Second Fiddle...And It's Great!

I keep adding more articles and links to this post. Makes it easy to keep it in one spot!

Krista is a columnist for iRun Magazine.

New !!! Krista will be on 100 Huntley Street tv show, some time in November (pre-recorded Wed., Oct 30) to talk about life as Marathon Mom, her faith, being 2nd Fastest Canadian Marathoner, news about the Kenyan Kids Foundation Canada (including the new "Harvest Half" pasta dinner and race Sept 12-13, 2014), Silvia Ruegger's Start2Finish, and more!
#endpoverty #giveback

Second Fiddle...And It's Great!


Links:
1. Brantford Expositor, Brian Smiley
2. IAAF, Paul Gains
3. CBC
4. Globe and Mail, Canadian Press
5. Canada.com
6. CTV video
7. Canadian Running Magazine video of Krista & Lanni's finish (hugs, tears, drama...well worth watching!)
8. Canadian Running Magazine video of Silvia's thoughts on her beaten record
9. World Rankings (Lanni 75th, Krista 84th)
10. The Toronto Star (great pics of Lanni and I hugging and celebrating)
11. Brant News, Sean Allen
12. Brantford Expositor, Vincent Ball
13. Reid Coolsaet's post, "Hail hail to the good times"
14. iRun Magazine "She’s not the only one who’s going to break this record, I am too” DuChene.
15. Brantford Expositor "Marathon Result Great for Canadian Running". Vincent Ball.
16. CBC race coverage Lanni and Krista: 0:55:26-1:02:20 (running and pre-race interview) and 2:41:30-2:45:20 (Cdn record finish).
17. iRun Podcast October 26, 2013 Silvia Reugger 6:30-18:20, Krista DuChene 18:50-30:20 and Lanni Marchant 30:50-40:50)
18. 93.9 FM with Brad Loveday.
19. "Finishing the Race" 100 Huntley St tv

Thanks, Rob Watson for tweeting "Have the Canadian marathon Women surpassed the men in terms of depth and quality? I'm leaning towards yes, the ladies are killing it!". Great for Canada, Marathoning and Women.

We did it! Photo: Rick Madonick, Toronto Star

1 and 2 in Canada! Photo: Rick Madonick, Toronto Star

“It takes more grace than I can tell, to play the second fiddle well.”

A statement attributed to the late Leonard Bernstein, the famous conductor of the New York Philharmonic, states: 'The hardest instrument in the orchestra to play is second fiddle'. 
Like many people in the bible (e.g. New Testament - John in Acts, Andrew in Matthew, and Old Testament - Isaac), God can certainly use us as second fiddle. And that includes me.
Did I want that record all to myself? You bet. Both Lanni and I wanted it. Badly. And she got it. Not me.
Lanni and I had another amazing year with stunning comebacks after our big disappointment at the World Championships in Russia, just 2 months ago. We returned battered and bruised, physically and emotionally, only to get back up and get at it again. And we did. Silvia Reugger's 28 year old record as fastest Cdn marathoner was broken, not by one but by two women.
So here's how it went down - great training AND great race conditions (a touch windy but perfect temps). In the race we had good pacing to 30 km. Thank you, Josephat Ongeri and Rejean Chiasson, and Dan Way on the bike (great encouragement). We were a touch fast, finishing the first half in 73:00 but this course has a fast first half. Then we were on our own. Lanni took a surge and I thought it was a bit too early with 12 km still to go. She kept her distance and finished just ahead of me in 2:28:00. My time was 2:28:31. It was very similar to our performance in Rotterdam last April when going after the 2:29:55 Olympic standard (that we are now well under!!!). We finished 3rd and 4th overall (behind two, and ahead of even more African runners). Both good for #1 and #2 in Cdn history. We hugged and celebrated at the finish.
Then we headed to the awards ceremony and press conference. It was during this time that I had a few moments with Silvia Reugger. I confided in her, that I really wanted God to use me for His will with today's performance. She then told me how she wanted to win a gold medal for Canada. She trained for 20 years, which included setting the record and competing at the Olympics but the gold medal -  it did not happen (a car accident resulted in her never returning the same). And she gave me the quote about the second fiddle, reinforcing that God looks at our heart and willingness to do His plan. I asked her to repeat the quote again, and Coach Rick commented that it would be something very special for me for a long time. Yes, indeed. I then asked Silvia how she felt about no longer having the record. Again the words that came out of her mouth were golden. She explained that she was glad God used that record for 28 years to establish His work through her, particularly with her Start2Finish program, something I want to be part of (with the Kenyan Kids Foundation), I told her.
At the press conference with Lanni by my side I was able to be honest.
"It's ideal — someone right beside you pushing you," she said. "It's phenomenal for women in this sport. I have no regrets, I left everything out there." Krista DuChene
I explained that Lanni would say there were days she didn't feel like running but did it, knowing her competition was out there, training. I said I knew that was me. And when asked if she knew she had the win she said she didn't know until the last km. I knew she knew I was on her tail! I think both Lanni and I can agree that had we not had each other in that race, the record may have not been broken. Eric Gillis, also going after the record, had a great race but admitted that once his pacer dropped, he slowed in the last 12 km. Lanni and I had each other. I think the 5 main components to a successful race are: consistent and healthy training, good race weather, pacing, competition, and the will to want it. We had all 5.
I enjoyed my quiet drive alone on the way home after the race, treating myself to a stop at Whole Foods. It was a great way to reflect on the day, the year. Coming home to my "Team DuChene" was incredible. Up next includes some speaking engagements, odd jobs around the house and such, and the usual routine with the kids/school/church. Rick and I will meet to plan 2014. Ultimately we want to get me speedy ont he track with shorter distances (5 and 10 km). May do the New York City Half Marathon in March and some track races in the spring. As for the next marathon, there's the Commonwealth Games (July 2014) and my Olympic Qualifier (once the standards are announced by Athletics Canada - may be anywhere between a start of Fall 2014 to Spring 2015). But until then, it's a lot of rest, relaxation and reflection.

#2 and #3 Canadian Marathoners. Honoured and inspired by this amazing God-serving woman.

And the record went down by BOTH of us! So glad God used you with this record for 28 years to do amazing things for Him, Silvia. Start2Finish.

Looking good with pacers at half-way in 73:00. Picture: Rick Mannen.

A huge thanks to Sherri who saw me 3x/wk over the last few weeks due to my back issue. This lady owns the business, is a mom of 3 boys, is involved in the community in various ways, and just returned from hip surgery. Her husband, also a physiotherapist (and hockey coach), figured out my pelvic issue last year and suggested I see her for her postnatal expertise.Thanks so much, Sherri and Essential Physiotherapy crew.

And a big thanks to Cynthia and Naomi who looked after my massage needs. Congrats on the half marathon finish yesterday, Naomi.

Three amazing men - age group world record holders, Yoshihisa Hosaka from Japan and Ed Whitlock from Canada, and Race Director, Alan Brookes. Oh, and a life-size me on the far left!

Thanks for your support, Liberte!

Having a little fun at the expo. New Balance guys & Saucony girls.

Ready to go with Eload sport drink and fly (mixed in bottles with water) and gels. Fuel plan was perfect. Thanks again, Trent!

Loved rooming with this gal! Great company and conversation. And Marilyn makes amaaaazing coffee!

Pretty exciting for my nephews, Ben and Eli. My own two boys couldn't make it so it was very special to have these two to hug  (my sister's boys).

Still smiling.

Family and friend support crew for Lanni and Krista, just after the press conference. Thank you: Kevin, Janna, Ben, Eli, Jennifer and Kenneth, and Rick, Josie, Bob and Stella. So special to have you there! Also great to have Clayton and James' touching emails, runs with Rachel H. and Darren L., and support from Kate V., Mary D., BCC and CBA families, and the running crews of the Paris Runner's Den, Brantford Road Rebels, Black Lungs and Longboats.

Our good friend, Frank came to cheer me on. Love that guy!

For many it's candy or beer or a burger after a race. My first treat was a trip to Whole Foods in Oakville on the way home...

and because everyone asks, here's what I got: maple sugar salmon nuggets, pecan feta salad, mac n' cheese, chocolate milk, pumpkin spice scone, and a pecan square. Don't worry, I didn't eat it all at once!

Very sad and ugly looking running toes. But at least I only had one not survive this marathon. Rejean will be working at a new running store in Toronto, "Black Toe Running".

My letter to my amazing, "Team DuChene".

Wearing green (our favourite colour) before her 4/8 chemo treatment. Love you, Brittanie! I certainly thought of you during the race. My green gloves matched your shirt perfectly and made me think of you, knowing you wanted to be at the race but couldn't because of your chemo on Friday. And thank you, Stacey and B for your amazing support from BC!

Note from Krista to Jonathan:

My husband, Jonathan DuChene is the greatest. He's our Team DuChene leader! Thank YOU for your amazing support and great job juggling the hockey x 2, swimming, birthday party, school routine, a normal work day and church commitments while I was away racing. Blessed.

Note from Jonathan to Krista:

So clearly this was a great day for Krista and Lanni on the road and we are so very proud that Krista ran the 2nd fastest time ever run by a Canadian Woman. Let me help you understand why she means so much to the people in this pic and to me. You see when Krista left for Toronto she waited to leave till after I got home from a hockey meeting and she had all of the laundry washed and folded so I didn't have to wash any while she was away. The boys lunches were already made for Friday and she left a nice note for us to read. She is super fast but she is also wife and mother and we love her!!!

Back at home again. Showered and fed with Jonathan and the kids watching a movie.

Thanks also to the City of Brantford and the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre - Maureen, Jeanetta, Karen, Cindy, Dean, Mike, Warren, Nancy, Mike, etc.

Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon - 2013, 10th marathon, 2:28. 

Casino Niagara International Marathon - 2002, 1st marathon, 3:28.

Dream big. Set the bar high!

I will continue to edit this post but have a 2 year old that needs lunch!

Here we go ... again

A few links:
Canadian Running. 10 Questions: Krista DuChene
Brantford Expositor Article
Lanni and Krista to run together again!
Women at Scotiabank

Live results:
www.sportstats.ca
cbc

Well, it's go time...again!
And I am ready...again.
Looking for a great race.
Not a whole lot to say about it.
Yet.
I love the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon and hope I have a tonne to write about upon my return.
Everyone seems to be saying it more than ever so I will too..."The hay is in the barn"!
Time to get packed and into bed.
Here's a bunch of random pictures, just 'cause.

Typical recovery scene.

Vegetables, bean salad and ...

more vegetables enjoyed with turkey (thanks, Jenn) and smoked salmon (thanks, Steve) over the THANKSgiving weekend. These roasted vegetables (squash, beets, red cabbage, sweet potato and carrots with cinnamon, all spice, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, olive oil and balsamic vinegar) were delicious.

Seth writing a "Happy Thanksgiving" note to his brother.

Team picture in front of the new Wayne Gretzky statue. Micah is back row, second from left.

Heading home from the cabin. Wish we had been there more this summer!

Tuna and apple. Quick and easy snack.

Reading to Leah while enjoying a day off during the taper.

Onward.

The end of this week was much better than the beginning...
In the last blog I mentioned that I had a few nagging issues, which is fairly typical when in the peak of your build. One of the issues was this knot I had in my back that started two days before the Zoo Run 10 km road Cdn champs. It was a heavy week of training and I was just finishing a run and thought I just slightly tweaked something in my back. I continued to go to my regular weekly physio and massage appointments but it wasn't getting that much better. It was really bad this past Tuesday when I tried to do mile repeats on the track. My lower body was fine but I just couldn't breathe properly due to the tightening and pain in my upper back between my shoulder blades. It was really bad in the mornings and since I had a sick kid home from school, I had to do a few 5 am runs. It was also one of those weeks with three nights in a row that I was up every hour, on the hour for nightmares, trips to the toilet, and kids falling out of bed. These things definitely did not help. So my physio and massage treatments got a bit more aggressive and frequent to treat the issue. Thankfully with the help of Ron O'Hare, Paul, Sherri and Cynthia, we got it figured out, which included a connection to my broken ribs incident in February. Part of the plan included running later in the day, which made it tricky with Jonathan's work and the kids' schedules but with a Team DuChene talk, we got it done. It's not easy for me to ask for help and admit that I can't keep all the balls in the air but with STWM only 2 weeks away, it was critical. And being humbled is also a good thing.
I finished the week with a 35 km run that included a steady 29 km with a 6 km pick up at the end while perfecting my carb "sweet spot" as Trent Stellingwerff calls it. Knowing your ideal hourly g carbs and mL fluid is key for race day and one must practise ahead.
It's officially taper time for two weeks (although last week we cut the mileage a bit due to the back issue) with one complete rest day each week and runs between 3 km (day before race) and 24 km (last long run the week before). My husband will be away for work for a few days so I'll get my mommy jobs done in the day and get to bed early with the kids in the evening. Toss Thanksgiving in there and I should be well rested, recovered and relaxed. Onward we go.

Still working on my College of Dietitians of Ontario renewal, which includes reading this book co-authored by fellow Registered Dietitian/Saucony Athlete/Mom/Marathoner, Kimberly Mueller.

My friend, Britanie - boosting my van a few days before chemo round 3/8. Such a great gal. Such a great friend. She just got some positive results back, which we are thrilled about! Thanks for the thoughts and prayers.

Yep, a screen time moment. It happens. And what an interesting mix of items on our kitchen island!

Van needed a new battery so we walked home from school and stopped by the park. Love these moments.

Enjoying writing regular columns for iRun magazine. I have one in the current issue on being active as a family. I've also done a few iRun podcasts, which has been fun (click on date): July 27, 2013 and August 2, 2013.

Greek salad with sardines on kale. Yes, I quite liked it! Like I say, no salad is ever the same.

One of my favourite comfort afternoon snacks is peanut butter & ground flax seed on pumpernickel toast with a cup of coffee.

I will be ready

Getting ready to speak at the school Jump Rope for Heart event.

Great friends. Wonderful runs. Clayton and James are returning from injury so couldn't join me for the entire 38 km but having them with me in the middle made the time fly.

At the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre. Micah's 99'ers game one day. Leading the VIP's around the track at the Grand Opening the next day.

So glad for the Liberte truck. Don't think I could have managed giving samples to the thousands at the Grand Opening! Watch the video here.

99 everywhere!

Leading the walk with the MP, MPP, etc

Wade was an Olympic torch runner a few years ago when Kevin Sullivan ran it into Brantford (Walter ran his part in Vancouver).

Thanks for your support, Wayne Gretzky!

This past week was likely one of the most physically difficult ones this build. Recovering from the Zoo run and solo 35 km run the next day, doing 1 km track repeats, completing my most difficult tempo ever, and getting in 165 km (long run 38 km) made for a challenging week. My body is battling a few nagging issues but I'm confident I will recover well, especially with my day off today (first one in weeks) and upcoming taper.
Not only was the week physically challenging, but busy with the usual activities with the kids, church, work, and the house, and two community events. On Friday I spoke to the kids at school about the importance of healthy eating and physical activity at their Jump Rope for Heart event. And on Sunday afternoon, I walked the VIP's around the new track at the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre Grand Opening. And on top of that, this is the time of year for contract/application/renewal work for the college, carding, and some sponsors. Busy but blessed.
20 days to Oct 20! STWM 2013 I will be ready.

Holding Strong

Another successful week of training in the books and 4 weeks to go until STWM!
I got in 165 km (and the usual pool and bike cross-training), which included a silver medal at the Zoo Run/Cdn 10 km Championships in Toronto with no taper.  It's a tough, twisty course that I've only done once before but I felt much better this year than last when I was ready to get into my taper for STWM right away (and I had that nasty blister that wasn't healing). Completing my 35 km long run this morning, after 22 km the day before (warm up, race, cool down) was exactly how it should have felt - not zippy but strong and steady. I'm ready for another hard week! Gotta really take care of myself now though as this is when my body is pushing its final limits with immunity low and susceptibility to injury high. Sleep, nutrition, hydration, phsyio, massage, and rest are high priority now.
For those of you interested in my friend, Britanie...we enjoyed a great afternoon together last week, eating Williams' wild pacific salmon rice boxes (LOVE them), shopping at Costco, and drinking Starbucks together. She just had round 2/8 of chemo and is holding strong.

What a team! Coach Rick with athletes, Ben Sayles and Krista DuChene. I am twice Ben's age (!!) but we make for a great pair on the track. Congratulations on your silver world medal (age group triathlon championships in London, England) and best wishes as you too attend school at the U of G. Go, Gryphons!

Busy start to the weekend with picture day at school. Love the stair steps.

Thanks, Auntie Chantale and Uncle Kevin for watching Leah and Seth for us. They quite enjoyed their sleepover. Seth had three favourite things about your new place: 1. movie watching, 2. Auntie's brownies and 3. the hot tub.

Enjoyed the press conference with Rob, Eric and Natasha for the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon. Glad Leah could come along! Thanks for another great weekend, Alan Brooks and CRS crew! Canadian Running Magazine photo.

Proud of the two Megan's who completed their first post-baby races this weekend. Megan Metcalf-Wright did the Zoo Run 10 km Cdn Road champs. And in this picture is my friend, Megan Gecas after winning her age category at the Brant Waterways 5 km.

My friend Dean, after setting a personal best (since 1995) at age 70. Way to go in the 10 km! See you back at the gym this week. Keep inspiring!

Typical racing picture...Lanni, Krista. Krista, Lanni. When we stand next to each other in our matching Saucony/Eload gear, people ask who is who! Great job in the race, Lanni. You really wanted it and dug deep for a well-deserved win! Canadian Running Magazine story (here). Canada Running Series photo.

LOVE this meal. Easy take-out better than the other common fast-food options.

Distributed Liberte samples at the Brant Waterways 5 & 10 km races. A hit!

Great end to a fun & busy weekend, apple-picking with the fam.