We're Up & Running in 2011!

The weather is slowly getting better and the 2011 Miramichi Running Club is well underway. We have a huge group again this year and we have alot planned.

Our weekly group runs have been drawing good crowds and we hope that everyone is enjoying the support of the group. Plans are in full swing for our Kouchibouquac run and we are starting to iron out some details for the Johnny Miles road trip in June. Thurday evening speedwork is also starting next week.

Stay tuned for further emails about these and other club events. We are looking forward to a great season of running! Please feel free to contact us if you have questions or suggestions. miramichirunningclub@gmail.com

Halloween Run 2010

The 3rd Annual Halloween Run was held on October 30th. We did things a little differently this year by having the run on a Saturday morning, followed by coffee and snacks at Cowboys pub. As usual, the costumes were really creative and we turned a few heads along the 3km course in downtown Newcastle! Third place went to Arlene, the tacky tourist. Second place was given to Nancy with her very original Bed Bug costume. 1st place went to Mary-Ann who was dressed as a Scare Crow. Thank you to everyone who participated and for your donations to the local foodbank. Staying fit and helping the community - it doesn't get better than that!

Cardio Power!

On Tuesday evening the Miramichi Running club met at the usual time but for something a little different - an outdoor fitness class! Over 40 runners took part and instructor Tobi Deveaux did a great job in leading the group through a full-body circuit. Exercises involved the use of resistance bands as well as functional movements like squats and lunges. Tobi also stressed the importance of stretching and cross-training as important components of a well-rounded running program. Thanks for the great workout and advice Tobi!

Yoga is another super way to keep fit and prevent injury. Since the fitness class was such a huge hit, plans are in the works to have Yoga instructor Kari McCarthy put on a "runner-specific" class just for us! Stay tuned!

2nd Annual 'Round the River Relay

Blue sky and sun set the scene for the 2nd Annual 'Round the River Relay. Eight teams hit the road for the 28K loop. The Prancing Princesses team made up of Lowell Loveday, Stacey Dunfield, Christa Waye & Tracey Fernandez took first place. Karl Robichaud, Kassidy Robichaud, Nancy Donald and Jennifer Doucet snagged the Best Team Name award with "The Young and the Breastless". After the relay, we enjoyed a great BBQ and cold beer. Paula Sullivan's "Orzo Salad" was a big hit. See below for the recipe. Thanks to Jeff Doucet for the photos. As you can see, it was an awesome day!

Orzo Salad

2 cups of Orzo pasta (coooked)

1 package grape tomotoes, cut in half

1/2 to 3/4 cup of toasted pine nuts

1/2 block of light feta

fresh chopped cilantro, basil OR parsley to taste

Mix:

3 TBS of red wine vinegar

3 TBS of olive oil

1-2 tsp of chopped garlic

Toss into pasta
Add remaining ingredients.

Thanks Paula!

Tips from the Top

Have you ever watched an experienced runner go by and think "Wow, what's their secret?" Well you're in luck! Two super fast local runners were kind enough to share some personal details about training, gear and racing.

If you want to believe in Girl Power, look no further than Paula Keating. With wins at every major event in the province and a recent 2:58 marathon finish in Boston, Paula is in a league of her own. Although Paula has taken in some really cool international events, she is always supports our local races. Thanks for inspiring us Paula!

1. What brand of sneaker do u wear? Saucony
2. In one word, how does running make u feel? 2 words...strong and free
3. Aside from your sneakers, what's your fav piece of running gear? Garmin watch
4. What's your typical meal the night before a race? Pasta with tomato-base sauce & olives
5. What's your usual pre-race breakfast? Banana & oatmeal or oat bran muffin & few dates (at least 2 hours before the race)
6. What do u say to yourself when u start to feel tired mid-race? "I am a good runner", "I am not a quitter"
7. If u feel an ache or pain during training, what is your first line of treatment? Ice and cutting back
8. What's your tidbit of advice to new runners doing races? Relax & don't go out to fast
   

Paul Comeau only began running 5 years ago but his 3:02 marathon time
gives you an idea of how his running has progressed over this short time.
Amazing! Paul is also an awesome asset to our running club and is always supportive of new runners. Thanks Paul!

1. What brand of sneaker do u wear? Brooks
2. In one word, how does running make u feel? Energized
3. Aside from your sneakers, what's your fav piece of running gear? Comfortable shorts
4. What's a typical meal the night before a race? Pasta and lots of water
5. What's your usual pre-race breakfast? Long run, I have a power bar, gel pack, water and Gatorade. Short run I have Vector cereal or a waffle with peanut butter and molasses.
6. What do you say to yourself when u start to feel tired in a race? I count down the km's left to go.
7. If u feel an ache or a pain during training, what is your first line of treatment? Ice, rest.
8. What's your tidbit of advice for new runners doing races? Be warmed up before races. Do 10 min run then light stretch beforehand.

Irish Fest 5K Race

Doing regular races is a great way to keep yourself motivated in your training. We are lucky to have monthy River Runners races right here in Miramichi. This weekend is the annual Irish Festival 5K and it is always the most popular run of the season. Many visitors to the area also take part. The race starts at the LBA in Chatham and goes through the base. The race starts at 11am and the cost is only $4. This run usually draws a crowd of upward of 70 runners....we think the Miramichi Running Club could help bring this number well over 100!! We will plan to meet at the LBA at 10:40am. See you Sunday!!

Great Lookin' Bunch!

The club shirts may not have turned out as planned but hopefully everyone is still pleased and we will certainly put them to use with our fall running! Brian Richard (local running legend) did a great job on our club photo. Thanks Brian!



Pictures of the Rock 'n Run will also soon be on http://www.rockinrun.ca/ .
Here's a sneak peak of a great shot of the crowd during the
first few minutes of the race.