Journeys in Race and Humanity of a Kenyan Marathon Runner

By

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June 11, 2020

My name is Justin Lagat, and I am a long-distance runner from Kenya.

The sport of running has been the best thing that ever happened to me. It has taught me a lot, has enabled me to travel to many different places in and out of my country, and has introduced me to so many friends and people, of different races and backgrounds, some of who have even turned out to become more like a close family to me.

I like the diversity of the people I meet. I remember the first time I traveled to Ottawa in 2016. I was looking for an adapter to buy for my phone’s charger. I had approached a random white guy—I am Black—to ask him if he knew of a store around Kent Street where I would get the item. He was one of the nicest strangers I have ever met and gave me a first and lasting impression of Canadian people. When he learned that I was Kenyan, he told me he knew about my country through our runners.

His image is now a little bit distorted in my mind, but I still remember when I wanted to cross the street right where he had pointed and he stopped me. “You might want to use the pedestrian crosswalk,” he had told me, as he pointed to me where to cross the street safely.

Anywhere in the world can feel like home if everyone cared for a stranger regardless of their race and background.

This is not the encounter that most of my fellow Kenyan runners report when they get back from their trips to run abroad. Some report incidences of racism from the way they are handled during their travels; from security officials to other travellers in their group.

In some rare instances, there have even been marathon events that mislead the front runners so that others behind them eventually won their races, like the questionable incident that happened at the Venice Marathon in 2017. Mistakes do happen, but racists may capitalize on their allowance to make such mistakes if allowed, to drive their ulterior motives.

The incident of George Floyd, killed in Minnesota by police due to racism, is an example of what happens all over the world. Of course, I have experienced smaller versions of racism myself. There was a time I tried to talk to a white guy at a supermarket to ask if he could help me locate some items and he just assumed me. On a different day, I was passing through a certain neighbourhood where someone had put up a garage sale poster. When he saw me, he quickly pulled down the sign until I had passed. But, interestingly, in the same neighbourhood, I came across some white women selling some items in their garage sale as well. They sliced the prices for me on the items that I had picked up. I pointed out to them that the price tag was higher, but they told me not to worry. “We know,” one said. “We just reduced the price right now!”

While traveling, I have twice been asked to step aside to explain where I was from. I can only guess this may have happened to me because of my skin colour.

There was a young white lady who found herself alone with me inside a lift at the Union Station in Toronto. She screamed in fright. Fortunately, for me, other people entered the lift and she finally felt secure. How did I feel? It kept me thinking, perhaps what fuels racism more than hatred is ignorance, what some people are being told about the other race when they’re young. They have no choice but to grow up with hatred.

There are so many people—both in running and outside of our sport—who hate racism. There’s also racists, and then there’s people who say or do things for selfish, political reasons. We’re seeing this now. I think the best way to fight racism is to stand for each other. Refuse a favour being offered to you for being from a certain race—this means “white privilege.” Stand up for your friends from another race whenever they are looked down upon. If you see Kenyan runners at your next marathon, applaud. But also treat the other black people you meet with equal respect.

It is my plea to all runners across the world that we all see each other as one family. We must stand for each other the way one would stand with a brother or a sister. This world can be a better place without racism. Let it begin with each of us, today.

Options for Runners, Right Now

By

Ben Kaplan

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June 10, 2020

As we move into June, it’s becoming painfully clear that racing as we know it will not return anytime soon. While we haven’t heard word on some of falls biggest races—events like the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon—we know now that the Canada Army Run in September will be held virtually, and other big events are following suite. October’s GoodLife Victoria Marathon and the Hamilton Marathon, originally slated for November 1, are also now either cancelled or virtual runs.

So what’s a runner with itchy feet to do? If you’re in Ottawa, Sportstats, the parent company of iRun, has created a Physical Distance 5K. It’s like a time trial meets actual race, because there’s an official race clock and results.

Kicking off at their office at 155 Colonnade Road, in Ottawa, this event is open all summer long, and has the potential to spread nationwide. “The beginning of the Physical Distancing 5K proved very popular and the people who’ve tried it, love it, so we’re looking to expand,” says Marc Roy, Sporstats CEO, of his self-serve 5K with a MyLaps touch-less timing system that works on remote sensors and bibs, and features no human contact during the event. A runner is mailed out a bib and books a time for their run, which is held on sidewalks and trails and avoids traffic lights. Shari De Jong was the first participant.

“It was nice and quiet. Just me and the birds.”

Another fun event in Canada, that began in the U.S., is The Slow Mile Challenge, brought to us by the great Molly Seidel, one of America’s best marathoners who qualified for the Tokyo Olympics and ran the mile once with a PB of 4:46:08. Inspired by a challenge via Citrus Magazine, Seidel ran the mile—and that’s the catch, in this un-serious serious running event, a participant must be running at all times—in a time of 36:56:01. It’s since taken hold of participants looking for a good time, and is certainly a fun thing for a family.

Meanwhile, in the adult-only category, there’s the Beer Mile World Classic, the only track-based running world championship being held this summer. And definitely the only one in which participants are encouraged to drink beer. We spoke to Nick McFalls, the event producer, and he said there’s still time for Canadians to compete. Canadian women, especially, are encouraged to show off their skills.

It’s a wide open field for our women. I’d like to see as many fast Canadian women—and beer drinkers—participate as we can.

Lastly, there’s the Canada Day Challenge, presented by Virtual Run Canada, with some of the fanciest bling in the game. This event, held all through July and featuring events at 2K, 5K or 10K, offers race entry, medal, and unisex T-shirt. Not bad for a time when most of us are feeling that distinct twinge of disappointment that we haven’t picked up a new race shirt since spring.

Stay safe out there everyone. Practice social distancing. Give walkers a wide berth. And always remember how lucky we are we can run.

Try This Middle Eastern Plant-Powered Dish

By

Anna Lee Boschetto

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June 10, 2020

Eating vegan just got easier thanks to a brand new batch of recipes in Bosh! Healthy Vegan. Five years ago, author’s Henry Firth and Ian Theasby were meat eaters and made the switch to plant based and learned how to have fun with food. Packed with 80 globally-inspired recipes, this is one cookbook for meals that can be quickly prepared without compromising flavour and most importantly, the enjoyment of fresh food.

Green Shakshuka

Serves 2

This gorgeously green pot of goodness uses plant-based yogurt in place of traditional eggs. Za’atar is a blend of dried herbs, and it is a wonderful way to add a Middle Eastern flavor to any dish, while the combo of fresh mint, dill, and parsley keeps it tasting light and clean. Packed with sources of vitamins A, B5, B6, C, E, and K, folate, potassium, manganese, and thiamine, while being high in protein and fiber—trust us, this one is good for you!

INGREDIENTS

1 leek

2 garlic cloves

1 (14 oz) can cannellini beans

½ cup fresh mint leaves

½ cup fresh parsley leaves

½ cup fresh dill

1 ripe avocado

1 tbsp olive oil

1 ½ cups frozen peas

7 oz fresh spinach leaves

3 ½ tbsp plant-based yogurt

½ tsp za’atar

Salt and black pepper

4 slices crusty whole wheat bread, to serve

DIRECTIONS:

ONE: Trim and thinly slice the leek. Peel and grate the garlic. Drain and rinse the cannellini beans. Roughly chop the mint, parsley, and dill. Halve and carefully pit the avocado by tapping the pit firmly with the heel of a knife so that it lodges in the pit, then twist and remove. Scoop out and slice the avocado flesh

TWO: Heat the olive oil in the large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the leek and cook, stirring, for 5 minutes, until softened. Turn down the heat, add the garlic, and stir for another minute. Add the beans and peas and stir for 2 minutes. Add the spinach, one handful at a time, stirring constantly and allowing each batch of spinach to wilt down before adding the next

THREE: When all the spinach has wilted and the peas are thoroughly thawed and cooked through, take the pan off the heat, stir in the mint, parsley, and dill, and season to perfection with salt and pepper. Top with the yogurt, za’atar, and the sliced avocado, and serve with crusty whole wheat bread.

Finding the Magic In Going Solo

By

Anna Lee Boschetto

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June 9, 2020

By: Anna Lee Boschetto

Ana Laura Fray has been running since 2012. She has run 17 marathons. She was on pace to run the Rotterdam Marathon, and was aiming for a PB. Then COVID-19 hit and plans for everyone, including Fray, changed dramatically. But rather than dialing back, Fray made the decision to continue her marathon training and made a plan. “At the time I had four weeks left and I was feeling great, I didn’t want to stop, and I felt like finishing the training cycle and though, maybe I’d race a marathon anyway,” she says.

Rerouting Your Race

Initially Fray was going to map out a 42-Kilometer near her home in York Region, but as quarantine and social distancing became part of our lives she felt more comfortable with the idea of running a one-kilometer loop, 42.2 times. “For me, there’s magic in the marathon, you feel so accomplished” says Fray, “You’re hurting in those last 10K, but because you trained for it your body is ready and you are so proud of your training, how you all came together to run this race.”

Not So Easy

Staying close to home, rather than traveling to a destination race might seem easier in some ways, but here’s why Fray didn’t find it so. “I’ll tell you the mental toughness of running a one-kilometre loop 42 times was really put to the test to the max,” says Fray. While she felt physically strong Fray says her mind was not always in the best place. “You don’t have the adrenaline of the race, no spectators, I would say that it was mentally my toughest race so far.” Fray also suggests using a mantra in your training so that you have something to call on mentally when your mind starts to waver. “Whether you’re in a race where you can sometimes go through kilometers where there are not a lot of people or running solo, having a mantra as simple as ‘You’re strong’ can actually make you feel that way.”

Support Team
“There was a moment where I even thought, ‘Why am I doing this?’, I had a really great training season, I ran amazing 30K but then I thought, ‘No, I’ve committed to this.’ With her husband’s encouragement Fray kept pushing forward. “My husband Luke was right there, counting down when I went into those last ten loops,” she says. Having been to all of her races Luc knew exactly when his wife needed that extra support. “He could sense as I passed by that I having a hard time around 30 kilometers,” she says, When she said she know if she would finish, Luke’s kept reaffirming exactly why she started in the first place. “He even walked 11K just by following me around and he was more sore than me the next day,” she jokes. Needless to say Fray credits her husband’s incredible support for her PB that day.

On Running Solo Again

Having seen many people step back from running, Fray encourages others to give a solo race a try. “Even if your fall race is canceled, keep up with your training,” she says. Keeping motivated for a marathon is key and Fray suggests having a good playlist, and now that small groups are permitted, inviting family and friends to cheer you along the way. According to Fray, these times we are in are teaching us all to be a little more patient with ourselves, our training and racing and it’s one of the reasons she feels runners should try to stick with racing even if they go at it alone.

iRun Radio

By

Why I Run

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June 8, 2020

On this edition of iRun Radio:

We’re joined by Bart Yasso, who is now retired from being the Chief Running Officer of Runner’s World. John Stanton, the founder of the Running Room, will be with us. And we’ll discuss the ongoing Great Virtual Race Across Tennessee.

Virtual Runs launch for Canada Day, and to Support Charities

By

Ben Kaplan

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June 4, 2020

Kelly Arnott, co-founder of VR Pro Races, leads the team behind one of Ontario’s most popular road races, the Chilly Half Marathon and Frosty 5K. Arnott’s team has announced a slate of three dynamic and inspirational virtual races to bring runners together from coast to coast to coast when they need it the most, and to raise money for charities including two local hospitals.

It’s no surprise that virtual runs have become so popular. The pandemic, and all the event cancellations, have taken a toll on runners’ motivation. Virtual runs can help. They can give runners back a sense of community and it can also with goal-setting.

“At this time when we have to social distance to avoid the spread and real races have been cancelled, we can still all go out and run or walk and train,” says Arnott. “Goals are so important and therefore having something substantial to work towards such as your first 5K or 10K is an ideal motivator.”

Kate Hays, a psychologist and founder of the Toronto Marathon’s psyching team, thinks virtual runs can really help. “Virtual runs give the opportunity to ‘do’ the event and to be acknowledged for accomplishment,” she said. “They can also be a method of connecting and competing with running buddies…at a distance.”

VR Pro has three unique virtual runs.

The COVID-19 Virtual Run For Our Hospital: This charity virtual run will benefit two local Ontario hospitals: Joseph Brant in Burlington, and St. Joseph’s in London. Arnott said she was asked by a few of the Chilly Half runners to take on the fundraiser, and she didn’t waste any time getting started. Both hospitals will also be setting up donations and pledges through the VR Pro website.

Canada Day 5K and 10K: This classic summer race is going virtual this year, and in so doing, is hoping to create a community of runners across the country to come together and celebrate our country. “We are hoping that everyone will come together and run or walk 5 or 10k with us where ever you are in Canada to celebrate this great county of ours,” Arnott says.

The Virtual Butter Tart 5K & 10K: What better way to reward a great day of running that with a delicious homemade butter tart! This race is something special celebrating both athletic achievements and taking the time to appreciate some of the finer things in life, namely the butter tart—one of Canada’s classic comfort foods. Race kits for this one include a butter tart!

“I had a friend that wanted to put on a Buttertart festival so we put that together and with everything I do, there always is a race to go along with that,” Arnott says. “I started baking and handing out as prizes and gifts and now I make about 100 per week!”

All events come with complete race kits to complete the experience: shirts, unique and custom race medals, bibs — the works!

Arnott has also created a vibrant community on Facebook to support runners and share successes. It’s kind of her thing. She wants VR Pro to continue to foster that supportive atmosphere that is so appreciated at her other events.

“I think all the years that I was in retail and developed personal relationships with so many customers that I just like to connect,” she says. “Our VR Pro world is much the same but even stronger these days and our runners have been so happy to be able to share their workouts and feelings. This has been very therapeutic for all of us to be together on this journey.”

Thai Grilled Flatbread

By

Anna Lee Boschetto

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June 3, 2020

There’s something sweet about grilled flatbread as the weather warms up. Maybe because it’s basically pizza and anything goes! Try this recipe that makes quick use of that leftover cooked turkey we know you have in your freezer.

Makes: 4 servings

INGREDIENTS

1-2 lb (0.5 – 1 kg) skinless, boneless Ontario turkey breast
1 tbsp (15 mL) olive oil
1/2 tsp (2 mL) each salt & pepper
1/4 cup (50 mL) fresh lime with pulp
2 tbsp (25 mL) reduced-sodium soy sauce
2 tbsp (25 mL) green onion, minced
1 tbsp (15 mL) fresh cilantro, minced
1 tbsp (15 mL) crunchy peanut butter
1 tbsp (15 mL) olive oil
1 tbsp (15 mL) brown sugar
1 tsp (5 mL) fresh ginger root, minced
1/2 tsp (2 mL) lime rind, grated
1/4 tsp (1 mL) red pepper flakes
2 cloves garlic, minced

FOR PIZZA
4 pcs 8-inch naan bread pita or other flatbread
vegetable oil cooking spray
1/2 cup (125 mL) green onion, sliced
1 medium carrot cut into 2″ x 1/8″ match sticks
1 cup (250 mL) bean sprouts
4 tbsp (60 mL) fresh cilantro, chopped
1/2 cup (125 mL) reduced-fat shredded mozzarella cheese

DIRECTIONS
ONE: Rub turkey breast with oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast turkey breast in 375F (190C) oven until a thermometer in the thickest part of the breast reads 170F (77C), about 45 min. Remove from oven and let cool. Shred turkey using hands or two forks.

TWO: Prepare grill for direct heat cooking or medium heat for a gas barbecue. In a small bowl, combine lime juice, soy sauce, onion, cilantro, peanut butter, oil, brown sugar, ginger, lime rind, red pepper flakes, garlic with turkey; cover and refrigerate for 1 hour. Spray grill with cooking spray. Place naan over hot coals and grill 2 minutes per side, or until puffed and lightly browned. Top each pizza with 1/4 turkey mixture and 1/4 sliced green onion, carrot

THREE: Spray grill with cooking spray. Place naan over hot coals and grill 2 minutes per side, or until puffed and lightly browned. Top each pizza with 1/4 turkey mixture and 1/4 sliced green onion, carrot sticks and bean sprouts. Sprinkle each with 1 tbsp (15mL) cilantro and 1/4 of the shredded cheese. Cover, grill and heat 5-10 minutes or until cheese melts. Serve immediately.

Recipe provided courtesy of Ontario Turkey Farmers.

How Canada Moves on Global Running Day during a Time of No Races

By

Ben Kaplan

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June 1, 2020

During this time of physical distancing, Canada Moves encourages everyone to move, connect and raise money and awareness for mental health.

Hey. How are you doing out there? Running solo, staying safe. I get it. Getting out to get the miles in can sometimes be difficult—but it helps. And I don’t know about you, but lately, when I get out I’ve been seeing some new runners out there. I suppose they’ve caught on that getting out and moving your body is an effective way to deal with stress and anxiety.

It’s been weeks since most of us have laced up with our friends because of the situation in the world right now. If you’re like me, you miss the weekly group run and the coffee afterwards. Or maybe you miss pinning on a bib for your goal race of the summer.

Well, Global Running Day is coming up and Canada Running Series has come up with a way for everyone to take part on the first Wednesday in June. CRS reached out to race directors and other leaders in the running community from coast to coast to create Canada Moves. It’s meant to mark the day by getting out and being active, and connecting with others online to talk about the sport.

It is also a chance to support the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA). The CMHA provides advocacy, programs and resources in over 330 communities nation-wide. Their services help those experiencing mental health problems and illnesses and support recovery and resilience, which is especially vital during this time.

You can sign up for Canada Moves online for free RIGHT HERE and pledge how far you intend to run. On Wednesday June 3rd, get out and run, walk or bike your distance, while respecting the social distancing rules of where you live.

At noon local time, tune into Facebook Live to hear what others in your community have to say about what running means to them. Already, around the country, folks are chipping in.

In Halifax, Sherri Robbins is the executive director of the Scotiabank Blue Nose Marathon. She is organizing a Facebook Live with guests from Nova Scotia, P.E.I. and New Brunswick for Global Running Day. About this time of year, Robbins and her team would be reflecting on their event usually held over Victoria Day Weekend.

“In any given year, we would welcome more than 10,000 participants. We would host 7 events over 2 days,” Robbins says. This year close to 3,000 registered for a virtual race and shared it on social media. Sherri says her running community prides itself on being inclusive to all ages and abilities.

Runners in Quebec have had 4 out of 5 of their biggest events cancelled. There is still hope that the Quebec City Marathon will go ahead on October 4th. In the meantime, Gestev executive producer Marianne Pelchat is planning a Facebook Live for that province. In the past months her team has done plenty to connect with others including podcasts about nutrition and training, and a Strava Challenge.

“We know our running community is missing so much from the in person events so this is a great alternative,” Pelchat says. “Canada Moves is proof that we can come up with new ways to do things.”

Kate Van Buskirk and Steve Fleck will host the Facebook Live event for Ontarians. The pair will host two chats; one with Olympians turned MPs Adam Van Koeverden and Peter Fonseca, and the other with Reid Coolsaet, Krista Duchene, Dylan Wykes, Lindsay Tessier and Tristan Woodfine. There will also be videos submitted by run crews in the region.

This time of year, people in Manitoba would usually be counting down to the 42nd annual Manitoba Marathon that was planned for Father’s Day. Instead it has been postponed until the fall. Race weekend in Winnipeg typically hosts about 11,000 runners. Executive director Rachel Munday tells me that heartache isn’t new for people hoping to race.

“Winnipeg had a huge snowstorm in early October last year which resulted in a state of emergency and many fall races being cancelled. So Winnipeggers have not been able to run an actual event in almost a year!” Munday says.

However there is an upside for Manitobans. Limited gatherings are now permitted, meaning that people are able to run in small groups. Manitoba’s programming for Global Running Day will be hosted by Running Room founder John Stanton. It will feature content from local run crews and athletes including Jennifer Jones and Sammi Jo Small.

Kirsten Fleming is the executive director of the Scotiabank Calgary Marathon. She describes her team as “small but mighty,” putting on 7 events a year.

“We have gone virtual and are enjoying the experience of reinventing the season,” Fleming says. Their first virtual race, the Flapjack 15K sold out in 3 days.

For Canada Moves, Fleming has pledged to run 12 kilometres before hosting the noontime broadcast in Alberta. It will include sprinter Sam Effah, Kip Kangogo, Tokyo 2021-bound Trevor Hofbauer, and 3,000m record holder Jess O’Connell. It will also include endurance athlete Ailsa MacDonald, who plans to start her day with a 50 kilometre run. And country music fans are in for a treat. They’ll get to hear from Paul Brandt on why he runs. The singer was signed up for the Calgary Marathon this year.

Lynn Kanuka has seen the running community in the greater Vancouver area blossom over the past several years. She is the elite athlete program coordinator for Vancouver Marathon and she has created a presentation of videos from people across B.C. about what running means to them.

The B.C. portion of programming will have panels and chats on Facebook Live. One panel will feature 10,000m champion Natasha Wodak, Olympic race walker Evan Dunfee and distance runner Rob Watson.

The day will also include a chat about mental health with Sue Griffin, the director of philanthropy with the Canadian Mental Health Association.

Kanuka is looking forward to this edition of Global Running Day. “It’s a testimony of race directors and others in the running community working together in a vision to connect the country.” Kanuka says.

“We will continue to be creative. And we will carry on.”

To sign up for Canada Moves, please click here.

iRun Radio

By

Why I Run

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June 1, 2020

On this edition of iRun Radio:

Jessica Shaw is a teacher, a mom, and a track athlete who has found a way to manage all three roles in these difficult times. We’ll hear from a runner who created her own virtual Disney experience. We’ll talk to Rick Shaver, who has visited more than 100 countries and run dozens of marathons, about how he’s adjusting to life without travel.

The Boston Marathon is cancelled. Event to be held virtually.

By

Ben Kaplan

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May 28, 2020

In an announcement today the running world was waiting on, the Boston Athletic Association has announced that their 124th annual event, rescheduled from Patriot’s Day to September, will now be a virtual run.

“Our top priority continues to be safeguarding the health of the community, as well as our staff, participants, volunteers, spectators, and supporters,” said Tom Grilk, C.E.O. of the B.A.A.

Registered participants will be offered full refunds and the opportunity to participate in the virtual event. The virtual event will be held between September 7 and 14. The press release says, “While we cannot bring the world to Boston in September, we plan to bring Boston to the world for an historic 124^th Boston Marathon.”

Also, the press release featured this exchange:

(Q) Can I use my 2020 Boston Marathon qualifying time for the 2021 Boston Marathon?
(A) Yes. The B.A.A. is reviewing all specifics involved in the registration procedure for the 2021 Boston Marathon, and additional details related to both the qualifying window and registration dates for the 2021 Boston Marathon will be announced and posted in the coming weeks.

For more information, see baa.org.