Trail Bits 2006 #40

Trail Bits # 40

Trail runs now start at 7:30 am

I guess I was a little premature in my talk of the fall winds and rains having returned. I actually got sunburned on Saturday. Oh well, a nice blast of summer in late September is fantastic. A big word of thanks to all of you that helped support the Mount Benson campaign by showing up at Westwood Lake on Sunday to run in the inaugural Westwood Lake 6km. Over $ 4800.00 was raised. Thanks as well to those of you that were able to support the Dover Bay Cross country meet.

Congratulations to Tom Barr and Ken Jones on the their strong runs in the Toronto Waterfront Marathon last weekend and congratulations to Brian Macdonald who won his age group in the Toronto Waterfront Half marathon…great job guys.

Night running starts in two weeks time!!!!!!

Ø Cyclo Cross Racing – the Cyclocross Nationals are coming to Nanaimo on November 11^th. I will pass along further details regarding the race, volunteering opportunities, etc in the coming weeks.

Ø Message from Norm & Stefan (Owners of Frontrunners) - A quick thanks to all the ROC members that popped by to wish us a happy birthday on the weekend. It has been a great seven years and we are looking forward to working with ROC into the future. Also a note that we have a NewBalance test run scheduled for Tuesday October 3rd. Stew from NewBalance will have the 1060 and 767 on hand. Everyone who takes a pair out for a test run will be eligible to win one of several draw prizes

Ø 3^rd Annual Runners of Compassion – Bastion Running Club Winter (Christmas) Dance November 18^th, $25.00 per person

The fall is here and with it comes the classic fall races. Read below.

Ø Bazett Farms Cross Country Race – the 41^st Annual Bazett Farms Cross Country race is this Sunday, October 1^st in Duncan. Details are in the attachment. This race has been going on for longer than some of you have been alive.

Ø Thetis Lake Relays – November 11^th - get together with three other people and register a team of four in the Thetis Relays. The relays are run on a 5km single track loop around Thetis Lake in Victoria. Each team member runs one loop. This race will feature the young, the old, the weak and the strong. It will also feature the who’s who of runners from the Island and BC. This is an inexpensive race with a great spirit. Everyone should try to do this race once in their lifetime. Go to http://pih.bc.ca/Calendar.php for more details. A great warm up for the Gunner Shaw.

Ø Gunner Shaw – This baby is the Grand Daddy of Trail racing on the Island. November 25^th – This race is not near as tough as our GutBuster, but it will leave you feeling just as tired due to the fact that the course is 100% runnable. No need to walk any of this race course, which features the requisite mud and stream crossings of any good trail race, plus it also features the infamous Gunner Puddle. This race usually gets attended by close to 400 racers of which anywhere from 10 – 20 will be Nanaimo ROC members. This race has become an annual Road trip for a number of us Saturday morning trail runners. Plan on coming down with us. Details also available at http://pih.bc.ca/Calendar.php

Ø Shawnigan Lake Half Marathon – is October 29^th

Ø Stewart Mountain 10 Mile Trail Race – is December 9^th

This week the run will be a run from the Westwood Lake parking lot. Remember the NEW 7:30am start time, don’t forget and show up early.

Notes from Bastion Ross: Good bye to Darrell and Judy

Bastion

You are hereby cordially invited to our very warm send off for Darrell and Judy Orosz this Saturday, September 30th at the meeting room of the Longwood Brew Pub at 6:00 pm. Darrell has been our President and then our Race Director for the last five years and has done more than anyone to introduce hitherto foreign concepts such as efficiency and planning to our laid back organization, all with a huge smiley face. If there's anyone you would want to be stuck for a few hours in a snow storm with, it would be Darrell. Not only would he know how to survive but you would also never run out of stories. Judy has been our rock of a Social Director for the past three years, uncomplainingly driving huge amounts of coffee or hot chocolate to our social events and don't even mention how long it took to cut up all those little sandwiches. Bastion will be providing the appetizers and we hope that you will drop in and say goodbye before Darrell and Judy head way up North.

Thanks,
Ross

Trail Bits 2006 #38

Trail Bits # 38

Trail runs now start at 7:30 am

Well, the fall winds and the rains have finally returned to Nanaimo and with them the real fun of trail running begins. Now the runs will have the added enjoyment of water, mud, falling leaves, more mud, rain, a few deep puddles and the odd stream crossing. For those of you that are new to Runners of Compassion and/or the Saturday morning trail runs your official initiation to trail running awaits you. It won’t be long now and soon you will becoming home after the Saturday run with this smug little smile on your face knowing that only half an hour prior you were up running through the mud and water that crisscross the Saddle Trail while running on trails thick with fallen leaves and far from the noise of the city. Your family will probably think you are absolutely nuts when you tell them about having to cross the steam (calf deep) that happens to use the trail as it water course, they will no longer let your running shoes in the house and they may even make you change in the garage, but you will know that it was all worth it……just wait and see.

Speaking of those running shoes (this is not an advertisement) lots of you have been asking me about trail shoes lately and if they make a difference when running the Trails. Let me put it this way, does driving your car in the snow with snow tires make a difference compared to driving in the snow with summer tires? Your trail shoes should not be an old pair of runners that you no longer wear when road running. When you trail run where we do, you need shoes with good support, good drainage (remember the water I told you about) and you need a really good aggressive grip. A pair of SmartWool socks really helps a keep your feet warm once they have gotten wet. The shoes and socks are well worth the investment.



Ø Dover Bay High School Cross Country – each year members of ROC volunteer to help out as marshals at the different high school cross country races that take place in the fall. On Friday, September 22, 2006 Dover Bay High School is hosting the third annual cross country meet at Pioneer Park, behind Canadian Tire. Each year this event is gaining in popularity with schools as far south as Salt Spring Island, and as far north as Campbell River attending...Volunteers are needed to assist with the event and would be needed starting at 12 noon...The races will run as follows...

· -Grade 7 & 8 Girls: 2Km Race starting at 1:00pm

· -Grade 7 & 8 Boys: 2Km Race starting at 1:20pm

· -Grade 9 - 12 Girls: 4km Race starting at 1:40pm

· -Grade 9 - 12 Boys: 6km Race starting at 2:10pm



Any persons that are willing to help out could they please email Bob Saunders directly at bobjsaunders@hotmail.com



Ø Cyclo Cross Racing – the Diver Lake Cyclocross race was a huge hit thanks to the hard work put in by the gang that worked nonstop despite the rain and wind all morning at Diver Lake on Sunday morning. I have attached a race review; (compliments of Norm) I have also attached the results.



Ø Westwood Lake 6km “Run for the Mountain” Sunday, September 24, 2006 at 10:00am.



The cost of the race, which is being hosted the Nanaimo Area Land Trust, is $20.00.
100% of the race proceeds go to the Mount Benson fundraising campaign.
Registration forms are available at Frontrunners or at the NALT office on Wallace Street.
Bring the whole family, you don’t have to race,. Walkers are very welcome.
It would be fantastic if we had a huge showing from the over 300 of you that receive the Trail Bits each week. Mount Benson is now Nanaimo’s mountain, we own it. It is where we run, it is where we race (GutBuster) and it is where we hike. We need to help NALT pay off the $ 440,000.00 debt they have taken on to purchase the land and create the Mount Benson Regional Park.
Ø 3rd Annual Runners of Compassion – Bastion Running Club Winter (Christmas) Dance November 18th, $25.00 per person





This weeks run will be a run of the Dumont Trails. NEW 7:30am start time, don’t forget and show up early. Charlie and others will be leading this week.

The driving directions are fairly simple.

If you live in north Nanaimo,

o Take Metral Drive to Duomont Road.

o Turn on to Duomont Road and head out past the Black Bear Pub.

o Follow this road for 10 minutes or until you come to the T-Junction with Biggs & Weigles Road.

o Turn Right and head up the hill for a couple of minutes.



If you live in central or South Nanaimo

o Take the Parkway to the Jingle Pot/Mostar exit – Turn Left at this intersection.

o Immediately turn right on to Biggs Road. Stay on this road.

o You will drive past the Correctional Facility, past the farm fields and will then start heading up the hill. Keep heading up the hill.

o This road simply changes its name and becomes Weigles Rd. Keep driving up the hill.

You will see us on the side of the road by the yellow gate. If you get to the flat part of road near the Wasteland Motto Cross Track, you have gone too far.

From Pacific Sport

I hope that you have enjoyed the best of what this past great summer had to offer. Here is a list of upcoming presentations that we are jointly delivering with the Malaspina Athletics Dept. All presentations are at the Malaspina Nanaimo campus. There is no cost.



Sept. 20 7pm Bldg. 200 room 203

Mental Training: Dr. Bruce Pinel is a consultant for many Can. Nat. teams. He will present tips & techniques to improve the mental part of your game with special emphasis on ‘focus & re-focus’.

Sept. 28 7pm Location: Bldg. 180 Room 134

Sport nutrition: What foods provide the best fuel for a high performance athlete? What is a serving? How can I get 10-25% more energy? Practical information on consuming the right foods in the proper amounts for maximum performance will be presented.



NCCP Theory courses

Sept. 30- Oct 1 Part A 9am – 4pm Bldg. 356 room 209

Oct. 21-22 Part B 9am – 4pm Bldg. 356 room 209

(Contact our office for more information regarding NCCP courses)



An October date for SportMap is currently being finalized with one date scheduled for Woodlands Secondary in the Fall and another in Comox at the Highland Sport School in the new year.



Of special note: We will be presenting a Level 3 Theory course in Courtenay for the first time ever on Nov. 4-5 & 18-19.



I am meeting with folks from Campbell River and Courtenay today to discuss what programs we might be able to bring to those communities. If you have any requests for program delivery in Port Alberni, Parksville/Qualicum and Duncan , please get back to me with suggestions and preferred dates.



Cheers,



Drew







Drew Cooper

General Manager

PacificSport - Vancouver Island

An ROC EXTRA

. Have you ever wondered what all those people you run with each Saturday would look like without their running gear? It’s okay to admit it, a few of you probably have!!!!

Well on November 18th you will have the chance to see!!!!

November 18th is the date that everyone will be leaving the smelly running gear at home and coming out with their dancing clothes on. November 18th is the date that has been for the 3rd Annual Runners of Compassion – Bastion Running Club Winter (Christmas) Dance at the Branch 256 Legion (same location as last year). Alex and 24 Carrot Catering will once again be doing the catering and Ron from RSM Productions will be doing the music. Tickets are $25.00 each and will be available for purchase in early October. Book the babysitter now as you won’t want to miss this great night out…..ps. the event has sold out the last two years so don’t procrastinate when tickets do come on sale. As Kathleen gets more details confirmed I will pass along information to you.

Notes from Bastion Ross: September

Dear Bastion



While it may just seem that summer is over, there was no doubt whatsoever that it was an exciting day last Sunday at the Harbour Half/10 K as more than forty sluggies had at a very challenging course on a beautiful day. I have never seen so many runners within a whisker of creating an original Jackson Pollack upon crossing the finish line. No doubt some of your memories might be tinted by the hardship endured on the course but from a spectator's vantage point it was a memorable race. There were plenty of elite runners duelling it out and the event can only get bigger and better as word spreads of how well this race is run and the prize money grows. There was a couple from England on their honeymoon who heard of the Harbour Half from somewhere and decided to enter the weekend of. Only a runner would do that. It never got boring watching the runners come in whether they were first or last because everyone looked as if they had given their all. One of the more interesting things about the race is that it was quite the family affair. There were brothers and sisters, husbands and wives, fathers with sons or daughters and mothers with daughters or sons. This means that it is growing into a race that runners point way ahead to and say I'm doing that as my major race. If it grows steadily in a decade, dare I say we'll be running our own Harbour Marathon? Thanks to all the volunteers who stepped forward. There was nothing but praise from the runners for the quality of the volunteers. The Billy Hicks managed band was a particular favorite because it picked runners up at a difficult time. The volunteer party was great.

While all of this was going on Stefan stepped out for a long run. More than ten thousand miles in distance and a few miles in elevation he finished 60th in the world at the World Mountain Running Championships. That is incredible for the limited amount of training he had for mountain running when compared to the other runners. Ceri didn't train half as hard and finished second in the open race. I think there's a lesson to be learned in there somewhere.

This Saturday we are going to Gabriola for our last morning run of the summer. It has been a good one hasn't it? We will take the 9:30 am ferry so arrive in time to load your stuff into a few vehicles we'll take and walk on. I'd take a towel and a change of clothes because we'll be going for lunch and hitting the market after. Also, prepare for warm or cool weather. Bastion will pay for the ferry costs. Lets pray for one last great day.

This Sunday, all over the world many, many thousands of runners, walkers and people in wheelchairs will be turning out for the Terry Fox Run. Nanaimo's is happening at 10:00 am at the Beban Social Centre. Registration is at nine. You can do 1 K, 5 K or 10 K and no one cares how you do it as long as you do it. Skip, hold hands, take your baby jogger, whatever. There is no minimum donation.

Next Sunday is the NALT Run for the Mountain at Westwood Lake. Bastion is encouraging all to show up for this one because it is our stomping grounds and we're not particularly fond of running through or looking at logged areas. Bastion will present NALT with a cheque for $400 from our donation account. It could be the only time of the year when its socially acceptable to run eight abreast down the trail. I got a better map of Linley Valley and Mt. Benson from NALT and they are now in the Trail Guide page.

Its two weeks to the last MOMAR in Cumberland and only three weeks until Victoria. Get that 3 hour run in while you can and taper. All of the coming runs are in the Events page.

The Tuesday night Frontrunner clinics have started and there was a good turnout on a nice night. Lots of old faces and lots of new faces. My apologies to Kirsten but I had to haul butt to get back for a meeting. This Monday, Margie's swim clinic starts at the NAC at 6:00 pm. There is also a new Power Yoga class Mondays at 6:30 pm at Northridge Fitness Centre from Red Door Yoga. It is a great workout. If it’s Tuesday then it means getting to Seans ab class at Frontrunners, bright eyed and bushy tailed at 6:00 am. If you are not an early riser then he has another one at 6:30 pm, Thursdays. All these clinics and more in the Clinics page.

After a dramatic turn of events, this year’s dance is going to be held on November 18 instead of the Halloween weekend. We managed to snag the Legion at Quarterway at this late date and it seemed that we would be happier with a more Christmas theme. Apparently, some people would rather run up an endless mountain in a snow storm than see me in drag. Tickets are slated for $25 but Bastion may subsidize this a bit. Everything will be the same as last year. This means lots of great food, cheap alcohol and dancing. Judy is asking that anyone who can help set up the hall for the dance, please contact her at janddorosz@shaw.ca . There isn't much to do. The Legion does most of the decorating and ROC will be there too.



Thanks,

Ross

Report from Stefan in Turkey

Hi Everyone

First I must apologize for what will be a million typing errors as the Turkish keyboard is a tad different than at home!!! I hope everyone is well and congrats for those that ran the half or 10km this weekend (pops) and I will have to check the results soon! Congrats also to Mike ... great news and we will have a beer over that one soon! Have a great trip to Maui!

The trip so far has been great with one huge hard run in between! Things have been pretty smooth so far, but we have also had a few glitches with Ceri’s bag never arriving and a so called shuttle leaving us a little unsure how to get to the race site, but it has been a great experience and all the team/people have been fantastic.

The race was ... well ... it was friggin hard! Ceri ran the open race in the morning and she did wicked and ended up second. Not bad for trails with no contacts and shoes that did not fit! Poor girl ... such a trooper though and not one word or complaints there!

Our race started at 12 so it was a hot start. I was nervous about the course ... all of a sudden 12 km uphill seemed very hard, especially after taking the tram up and down a mountain for a few days, each time seeing how high and long it was! The race started so fast , on the pavement, and up a grade of about 20%. I couldn’t believe how fast it was but just stuck to a pace that I hoped would be not too hard. My running has not been exactly stellar these last few months so my big goal was to run the top 3 km strong, which was also the toughest part of the course. It was pretty tough, with people breaking stride very early on, but I feel good in that I was never passed and finished really strong in the last section. However, it just goes to show how fast the start was but I hoped to finish in the middle of the pack and I was pretty much smack in the middle in 60th.

It was cool to see an African country win the men’s title because that is the first time in a number of years that Italy did not win the men’s title. Also, for the first time in a few years Johnathan Wyatt did not win the men’s crown which was won by a guy from Columbia. So all in all, it was good to see the sport growing and things changing as apparently this was the most competitive year ever.

The after part was a shocker ... can’t say much more about that! Runners with a drinking problem ... wow ... but of course we were really well behaved and had a great time!

This morning we made a day journey to Selcuk and are staying at a pretty cool backpackers and just finished a great Turkish meal. The people are really friendly and although things are very foreign, in no way do we feel unwelcome but rather the exact opposite. Tomorrow we are taking in the ruins at Ephesus and then after that I think we will be having our first day at the beach!

Other notes:
Wow ... the smoke hear is crazy! You just have to ignore it because you can not escape it!

Travel with toilet paper ... it is a must!

Toilets cost you ... never travel without 50lýra in your pocket!

Drivers here are nuts! We caught a bus to the opening ceremonies the other day and the bus could not make a narrow corner due to a car on the street ... solution ... pick up the car and move it on to the curb! No problem!

12km of uphill is brutally hard!

Ceri is living off next to nothing and doing just fine. I therefore packed way too much! Bad packer that I am!

We are looking to do a 4 day sailing trip in the next few day’s ... forced R and R that we are both very excited about!

Johnathan Wyatt who was second was attacked by wild dogs 3 days before the race and had to be taken for rabies shots. That might have affected his race.

Juniors ... I forgot how hard Juniors party!

Runners are skinny ... never have I felt so in place wearing split shorts. The only problem was mine were too big, not split enough, nor did I pull them up high enough. I will change that if there is a next time.

The Africans were super cool .... awesome people.

All in all it has been a fantastic trip and the vacation component is just starting. Thanks for everyone at the shop and congrats to all those that ran and helped out at the events this weekend!


Miss you all ...
Will write more soon,
Stefan and Ceri

Trail Bits 2006 #37

Trail Bits # 37
Photos are up at http://s113.photobucket.com/albums/n239/ROC-nanaimo /

Hhhmmmm, where to start? How about I start off by passing along thanks from the Race Committee to all of the wonderful members and sponsors of Runners of Compassion that helped make the 2006 Nanaimo Daily News Harbour City Half Marathon & 10km Road Race a HUGE SUCCESS as well as a Big Thank you to all of those citizens of Nanaimo that helped out! I have been receiving complimentary phone calls and emails steadily for the past two days from people that took part in our race. Here are two samples of them;

“Dan, Thanks for the amazing race. It was a top notch event, with world class organization, great volunteers, safety and was also good fun. Honestly, I have been to a lot of events around the world, and this BIG little event in Nanaimo is superb. Keep up the great work! I would like to personally thank your sponsors for their support with the prize money as well. Prize money is really important to elite athletes. It validates their career path, helps them financially so they can reach their athletic goals, and provides for great competition. Please pass this on to your organization! Thanks so much, Lucy Smith” (Lucy is the current Canadian Women’s Half Marathon Champion)

“Hi Dan, by now, I hope you’ve found time to put your feet up and celebrate the success of another great race. Having been on both sides of the race – as both a marshal and, today, a participant – I just want to tell you what a great job was done out there on the course. I know you and your crew put in countless hours over the past year. Your efforts did not go unnoticed. Thanks to everyone involved! Even us old seasoned runners appreciate a word of encouragement once in a while, and there were certainly a lot of those today. It was nice to see so many ROC members lining the streets … we are such a handsome bunch!! So, please, pass along my thanks to everyone who worked so very hard. From water stations to finish line to food, you guys rocked! Tami Beales” ( Tami is a long time member of ROC Nanaimo)

One more (just came in as I was typing this) Hi Dan …..Just a note to say of the 400+ races I've run in the last 29 yrs. The Harbour City 1/2 easily makes the top 5. Very well organized, the larges cups at the water stations were fantastic. The choice of Thunder Struck to start the race was awesome. I had to take a few very deep breaths to slow the adrenalin. Parts of the course were a bit of a shock to the system, but what do you expect from a Harbour City Virgin. I will definitely be back next year to support your race. Congratulations on an outstanding job……Charles Davis (Charles was over from Richmond)


The above quotes are just a sampling. Each and every comment I have had back raves about the organization, the spirit of the volunteers, and the beauty of the course. You all did an amazing job as usual……thank you! The photos are now up at http://s113.photobucket.com/albums/n239/ROC-nanaimo / click on the link. You may need to scroll down just a wee bit to see the first photo. I am a newbie at using the site I posted them on.

Ø Cyclo Cross Racing – the Diver Lake Cyclocross race is on this Sunday (after Terry Fox Run). Beginner clinic in the AM. Beginner race at noon, intermediate, women and masters then elite at 2:15. It should be some great and tight racing!! Go to Frontrunners for more details.

Ø Aids Dance - I have attached a poster for a dance taking place that one of our members asked me to pass along to you. It is in support of raising money for Aids work in Africa.

Ø Swimming - Margie Anderson still has a couple of spots available in her Freestyle Clinic Monday evenings 6-7:15 at NAC $110/wks;, start Sept 18. contact Margie at misanderson@shaw.ca if you are interested

Ø Kids Mountain Biking - Arrowsmith Bikes Kids Club is a non-competitive introduction to cycling. It is geared towards kids ages 8 through 12 that encourages and promotes a lifetime of health and wellness. We will be riding on Saturday mornings, rain or shine, at 10:00 in the morning. The rides will be meeting at the yellow gate on the top of Weigles Rd. hill at the Dumont Rd mountain bike area. The rides will be 1 hour to 1 ½ hours in duration and will take place on rolling terrain as well as groomed trails. The focus of these rides will be to promote proper trail etiquette, improve bike handling skills and build self-esteem through physical fitness and skill development. Children must have their own bike in safe working order as well as a certified bicycle helmet. Water and a healthy snack will also be a great idea. For further information please feel free to call Arrowsmith Bikes at 250-758-6675 or e-mail us at ride@arrowsmithbikesnan.com.



This weeks run will be a run of Linley Valley. Brad has offered to take the group out on the tour. 7:00am (starting September 16, we start at 7:30am) meet at the end of Burma Road. The run will be about 1:15 in length.
Driving Directions;
Take Rutherford Rd to Vanderneuk; The top of the hill.
Right or left on to Vanderneuk; this turns into Lost Lake Road.
Follow Lost Lake for a fair while;
Turn right on Burma Rd. We will be at the end.
If you start to drive down the really steep hill you have missed the turn.

Michelle Stilwell Captures GOLD!!

TILWELL CAPTURES GOLD

Assen, Netherlands

Nanoose Bay s Michelle Stilwell blazed to a Games record in the 200m sprint at the IPC World Championships in Assen today. Stilwell s time of 39.51 was enough to ensure her Gold medal.

Stilwell finished ahead of Pia Schmidt of Switzerland who had captured gold in the 100m on Monday. Describing her feelings about the race Stilwell said there was a little extra motivation from the crowd today referring to her parents and husband who arrived in Assen yesterday.

Stilwell credits much of her success to her involvement with PacificSport and the BC Wheelchair Sports Athletics program as well as to the generous support of sponsors like Shoppers Home Health Care, Arrowsmith Bikes and Frontrunners.

Stilwell who began competing in Athletics after winning a gold medal in Basketball at the 2000 Paralympic Games in Australia and being forced to retire from the team as a result of an acquired Chiari malformation. Despite undergoing brain surgery in January 2005 Stilwell has focussed her energies on learning the new sport of track & field and represented Canada at the 2005 European Championships in Finland and became the Canadian Champion in the 100m, 200m, 400m & 800m in 2006.

Look for more successes from Stilwell in the future as she prepares for the 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing, China.

Notes from Bastion Ross: Early September

Dear Bastion



Its all systems go. This Sunday a mammoth undertaking ten months in the making will come to fruitition at 8:00 am. There are a record number of runners registered, all the volunteers know their lines and the weather looks to be beautiful again this year. If you are looking for an exciting duel, both races have some very fast runners. Maybe a busload of Kenyans might show up. If you’re not sure whether you can win either race you can duck into the Tim Horton’s after the first 500 m, have a refreshing coffee and emerge 30 minutes or an hour later and sprint to victory. This is where you find out if your training for Victoria is on schedule or are your expectations total science fiction. If you are running, don't forget to pick up your race package but do not put the shirt on until after the race. If you are volunteering, know where your station is and don't forget there is a rocking volunteer party after the race, pool side at the Howard Johnson. If you are doing neither, grab a big Tim Horton's coffee and stand along the route or at the finish and cheer the runners on.

Next Saturday, the 16th we are going to Gabriola for our morning run to celebrate the end of a great summer. The plan is to take the 9:30 ferry, have a scenic run, and then partake of some lunch and hit the markets. There should be some interesting items this time of year, especially with the harvest coming in. Bastion will pay the ferry fair.

Next Sunday is the Terry Fox Run and in two weeks there is the NALT Run for the Mountain at Westwood Lake. Entry forms are available at Frontrunners, Running Room, Romper Room and other sport facilities. There is also the Juan de Fuca Duathlon if you want to grab a last shot at a multi sport event. Three weeks brings the last MOMAR at Cumberland. This is where you put the two practice runs to the test and get it perfect this time. Finally, its one month to go to the Victoria Marathon/Half/8 K. Info and online registration for all the above in the Events page. Don't forget to clear out your internet cache to view new stuff. I have attached a pdf of an email I just received from a group of intrepid Canadian runners trying to make it across the Gobi Desert this year. It is information on a fundraiser in Victoria offering an exciting slideshow of last years crossing of the Sahara.

The annual dance held in partnership with ROC is going to be a Halloween dance this year, on Oct 27th. Judy Orosz, our Social Director is asking for some support this year in putting up decorations and getting the hall ready. This should involve less than 2 hours light work. If you have some great idea you feel would be perfect for the soiree, you can sit with Judy and the people for ROC and hash out the details over coffee at a brief meeting. Personally, I can’t wait to try on my Marie Antoinette costume. If you can help, email Judy at janddorosz@shaw.ca .

If you have been watching the news lately you might have spotted our Race Director, Darrell Orosz, on television as he practices his day job as a Fire Chief fighting the fire in Manning Park. Sadly, Darrell and Judy will be moving up North soon and we will be missing them greatly. We are looking for someone to take on the position of Race Director for this year’s Cedar 12 K on Feb. 11th. Darrell has introduced such efficiency and organization to the job that the race practically runs itself. All the various committee heads know their jobs off by heart, we have our own equipment, the food is catered, and VIRA provides timing, lots of draw prizes and bibs. The main job is to book the school, the caterer, the ambulance, keep in contact with VIRA and runners who want info, and drive the equipment out to the race in a Budget truck. It is 100 times less time and complications than the Harbour Half because we don’t close down roads and such and we’ve been at this race for a long time. In any event, Darrell will walk you through the process. If you can spare a little time and step up for this job please email me. I don’t have to remind you that the Cedar race provides the vast majority of funds for the club.

Have a great Harbour Half,

Ross

Michelle Stilwell Report #2

Here we go...

I had trouble falling asleep last night. It was after midnight before I convinced myself that I could only control certain things. If it rains or is windy, that is out of my control. If my competitors have great starts and push faster than me that is our of my control. I can only be responsible for myself and be as prepared as humanely possible. If the outcome is not what I had hoped for, it was not meant to be. So that is what I have done (an I didn't even make a list!) After waking up early this morning (6:30), I laid in bed thinking about the events that would occur today. I stretched for a while (all while thinking about my grand plan) and then picked up my book. By 9am I was sleepy again so I closed my eyes and took a nap. Finally around 10am I woke up, feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day.
I set my plan in action. I laid everything I would need today out on my bed. Then it was time to fuel my body a bit with some breaky. After a quick but relaxing nibble while watching the news (the crocodile hunter died and Aggasi retired from tennis), I took a nice long hot bath. Again I was going over the grand plan, minus the events that had already taken place.


Then the major decision was in front of me how was I going to do my hair!!! Ponytail, pigtails or braids? Hey this is a very important decision to make. So in honor of my new buddy Jess; I am going with the braids girlfriend. J So next on the agenda is lunch, then I will leave to the track from there with my hot water bottle in hand (I have discovered it is a great way to stay warm in the pathetic weather--all part of the plan).
I will save the rest of the details for after the race till then wish me luck. J

9:30pm So all is said and done for the 100m. I finished with a silver medal only 3/100 of a second behind the Swiss girl who took first. IT was very stressing and nerve racking leading up to the final hour before the race. We had lunch at the village like planned at 1pm and were going to take the bus at 2pm to the track. We got on the bus on time but it took us for a scenic tour to a neighbouring town to pick up a different bus driver. The 10 minute journey took almost 40min. My stress levels were sky rocketing. The when I got to the track I planned to get a sport massage at 3pm. However, Yvonne forgot and had gone for lunch. Yup, things were not looking good. I decided to get in my chair and warm up without the massage. Warm up went okay. The warm up track is a bit scary since you have many athletes of various speeds going in a circle and just for kicks we throw in the blind runners and their guides! The sun was peaking through and it was not raining so I was a happy camper.

I had about 5 minutes till I had to report to the call tent so I went over to our Canadian tent to drop things off and pick up my accreditation. A fellow quad racer (Clayton Gerin), asked if I was ready and I said, Yeah I feel pretty good. He looked at my chair and said, "Your not *&#!*#&# ready, your compensator is about to fall off" My heart rate went way up and now I was in a panic. The last thing you want to be doing before a race is fiddle with your compensator. Next thing I knew the wrench was out and it was being duck taped! I was freaking out that this would be a repeat of London.

The rest was somewhat uneventful, I followed the plan and when I heard the gun go I had an amazing start. Really strong. If we were doing 110m I think I could have finished first because the last 20m I really gained on Pia. But it was not in the cards for today. It does give me some good things to focus on for Wednesday's race.
Mark and my parents arrive tomorrow. I am looking so forward to seeing them!

I will write again after the race on Wednesday.

love,
Mikey

Wendy Simms World MTB Race Report

We will have to refer you to another blog to read this one. It can be found at http://velobellarace.blogspot.com/

Look for "Worlds Report" and check out the pictures from Rotarua.

Trail Bits 2006 #36

Trail Bits # 36
Now this is going to be a really long Trail Bits….sorry!



First of all I would like to use the Trail Bits for a wee bit of personal business. I want to thank those guys and gals that ran with me last Saturday morning. I know for all of you it was just another Saturday morning trail run, but for me it was the first full long run back with Group 2 since I hurt myself last October. I had a fantastic run….thank you.



Now on to business…..Last week I was very remiss in not acknowledging some pretty amazing feats that were accomplished.



Ø To Dennis Frey and Al Shirley; congratulations on your extremely strong performances at Ironman. You guys amaze me.



Ø To Wendy Simms; a job well done as usual! Wendy just got back from the World Mountain Biking Championships where she finished 32nd in the World in the Cross Country event.



Ø To Tony Theriault – congratulations on your great rowing at the Worlds. Tony whom I mentioned in one of the previous emails has returned from Europe with a Bronze medal in his possession. Way to go Tony



Ø To Michelle Stillwell of Nanoose – congratulations. Michelle who was also mentioned in a previous email raced to a silver medal in the wheelchair 100 meters on Monday in Assen Switzerland. This was accomplished by Michelle with her experiencing mechanical difficulties with the steering just minutes before the start of the race.



Ø Race Update: I think I am safe is saying that everything is set to go for Sunday. The Race Committee members stress levels are actually starting to drop somewhat. The shirts are at the printers, the last minute details are being taken care of and the weather appears that it will be on our side again.



Ø Stefan Jakobsen – One name that will not be listed in this year’s list of finishers for either the 10km or the Half marathon is the name of Stefan Jakobsen. You see, Stefan is on his way to Turkey, not to hang out in some back street café smoking from some big hookah pipe and drinking really strong coffee or buying shiny trinkets in a bazaar; Stefan is heading over to Bursa, Turkey to represent Canada at the World Mountain Running Championships on September 10th. In this race, which is virtually an uphill race, which is Stefan strong point the athletes will race an 8.5km (5.3 mile) uphill course with an 895-meter ascent (nearly 3,000 vertical feet) on varying terrain including dirt roads, trails and ski slopes. That is one steep and nasty hill climb! Good luck to you Stefan in the race.



Ø Update from Yvonne over in Europe - Hello all! Update number 2 has some of the same things as number 1--rain, wind, and cold--I heard you are all basking in the sunshine--so jealous...I have not yet worn shorts--not even to work in...

The athletes are doing well, some ups and some downs, but in general, the weather is taking its toll in the form of wind and a slow track--qualifying times for Beijing are always an issue. We are on the track for 12 hours every day, and then home to a quick meal at 9:30 pm, then a coaches meeting to organize the next day...Michelle Stillwell won a silver medal last night--From NANANOOSE!!!I know that most of you are all getting ready to either help or run the half marathon on the 10th--be smart and have fun!!

thinking of you all!

yvonne


This Saturday is the 4th Annual Volunteers Half Marathon. Pay your $20.00 (that is our cost for the shirt), run the route and the shirt is yours. You still have to volunteer on Sunday and you may have to wait to get your shirt to be delivered if we run short of shirts for the registered racers, but we will get you one.

Meet at 7:00 am in front of the Coast Bastion Hotel. Bring your own water as this run is completely unaided.

For those of you that still want to Trail run this Saturday, how about you meet at Westwood at the same time, 7:00am.

Michelle Stilwell Report #1

Saturday, September 2

Hard to believe that it is already Saturday. My first race is in just 2 days! I can feel my nerves starting to heighten. The first nights I was here I slept quite well, snagging 8-9 hours. Last night though I would be lucky if I got 6. And we all know how much I need my precious beauty sleep!

Last night we had a team supper/meeting where the team captains and flag bearer were selected. It works by nomination and then by private vote. Our flag bearer will be Courtney who is a blind athlete. She has been in the sport a long time but I do not believe she has ever been a flag bearer.

We had pizza and socialized for a bit then I went for a quick massage. Our therapist is ex-Olympic biathlete Yvonne Visser. She is wonderful. It is nice to have someone who really understands working on all your aches and pains. She is very busy though having all 47 athletes to work on. Our sessions are generally pretty short (about 20 minutes).

We have a family of little bunnies that live in our yard. They are so adorable! Just sit and eat grass all day wouldn't it be great if that were our only concern, no other stresses just eat grass. I don't know, they just seem so relaxed.

I have been introduced to a little taste of heaven since arriving in Holland. They are called Stroopwaffels. Even with my sweet tooth I cant imagine eating more than one. Don't worry Nicole I am bringing some home for tea time. J

The super bikes are here for the weekend. These are really really fast speed bikes (motorcycles) that race on a formula one track. All week I have been listening to the engines revving as they practice. I was thinking of going today but the weather is not nice enough for me to want to sit outside and watch them go by in a blink of an eye.

Right now it is early in the morning while I type this (7am)---yes that is early to me. It is misty outside and no sign of the sun; and people say living in BC is depressing! Today is a busy day for me. I will head to the track in about an hour to practice starts, then back to the village for a quick bite to eat. At 1pm I am meeting Clayton (fellow quad racer) to try to make hard gloves. I would love to explain this process but it is pretty complex. I will say it involves boiling water, a blowdryer, special rubber and special plastic. Wish me luck. After that it is treatment for my shoulder and then off to the opening ceremonies. The opening ceremonies are actually optional to us if we don't want to go. I am undecided. I have been to enough of them to know that there will be about 30 minutes of cool stuff and 2 hours of boring stuff. The transportation to and from the venue is rumoured be very unorganized and we probably will not be back at the village until after midnight.

Tonight I should sleep well. I am actually pretty happy today will be so busy because it will hopefully help me to stop thinking about the race. I am finding I am starting to question myself and some of my techniques I have got to block all that out.

That is it for today.

Love, Mikey