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