ROC Trail Bits #49

Runners of Compassion Trail Bits # 48 – lots of new information

What a day Saturday turned out to be. Left Nanaimo at 10:15 am under a grey cloudy sky heading down south for my first race in over eighteen months; The Gunner Shaw Cross Country Race. The conditions for the race were actually not too bad; in fact they were pretty good in comparison to past years. The temperature was balmy enough that a short sleeve shirt and shorts along with a pair of light gloves was the wardrobe choice for the day. The trails were actually fairly dry in some parts, but yes, there was the requisite dosage of mud and calf deep puddles along the way, and yes The Gunner Puddle was really deep (quad high), really cold and REALLY STINKY, it was actually stinker than I remember! Thank god, none of us fell down in the puddle like the one fellow who foolishly decided to pass people in the middle of the puddle. I think I counted close to 25 Nanaimoites that ventured down for the race. It was great to see so many familiar faces at the finish line. The top male performance from Nanaimo was John Lowen while the top female performance from Nanaimo was Tammy Beales. Congratulations to all of you that ventured down for the race, especially those of you that were running the Gunner Shaw for the first time, I hope you enjoyed it; the smell will go away after a while. The snow did start to fall just as the last runner crossed the finish line. As one of the guys at lunch said, my injuries are now Gunner tested and Gunner approved. I look forward to being a regular participant on the Saturday runs with all of you again. A great race report written by Victoria ROC member, Rumon Carter can be found at http://frontrunners.blogspot.com .

The drive home was interesting to say the least. The snow which started to fall heavily as we sat having a late lunch in Duncan continued to become heavier and heavier the closer we got to Nanaimo. By the time we reached the Nanaimo Parkway the road was white and slippery. I do believe everyone made it back home safe and sound just in time to dig out the snow shovels and start their second work out of the day. Sadly, the snow did force the Women Run Wild 5Km & 10Km races to be cancelled on Sunday. No official word yet on whether or not the races will be re-scheduled.

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Bits

Ø We are still in need of a few more people for the Nanaimo Give & Go on Wednesday. If you can make it, please show up at the Nanaimo Daily News parking lot (across from the Nanaimo Golf Course) at 5:00pm. I have to be away on business, but there will be other ROC Directors there to give you instructions.

Ø Don’t forget that this Wednesday you can choose from either the Nanaimo Give & Go or the special viewing of the Peaceful Warrior at Malaspina and then on Thursday night you can pop back up to Malaspina and watch the Gobi Desert presentation. Details are below.

Ø Salvation Army – I have attached some information concerning the Salvation Army’s Kettle Ringing Program. The Kettle Campaign is one of their major cash fundraisers of the year. Sadly this year they are extremely short on volunteers for this campaign and are very worried about not collecting enough cash prior to Christmas, which in turn will affect their ability to provide a number of programs at Christmas and into the next year.

Ø Santa Shuffle – The 2nd annual Santa Shuffle 5KM Fun Run & 1KM Elf Walk takes place this Saturday, December 2nd at 10:00am. The event helps The Salvation Army to assist families and individuals in need during the Christmas season and throughout the year. You can register online at www.runningroom.com or at the Running Room at Country Club Mall.

Ø Oak Bay Bikes 2007 Spin Program – Sean & Corey’s goal for the clinics is to help you develop your leg speed, strength and power. At each class they will work on specific drills to help get you ready for the spring. Here is the class schedule for January 2007…………..They will be offering two classes that will take place at North Ridge Fitness Center. For these classes you can use the spin bikes at the studio or bring your own bike and wind-trainer. Both classes last about one hour. Each clinic will last for 8 weeks and the cost is $50.

1. Wednesdays, 6:30PM starting January 17th

2. Thursdays, 6AM starting January 18<sup>th</sup>

They will also be offering two other classes that will take place in their bike shop. For these classes you will need your own bike and ideally your own wind- trainer, however they will have some wind trainers for people to borrow. Both of these classes will last for about one hour and will also last for 8 weeks. The cost will be $40. You can also do a "drop in" for these classes for $7.

1. Mondays, 6:30PM starting January 15th (this class is new and will run dependent on registration numbers)

2. Fridays, 9:00AM starting January 19th.

For more information please contact Sean or Corey at 760-0211, or at oakbaybikesnanaimo@shaw.ca

Ø New Balance Half Iron – the date for this year’s New Balance Half Iron Triathlon in Victoria is June 17<sup>th</sup>. I will pass along registration information to you as it becomes available.

Ø Self-Transcendence Triathlon - Mark you calendars for AUGUST 5, 2007. The organizing committee for this event is busy working on improvements for the 2007 event. They will have some new categories including a Duathalon team category as well as a team category for participating Police, Firemen and Paramedics. Look for their new website and entry forms to be available April 1, 2007.

Ø Shawnigan Lake Momar (Mind over Mountain Adventure Race) - JULY 7, 2007- this is a new location for the race and is the race that Sean is gearing the MOMAR training clinic for. This race will feature the return of the Short Course option for those of you that are not quite up to doing the full MOMAR. The Short Course will have a shorter kayak (6km); beginner to intermediate mountain biking; and easy navigation. Teams of 2 only for the Short course option..

Ø Suzan Briggs, who is one of our ROC members, is training for a triathlon May 2007 in Honolulu. This triathlon is a fundraiser for Blood Cancer Research. One of Suzan’s fundraisers involves hosting a showing of the movie. THE PEACEFUL WARRIOR. This is a special showing and all proceeds will go to Team in Training which the largest endurance training society in the world. This society trains athletes to participate in endurance races and in turn the athletes fundraise for Blood Cancer Research. Please contact Suzan at dogwood1@shaw.ca to reserve your ticket or call 758-9320. Provide your full name, telephone number and number of tickets required. Seating is limited so order early. Tickets can be picked up at the door. When: Wednesday: November 29, 2006 Where: Malaspina College, Building 355, room 203 Time: 7:30 p.m. (doors open at 7:00) Price: $12.00

Ø Team Gobi Canada is preparing for the upcoming Gobi March which is a 250km footrace across the Gobi desert in China in an effort to support the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. This race is a part of the Racing the Planet series that takes place in 4 deserts around the world. At the presentation we will hear about 2 parts of the world as Team Gobi presents slides from North Africa’s Sahara desert where Team Captain Rob MacKay completed a desert race last year, and China’s Gobi Desert where the team will compete in 2007. www.teamgobi.com When: Thursday, November 30th 6:00pm - 7:30pm Location: Malaspina University-College Theatre, 900 Fifth Street, Nanaimo B.C. Price: $10.00 Part proceeds to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. Tickets call: 250-858-0652

Ø This weeks trail run? - a good question as it depends on the condition of the trails? It won’t be Ammonite Falls as originally planned this week as the trail conditions will still be too dangerous. Right now there is about 18 – 20 inches of snow on those trails. This Saturday let’s meet again at Westwood Lake, 7:30am. The main lake trail will hopefully be okay to run on. I will check out the condition of the trails Friday morning and send out another email confirming that the conditions are okay.

Ø Upcoming runs: Ammonite Falls - as soon as weather permits.

Boxing Day Social Run – 8:00am, Westwood Lake. Good chance to shed the extra poundage gained from eating all that turkey the night before. Feel free to bring some backed goods to share afterwards.

New Year Day Run & Dip - 10:00am – Westwood Lake - come join Bastion Running Cub members in their annual run around the lake followed by a quick swim (optional), hot chocolate, baked goods and draw prizes. No charge.