is stunning. If you get a chance to go, GO.

My running philosophy is… Train hard, rest harder.

Running is my… Reason for getting out of bed. It’s the best way to start my day.

My favourite post-run meal is… Smoothie with Vega Protein powder plus banana, peanut butter and some frozen fruit added as well

My favourite race was… Seaton Soaker 50K. Love those trails!

Do you prefer to run alone or with a group… Alone

My favourite running gadget is… I don’t have any gadgets other than a watch.

My number one running bucket list race… Western States 100 Miles or UTMB. It’s a toss up.

Running Groups: The Great Benefits of Buddying Up

Training

September 2, 2015

One of the first lines that come out of most new runners mouths is “I’m not a runner”. That’s a problem. All too often, individuals who run see running as an exclusive club or title, that they disassociate themselves from claiming to be an athlete of the sport. Enter “the running club”. The popularity of running groups has soared and attempted to bridge the gap between elite-level runners, weekend warriors and running novices. However, thats not to say it’s not without its critics.

The conversation surrounding running groups is two-fold. To begin, the biggest problem is that the running community can be very exclusive from the outside, when in fact it ought to be the most inviting and open to all. Running is one of the natural sports for human kind. If you run and have running related goals (whether your hoping to make it to the next lamppost or training for an upcoming marathon). You. Are. A. Runner.

But not so fast. The growing running community – which includes groups, clubs and teams – is positively reconceptualising what it is to be a runner. The community ranges from niche beer loving running groups to diligently dedicated Boston Marathon qualifying clubs. All too often people assume that you need race or have a speed goal in mind to be considered a “runner”. Running groups have opened the playing field for a more inclusive running environment.

While many people criticize running groups for being elitist, exclusive or glorified social groups, they often fail to see the point that regardless of the flaws that may arise, all running clubs centre around the love of running. Should we not be celebrating that? Sure we can all get a little obsessed or high strung about the small details (like our annoyingly specific hydration routines or mile splits). But, if we strip away all of that “fluff”, the simplistic sport running truly shines.

Running in groups has proven to be overwhelmingly beneficial to individuals. Theories such as “pack mentality” and the phenomenon of “social facilitation” demonstrate that individuals perform better in the presence of others. A running community provides accountability, consistency and motivation on every level. For most runners, simply feeling a sense of social obligation drive their behaviour to run more.

What’s more, the rise in social media platforms has completely altered the concept of a physical face-to-face running community. From websites such as Strava where people share their training routes to apps such as Instagram that provide motivation following hashtags like #instarunners, the modern runner has never been so uniquely equipped to make personal connections and enjoy motivational camaraderie.

The rise in both competitive and non-competitive running groups has changed the running landscape. Individuals seize the opportunity to develop friendships but also get to experience a competitive edge. Even the least victory-hungry of us can be pushed by running with others. So before bashing running clubs for “diluting the competitive sport of running” or “being annoying”, lets celebrate the fact that the running community is growing. No matter how slow or social a group may be, they’re lapping everyone sitting on the couch!

What do you think of running groups? What part of the running community is your favourite?

Everything Is Better in Banff

AttheRaces

September 1, 2015

everything-is-better-in-banff — Photo Courtesy of Banff Marathon

Mountain climbing, music festivals, food, and a marathon in Canada’s  first National Park.

By Anna Lee Boschetto

I’m awestruck. Even as the mountains gradually come into view in the open, clear blue skies during my hour and a half drive from Calgary, it wasn’t until I walked up Banff Avenue, that I was taken by the town’s picture postcard views. Situated within Banff National Park, the town of Banff is enveloped by the Canadian Rockies including notable Sulfur Mountain, Cascade Mountain and Mount Rundle. And although it’s short in elevation, Tunnel Mountain is popular among locals and tourists (myself included) for quick runs and hikes, taking you to the summit in about 30 minutes. From Banff’s iconic bridges to the Bows River Valley to the Upper Hot Springs to the views from the gondola up Sulfur Mountain, you can’t possibly take a bad photograph. In fact, it’s the endless span of blue skies, punctuated with crisp white cumulus clouds that attract more than three million visitors each year.

The night before the Banff Marathon, I’m reviewing the park’s Response Plan. With the possibility of wildlife sightings including grizzly bears, there’s a part of me that regrets not picking up bear spray earlier in the day. At the same time, with a race route that weaves through Banff National Park, it’s the opportunity to see caribou, elk, big horn sheep or mountain goats along the racecourse that is a major draw for runners. Speaking briefly with the marathon race director Paul Regensburg earlier in the day, it’s clear that he’s also excited for runners to experience the full route.

Part of the fun of building a vacation around a race is about experiencing the destination like a local, and that means enjoying the food. At 9:30 p.m. on a Friday in June, the sun is still shining brightly, offering plenty of time for capturing Instagram-worthy photos, not to mention sampling from the incredible eatery menus. With more than 130 places to dine and drink, many of which are owned by chefs who offer up menus of seasonally available, locally sourced foods, Banff’s food scene is as expansive as its mountain views.

While you might expect menu offerings to include Alberta beef (and many do) unexpected bistros such as Nourish, offer vegetarian menus with a healthy number of vegan options and at Toque Canadian Pub, servers will breakout board games for young families allowing parents to enjoy the restaurant’s quirky Canadian inspired menu and perhaps enjoy one of the signature creations from the restaurant’s Cesar Bar.

On race day, the mountain views keep me motivated as the use of headphones aren’t permitted for safety reasons; you’ll want to hear the approaching wildlife. Although elevation changes, contrary to what some runners might believe, hills aren’t part of the course. Instead marathoners, half marathoners and 10K runners continue to experience the naturally captivating beauty of Banff, winding along the legacy trail, up the iconic Bow River Valley Parkway towards Lake Louise, then loops back into the centre of town.

Unlike my experience during other races where I’m hyper-aware of my pace, I’m basking in the quiet serenity of the Vermillion Lakes. At the 14 kilometre mark of the half marathon, I find myself increasingly aware of the natural rhythm of each stride. Maybe it’s the realization that it’s unlikely I’ll be chased down by caribou or bears during this race, but in my ease of movement it seems as though I’m finding myself at one with nature.

Although runners don’t have their personal playlist pumping on the racecourse, Banff’s Performance in the Park, an annual two-day music festival held during race weekend, is an opportunity for runners (and non-runners) looking to chill out and unwind prerace. Incorporating performances from a range of musical genres this year, Performance in the Park featured rap, folk and rock from artists such as k-os, The Rural Alberta Advantage and Hannah Georgas. With on- site barbecues, and mid-afternoon to early evening performance times, it’s also a family and runner-friendly way to spend time in the park’s Cascade Gardens.
At a time when big city races are a go-to for runners, for many of us a run in the park might be just what we need. Whether you’re trekking your family or running solo, the sense of community, one that extends well beyond race day in Banff, will keep you enthralled and engaged. And the town’s distinctive picturesque beauty will have you wishing that every race day could feel this natural.

Anna Lee Boschetto is iRun’s managing editor. She writes frequently about travel, beauty and health at iRun.

Goran: Q&A for iRun Magazine

Anna Lee Boschetto

August 27, 2015

We are officially two weeks into our Sport Chek ULTIMATE TRAINING PROGRAM! On top of getting everyone prepared for their fall running races (visit mybestrunningrace.com) we are holding a weekly contest for the chance to win a Fitbit Surge.

We have enlisted the help of Sport Chek’s National Training Specialist Goran Miletic! He has answered your weekly questioned to keep every on track to achieve your racing goals.

Remember to use the #MyBetter and #SweatForThis to tell us about your training for your chance to win a Fitbit.

WEEK #2 Q&A:

Q: Any tricks for maintaining the program all the way to the end?

A: find the motivation that works for you. Sometimes scheduling the training is enough mental commitment, but the best way to suffer through long or hard training sessions is to partner with someone. This can be someone that doesn’t run that can help hold you can our table to your goals or someone to suffer through the tough workouts with as a running partner. Find what works for you, but it helps to remember that you chose to do this and nobody but you can make it happen.

Q: What happens if I miss a few workouts? Is there any way to catch up?

A: missing a single workout is not a huge deal, but there is no easy way to catch up. Doubling up to make up for a missed workout makes recovery more difficult. Focus on maximizing each workout so you if one is missed, your completed workouts yield the best results. Ultimately, a scheduled training plan is designed to build the fitness and strength to run the race. One missed workout won’t ruin the plan, but it is best to try to complete the training plan in its entirety.

Q: What’s your best piece of advice for people starting a running program?

A: running is difficult and can be uncomfortable. Don’t expect that suddenly running stops being challenging after a few weeks of training. Any time you push your body, it takes real effort. That being said, running becomes a kind of mental therapy. Lots of great chemicals are released during and after a run by the body that help to reduce stress and improve general wellness.

Q: How do you stay motivated during your training program?

A: for me, it’s music. A favorite song instantly makes me feel faster and helps me push through the workout.

Q: How much strength training should I be doing?

A: think of your body like a bank. Running uses muscle, so the more you run, the more you depleted your muscles. Strength training is like a deposit for the muscle bank. No need to squat hundreds of pounds, but strength training and stretching improves muscle performance.

Fitbit Winner Profile: Blair Adams

Anna Lee Boschetto

August 27, 2015

We have officially completed our second week of the Sport Chek Fitbit Surge contest! A big congratulations goes to Blair Adams (@_Blairzo on Twitter) for being our winner this week!

Be sure to visit mybestrunningrace.com for training programs ranging from 5km to the half-marathon. We will have you ready to rock your fall running race!

Continue to use the hashtags #MyBetter and #SweatForThis for your chance to win a Fitbit Surge every week! A big thank you goes to Sport Chek for providing the Fitbit to our contest and our resident training expert Goran Miletic! Stay tuned for our first live Q & A with Goran with all of your pressing running questions and concerns coming later today.

Remember to spread the word to friends and family about the contest!

Without further ado, Blair Adam’s caught up with us to answer some running question!

My upcoming fall running race is… the Oakville Half Marathon

My favourite running moment was… finishing a half marathon sub-two

My running philosophy is… keep pushing

Running is my… passion

My favourite post-run meal is… pizza

My favourite race was… Scotiabank Half Marathon in Toronto

Do you prefer to run alone or with a group…alone

My favourite running gadget is…Fit bit Surge (Thanks iRun!)

My number one running bucket list race…Around The Bay (have completed twice)

Joe Rios: Running for SchoolBOX

RunningForAReason

August 24, 2015

By Megan Black

Canadian Joe Rios has combined his passion for running and charity, raising over $5,000 to empower over 1000 Nicaraguan children with educational packages. Coming from a long line of diabetes and as a former overweight asthmatic, Joe originally pursued running as a health pursuit. Soon after, Joe set out to run three marathons to raise funds and awareness for Team Diabetes, saying, “I wanted to prove not only that I could do the marathons, but that I could prove to others that if you are passionate and have purpose then you can as well”. Joe has since transformed his life through running, notably running marathon on every continent (raising $50,000 along the way), a 100km ultra-marathon and even a Polar Bear dash in -25C.

In 2010, a life-changing service trip to Nicaragua with SchoolBOX to build a local school catapulted Joe’s charitable journey into full effect. Specifically, Joe recalls meeting a grateful local who created a personal connection to his work, “it opened my eyes to power and impact of donating your time”. Reflecting back on his experience, Joe stresses the importance of finding a personal connection to a cause. Cultivating an authentic purpose allows you to overcome adversity and reach amazing heights. Joe states, “there’s no easy fundraising but finding a personal pull to a cause is the key to success”.

ABOUT SCHOOLBOX

SchoolBOX is a non-profit that provides simple, cost-effective programs for Nicaraguan children to earn a basic education. Primary school dropout rates are as high as fifty-percent, largely due to the lack of school supplies. Through a series of programs, SchoolBOX provides basic educational infrastructure, school supplies and recreational programs.

Fitbit & Training Program Winner: The Mama Runs

Training

August 20, 2015

Congratulations to our first Fitbit Surge and Ultimate Training Program winner Sophia (The Mama Runs/@TheMamaRuns). We caught up with her to answer some quick fire running questions!

My upcoming fall running race…I have two! Harvest Half Marathon and the MEC Half Marathon, both this coming October.

My favourite running moment was…during my 1st half marathon, running the last 50 metres to the finish hand in hand with my 4 yr old daughter. It was the Hypothermic Half in Calgary, Feb 2014.

My running philosophy is…be determined. Once you are out and running, it’s enjoyable!

Running is my…joy.

My favourite post-run meal is…a latte. And all the food.

My favourite race was…5 Peaks trail race in Canmore, Alberta this past June. It was magical.

Do you prefer to run alone or with a group…I love running in a group, especially with my half marathon clinic peeps!

My favourite running gadget is…my Garmin.

My number one running bucket list race…Antarctica. Or Iceland. Somewhere really cold, since I overheat easily!

Remember to use #MyBetter to tell us about your runs for a chance to win a Fitbit Surge EVERY WEEK! Head over to mybestrunningrace.com for fall training plans.

Running for a reason

RunningForAReason

August 18, 2015

We run to feel free, burn stress, eliminate waistlines. But in droves, we’re also hitting the streets to raise money for a worthy cause. Herewith, the first annual iRun salute to the charity racers, those who know that we can only really achieve a personal best when the long run is about benefitting more than ourselves.

By Anna Lee Boschetto and Megan Black

Participants at Red Bull’s Wings for Life World Run this May in Niagara Falls helped raise a global $4.2 million Euros for spinal cord research. All of the money raised was donated to the Spinal Cord Research Foundation.

“Aim for the moon  and pick up a few stars along the way.”
Heart disease only furthered Wes Harding’s commitment to Team Hoyt

The Cause: Team Hoyt Canada has brought the inspirational running legacy of father Dick and his son Rick Hoyt to Canada. Having competed in over 1,100 running events, this father-son duo have changed the face of sport, creating new opportunities for individuals with disabilities to compete in both running and triathlon races. With the goal of ensuring that no person is ever left on the sidelines, Team Hoyt pairs athletes of differing abilities in endurance events. To Team Hoyt, whether you’re a novice runner or sub three-hour marathoner, they embrace and celebrate anyone and everyone who is willing to try. All athletic riders experience the whole package, from picking up their bib number to crossing the finish line together to receiving a medal. Team Hoyt is the ultimate celebration of community and teamwork.
The Runner: From “couch potato” to Ironman in four years, Wes Harding lives by the mantra “anything is possible.” After watching the Hoyt’s Ironman documentary, 40-year-old Harding embarked on a lifelong dream of running the Boston Marathon. Two years into his journey, after suffering a heart attack at the finish line of the YMCA 10K Bridge Run, Harding discovered that he was born with heart valve disease. He continued to run over time to find that the effects of his valve disease have begun to reverse. Today, Wes is the President of Team Hoyt Canada and has run in Boston with the Hoyts for the past five years. “Gather up that courage to make your first step,” he says, “because there is never that perfect moment to begin.”

Sarah Jamieson, founder of Moveolution, who runs to bring awareness to mental health, at-risk youth, girl’s leadership and first responder health/PTSD. When she started 10 years ago, she wanted to raise  $1 million. Today, with the support of CARE Canada, Jamieson has surpassed $2 million in her charity runs (and accumulated enough miles with her team to circle the globe—twice!). “It all started with a CARE Canada walk called ‘Walk In Her Shoes,’ then a memorial run for my mom, supporting mental health and domestic violence and grew from there,” Jamieson says. “I’m a middle of the pack runner and I’m cool with that. Daily activity, technology and charitable giving are the next wave of giving back.”

Sky’s the Limit
Robyn Baldwin approaches her multiple sclerosis like anything  she encounters on a race track— as another obstacle to overcome.

Robyn Baldwin is fit, fast and ferocious. When she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) last December, it was Baldwin’s “no excuses” attitude combined with her fighting spirit as an obstacle course racer that made all the difference. “My trainer and I both looked at MS as another obstacle to get over,” explains Baldwin, adding that overall, her diagnosis has helped her become a better athlete, by being increasingly in tune with and aware of her body.

On Being Aware: Having connected with marathon and ultra runners diagnosed with MS, Baldwin believes that raising awareness is as important as fundraising. “When someone as healthy as me can have MS, people begin to realize that it can really happen to anyone,” says Baldwin, adding that many people aren’t aware that more Canadians are diagnosed with MS than anywhere else in the world.

Personal Impact: With Race for the Cure, Baldwin and her Alpha Obstacle Training crew are aiming to raise $10,000 for the MS Society. Along with their race fee, runners are asked to donate $25, the cost of a few coffees, for a week, making it a reasonable amount that will add up. When she was first diagnosed, Baldwin says the MS Society was an incredible source of information, one that she continues to rely on today for support.

Tackling the Big C
Colleen Curtis enlists family and friends in her work with the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation and Run for the Cure .

Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009, Colleen Curtis wanted to do something that would give her a positive focus as she went through her treatment. In her first year, she managed to rally family and friends and registered her Run for the Cure team of some 50 runners and walkers. “Going through treatment I felt out of control, and isolated,” she explains, “but having this team made me feel connected to my own life with something that was really important and empowering.”

WHAT IT MEANS: As a patient, Curtis has witnessed the difference that every dollar makes. It’s a difference that she says goes beyond important medical research and to the heart of personalized treatment. “Over the past six years, I’ve seen changes in support offered to the whole family, in dealing with the psychological aspects of women with breast cancer and taking more of a team approach to treatment.”

Hero’s Journey
Colin Arnott runs for the Heart and Stroke Foundation Camp BUCKO (Burn Camp for Kids in Ontario) and  to pay homage to his brother Ken.
When Colin Arnott’s brother Ken passed away suddenly as the result of a stroke, the Pickering firefighter knew he wanted to do something in his brother’s memory. An accomplished trail runner whose record for the Seaton Soaker 50 kilometre distance still holds, a race was obviously going to be a special tribute to a runner’s memory.

BEST PART: “For me, it’s giving back to the medical profession and the community,” explains Arnott. As a firefighter, he doesn’t see burn victims after a rescue. Designating Camp BUCKO as one of the charities of choice offers emergency workers (including Arnott) the chance to have an additional impact in the lives of these children.

REMEMBERING KEN: Having run ultra marathons including 100-mile events together, Arnott continues to honour and pay tribute to his brother. In May, Arnott ran the 100-mile distance at the Sulfur Springs Trail Race in Burlington, Ontario wearing the bib his brother had worn the last time he ran the event.

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