Halloween Themed Races

Contributed by Sue Strong

The time is near, where the ghosts and goblins are waiting around the corner. The scary music, the haunted houses, the witches and warlocks. The princesses and ballerinas, the pop stars and beauty queens. Jack O Lanterns (pumpkin carving) are also a huge part of Halloween fun. Halloween was originally called “All Hallows Evening” and is a time for people to be something they inspire to be or a magical character that they want to be for a day. It brings out the creativity in the young and the young at heart. Halloween comes from Celtic origins and the  Celtic festival Samhain. It is believed to be the one night each year where spirits and those that have passed cross over into the world of the living. People would light bonfires and wear costumes to keep the ghosts away. Known for the candy received, Halloween brings out happy smiles on children’s faces Trick or Treating. Kids scurry around from house to house with their baskets, bags, pillow cases and more open to collect wonderful sugary treats.

Halloween themed events are increasing in numbers each year. Families are making these types of events a tradition along with the regular festivities.

Trek or Treat is one such event that is held in Oakville and NEW for this year, in Collingwood. An evening 1k, 5k or 10k event. Headlamps or flashlights are needed to guide you through the epic trail running event. Headlamps can be rented from the race officials.

www.trekortreat.ca

www.youtu.be/Lpif5ok73ko

You could also try the WestMONSTER Woods 5k event that also includes a kids Pumpkin Dash. Prizes are given for best costume for participants and best costume for volunteers. The Zombie Run, the Haunted Hustle, the Monster Dash, the Pumpkin fun run, the list goes on and on!

www.loaringphysio.com/wmw5krun.html

Here are a few more Halloween based events across the country:

October 20th  - Halloween Howl 3k, 5k and 10k events. Calgary, AB

www.afdr.ab.ca/howl

October 21st - Shannex Kentville Harvest Pumpkin Mile. Kentville, NS

www.atlanticchip.ca

October 27th - Horror Hill 15k road race, 5k,10k, 3 and 6 hr Trail Race. Waterloo, ON

www.horrorhillrun.ca

http://youtu.be/rMNjfd7wl0E

October 28th - Pumpkin Summit 8k Trail Race. Milton, ON

www.pumpkinsummit.com

STATO’s Haunted Hustle 5k, 10k, Half Marathon. Haileybury, ON

www.hauntedhustle.com

October 28th  - Hallows Eve Half Marathon and 10k. Vancouver, BC

www.runthenorthshore.ca

October 28th - London X-Ray Associates Halloween Haunting 3k, 5k, 10k.

London, ON

http://www.runnerschoice.on.ca

October 28th - Scary Beazley 1k - 5k kids only events. Dartmouth, NS

www.youthrunningseries.ca

Get into the spirit this year. Create a fantastic costume and take part in one of the many events in your neighbourhood to celebrate this wonderful day!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Getting Over the Post-Event Blues

Contributed by: Sue Strong, Erica's Wish, Founder and Race Director

You have trained for months. You have dreamt about the start line, the finish line, the course and the medal. You have visualized crossing that finish line and receiving your well deserved medal. You can see yourself at the start line, nervous but telling yourself that ‘you can do this’.  You know you can, you trained for it. This is all you have thought of for months. What happens when it is done? When you wake up the next day and your scheduled workout doesn’t need to happen because recovery IS essential. All you can think is “what do I do now?”.

This is a very good question. Most athletes go through the post event blues if they do not have a plan in place. You have been so preoccupied by your event that you forgot to figure out what you are doing post event.  The best way to deal with this is to be prepared. You know you are going to go through it, its almost impossible not to but if you have a plan in place, you won’t feel as bad.

Here are some tips to alleviate the blues:

1.  First off you MUST plan for some recovery. A great time to fit in a massage or yoga.

2.  Set up a new goal plan for the coming year. Make sure you plan it out that you have your smaller events and a lead up to your main goal.

3.  Have a friend get involved and sign up too. Training is always easier with a friend. (so is being accountable)

4.  You should have some time before your events begin so set up a proper training plan. Include cross training, strength training, stretching/yoga and endurance workouts. Plan your schedule around your goal events. Make sure you have taper weeks to allow for recovery.

5.  Try something new! Now is a great time to try a new workout or sport that you have wanted to get involved in. You don’t have to worry that it may affect your goal as you have accomplished it. Have fun!

6.  BE PROUD. You have accomplished something you worked hard for. Don’t just dismiss it as being done. You have accomplished something that many have not.

7.  Most of all, take time to thank those that have been there for you. There’s a pretty good chance that you have not been as attentive as you were pre-training. Thank your family and friends that have put up with your crazy schedule. Their support was a big part of your training.

Plan. Train. Achieve. Enjoy.

The X Factor in Running (Women!)

Contributed by: Cory Freedman, Founder and Race Director for the Toronto Women’s Running Series

This summer as I watched the women’s marathon and other running events at the London Olympic games, I thought a lot about how far the sport I am passionate about has come, even in my lifetime.

It wasn’t that long ago that this was a boys’ game.  At the 1960 Rome Olympics, the longest that women were allowed to race was 800 metres!  It wasn’t until 1984 – nearly a quarter century later - that the women’s marathon became an accepted Olympic endeavour.  

Now, another 28 years on, we are seeing more women than ever before take to the roads and set their own pace.  Running USA recently revealed women now make up more than 53% of the finishers in all timed running events.  There are more women than men participating in every distance except the marathon.  In the UK, the number of women jumping into ultra-marathons is outstripping the number of men joining the sport by 3:1.

What is it that is driving women to participate in running events in record numbers?   I believe that events like ours, the 5K, 8K 10K and half marathons of the Toronto Women’s Running Series, are partly responsible for  inspiring more women to set a goal, take on a training program, cajole some friends and come on out to test themselves against their own pace. 

We definitely know through our own ongoing research as well as some from other industry sources that women love to run with other women.  Certainly, there is a slice of high-level elite athletes who simply love to run, have the confidence and will put in the time and effort to excel at it no matter whether they run against other women or in mixed gender events.  But for newbie runners and women who have taken the sport up later in life as a leisure pursuit instead of a competitive activity, there is something about the camaraderie that an all-female atmosphere can offer that gets them to come aboard and to stick with it.

Women are social creatures. We like to shop together, read books together, talk about our kids and pets together, connect online together. We tend to enjoy the success of the whole as much as we revel in our own individual achievements.

We are natural communicators and for many women, the most memorable part of the experience of racing is not simply crossing the finish line, but who you crossed the finish line with and how you got there together.

Beyond the camaraderie, well just like Cyndi Lauper said, girls just wanna have fun!Female-centric events frequently offer perks and relevant aspects that would just not fly at a mixed event like well-cut feminine t-shirts, jewellery instead of finisher medals, fit and fine looking firefighters offering water, hugs and photo ops, and plentiful porta-potties. Wmen want to run – but they want to know their needs and wants will be fulfilled too.

As with any emerging trend, controversy can go hand in hand with enthusiasm.  I’ve heard concerns raised that we fought hard to be included as equals in major races (remember Katherine Switzer’s bold move toward inclusion in the 1967 Boston Marathon?)and now somehow we are diluting that victory by reverting to an all-female race.  I’ve also heard that an all-male race would not be tolerated or supported the way we support our female events.  

To this I say ‘hooey’!  There is a race out there for everyone and that’s a good thing. We need more diversity in race events not less.  For some women, the thrill is in running competitively with the boys.  For others, they’d never set foot on a course in that atmosphere.  So why would we want to limit any opportunity for that would motivate women to get involved in this exciting, glorious and ultimately health-supportive activity?  

Let’s celebrate the X Factor in running and simply focus on what the sport is all about – setting your own pace and enjoying the race.  

Winterizing Your Ride

Contributed by: Jean Paul Tesolin, Operations Director at Via Ciclante

The Canadian climate can be difficult on bikes and on you, while riding. The answer is not to stuff your bike into your convenient dry storage but to be prepared. You probably vaguely remember the salesperson at your local shop suggesting that you will need to protect your investment and yourself by purchasing degreasers, lubricants, fenders and weather resistant clothing. Now is the time to be prepared for the change in seasons! The good news is that it’s cheap and easy to do it yourself.  

We all know that bikes don’t like water, or snow or salty slush, so the answer is to protect against corrosion through long lasting wet lubricants. But this doesn’t mean that lathering up your bike with oil will protect your bike. You will need to prepare your bike by cleaning it with degreasers before lubricating. The synthetic properties in the oil need bond to a clean metal surface, for the lubricant to work properly. Clean your drivetrain with a biodegradable citrus degreaser removing caked on summer road dust, then, generously apply the oil directly to the top of the chain. Lubricating the barrels of the chain will ensure the chain will roll problem free.  Don’t worry about the mess, place some old newspaper or cardboard under the bike to catch the excess. If you have applied too much then rag off the rest. 

OK now that you have the chain covered, you can’t stop there. Along with the your chain oil, I encourage you to purchase a lighter teflon oil, preferably in a drip style container. You need to lubricate the other components on your bike. Take a look and the pivot points on your derailleur, the junction points between the black cable housing and the inner cable, the shifters on the handlebars and the brake assembly. These moving points are critical to protection and performance. Stream oil onto these parts and your bike will eat it up and love you for it.  A warning: don’t lubricate disc brakes, the pads are absorbent and will ruin the brake performance.

Now that you have protected your bike from the elements, it’s time to protect you. My first suggestion to get a set of full fenders. This will protect you from getting soaked from the wet roads. Second, purchase wind and water resistant clothing. You will need pants, a jacket, shoe covers and gloves. You can find this kind of clothing in various styles and fit, so don’t be afraid to shop it to find what’s right for you.

Winters are not impossible to ride in but being prepared will make all the difference.  If after all this you decide to not act on my suggestions, I won’t be offended, but you will be looking at high maintenance costs in the spring or I dare say it a replacement new bike, simply because corrosion will have ruined your bike. That’s fine, I know just the place to get a new one.  Enjoy your fall/winter riding experience, be safe and have fun. 

On Cycling The Great Divide

Contributed by: Ryan Correy

In 2009 I learned of an underground race known as the 'Tour Divide'. It’s a 4,418 km solo mountain bike epic from Banff, Alberta to Antelope Wells, New Mexico. My interest peaked a year or two later after watching a documentary on the event called 'Ride the Divide'. Check out the trailer at www.ridethedividemovie.com. But be warned, this film is very much the romanticized version of what to expect.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The race surges over relentless mountain passes (nearly 200,000 feet of elevation gain), totally exposed to the elements, 24-hours a day. Riders haul all of their own food, spare parts, clothing, and camping gear. As for the rules, they’re simple – stay on track, respect the intended solo nature of the event (no outside support), and the first person to the border at Mexico wins. There is no entry fee and no prize purse. It is a true adventure in every sense of the word.

And I should know…

My cycling story began at age 13 when I cycled across Canada with my father. Since then, I have become the youngest Canadian to complete the Race Across America, have cycled 25,000 km from Alaska to Argentina, represented the national team, ridden a stationary bike for nearly seven days straight, and more.

I saw the Tour Divide as a way to get back to nature. There was also an added draw of having to fend for myself, to be nature’s guest. It had been awhile since I had not depended on a support crew, was spurred on by watchful eyes, or drove towards something other than a shiny medal. This time it was personal.

On June 8^th I lined up at the YWCA start line in Banff with approximately 100 riders kitted out with custom ragtag bikes, and varying eccentric/ loner personalities. Other than a few handshakes and a group photo, this would be the last time that I would ever see any of them. From the word “GO!” I was determined to do well…so says my video blog entry. But like anyone, of course I wanted to win. 

Within the first 20 miles a rock slashed the sidewall of my front tire and I limped to stay within the top ten. Day two and three saw us hike-a-biking over 27 miles of snowy mountain passes through Montana. It would be a relief to walk a little if I wasn’t always soaked. At the bottom of a decent, I remember trying to light a fire to calm my shivering but couldn’t coordinate the effort with my fingers. The only option was to get back on my bike and speed up the next pass.

Concerns for grizzly bears and snow were soon replaced by fatigue and nagging injuries. For me, it was Achilles pain and blood blisters on both of my big toes. Word down the line was that one rider had rocketed off a cliff and busted up his bike, another was in hospital for fluid accumulating in his lungs. Others appeared to be dropping out because of mythical injuries, probably more related to exhaustion, mixed with intimidation for what lay ahead. But none of us were out there to judge.

The difficulty of the ride often extended into the night. Rain and wind would pelt my bivi sack. And when it didn’t, there was always the challenge of trying to calm my body down from the altitude – elevated heart rate and a persistent cough being the main symptoms. A few times I felt inclined to bring my Spot GPS tracker into the sack with me, my finger on the SOS button just in case. A few others have already had to use it, I told myself.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The course doesn’t let up much through the flat sections. The route crosses a 189-mile area known as the ‘The Great Basin’ in Wyoming where there are no services. I survived off of a couple of gas station burritos and the hope that I would stumble across a water source. The lack of water becomes an increasing challenge through Colorado too. Riders have to be resourceful. One humbling moment saw me digging into a muddy field filled with cows. I dug until I could filter some murky water through a handkerchief. The possible nightmare of Giardia loomed heavy the next few days. But it was not to be, for me. 

After 21 days, the mountain climbs cease and all that is left are 130°F temperatures and a desert dash to the border My tires were worn thin by this point, puncturing often from cacti needles scattered along the road. Thankfully, signs soon started appearing for the border. I’m almost there.

The tiny outpost appears like a mirage. Secretive black military helicopters and fighter jets circle high above, no doubt cautious of my approach.  I walk across a painted line on the road and shake the customs agent hand in Mexico. He speaks something to me in Spanish, though I have no idea what. I signal to him that I am turning around and going back. He is understandably confused.

On the other side, a U.S. border agent asks if I would like my picture taken. “Sure,” I tell him. Gazing around at the small cluster of buildings, I reaffirm that there is nothing here. I’m going to have to hitchhike back – over 100 miles to the next town. Whatever, the hard part is over.

I have never felt so proud.

 

Mud and Obstacles: 2012 Recap

Contributed by: Marissa Schroder, Publisher of Get Out There Magazine

The summer of 2012 was the summer of mud and obstacle racing! The category was so popular that Get Out There added a new section in our event calendar just for these races! Tens of thousands of you got down and dirty at one of the myriad of new races on offer – from major U.S. players like Tough Mudder to large-scale “made in Canada” events like Mud Hero – there really was something for everyone (even kids – check out this pint-sized race report from our youngest reporter!). There’s no doubt the obstacle racing trend was certainly at its peak this summer. Our prediction is that we’ll see continued momentum in this category into 2013, drawing both endurance athletes looking for an alternative to traditional races and newbies interested in challenging themselves to get off the couch!

Our team of video race reporters had the opportunity to participate in a number of these races. From family friendly events like MudNewton in Uxbridge, Ontario, to the massive festivals like that of Warrior Dash and Spartan Race, our reporters participated at all levels. Here we’ve put together a video showcase of our 2012 mud/obstacle race reports.

Tough Mudder Toronto - http://youtu.be/UGrKSVi9DJE

Warrior Dash Toronto - http://youtu.be/4Q8iY9B58NY

Spartan Race Toronto - http://youtu.be/s6hx_X5ITjM

Mud Hero Toronto - http://youtu.be/uFgwVL1rvSI

MudNewton - http://youtu.be/TuQgAHFG7e4

MudNewton Kid’s Race - http://youtu.be/WU-Nbve-GKk

Punisher Adventure Race - http://youtu.be/Ld65yfJx3YM

O-Course by Fit Factory Training Camp - http://youtu.be/LNX8UQFgE14

Mt. Tremblant Super Sprint - http://youtu.be/ROXNu6cG2I8

Urban Warrior Toronto - http://youtu.be/AT3hODWWNSs

Swampfoot 4 Mile - http://youtu.be/bfp_DgOj6H8

The Value of Cause-based Training Programs

Contributed by: Jamie Osipenko, Director of Team in Training – Ontario Region

There are many amazing ways in which you can give back to your community or help support a cause through fundraising.  One of the ways is through signing up to participate in a race that is associated with either one or a variety of charities from which you can choose to donate. Another popular option is to sign up to participate in a training program that offers the full-on training experience from beginning to end. These unique programs give you the opportunity to fundraise for a great cause while offering professional sport-specific coaching, event registration, travel to and from your event, team support and celebrations, as well as mentored support by organization staff to help you reach your fundraising goals. Training for an endurance event such as a full or half marathon, triathlon, or cycling event is a commitment that can be daunting on your own, and fundraising can be no less intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. 

When I did my first race as a participant for Team in Training back in 2004 I was really nervous about asking people to donate. I had a wonderful mentor who brought it to my attention that really the worst thing that could happen would be that someone would say no. When I thought about it, I realized that hearing the word no wasn’t the end of the world, so with that idea my campaign began. I wrote a letter explaining what event I was training for, and how I was raising money to help fight blood cancers. I kept it light and funny while still conveying the gravity of the disease and how important donations would be. I made 200 copies and sent it out to everyone I knew across the country: coworkers, clients, friends, family, and friends of family. I told complete strangers what I was doing and why. By the end of the season I had raised over $5000.00 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. I had made it my personal mission to tackle my fundraising from the very beginning of my training, and because of this I didn’t have to worry about scrambling at the end. That first season I was part of the most insanely fun athletic experience of my life! We were a large team of new and experienced triathletes who supported each other in the pool, on the bike, and on foot, and who helped each other meet and exceed fundraising goals. We were a make-shift family, united in our efforts to have fun while raising money and training hard. It was awesome. So awesome, in fact, that I went on to be involved in other seasons and events for Team in Training, including triathlon, marathon, and a mountain hiking season. I have spent time over the past several years either fundraising myself or helping others to brainstorm and implement fundraising events for different causes. Being able to combine athletic endeavor while supporting a cause has, for me, been an extremely rewarding and ultimately satisfying experience.

If there is a cause that you have a personal connection to and you want to try a sporting event then look to see if they offer a program like the one I described. You can also choose a program based on what race destination they are offering. When I signed up for that first triathlon I didn’t even own a bike, but I really wanted to go do a race in Maui, and that was how I chose that particular program. That decision changed the course of my life, quite honestly. Also, it is important to know how the money you are fundraising will be utilized once it’s in the hands of the charity, so don’t be afraid to ask questions. A reputable organization will be happy to share with you the breakdown of what happens to the funds you are collecting on their behalf.

Ultimately, signing up for a race event while raising money for a charity is a wonderful experience for both body and soul. Whenever I had moments of doubt in my ability during a race I was always sustained by the thought of the people out there that were fighting a disease that maybe, just maybe, there would someday be a cure for, and that that cure would be accomplished through funds that I had taken a part in raising.