Tuesday, September 29, 2009

More Great News!

Great news. I was 8th (not 9th) overall at the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon. Not sure exactly what happened but I am thrilled!

Monday, September 28, 2009

Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront (STW) Marathon

Pick a number (for today's news on the marathon): 1. 2. 3. 4.

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Results - Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon '09

What a day! Today I ran the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon for Team Canada. I was ranked the 14th elite female and ended up placing 9th female overall, was the 1st Canadian female, had a personal best time (7th fastest Canadian in 2009), and we (Team Canada) were 2nd in the International Team Challenge.
I was hoping for a faster time but made a few errors: 1. I didn't drink enough soon enough, which was necessary for the high humidity. 2. I went out too hard in the first half. After chatting with several other elite athletes after the race I realized that they too were a few minutes off their expected times. Live and learn.
The most "interesting" part of the day was the unfortunate loss of fluids I experienced after the race (if you know what I mean)....only to be followed by a mandatory drug test. I finished the race around 10:20 a.m. and wasn't able to provide the required 90 mL of urine until 3:00 p.m. Then, on the ride back to the hotel, all of the excess water came back up again. I was so glad this happened right after my last "try", which got me to the required amount! Wow, what an experience.

Looking (but not feeling) OK! The top fastest 2 groups for both men and women get pacers. The rest of us are on our own.


Getting my prize for 1st Canadian Woman from the famous Ed Whitlock. I also had a nice chat with Joan Benoit Samuelson after the race.


Smiling to the crowd. Taking it all in. Thank you: Jonathan, Micah, Seth, Frank, Kevin, Jenn, Henry, Haidee, James, Donna, Paris Runner's Den, adidas, Chariot, eload, coach Nicole Stevenson, and the many friends and family members who wished me the best and followed me on-line. Also, thanks to the race winner escort who had to stay by my side until the drug test was complete and those at the drug testing station who were so patient with me (I was her new record for longest time of 4.5 hrs. Hey, can I get prize $ for that too?)!

International Team Challenge. England 1st (what a lovely group of folks). Canada 2nd.
Getting hugs from the boys after the race. Sweet.

Friday, September 25, 2009

Team Canada for Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon!

Well, here it is! A picture of me with my Team Canada jacket. I will run with 3 other Canadians in the International Team Challenge Sunday, September 27. This morning at the press conference I met Fauja Singh & Ed Whitlock. Six years ago, at the Scotiabank Toronto Marathon Singh ran 5:40:04 a new 90+ marathon record; Whitlock ran 2:59:10 to set a new mark for 70+ and become the only septuagenarian on the planet to go under the magic 3-hour barrier. Today they are (I believe) 98 and 78 years old, respectively. Singh will run the 5 km and Whitlock will run the 1/2 marathon Sunday. Pretty spectacular, don't you think?!

Friday, September 18, 2009

Team Canada!

Team Canada for the Scotiabank International Team Challenge ! I am thrilled to be selected! What a great opportunity! One week to go until I run another 42.2 km! Hoping for a Personal Best!

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon...Quickly Approaching!

Check out the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon for the latest news. I'm getting quite excited to run this race!

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

1/2 Marathon Champ at Quebec City (part two)

Race prep the night before helps a runner sleep better (after triple-checking the pile)!
Ready, Set, Go!

Getting ready to race!


Congratulations from Ingrid and her buddies.



Gotta love the "DuChene" spelling!




Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Quebec City 1/2 Marathon - Women's Champion and New Course Record Holder!


1:19:14 was my time (course record) with a 1st place finish at the Quebec City 1/2 Marathon! Only a few more weeks until Scotiabank Toronto Marathon!!!
ELOAD are you pleased with a 1st and 2nd place finish?
The ADIDAS gear was great for warm up, racing and afterward.
Because it was a weekend away without the boys, the CHARIOT stayed back home.