Road2Hope November 3, 2013

2 Corinthians 9:7-8 New International Version (NIV)

⁷ Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. ⁸ And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

I've been enjoying my downtime in my hometown of Brantford, since racing the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon, 11 days ago.  Brantford is a great place to live for many reasons;  it is close to so many other great SW Ontario cities. You can do a lot in one week without having to travel too far!



This week I was interviewed at Crossroads in Burlington by 100 Huntley Street's, Ron Mainse. I was able to share about life as a marathoner, mom, and believer, "Finishing the Race". You can view it on-line now via my blog or the website, or watch it on the tv show sometime in November (I'll post the date when I know).

Running is waaaay easier than hair and make-up!

In the interview I mention that I will be in Hamilton for the Road2Hope Marathon on Sunday, November 3, 2013. There are a lot of great charity partners at this event and it's great to see Gord & Esther's leadership in helping so many great organizations. I'll have the "Grandma & Gogo" book for sale ($20) to support the Kenyan Kids Foundation. Just ask! I will also be there to support the Ronald McDonald House - Hamilton. Stop by to say hello!

Grandma & Gogo book - $20 written by Tarah Korir to fund the Kenyan Kids Foundation. We'll be cheering for Wesley Korir as he runs the NYC Marathon, also Sunday, November 3. Can't wait to see the Film Transcend @filmtranscend http://www.thefilmtranscend.com/

Leah was quite the story-teller at the Start2Finish office, also in the Crossroads building.

RMH is a great support for families with children who are seriously ill and being treated at nearby hospitals.

So glad Britanie was able to come to the recording. Afterward, we did some shopping then headed to her pre-chemo appointment in Hamilton at the Juravinski Hospital.  She'll be tackling round 5/8 tomorrow. While waiting for Britanie, I couldn't help but think of the many hours my parents spent at the Cancer Clinic. Thankfully, research has continued to advance in both diagnosing and treating cancer. Leah was quite the little entertainer again, asking the names of several elderly people in the waiting room, then telling them her name was Mrs. McGillicutty (the nick name she got from Grandpa this summer while we were in Russia/Europe)!



The bald and the beautiful. I am in awe when people post such beautiful, courageous pictures. What does Britanie, aka G.I. Jane, do between chemo treatments? Once she boosted my van. This time she cared for Chloe, her special needs daughter, after surgery. Britanie is grateful for the Ronald McDonald House. When I asked her if I could share this, she replied, "Oh yes for sure! We would be honored! We lived at RMH for 6 months + another 2 months at a different time...great cause and great house!!".

This morning was my first trip back to Brantford's Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre. Two yr old Leah had been asking every day to return since my marathon, because she loves Marueen and Jeanetta, and the routine so much. The rain would make for miserable walking conditions so we went. I dabbled with a bit of swimming, pool running, a new elliptical-type machine, the treadmill, and some weights. Was great to be back with no structure and a leisurely pace. And look what I found on the bulletin board!

Another way I've been supported at the WGSC... this sweat band was given to me by another member for inspiration after a relative of his was in London for the 2012 Olympic Games. I've kept it on my bag since and will continue to do so in my own path to the Olympic Games,  #Rio2016 !

 Have a great marathon in Hamilton and New York City this weekend, friends! I'll be cheering!

"Finishing the Race"

Dreaming

Dreaming ... with the joy in the pursuit.

It has been exactly one week since becoming the 2nd fastest marathoner in Canadian history with my personal best time of 2:28:32 at the 2013 Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon. My teammate and healthy rival, Lanni Marchant captured the record just ahead of me, with a speedy 2:28:00. We were both ecstatic. You can watch our race, interviews, and historic finish with Canadian flags and a lot of hugging & smiling at this link, CBC race coverage  0:55:26-1:02:20 and 2:41:30-2:45:20. It is still sinking in. I am grateful and enjoying every minute, feeling so very blessed that my hard work was put to good use on a beautiful day with hundreds of people behind me, cheering and praying for me. From the tears, vomiting, and smelling salts in Moscow to the smiles, celebrations and redemption in Toronto, it has simply been amazing.
I think there has been at least one new interview, article, or picture every day this week, which has allowed me to continue enjoying being second fiddle(:

One thing I can't help but think about this past week is dreaming. I'll keep repeating that I believe God has given me this gift and I think that part of that includes dreaming. Dreaming big. Wikipedia defines dreams as successions of images, ideas, emotions, and sensations that occur involuntarily in the mind during certain stages of sleep. But my dreaming has been more voluntary while awake!
Not every dream works out exactly the way we imagined but God is sovereign and everything works out for a reason, His reason.
Here are some of my dreams that have come true:
Marrying a Christian Athlete.
Having Christian parents again.
Becoming a Registered Dietitian.
Having children.
Running a marathon...getting faster...getting sponsored...getting faster...becoming a professional marathoner.
Running at a major game i.e. World Championships.
Being one of the fastest marathoners in the country.
Sharing my faith and life story e.g. 100 Huntley Street.
Living near family so that our kids, nieces and nephews can grow up together (we live 5 houses down from Jonathan's sister, and spend much of our summer time with my sister at the Christian camp where I grew up).

From disappointment...

...to disbelief.

And from amateur...

...to pro.

When speaking to people about my progression in taking 1 hr off my marathon time in 10 marathons over 12 years, I explain that part of my success has been as a result of writing down my goals. I set the bar high.
So, in continuing to dream, and writing them down, here they are:
Running the standard for and competing in the 10,000 m at the 2014 Commonwealth Games. 
Running the standard for and competing in the marathon at the 2016 Olympic Games.
Running my last competitive marathon as the very best of  my life (isn't that how every athlete wants to retire?!).
Serving with the Start2Finish program in Canada.
Serving with the Kenyan Kids Foundation and my family in Africa.
Supporting the Canadian Cancer Society. 
With my husband, raising our children to know, love and serve God.
Running until the day I die, having my mind go before my body (;
And much, much more. 

Enjoy the pictures and links below.  It's been a great week.

What a great start to Saturday! Despite the nasty wind and rain, Clayton, James and I enjoyed a run (my first since Sunday's marathon) together followed by coffee afterwards. What a treat! These two guys are wonderful and I cherish our friendship. James (right) has a sister (Jen) who, as a marathoner and mom of 3, inspired me, and James suggested some time ago that I make running my profession. And Clayton (left), a father of 3,  has been my running buddy for 10+ years. Spending hours between a surgeon and engineer makes for very interesting runs; from details of hip replacements to mechanical designs, and a lot of joking and laughing together, there is never a dull moment.

As promised, we finally made a trip to Menchies for some sweet sundaes after purchasing the items for the Operation Christmas Child boxes. It made for a fun family evening, which I see being a yearly tradition.

After my run and coffee, I got back in my pyjamas and enjoyed Jonathan's weekend waffles with the family. Oooooh, the delicious, real maple syrup made by Uncle Roy and Aunt Marilyn, that had been hidden since Easter...it was so good!

For anyone who with kids, I'm sure you can tell what this picture means. Another baby or an attempt at qualifying for the Olympics makes for a tough decision for any athletic mom! Glad the money made in selling our baby stuff at the church yard sale will go to the Yugo missions trip.

My 5 year old, Seth, joined me at the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association cross country banquet where I was guest speaker. I was honoured by the line of people wanting a picture with me. And Seth was delighted to take over 200 (!!!) pictures with my phone. Even the athletes got him to take pictures with their phones! He has since decided that instead of a police officer, he now wants to be a photographer.

Petrolia LCCVI grads at the OCAA banquet!

When I asked Seth what he enjoyed about the evening, he said: 1) the hot chocolate on the way home, 2) the garlic bread at dinner and 3) taking the pictures. I asked him what he thought of my talk and he said, "Well, it was boring because I had to just sit there."!

Coach Rick Mannen and I will be doing some talks in the community, including one for a North Park Highschool Phys. Ed. class. Both Kevin Sullivan and Ben Sayles are North Park grads. Our talk is one way we can say thank you for letting us use their track during their class! Rick has been and will continue to be an amazing coach/manager in my running career. Thank you, Rick (and Josie). We met Friday to discuss 2014 and are quite excited about it. The plan is to take it easy for the rest of 2013 then start training and racing 5 and 10 k's in early-mid 2014. Ideally I'd make the 10, 000 m (track!) standard to race at the Commonwealth Games (July), and go for the Olympic Games standard in the fall (October) IF the qualifying period is open like it was for the 2012 Olympic Games.

Tune in to see me on 100 Huntley St. in November. I'll be doing a pre-recording this week, instead of live, Oct 30.

Looking forward to getting involved with Start2Finish in the future. Silvia Reugger established this organization, using her running career as a platform.

Exciting things are happening with the Kenyan Kids Foundation - Canada, including planning for the new, "Harvest Half" Sept 12-13, 2014. More details to come!

Canadian Cancer Society. Glad I can continue to promote health and wellness in support of #fightcancer!

I'll be at the Hamilton Road2Hope Marathon, November 3. See you there?!

At some point while at the Road2Hope race, I'll be near the Ronald McDonald House (RMH), which provides a "home away from home" for families of children who are seriously ill and being treated at nearby hospitals...

...My dear friend, Britanie who is now over half-way in her chemo treatment, has spent many nights at the RMH. Her special needs daughter, Chloe, who just turned 6 last week, has had many surgeries and serious illnesses since birth. The Summerhays family is grateful for the support received from the RMH.

 I am in absolute awe of people like Britanie who take these gorgeous, courageous pictures while going through chemo. I can't wait to wear matching hats with her in the upcoming cooler weather. Thank you, Saucony!

Leah was thrilled to get a new pair of pink AND purple Saucony running shoes when I returned home.

 

Jordan from the Waterloo Running Series, Blair McKay from the Kenyan Kids Foundation (KKF), Micah and  with the "Grandma and Gogo" book. We are excited to announce our new, "Harvest Half"race, which will be Sept 12-13, 2014 to raise money for KKF - Canada. I will speak at the pasta dinner, Fri. Sept 12 and we will have a 21.1 and 10.5 km race on Sat., Sept 13. The course will be the same route that Wesley Korir (KKF co-founder and Boston Marathon 2012 Champion) runs when training in Ontario while visiting the McKay family.

The book, written by Wesley's wife and fellow KKF cofounder Tarah Korir, sells for $20 as it is currently a major source of revenue for the foundation. KKF - Canada is currently in the process of acquiring charitable status.

It's a great book for children, and a great gift for family and friends. I'll have some copies on me at the Road2Hope Marathon. Just ask!

Leah and I enjoyed a different routine this week. We went on several fall walks, enjoyed picking up a bit of lunch while out, and  even did some shopping.  I just love this time of year with the crisp air, sunny skies and colourful leaves. I've especially loved it when my kids stick their hands out of the Chariot, creating wings!

Get your Operation Christmas Child shoe boxes!

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!