This Is It!

Well, this is it.
The last time I wrote a post, I had 6 weeks to go. Now, I have one. One week until I race in the Women's Marathon at the Rio Olympic Games at 9:30 am (8:30 EST on cbc) on August 14, 2016.
In mid-July I was gearing up to train for three of my highest mileage weeks ever while taking full advantage of the hot and humid Ontario summer we were experiencing. It was at this time that this whole Olympic thing started to feel real. This was it. I filled and consumed countless bottles of Eload, was in my pyjamas before most people would even start dinner, agonized in the sauna, and doubled up on my treatments to ensure I was doing everything possible to be at my best.

[A huge shout out goes to Aluminate as we were getting some work done on the house (siding, windows, etc) during this time. When I returned from a run, we compared our work in the heat, and determined which corner of the house would be best for my nap while they continued. I enjoyed their calm classical music, appreciated their cleanliness, and most importantly loved the final product.]

Coach Rick and I were hoping I could mimic my training from 2013 when I had my best year. And I think we were fairly successful in doing that. I may not quite be as fast as we focused more on acclimating for the heat and humidity while appropriately adjusting paces. My tempos are key fitness indicators and even though they have been slightly slower, the overall pace for the entire run has been faster. More of them were outside within a 25-35 km run than inside on the treadmill within 25-30 km. My average weekly mileage for my three peak weeks was 172 km compared to 165 km, and most of my runs occurred between 10:30am-12:30pm, which allowed me to start with more humidity and end with more heat.  I feel like I am stronger and more equipped to handle a race in tough conditions, which is more about placement than time. My weight is 118 lb and RHR at 36, which also gives me confidence that I am ready.

On Monday, August 8 I will fly with several athletes from Athletics Canada since August 9 is the first day we can enter the athletes'  village. August 12 is the first day of competition. I am really looking forward to having the race of my life, and taking in the entire Olympic experience. Wow, what a journey! Again, I thank each and everyone of you for everything you have done to make this possible. Let's do this.

Second last tempo within a long run. Thanks, Rachel and Mitch!

Rio! Rio! Rio!

Oldest, and proud of it!

Proud to be CANADIAN!

Enjoying my last run with the gang. 

Team Krista shirts. Thanks again, J&K.

Coach Rick, the two boys and I headed to Guelph to get my Canada gear and receive treatment from physiotherapist, Brenda Scott-Thomas. Loved my time there as a Gryphon (ice hockey).

Thank You!

For years I have thought about how to express my gratitude for the amazing support I've received in my running career.  It is terribly difficult to do so in one email, tweet or post so I can only hope that each and everyone of you know how thankful I am. Truly thankful. 

Thank you for: your kindness and believing in me, giving me your time and energy, supporting me financially or otherwise, praying for or thinking of me during the lows, celebrating with me in the highs, allowing me to inspire you, sending notes of encouragement and love, allowing me to speak or be silent, caring for my children, speaking so kindly of my husband and his generosity, cheering for me at races, providing professional expertise, and being a true friend or caring family member. I am blessed, loved, proud, honoured. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

It is well with my soul!

Thank you, 

Krista  

Saucony footwear and apparel.

Eload Sport Nutrition.

Essential Physiotherapy and Wellness

Therapeutic Massage Counsel

David Zulak Registered Massage Therapist 

Smith Optics

Stoked Oats

Dale Draaistra (2nd from left), one of two people to first say, "I think you should try to make the Olympic Team some day".

Paris Runner's Den

Coach Rick Mannen.

Josie Mannen, Coach Rick's Assistant

Lana Furry - one of two people to first say, "I think you should try to make the Olympic Team some day".

Brant Community Church

Family.

Family.

Maureen and Jeanetta - cared for all three children since birth. 

Clayton and James - running and friendship.

Monkey Butter

Liberte. 

#TeamDuChene.

City of Brantford.

Alan Brookes and the Canada Running Series. 

Kiwanis Field.

Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre.

Dale, Mitch, James and Clayton (and their supportive families).

Montreal General Hospital and Brantford General Hospital

Kenyan Kids Foundation.

My absolute #1, Jonathan.

Micah DuChene - leadership and responsibility with or without anyone around. 

Seth DuChene - caring, supporting and willing to make coffee! 

Leah DuChene - obedient and helpful even when it's tiring. 

Maple Grove 

Celine Tuttle - childcare.

Sue Spence - stretching, breathing, and friendship.

Millards

Heather Tuttle - childcare and always ready, willing and able to help #TeamDuChene.

Mr. Tony - good family friend and loving dog sitter.  

Ben Kaplan and iRun Magazine

My one and only big sister, Janna.

Grammy and Grampa.

100 Huntley St. - opportunity to share my story.

Special and generous friends who know me well. 

Essential Physio.

Surprises from friends and family. Thanks, Jennifer and Kenneth!

Some answers and links to common questions:

1. What is Rule 40 (click here) ? 

2. Women's Marathon is August 14 at 8:30 am (EST). 

3. Athletics Canada. 

4. CBC Sports.

5. Athletics Canada will not be at the August 5 Opening Ceremony. Look for at the Closing Ceremony, August 21!

6. Olympic Marathon Breakfast to eat, watch and cheer in Brantford.

7. Brant Community Church also hosting an event:

"Note change of Sunday service on August 14th.... The Yugo team is hosting a light breakfast as we cheer on Krista DuChene at the olympics.
The Live Stream will be set up in the Community Room starting at 8:30 am. The service will follow the event.Free will offering will be taken for Yugo Missions."