This is not a Journey tribute. Though it might be a tribute to your journey. This week I have seen many positive PRC posts of journeys to warmer climates, journeys to destination races and journeys in and around Paradise. These are always insightful and almost always inspiring. Whether the run is in Cocoa Beach or Nashville or on Summit Drive, the most important part is usually the journey. No one has ever run a Half marathon or long run without a journey of week day runs, often with friends. There may also be cross-training, weight training or treadmill runs leading up to the destination run or race. Its all part of the journey.
Most of us do not run alone. We sometimes do a solo run or train by ourselves. However, for me and many of you, the joy of running comes from the health and social benefits and friendships which result. The joy I experience when former anti-runners reach the Summit or Kilometre Five or achieve that elusive race medal is almost as important as if I had achieved the result myself. Once you get over the initial bumps on your journey, you can take pleasure in the simple activity of putting one foot in front of the other. And you can smile and enjoy the experiences of friends who have joined you and begun their own journeys.
As spring and summer approach, enjoy the days ahead. The trails may beckon us to experience new paths. Every run is different so embrace the journey. Share it with friends! And as always, I hope to see you on the road (or trail)!
Sunday 30 April 2017
Sunday 23 April 2017
FAST on Forest Road
As many of you know, I am training for the Ottawa marathon this year. It will be my fourth 42.2 K run in the Nation's Capital. I am an average runner. Not too slow. Not fast. I guess everything is relative, however. Yesterday, several PRC runners accompanied me on my long (24 K) run from Starbucks on Topsail Road through downtown, around Quidi Vidi and back. I appreciated the company on a rainy morning in a place in the world where spring has yet to spring.
When we got to Forest Road we were about to pass the Miller Center when it suddenly hit me. My brother was in there. Two weeks ago, at age 47, he had a stroke. It is still hard to believe. I haven't mentioned it to many people outside my family but yesterday I felt the need to say it out loud. As it happens, another member mentioned that her young sister-in-law recently had a stroke as well. And many of us were shocked to learn that one of our athletic and fit PRC members suffered a stroke late last year too.
My brother is recovering well. He still has a long road ahead but physiotherapy and other medical attention is helping him to walk again and to regain the use of his right hand. Small but very important gains for such a young person. We visit him often and brought him home today for an afternoon for the first time since his stroke. He appreciated being able to get out of his room for a while even with the winter weather!
My brother was aware of the signs of a stroke. He waited a bit too long for early intervention unfortunately. Time is critical so react quickly! The acronym for the signs of stroke is something every runner aspires to but not in this way. However, no one has a free pass. Please be aware and act quickly if you spot these signs in another person or yourself. Stay healthy and stay safe. Look out for one another so we can still see you all on the road!
When we got to Forest Road we were about to pass the Miller Center when it suddenly hit me. My brother was in there. Two weeks ago, at age 47, he had a stroke. It is still hard to believe. I haven't mentioned it to many people outside my family but yesterday I felt the need to say it out loud. As it happens, another member mentioned that her young sister-in-law recently had a stroke as well. And many of us were shocked to learn that one of our athletic and fit PRC members suffered a stroke late last year too.
My brother is recovering well. He still has a long road ahead but physiotherapy and other medical attention is helping him to walk again and to regain the use of his right hand. Small but very important gains for such a young person. We visit him often and brought him home today for an afternoon for the first time since his stroke. He appreciated being able to get out of his room for a while even with the winter weather!
My brother was aware of the signs of a stroke. He waited a bit too long for early intervention unfortunately. Time is critical so react quickly! The acronym for the signs of stroke is something every runner aspires to but not in this way. However, no one has a free pass. Please be aware and act quickly if you spot these signs in another person or yourself. Stay healthy and stay safe. Look out for one another so we can still see you all on the road!
Signs that you may be having a stroke:
F ... Face drooping
A ... Arm or leg weakness esp. on one side of the body
S ... Speech difficulty; Sudden confusion or slurring
T ... Time to Call 911
-----------------------------------------------------Saturday 15 April 2017
Celebrate the small (and not so small) victories
Saw a lot of old friends on Topsail Rd. Yesterday. Some I ran with 35 years ago when running wasn't a thing. Some I ran with 10 or 12 years back when I started serious training. I am constantly amazed at how one decision in life can lead to a place one would never have come otherwise. I chose to run. I started solo at the Aquarena track 36 years ago. I liked it. I had never been an athlete. It is still hard to think of myself that way. But running has brought me to new friends, new locations and new adventures. I can't even imagine my life if I hadn't enjoyed that first run :-)
I was pleased to have a lot of company on my long run yesterday. Mostly PRC friends who I have had the pleasure of meeting and running with over the past 4 years. Others too, Glen Smith (Smitty), now a new grandpa, of Nautilus fame who was one of my first running buddies all those years ago. Kevin Ryan, one of the Ryan brothers from the Southern Shore, with who I ran my first marathon in Ottawa, along with his wife and others from our Running Room group. Tim Turner, Adam Snow, David Freake...the list goes on.
While I can't hold a candle to some of these speedsters, we all share a common passion for running. My pride at seeing folks like the Tina's, Tonia, the Andrews, Sandie, Susan and so many others from PRC running out Topsail Rd yesterday is hard to express. I feel that my passion and that of the more senior runners around town may have helped to ignite a little spark in some of these new runners. It was on display at the Tely Teaser for all to see!
I hold a special place in my heart for new runners. Some of PRC's former Learn to Run groups ran yesterday as well. I was ecstatic to see them and to see their FB posts about finishing long distances. Many completed the entire Tely course of 16K. Wow. Congratulate yourselves for pushing beyond your comfort zones. Far beyond! If running has taught me anything, it is that you always have a little more in the tank. Just one more light pole. One more kilometer. One more friend to cheer you on!
See you on the road!
I was pleased to have a lot of company on my long run yesterday. Mostly PRC friends who I have had the pleasure of meeting and running with over the past 4 years. Others too, Glen Smith (Smitty), now a new grandpa, of Nautilus fame who was one of my first running buddies all those years ago. Kevin Ryan, one of the Ryan brothers from the Southern Shore, with who I ran my first marathon in Ottawa, along with his wife and others from our Running Room group. Tim Turner, Adam Snow, David Freake...the list goes on.
While I can't hold a candle to some of these speedsters, we all share a common passion for running. My pride at seeing folks like the Tina's, Tonia, the Andrews, Sandie, Susan and so many others from PRC running out Topsail Rd yesterday is hard to express. I feel that my passion and that of the more senior runners around town may have helped to ignite a little spark in some of these new runners. It was on display at the Tely Teaser for all to see!
I hold a special place in my heart for new runners. Some of PRC's former Learn to Run groups ran yesterday as well. I was ecstatic to see them and to see their FB posts about finishing long distances. Many completed the entire Tely course of 16K. Wow. Congratulate yourselves for pushing beyond your comfort zones. Far beyond! If running has taught me anything, it is that you always have a little more in the tank. Just one more light pole. One more kilometer. One more friend to cheer you on!
See you on the road!
Saturday 8 April 2017
Tely Teasers
With the upcoming Tely Teaser non-sanctioned Good Friday fun run, here are some Tely Ten snippets to whet your appetite:
1922 ... First year the Tely was run. Total number of competitors 16.
1966 ... Tely route included Kenmount Rd, Prince Phillip Drive and New Cove Road.
1969 ... First female Tely runner: Jackie Kean, age 16
1975 ... Local legend Ben Dunne finishes first in the Tely in 56:01
1981 ... First year that commemorative cotton t-shirts were sold.
1985 ... Male course record set by Paul McCloy. 47:04. This record stands to this day.
1986 ... Female course record set by Nicola Will. 55:47. Record broken by Kate Bazeley in 2016.
1991 ... Harold St. Croix breaks 50 minute barrier. Yours truly runs first Tely in 1:23:17.
mid-2000s ... Tely Teaser Good Friday fun run started by Nautilus member Phil Gushue. Traditional run ended with a fish and chips and beer at the Big R on Harvey Road.
2016 ... 4350 runners finish in the largest Tely Ten field to date.
The Tely Ten has as many stories as there are runners. Modern legends such as Colin Fewer and Kate Bazeley have burned up the course for a number of years now. Older victors like Joe Ryan and Art Meaney have turned to coaching and mentoring younger local runners to impart their wisdom. The Tely route has changed routes a number of times with Joe Ryan winning in 1969 while looping the track at the old King George V soccer field near Quidi Vidi Lake. Can you even imagine doing that?
Joe Ryan will run his 45th Tely Ten this year. I will run my 15th. I had the good fortune to run with Joe several years ago at the Running Room. He has forgotten more about running than most of us could hope to know. He is always happy to share his advice with younger (or older) runners. Joe truly believes there are no hills in St. John's, just gentle inclines! He also brings an imaginary bungee cord on all long group runs to keep the group together. He is a true running inspiration!
Make sure you get out to run some or all of the Tely Teaser if you can. I realize it is held on a Holy Day and not all folks want to be away from their families or the Lord on that day. However, if you can, enjoy the camaraderie on the roads and trails with your fellow runners. We are all on this journey together, no matter the pace. You may even enjoy a fee and chee or a beer to celebrate!
See you on the road :-)
1922 ... First year the Tely was run. Total number of competitors 16.
1966 ... Tely route included Kenmount Rd, Prince Phillip Drive and New Cove Road.
1969 ... First female Tely runner: Jackie Kean, age 16
1975 ... Local legend Ben Dunne finishes first in the Tely in 56:01
1981 ... First year that commemorative cotton t-shirts were sold.
1985 ... Male course record set by Paul McCloy. 47:04. This record stands to this day.
1986 ... Female course record set by Nicola Will. 55:47. Record broken by Kate Bazeley in 2016.
1991 ... Harold St. Croix breaks 50 minute barrier. Yours truly runs first Tely in 1:23:17.
mid-2000s ... Tely Teaser Good Friday fun run started by Nautilus member Phil Gushue. Traditional run ended with a fish and chips and beer at the Big R on Harvey Road.
2016 ... 4350 runners finish in the largest Tely Ten field to date.
The Tely Ten has as many stories as there are runners. Modern legends such as Colin Fewer and Kate Bazeley have burned up the course for a number of years now. Older victors like Joe Ryan and Art Meaney have turned to coaching and mentoring younger local runners to impart their wisdom. The Tely route has changed routes a number of times with Joe Ryan winning in 1969 while looping the track at the old King George V soccer field near Quidi Vidi Lake. Can you even imagine doing that?
Joe Ryan will run his 45th Tely Ten this year. I will run my 15th. I had the good fortune to run with Joe several years ago at the Running Room. He has forgotten more about running than most of us could hope to know. He is always happy to share his advice with younger (or older) runners. Joe truly believes there are no hills in St. John's, just gentle inclines! He also brings an imaginary bungee cord on all long group runs to keep the group together. He is a true running inspiration!
Make sure you get out to run some or all of the Tely Teaser if you can. I realize it is held on a Holy Day and not all folks want to be away from their families or the Lord on that day. However, if you can, enjoy the camaraderie on the roads and trails with your fellow runners. We are all on this journey together, no matter the pace. You may even enjoy a fee and chee or a beer to celebrate!
See you on the road :-)
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