Essays and Awesome Adventures
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Gotta'
Run
Even on Vacation, Runners can't Stop - Great way to see world
by Chris Young,
Toronto Star
Transcribed from the Toronto Star Web Site, Feb. 8, 2003
| It's said that the halfway point of a marathon comes at mile 20. Hey, it's not about math there are only six-odd miles to go. But this run/race/survival test has its own set of rules. And one of them is that, wherever you are, in whatever language, the wall and that I'll-never-do-this-again-moment is waiting for you at mile 20. And, for me, it was happening. In Harlem. At the New York City Marathon, last November. Then I heard them: The angels of God. Okay, it was actually a gospel choir 16 singers, their song rolling down the broad avenue like a tailwind. Well, praise the Lord and pass the Gatorade. I gave them a ragged thumbs-up, even if they were but a drop in the vast, five-borough bucket of more than two million lining the route that begins on Staten Island and finishes in Central Park. It was the least I could do. They'd given me the gift of wings. That's when it hit me why I was there. No bus tour, no air fare-included package, no night at the opera was ever going to match it. For the peripatetic marathoner now there's an oxymoron being on the run is about more than just lacing up the shoes and tackling this daunting, classic distance (42.2 kilometres, although the original imperial measure remains the standard). It's a way of seeing the world from a different perspective, and that goes for wheelchair athletes, too, with just about every major marathon now welcoming two-wheelers to their party. "It's a great way to spend a holiday," says Kevin Hayes of Toronto, who in December completed his 15th Barbados Marathon. "Rather than just veg out, sit on the beach and maybe do happy hour, it gives a real focus. I dare say it makes for a better holiday." With marathons attracting record numbers, there are as many ways to approach them as there are marathoners. Hayes has done 60 in all, but crossing numerous time zones and dealing with jet lag is not his bag, so the only London he runs is the one here in Ontario. Then there is the likes of Roger Churchill of Bedford, N.S., who combined his wife's travel bug with his own marathon itch. That has allowed him to run on every continent, including at both poles. Closer to home, Petra Halk of Georgetown is a member of the 50 & D.C. Club, having run a marathon in every U.S. state and, like Churchill, she's now setting her sights on Canada's provinces. If you're a marathoner looking for a faraway place to race and relax, in whatever order, there's virtually no limit. Loch Ness, China's Great Wall, the North Pole or the South Pole, Honolulu's famed Diamond Head. Oysters and fine wine at the wild Medoc Marathon in France. The Achilles-testing cobblestones of London. The mysterious world of Bhutan. They're all part of the marathon calendar. Sometimes, just getting there is something of a marathon. Churchill belongs to the Seven Continent Club so named because its 60 or so members have run marathons on all of the world's continents (simple, eh?). When it came time to do the Antarctica marathon, the 56-year-old retired banker and his wife Paula had the following itinerary for the seven-day trip: Flight from Halifax to Buenos Aires. That's where they joined up with the Boston-based Marathon Tours and Travel group running the race. Charter to Ushuaia, Argentina, the southernmost city in the world. Journey via Russian icebreaker across the Drake Passage to anchorage off the northern tip of the Antarctic. Daily landings for sightseeing, via inflatable rafts, leading up to race day. After all that, there's no guarantee the weather for this February event is going to co-operate. In Churchill's case, it did across a sometimes snow-crusted glacier and through four different administrative territories on King George Island, the usually 3 1/2-hour marathoner did the distance in an exhausting five hours. But other groups in subsequent years have been prevented because of the dicey weather and actually had to run the marathon on board ship. For Churchill, the exotic is a draw, with Beijing, Cape Town and half a dozen trips to Boston, still the mecca for runners. But he doesn't forget the unexpected delights of smaller races like Barrington, N.S., with "the best fish chowder and homemade pies you've ever eaten" at the post-race party. Ask Halk, too, about her favourite moments from her touring and it's not what you'd think. "To be in different places and run over mountains and beside oceans is pretty exciting," says the 55-year-old teacher, who completed her trek through America with the Honolulu Marathon in December. What you're left with, along with the T-shirt and the medal and maybe even the personal record, are postcards and pictures of a different kind. For Churchill, one such epiphany came at the Athens Marathon, the granddaddy of 'em all, its route purported to be pretty much the original (and final) run of Phidippides, the messenger bringing news of victory at the Battle of Marathon. After surviving the motorcar fumes and the fuming motorists of this now highly urbanized route, Churchill found himself climbing 100 steps up to the finish at the Coliseum, his hamstrings screaming the whole way. "All of a sudden, you realize what it is about," he recalled. "There are people standing on either side of the staircase all the way up, and they hit you on the back with these olive branches they're holding and they're saying `Bravo.' It brings tears to your eyes. What a gift.'' Tears. Olive branches. A choir of angels. It's no day at the beach, but then again, it's not supposed to be. |
Running in Prague with Bob Demare
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January 25, 2002 For a background on this story, please read "Bob Demare is Europe Bound" Hey John, |
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I must say that I have not been running as much as I'd like but I've started to pick it up more in preparation for the Prague half-marathon coming up in late March. I'm hoping to use this to start getting into shape for a fall marathon. Maybe Berlin.
Prague is not exactly the best city for running but there are some amazing trails in the outer sections of town. To get in a good long run it's usually best to take a tram or bus to one of the parks out in the suburbs. When running, it's usually necessary to avoid people walking with huge packs of dogs, old men drinking Staropramen (the greatest beer in the world...my source of carbs while here), and large pieces metal which seem to be left around from the days of
communism. |
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My Favourite Run: Moreton BayBy Paul Ewing, Brisbane Australia - May 1999 |
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My favourite run begins with a little drive to Scarborough. Oh but wait, to get to this Scarborough you need to drive to the airport, hop on a plane, fly to Honolulu, catch a connecting flight to Sydney, another connection to Brisbane and then a short 25 minute drive will get you to the start of the run. (Allow about 27 hrs of flight and travel time). The run begins along the shores of Moreton Bay in the Northern Suburbs of Brisbane. The path along the waterfront winds its way for 23 km, one way, crossing a 3 km pedestrian bridge in the process. Being by the water you will find it is mostly flat with a couple of small rises to get you up and over the glistening "red cliffs" of the town of Redcliffe. Be sure to bring your "sunnies" as the combination of water and reflection of the sun plus the scenery will have you blind in no time. |
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No need to carry water or worry about finding washroom facilities along the way any of the 10 beaches or three piers that you will run past will give you ample opportunity to take the necessary break.. As far as checking your progress as you go, the path is measured and marked at 500 meter intervals, so if youre feeling strong you could run the full 46 km. The good thing is that due to the wind patterns you generally have the wind at your back on the way home. There is always something to keep your interest on the run. |
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If you are lucky you may see a dolphin or two frolicking in the surf or perhaps catch the 10 a.m. Pelican feeding in the town of Clontarf. After the run if you want to cool off you can jump in the ocean or better yet take a dip in the man-made lagoon called Settlement Cove. If your timing is right you can finish your run at the Moreton Bay Boat Club, sit in the outdoor patio, watch the sail boats returning and catch the sun setting over the Glass House Mountains..... the Glass House Mountain trails! Well, youll just have to wait to hear about them. Submitted by Paul Ewing paulewingaust@hotmail.com |
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Back to the Future with Angela Barker
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It
was an autumn Sunday afternoon in East York, 1978:
A Prophetic Warning from a Concerned Mother: "Goodness Sakes! Is that you at the back door Angela? Look at that mud all over your knees. Now listen to your mother for once, and stop hanging-around with those friends at Taylor Creek. Start thinking about what you want to be 20 years from now! Come-in and clean-up before you frighten the poor dog!" It was a turning point in Angela's life, and 23 years later, we all know what Angela is doing on autumn Sunday afternoons... Editor's note: Yes, Angela Barker has been running cross country for 23 years, dating back to her school days at East York Collegiate, when she ran the Taylor Creek route for the first time. I am sure her mother has always been proud of her, but I hope she has a good sense of humour too! Send a note to Angela about this picture: ambarker@sympatico.ca |
It was a crazy night of preparation with Amanda and I cutting and taping together split time wrist bands, Mike Bedley giving advice, Charlie Bedley enjoying a beer and Michal warning all -- with a pointed finger -- of the grave consequences of eating anything with too much fat or any alcohol content (this created much debate). But by midnight, we were all buried in the sheets of kings beds at the Detroit Marriott Renaissance Centre. I'm sure the hotel had a list 100 pages long of runners wanting wake up calls, as the race started at the ungodly hour of 7:45am while the sun was still rising. (We all knew Michal was insane with his 4:45am request!)
Morning came with coffee, powergels and anticipation. We all met in the hotel foyer and had 25 minutes to make it to the start line. Suddenly, panic set in as I realized my wrist band was on the 25th floor. I retrieved it while Michal and Charlie headed out for their warm up jog (what's that?). Amanda and I ran to the start line, and were told by an official to head to the back of the pack. Forget that! We only had 2 minutes before the gun (surprise), so we, along with another late straggler, jumped the fence and headed into the pack of runners standing at the 3 hour mark (What were we thinking!). The horn blasted and we were off! Promptly, the crowd surged past us 3:40ers. "No worries," I told myself. I'll just take it easy and go slow like I'm supposed to, say, like an 8:30 mile. I paced along perfectly for a 7:40 first mile. Doh!!! (George, where are you!) So I took it back a step. Eventually I settled into an 8:10 pace. At 7 miles, two interesting things happened. First, I, along with several other runners, spotted three beautiful deer only three yards off the course in the woods on Belle Isle Park (an island). It was such a touching moment, when every runner's breath went silent. It's one of those moments I'll always remember with I think of my first marathon. The second thing wasn't so beautiful. My right knee nearly collapsed under me as ITB pain set in. I had been receiving treatment for two weeks for a "mild" ITB band injury. Right now, my cursing told runners around me it wasn't so mild. I couldn't believe it set in at 7 miles! I popped two advils and ran.
I set into a "zone" and at 11 miles, waved at my mom at the sidelines. I frantically searched for my dad, who had advil on him, but couldn't spot him in the crowd. I hit the half marathon mark at 1:48, paced perfectly for 3:36. Then at 15 miles, Mr. ITB bit me. So I yelled out in a desperate plea at one of the aid stations, "Does anyone have any Tylenol, Advil, ANYTHING?!" Heads shook. I ran. I limp-ran. I limp-ran some more. Then 200 meters later, I was blessed. A volunteer (or spectator) ran alongside me yelling, "Wait up! You, wait up! I have Tylenol!" That's all it took. I thanked her immensely and tore open the sample pack. I popped one in my mouth and the other fell on the ground. I got down on the ground and grovelled around looking for it. I found it and ate it. I felt renewed.
Eventually, the pain subsided, but I noticed my pace slowing. Each mile, I ran harder, but I didn't get any faster (go figure). At mile 24, Michal ran alongside me, encouraging me, saying I was going to make it -- qualify for Boston. The way I felt, I wasn't so sure. I was still waiting for the infamous "wall". But somehow I never met the masked invader.
My parents and Mike Bedley cheered me on. The last 2 miles were the hardest. But I CAN say that I passed some people who had passed me at the start line! I hit 26 miles and Mike Bedley cheered and told me to pick it up to make 3:40. Suddenly, there's Michal screaming "Boston, here we come!" and I could see the finish line. Wowsers! That's the BEST finish line I've EVER seen!
My parents cheered and I threw my arms up in victory (that's what Michal always does, so it's engrained in me) as I crossed the finish line. The funny thing was that a poor girl passed out right in front of me at the finish line. She was ok, but the man right in front of me had to catch her as she fell. And less than one meter behind this poor girl, there's me with my arms in the air. A funny sight!
I felt great. My legs were heavy, but I'd made it. Thanks to everyone who's supported me, I reached my goal.
Along the way, six spectators cheered "Go Longboat!" and when I looked back at them with a huge smile on my face, they waved, as if they were a member....who knows.
Dianne Shiels dshiels@tsn.ca
LYNN'S MOST AWESOME RUNNING ADVENTURE
Being a part of the 6 women, 6 men MASTERS BLASTERS (Check out our photo album) team running in the REACH THE BEACH relay in New Hampshire (Friday September 27th, 2001) ties for my #1 great running experience of all time, the other being completing my first marathon in 1981.
We had a friendly and competitive team which placed 1st out of 3 in the Super-Masters category (40 plus). We edged out the second place team from Ottawa (Could it be long-time Longboat rivals the National Capital Road Runners Association??) by 4 minutes. The margin of victory was very close when you consider that the average pace for our team was 6:57 over 200 miles and theirs was 6:58.
We had a very strong contingent of masters women with Faith Nesdoly, Karen Mackenzie and Carolyn Silvey all having masters P.B.'s for the half-marathon of 1:26, Carolyn's P.B. having recently been run at last week's half marathon at age 45. Wow. . . I've decided that I want to improve my masters P.B. by 3 minutes and become part of the 1:26 club too. These women really inspired me.
We each had to run 3 legs of varying distances over very hilly and sometimes mountainous terrain. Our finishing time of 23 hours and 11 minutes put us in a very respectable 10th place out of 98 teams and we were only 68 seconds behind the mixed sub-masters team.
The scenery was remarkable and the weather almost perfect. . . the camaraderie and commitment to doing our best for the team was uplifting. I discovered too that some of my masters peers not only run faster than me but party at a faster pace too! It was a complete experience which fuelled my love of the sport in every way possible.
Submitted by Lynn Kobayashi
A Sunday Run in the Don Valley and Surrounding Neighbourhoods
Sunday, September 30th, was the day of the Run For the Cure, and traditionally, I won't miss the spectacle of 24,000 runners taking-back University Avenue for the sake of cancer research. It's marathon training season though, and it was a hard 32 Km training run in the Waterfront Marathon the week before, so this Sunday, we still need mileage, but we can jog easy and enjoy the scenery on a beautiful cloudless autumn day in Toronto.
After the jog down to Nathan Phillips Square with Toni to attend the festivities at the Run For the Cure, she headed west towards the Humber River, Swansea, and Riverside Drive. I headed east along Queen street, and then north to Cabbagetown and Riverdale Farm for my first look at the Don Valley Trail that cloudless morning. The trail was inviting, so I headed down the hill to the pedestrian overpass that connects to the south-end of the trail here at Riverdale.
Once on the trail heading north, the first unmistakable milestone is the Bloor Viaduct. This landmark was immortalized in the Novel "In the Skin of a Lion" by Michael Ondaatje. Early in the novel, we learn of Nicholas the Macedonian bridge builder who connected the girders as he hung precariously by a rope. The next landmark is far less dramatic. The intersection at Pottery Road provides an intermediate access point to the Don Valley trail for runners and cyclists. You can reach this location from Broadview and the Playter Estates in the east, and Moore Park in the west. If you are good with a compass, you can even reach it from the Belt Line! A Mile further north is the linear span of the Millwood Bridge, connecting Leaside across the valley to East York. Yet another mile further takes you to a junction in the path that provides an alternate route to Taylor Creek, but a few minutes north and you arrive at the curious bicycle bridge over the railway at Don Mills Road. The wooden speed bumps forces the the cyclists to walk their bikes over the bridge, so most runners can't resist racing past the prodding cyclists, only to be caught again well before the railway trestle south of Eglinton Street.
Once north of Eglinton, look for the gates to Sunnybrook Park. Sure enough, as I approach the gates, I can hear the familiar voice of Dianne Shiels, who helps me pick-up the pace as we head towards the Sunnybrook Stables. This is a favourite meeting place for many runners, and most runs in the Don Valley involve a waypoint at the stables. As we approached, Michal Kapral descends down the hill from the Sports Field. After a short chat, Dianne and Michal head back up the hill to the Sports Field, and I head towards another hill on the west side of the river towards the Lindhurst Hospital. This beautiful ascent along the tree-lined country road takes me out of the Don Valley, and I begin my route back to the Annex/Casa Loma area.
Sutherland Street goes south, and then makes a long lazy right turn to eventually arrive at the Bayview entrance to Mount Peasant Cemetery. From here, I headed south into the residential enclave of Bennington Heights. Over the years it has been the home of many prominent Torontonians including author Margaret Atwood, whose highly acclaimed novel Cat's Eye is loosely based on this area. Cross the Footbridge at the Moore Park Ravine, and we are in the Rosedale Heights and Summerhill neighbourhoods. At the Witney Public School, there is a steep hill that descends to the southern section of Rosedale. In the last year, students at Whitney Public School painted a beautiful mural on their retaining wall. At the foot of the hill is the famous "Orange Footbridge" that connects the south section of Rosedale to Rosedale Heights and Moore Park.
It's an easy run from Rosedale across Mount Pleasant to the Annex and the Casa Loma area, capping a great 28 KM run through downtown, the Don Valley and it's surrounding neighbourhoods.
Related Links:
Toronto Neighbourhoods http://www.torontoneighbourhoods.net
The Run for the Cure 2001 http://www.imagestation.com/album/?id=4292230639
The Scotiabank Half Marathon and Marathon 2001 http://members.home.net/longboatexpress/scotiabank2001/ulthm.htm
The Don Valley - September 30, 2001 http://www.imagestation.com/album/?id=4292230667
The Atwood Society Home Page http://www.cariboo.bc.ca/atwood/index.htm
The Margaret Atwood Information Site
http://www.web.net/owtoad/
An Interview with
Michael Ondaatje http://www.infoculture.cbc.ca/archives/bookswr/bookswr_11131998_ondaatje.html
The
Michael Ondaatje Information Site http://www.cariboo.bc.ca/ae/engml/FRIEDMAN/ondaatje.htm
Submitted by John G. Lyng