Runners in Disguise

It's been a while since the last blog post and alot has happened over the course of the running season. We've had new runners complete their first race at the Rock 'n Run event in July. Other members travelled as a group to the Johnny Miles event in New Glascow. And more recently, 25 club members took part in the Legs for Literacy event in Moncton. There have been some great personal achievements along the way - some awesome personal best times, a couple of Boston qualifiers, inspirational lifestyle changes, and weight loss successes. Most importantly, new friendships have been made and it is so much fun to see so many runners on the streets of Miramichi!

On October 30th, we held our Annual Holloween costume run but due bad weather we took out the "run" part and just met for a costume party! The costumes were great and, as usual, we collected lots of great stuff for the local food bank. Thanks to Andrea Paul for looking after getting the donations to the food bank for us. Andrea also took home 3rd place for her awesome Avatar costume. It was a hard choice, but in the end Sue McLean took 2nd place for her "Bingo Granny" costume and top prize went to Nicole MacCallum for her very creative iPod costume!! Honorable mention to Lori Singleton with her hilarious 70's marathoner costume. Awesome! Thanks to everyone for coming out to support the food bank.

Track Attack

Our Thursday night speedwork sessions have begun! Speedwork is an essential part of a well rounded running program. A good article in the June 2009 Runner's World lists the benefits of track workouts even if your goal isn't racing fast. These include quicker weight loss, better running form, more stamina and the ability to run stronger for longer.

We are lucky to have Brian Richard as our speedwork coach again this year. Brian groups runners with those of similar abilities. Over the past two Thursdays, Brian has had us doing 4x400m (one lap) at an assigned pace, followed by one recovery lap. The workout also includes a good warm-up and cool-down.

Track workouts are done at higher intensity so yes...it's hard...but it's "good hard" and it's alot of fun. If you have a year of running under your belt, coming out to the track sessions is a really fun way to spice up your running routine. As always, we all run at our own pace and runners of all speeds are welcome. Workouts take less than an hour so we'll see you all next Thursday at 6:30pm, JMH track. Please show up around 6:15pm to get warmed up. Bring water. Oh..and remember...stay in the inside lane for your fast laps then move to the outer lanes to cool down.

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.