Finally, my first race of the season is behind me. Unlike the rest of you, I am a late starter, but nevertheless, I strapped on my shoes for my first race of '08 and my second half. I did my first half in Tuscon in December '07, as a training run and came in in 1:36 so I reset the goal and committed to Ottawa early in '08.

Ottawa Race Weekend is a BIG deal, there are races all over the place, and nothing is small. Take for example the 5k run that had 6300 runners, 7300 in the 10k, 8300 in the half, and 3300 in the full. Lots of people - lots of excitement!

Anyway, I was in the lead corral with a great position to start. When the flag dropped, the opening pace was torrid! First 2K were done and over with in about 6 and a half minutes - way to fast for me but what a rush! After we crossed in front of parliament, we made our way across the river to Gatineau. Somewhere along the line I had developed the ill conceived notion that this was a flat race - and boy did I pay. We ran in Gatineau for 7km of the race and all it did was go up. Around every corner there seemed to be another hill. I actually don't remember going downhill at all, well maybe once, for about a block, then we turned a corner and went back up. By the time I hit the 10km mark, my legs were feeling the opening pace and the hills. From the 10km mark through to 14km, the race went down the east side of the canal, we crossed UP and over to the west side of the canal and headed for home. A quick check of the watch and I realized I was cutting it close. Here's where I hoped my training paid off and it did. I picked up the pace in the home stretch and pushed it. I looked up as I crossed the line 1:28.36, a PB (getting a PB is not a real accomplishment when your first race was a training run).

Ottawa was a great race, and I'd recommend it to anyone. Next up, not sure. . . Moon in June in Burlington, ON or the KW Classic Bike Race in Kitchener, ON.

Hey Everyone!

I ventured back to my hometown to race the Mississauga 10km this weekend. I haven't raced a 10km race in a few years so I was curious to see what I could do and to see what kind of running shape I was in for the World Chamiponships (Olympic distance) in a few weeks. I had posted some 21 minute and change 5kms over the past few months but my previous PB for 10km was 46 minutes. So I decided to aim for 45 minutes.

The weather was great and the course was good except for some spots along the waterfront paths that were a bit 'buggy'. Needless to say I had a little extra protein along the way. Involved with the 10km was a student relay challenge where the students were running 2.5km and then tagging their team mate. It was great as there were always a crowd of people at every 2.5km increment and also some very excited and energetic runners during most parts of the race which kept me energized and going. I hit the 5km mark at 21:41 and felt pretty good so I thought I'd go for it and try to maintain that pace.

I struggled a bit between the 7.5 and 9km markers but didn't let myself look back to see if any other female was behind me. In the final km I was able to pick it up again and finish strong in front of a large crowd near the finish line. There were a few people along the course that were cheering "Go polar!" As I was about to cross the finish line I heard the announcer say that I was the third female to cross the line which was a nice surprise. My chip time was 43:11 which I'm very happy with.

Next race...Victoria's Duathlon

Happy Training!

Heather

This Kids Triathlon Clinic was a blast.  We had 38 kids attend this great event arranged by Speedplay Triathlon in Newmarket.

I had been asked if Polar would donate a few goodies for the kids grab bag and if it would be possible to let the kids try out the Polar Heart rate monitor, CS200.  Birgitte Boucher-Sills arranged that we could provide a few Polar knapsacks to provide as draw prizes for the kids.  They  were a big hit.  Thanks Birgitte.

At the event on the run part of the clinic, I set up the older kids (10 to 14 years old) with the CS200.  What a hoot !   Fortunately I had two helpers and we managed to get the kids set up....before they charged off to get their heart rates up.  They did the clinic with the monitors on and  they had lots of fun.  Not a normal demo clinc for sure.

I had arrnged for Roger Cable 10 First Local News to attend and cover the event.  The focus of the event was the kids but they did have a short part showing me set up the kids on the CS200.  The video clip is at Rogers,   http://www.rogerstv.com/option.asp?lid=16&rid=17&tid=24325   The sports is mid way through the video clip with a short focus on Polar around 20:15 , showing me setting up the kids.

I will upload some pictures of the event.

As a follow up, Speedplay Triathlon and The Aurora Ducks Triathlon have asked for demo clinics.