All posts tagged with: 2013

Photo Credit: Mary Sheridan

Only 15 more weeks! That’s when thousands of runners will be lacing up their runners and heading out to conquer the full and half marathon routes for the 2^nd annual Surrey International World Music Marathon.

Registration is now open for the Sunday, September 29 Surrey International World Music Marathon. The full-loop course (single loop for half marathon and double loop for full marathon), takes participants through multiple residential neighbourhoods and quiet parklands. The course is ideal for trained half and full marathon runners, with undulating hills throughout. Each mile of the course

To officially kick-off the countdown there will be a free family event on Friday, June 21 at Central City Plaza with a special appearance of Trevor Linden.

“We invite all of Surrey to come out and enjoy a fun, family morning of healthy food and great entertainment,” says Marathon Chair Elizabeth Model. North Surrey Lions Club will be serving up whole wheat pancakes and fruit.

Participants of last year’s inaugural race will tell you that this race had the biggest and flashiest finisher bling of any road running race in BC in 2012.

If you’ve owned your car for a while and thinking that it’s time for an upgrade, it’s time to take a look at the 2013 Acura ILX. This car has amazing sleek lines, a powerful, fuel-efficient engine, awesome driver features, and an affordable price tag; making it one of the most attractive cars for young, sophisticated, and first-time luxury car buyers.

Under the hood there is an impressive 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine producing 150 horsepower. This is the first year that a hybrid has been available in the ILX model, which features a fuel-efficient 1.5-litre engine and an integrated electric motor.

The exterior of the car shows youthfulness, with a sense of business-professional; something most young professionals are looking for as they are growing in to their careers and starting to move up the corporate ranks. The exterior has great aerodynamic design, with complimenting design details that give it character and movement. The frame is designed for driver stability and safety, providing a fantastic driver experience.

Safety is something that car owners shouldn’t have to worry about, and the Acura ILX has drivers in mind. The car has been built with a patent A.C.E. technology, which means that in a crash the body of the car will take the impact, leaving the passengers inside the cabin safe and secure. Inside there are driver and passenger airbags, and driver stability assist controls to help the driver in the event of an incident on the road.

Driver comfort and satisfaction are the highlights inside the vehicle. The driver can quickly shift through the 6-speed standard transmission in just seconds on an open highway, and get comfortable by opening up the sunroof and letting in the breeze, while cranking up the tunes on the surround-sound stereo.

Canadian drivers will appreciated the heated leather seats come winter, which have electric adjustments and seat memory settings for up to two different drivers. The interior detail is impressive, right down to the silver accent trim and white accent stitching in the leather seats.

While the audio system does have great sound and hands-free connectivity, it lacks BlueTooth integration and simple-to-set-up smartphone connectivity; however, there is a helpful rear back-up camera. It would have been great to have seen a full touch-screen panel with GPS maps and smartphone connectivity, especially for a vehicle geared towards a younger, more sophisticated, on-the-go audience. Oh, and oddly, there’s a CD player – who has CD’s in their cars these days? LOL

Other driver luxuries include push start/stop (keyless) ignition, dual temperature controls, and audio/voice controls on the steering wheel. To add a touch of speed there are awesome sport pedals – vroom vroom!

Wrapping up the entire package is the amazing sound the Acura ILX makes as you take off at a green light, leaving the other cars behind, as the tail pipe turns out a loud, sporty belch of power. Take that!

The Acura ILX starts at just $27,790 and goes up to $34,490; pretty decent for a luxury sports car. Test drive one today at your local Acura dealer – you’ll love it!

Original Style / Design: ★★★★☆

Material / Workmanship: ★★★★☆

Makes a Statement: ★★★★★

Comfort: ★★★★☆

Price / Value: ★★★★★

Overall: ★★★★☆

There are countless events happening around New York City on Pride weekend, but the largest and best outdoor party is on Governors Island; Matinée. Yes, summer’s in New York are hot, but when you’re adding over 4,000 men on an island that are dancing to the best circuit DJ’s, entertainers and performers, while overlooking Manhatten, then you know it’s going to be one hell of a party!

Party-goers will be dancing in the sun starting at 3:00pm and go through midnight under the moon on Saturday, June 29 at Governors Beach Club. Keeping the 20,000 sq foot venue moving will be New York’s DJ Honey Dijon along with DJ Lydia Sanz and Berlin’s DJ Tom Peters. The celebrity performer and headline DJ are yet to be announced.

“There is no better time to experience the magic of Matinée then during New York Pride when we bring the internationally loved festival to its own private island,” says Jake Resnicow, Managing Partner of Matinée North America.

Event organizers strive to re-create the same adult carnival experience as the original Matinée party in Ibiza, Spain.

“We mix Broadway-show caliber production with fantasy nightlife elements,” explains Resnicow of the party’s success. “We combine celebrity performers, spectacular cirque acts, unparalleled sound and lighting, and beats from the world’s hottest DJs. New York Pride is truly going to be bigger and better than ever before. We are so excited to present our favorite city with the biggest outdoor party of pride summer.”

Free ferries will run from the Battery Maritime Building located at 10 South Street, adjacent to the Staten Island Ferry in lower Manhattan.

Tickets for Matinée are on sale now starting at $39 each.

For years the Honda Civic has been Canada’s #1 selling passenger vehicle. There’s little doubt why. The Honda Civic has a great reputation for reliability, safety, style, comfort, and fuel efficiency, all at an affordable price.

The 2013 Honda Civic continues to be targeted to younger men who want a sleek and sporty car that fits within their budget. This years model features a number of safety, feature, comfort, chassis and interior styling refinements and improvements.

“We believe that combining a host of exterior refinements with additional feature content and infusing the 2013 Honda Civic with a more youthful and premium style, we have made the best-selling passenger vehicle in Canada that much better,” said Dave Jamieson, assistant vice president, Honda Canada Inc.

The fun-to-drive Honda Civic Coupe EX-L Navi has all kinds of great driver comforts. The cabin area is extremely spacious. There are so many windows that it’s like being in a glass dome; on rainy days it feels like you’re going through a carwash, up-close and personal! Most of the controls are well within comfortable reach from the drivers seat. The steering wheel is also equipped with controls for the stereo, cruise control and hands-free voice.

The stereo system is pretty decent too for a stock stereo system; granted hardcore audio guys are going to rip out the stock and replace it with their own custom deck, amp, and subwoofer. For those that are cool with the stock system, you’ll be happy to know that you can pair your iPhone or other Bluetooth devices within seconds using the touch-screen dash-mounted control system. The touch-screen controls hands-free voice, audio, GPS maps, and is also the rear-camera display!

For cold Canadian winters, the leather seats are heated; seems like a small detail, until your first time in a car on a January morning in Winnipeg; I’m sure then you’ll be thanking the designers for that attention to detail. Oddly, the drivers seat isn’t adjustable in height, which means people over 5’11” run the risk of having their head hit the ceiling if the seat is in the upright position. Minor detail. Just adjust the seat back a setting and get into a more comfortable, cruising position, right?

The Civic prides itself on great fuel efficiency. It’s a great car for driving in the city or on the highways. With the standard, you have more control with quicker acceleration, whereas the automatic transmission has a slightly delayed response time. Keep in mind, under the hood is a 1.8L, 4 cylinder engine. If you’re really looking to maximize fuel efficiency, the Honda Civic Coupe EX-L Navi comes with an Econ button, which easily saves on gas, but also makes the car accelerate at a noticeably much slower pace. No big deal, unless you’re in a hurry, then just turn off Econ and push the pedal to the floor.

The exterior is also very sporty. From the 15” tires to the deep scoop hood and body colour mirrors and door handles, it’s sleek and aerodynamic. The chassis also has a number of safety features including the Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure, which greatly improves the cabin area and passenger safety in the event of a crash.

Starting at $19,790, about the only thing that’s missing in the 2013 Honda Civic Coupe EX-L Navi is a keyless push-button start! It’s an awesome car, incredible value, and is the perfect car for first-time new car buyers.

Original Style / Design: ★★★☆☆

Material / Workmanship: ★★★★☆

Makes a Statement: ★★★☆☆

Comfort: ★★★★☆

Price / Value: ★★★★★

Overall: ★★★★☆

For her dedication to the LGBT community and efforts for equality, Christopher Street West has announced TV show host, Maria Menounos, of Extra, will be the Grand Marshal at the 2013 LA Pride Parade.

The Grand Marshal is one of the most visible components of LA Pride. The individual must embody the celebratory spirit and bring both fun and excitement to the parade route. Maria will be encouraging parade attendees to celebrate diversity and stand up for equality.

Over the years Maria has actively raised awareness and brought attention to issues facing the LGBT community including bullying, HIV/AIDS and marriage equality.

“The Gay Pride Parade represents something truly American. It’s the celebration of community, a celebration of uniqueness, diversity and progress, and it’s the celebration of a new United States where we do more than “tolerate” or “accept” our gay brothers and sisters, but embrace and celebrate them” says Menounos.

The LA Pride parade takes place on Sunday, June 9, starting at 11:00am on Santa Monica Blvd in West Hollywood. Tickets are on sale now for the LA Pride Festival, June 7-9, 2013.

There will be a sizzling line-up of drag queens, DJ’s, artists, performers, and musicians at Pride Toronto this June 21 – 30, 2013. It’s this amazing line-up of talent, festival stages along Church and Wesley streets, and great energy and participation from the community that make Pride Toronto the biggest and most exciting pride celebrations in Canada.

TD Wellesley stage include:

• DJ Boots Boogie
• DJ Blackcat
• Houst of Xtraveganza (NYC)
• My Name is Kay
• Anjulie
• Mia Martina

“We are very pleased to present Canadian pop diva Mia Martina on the TD Wellesley Stage in partnership with Z103-FM, “ said Pride Toronto’s Arts & Culture Manager, TK, of the showcase. “We love to see our allies come together onstage with us to share in our celebration of pride and human rights. It’s going to be a great show! “

Bud Light South Stage includes:

• Light Fires
• Carole Pope
• Diamond Rings
• The Cliks
• DJ Triple-X

“It’s very exciting to have all of these artists presenting new material for the Kick OUT the Jams showcase”, says Pride Toronto’s Arts & Culture Manager, TK. “I can’t think of a better way to kick off the festival weekend at Bud Light South Stage than with new music from The Cliks, Carole Pope and Light Fires, and we’re very pleased to present Diamond Rings at the festival again.”

It was a record breaking day at the 6^th annual Run For Water road running event in Abbotsford, BC, as over 4,800 signed up and participated in the 2013 event, exceeding the previous years record of 4,294.

Not only was participation records broken for the 5k, 10k, half and full marathon events combined, but five new course records were set. Vancouver’s David Palermo was first to cross the full marathon finish line at 2:35:05, and Yu Tsuchida from Greensboro, N.C. was the first female to cross the full marathon finish line at 3:02:17.

David Jackson of Abbotsford took home first place in the half marathon, finishing in 1:10:49, and Vancouver’s Jennifer Moroz was the first place female half marathon finisher at 1:22:11. In the 10km event, Yue-Ching Cheng from Port Coquitlam finished in 35:33, and Anita Campbell took home the top female 10k finisher at 37:55.

While it’s called the Run For Water, but it was more like Run In The Water, during Sunday’s 6^th annual road running race. Many non-runners believe sunny skies and warm temperatures are ideal running conditions, but in fact, long distance runners, prefer cool, damp weather. For the most part, the Run For Water half and full marathon participants were quite happy and comfortable in the inclement weather.

Notable improvements for 2013 included a new, beautifully designed finishers medal, redesigned technical shirt for marathon participants, and improved finisher area corals.

In addition to Sunday’s race events, 17 runners geared up on Saturday to participate in the 56km ultra-marathon event. This year’s ultra took a new route from Chiliwack to Abbotsford.

The 2013 Run For Water event raised over $358,000, bringing the six year fundraising total to over $1,000,000. Run For Water helps bring clean, drinkable water to under-privileged communities.

Personal Race Results:

The 2013 Run For Water marathon was an all-time personal worst, however, I’m extremely pleased with my finish time and would do this race again in a heart-beat and recommend it to any other long distance runner. It is a fast, flat course, incredibly scenic, and is extremely well organized. Don’t let my cramping from the cold rain at the 32km mark change your opinion; if I hadn’t stopped I was on target to set a personal best! My last 10km were spent walking and gingerly running with cramps in my calves and quads. It’s also worth pointing out this was my second full marathon run in three weeks. Lessons are learned on every run, and this run was no different. Can’t wait to run the Run For Water again!

• Gun Time: 3:59:06
• Chip Time: 3:59:01
• Overall Place: 103/226
• Gender Place: 73/136
• Male 30-39 Place: 25/38
• Average Pace: 5:40m/km

This August, Vancouver is in for a treat as the two-time Grammy Award nominee and multi-plantium singer-songwriter, Chris Isassk, comes to perform at the River Rock Casino Resort, part of his upcoming North American tour.

Chris began his career hot out of college when he released his first album in 1985, and then his second album, Silver Stone. After releasing his third album, Heart Shaped World, in 1989, his single, “Wicked Game” become a top 10 hit, selling over a million copies.

Throughout the 1990’s, Chris released four more albums. In 2011, Chris released Boyond the Sun, a tribute to the influential sounds of Sun Records and the artists who helped shape the Rock and Roll industry.

Chris has also played roles on the silver screen including appearances in Married to the Mob, The Silence of the Lambs, and That Thing You Do!. He also appeared in his own sitcom show, The Chris Isaak Show, which aired for three seasons on Showtime.

Tickets for the Friday, May 23, 2013 performance are now on sale through Ticketmaster Outlets or by charging by phone at  1-855-985-5000. Doors open at 7:00pm, show starts at 8:00pm. Tickets start at $69.50 per person plus service charges.

The 2013 Acura TSX is a really fun car to drive. It’s sleek, sporty style, powerful engine, and fuel efficiency make it a great city-driving car without breaking the bank. Starting at under $34,000 CDN, you can’t go wrong with this well-built, easy-to-drive, mid-size sedan.

Under the hood is a 2.4L four-banger engine. Not enough power? Upgrade to the 3.5L V-6 and the Acura TSX really does have some get-up-and-go! In 2013 the TSX underwent a number of improvements in the engine compartment which all directly improved fuel economy. Even with all the improvements, the TSX will have you in-and-out of traffic and up the steep hills with ease and confidence the moment you touch the gas pedal.

On the outside, the TSX is easy to look at. The lines give it a feeling of speed and agility, just like it handles on fast, tight corners. The 17” aluminum-alloy wheels, chrome trim, and fog lights all add up to a sporty design. It screams city style with a touch of class, in a comfortable, yet easy-going kind of way.

The heated leather racing seats make you feel like your at the controls of a NASCAR, and the manual transmission will have you shifting through all six gears at lightning speed with comfort and ease. The headrests are perfectly positioned to sit-back, relax, and focus on the curves ahead. Open up the sunroof and turn-up the music from the steering wheel controlled entertainment system and you’ll be set to hit the long highway on your next adventure across town or across the country.

The TSX does come with BlueTooth integration for wireless telephone connectivity and has USB integration, it does lack the touch-screen driver experience package other vehicles in its class are now equipped with. It’s a small detail, but considering the great value, it’s not something to dwell over.

Original Style / Design: ★★★★☆

Material / Workmanship: ★★★★☆

Makes a Statement: ★★★★☆

Comfort: ★★★☆☆

Price / Value: ★★★★☆

Overall: ★★★★☆

Photo Credit: Corey Ouellet

While the half marathon got off to a bit of a late start, the full marathon gun went off right at 8:00am. The field of elite runners took off and lead the charge, the police motorcade and bike patrol just in front ensuring their safety. The usually warm sun took a toll on the elite runners and no new course records were set.

Thomas Omwenga, of Hamilton, Ontario, was the first place finisher overall with a time of 2:24:08, followed by Calgary, Alberta’s, Benard Onsare, just fractions of a moment behind at 2:24:10.

It wasn’t just the elite competitors that found the course difficult to race in because of the heat, all the marathon runners felt the impact of the soaring temperatures as they struggled to complete the journey along the 42.2km course.

Water stations proved to be popular walk-break spots as runners grabbed multiple cups of water at each station, both to drink and to douse themselves with. Runners were also treated to cold, water-logged sponges, Mr. Freezies, and sprinklers, all in an attempt to keep them cool. Medical crews did an outstanding job to quickly identify and treat participants who appeared to be suffering from dehydration.

The marathon event brings thousands to the streets to cheer on the runners. The course was lined with hand-made motivational signs for friends, family members, and strangers alike, people cheering and shouting words of encouragement, and most importantly, thousands of volunteers ensuring a safe and secure course for participants.

This was the second year for the new course, and vetrans of the inaugural run in 2012 proved to provide great resource for first-timers. From Camosun Hill at kilometer 9, to the Burrard Bridge peaking at the 30km mark, to the sneaky hill at 41k coming off the seawall up to West Georgia, it is a fun, scenic and energy-driving course. The long, flat sections through Spanish Banks and along Vancouver’s famous seawall are anything but boring. The biggest mental challenge of the course is passing the 32km mark; not only are you fighting metal breakdown and emotions, but the seawall is closed to the public and there are only a handful of people to cheer you on, perhaps a blessing while you feel your worst, striving to do your best at the hardest part of the course. But the last kilometer makes it all worth it as you dash down West Georgia and onto Pender Street, into the heart of Coal Harbour in downtown Vancouver, with a street filled with thousands of spectators cheering you on and a giant RUN | VAN finish banner hanging proudly overhead.

Photo Credit: Mary Sheridan

There is little doubt why the BMO Vancouver Marathon has been rated as one of the top 10 marathons by Forbes magazine. The course is spectacular, the energy is amazing, and the organizers and volunteers have done a hell of a great job in putting together such a fine event!

Personal Results:

• Gun Time: 3:46:21
• Chip Time: 3:45:54
• Overall: 773/4,959 (top 14%)
• Gender: 586/2813 (top 21%)
• Male 30-34: 118/426 (top 28%)
• Average Pace: 5:22
• 13.3km: 1:06:41
• 21.1km: 1:45:15
• 30.5km: 2:39:03

After 17 weeks of training, it all comes down to one day. Sunday, May 5, 2013. It’s the 2013 BMO Vancouver Marathon!

The 42.2km race course has many challenges, from the long hill early on the race at the 10km mark, the steep decent from UBC to Spanish Banks at the 18km mark, to the grueling flat run around Stanley Park after ‘hitting the wall’ at km 32. This is a course that takes training, skill, determination, and a whole lot of motivation!

For the 2013 BMO Vancouver Marathon, I have prepared a detailed race plan. My plan details each kilometer of the course, corresponding to the kilometre marker on the official BMO Vancouver Marathon course map. My plan is to run an average pace of 5 minutes per kilometre, with a 1-minute walk break every 20 minutes. This averages out to approximately 5 minutes and 13 seconds per kilometre. My expected finish time is approximately 3 hours 40 minutes.

Here’s where you come in! This year I’m asking all of my followers to come to the BMO Vancouver Marathon to cheer me on. As a runner, there’s nothing more exciting than seeing my friends along the race route. It provides a burst of energy, especially when fighting the physical and emotional challenges a marathon run can bring.

I have identified key locations along the marathon route I know are exceptionally challenging. The locations are where I really need to see familiar faces to help get me through the race by cheering me on. No, you don’t have to be at the start line for 8:00am, actually, I prefer that you’re not because I’ll be in my pre-race mental preparation mode. The detailed race plan outlines when I expect to pass. As with any race day, plans can change and it’s unpredictable. I would encourage you to be in location 5-10 minutes in advance of the time I’ve indicated (in case I’m having a good run day), and potentially expect to wait up to 15 minutes for me to pass by if I’m behind scheduled (having a bad race day).

As some of my followers know from last year, I finished my run 20 minutes later than expected, which goes to show that no matter how much training that goes in to a race, you cannot predict anything like running a full marathon.

Here are some suggestions to help you be an amazing cheer person along the 2013 BMO Vancouver Marathon race route:

1. Use twitter! Send a tweet mentioning that you’ve seen me pass by. Please mark where you saw me and what time. Even better, tweet / instagram a photo, along with the time you saw me, and tag me, @br_webb, so others along the course can find out where I am. Please also use the hashtag: #RunVanBrian
2. Make a sign. Runners love funny and real signs. Need some ideas? “Run Like You Stole Something”, “Don’t stop because we’re all watching you”, “Stay positive. Stay focused.”, “You Can Do This!”, “Remember Your Race Mantra”, “Worst Parade Ever”, “I heard there’s beer at the finish line. Can you run and find out for me?”, “The Pain is Temporary”, and “Smile at the finish line”.
3. Make some noise. Runners love the encouragement and enthusiasm on race day. It’s what fuels us with positive energy, excitement, and drive to keep going. Bring cowbells, horns, whistlers and other noise makers.
4. Shout encouragements. Some areas of the course are just plain hard. It’s not easy running up Burrary Street Bridge with 30km behind you, knowing you still have another 12.2km to go. Runners appreciate hearing words of encouragement all along the course. If you see someone taking their walk break, give them a “congratulations”, it goes a long way, especially towards the end of the race.
5. See you at the finish line. The most fun for specators is the finish line. Seeing friends and family cross the finish line is often an emotional moment. It’s even more special for the marathon runner. Join in the celebration and run after the marathon is over and enjoy time to celebrate the achievements of the day for the thousands of runners.

Post race will be slightly different for the 2013 BMO Vancouver Marathon. Participants will cross the finish line, entering into a corralled finishers zone. This is a corralled area where finishers receive their medals, water, nutrition and even medical attention if required. Let’s face it, after running 42.2km, runners need a moment to catch their breath, collect their thoughts, and to decompress before meeting up with friends and family. This being said, there are opportunities to talk through the barricades for a quick moment, but be patient until they exit through the designated zones.

This year I would like to thank the 2013 Denman Marathon Runners for making this years training so much fun. It’s been a pleasure sharing tips, advice, and spending many days and nights together over the past 17 weeks. I would also like to thank the Running Room and John Stanton for having me as their official Vancouver Marathon blogger, and BMO Vancouver Marathon for having me part of such an exciting race. Just as important are a special thank you to my friends for their patience as I disappear every winter for four months, giving up birthday parties, social events, and meeting up for coffee or drinks – the 3^rd Annual Spring Fling is coming – we will see each other soon! And to my followers, thank you all for your wonderful RT’s, comments, shares, and words of encouragement along my journey. I hope that I have been able to inspire you on your own personal journey to achieve your own goals and ambitions.

Looking forward to seeing many of you on race day!

With less than a week away until the 2013 BMO Vancouver Marathon, both half and full marathoners are making final preparations for race day on Sunday, May 5. Here are the 13 most important things all participants and spectators need to know:

1. Power of Blue. Show your BMO debit or credit card at the race expo and get blue carpet treatment for race package pick-up. Race Package pick-up is located in Canada Place at the Vancouver Convention Centre East, Hall C
   1. Thursday: May 2, 2013 4:00pm – 8:00pm
   2. Friday: May 3, 2013 11:00am – 8:00pm
   3. Saturday: May 4, 2013 10:00am – 6:00pm
2. Register for live race results. New for 2013, runners can have their results tracked in live time using Sportstats. Sign up starting Thursday, May 2, 2013.
3. Have your friends go to one of the 13 participating Starbucks locations along / near the race course to pick up an official cheer sign, write a message, and cheer on the marathon partipants on race morning.
4. Wear blue and yellow. Participants are encouraged to wear blue and yellow, the official colours of the Boston Marathon, to show their support for the recent tragedy.
5. Take transit. Inside your race package you will find a complimentary Translink pass to get you to the start line at QE Park. Transit will  have increased frequency to get participants and spectators to the start-line on time.
6. Start line corrals. There are five corrals at the start line. There are 5 corrals for the marathon (8am start), with 5 distinct colours, and 5 corrals for the half marathon (7am start), with 5 distinct colours. Enter your designated corral, based upon your expected finish time. Corrals will be released in waves, timed for natural breaks at Oak Street where race organizers are required to allow traffic to pass through at specific intervals. Timing mats at Oak Street will adjust your chip time should you be stopped at Oak Street.
7. Nutrition on course. This year PowerBar will be the nutrition on course with two gel stations and two power blast stations. Gatorade will also be available at most hydration stations, located at most mile markers.
8. Pace Bunnies: Pace Bunnies will be offered for the following finish times: 3:30, 3:30, 3:35, 3:40, 3:45, 3:45, 3:50, 4:00, 4:00, 4:15, 4:15, 4:30, 4:40, 4:45, and 5:00. The Running Room pace bunnies will be running 10:1’s (run 10 minutes, walk 1 minute).
9. Spectator hot spots. There are a number of locations outlined on the new course map suggesting the best location for spectators. Ask your friends and family to head to one of those locations to cheer you on and tell them to bring encouraging signs and noisemakers.
10. Out-and-back on Blanca. In 2013, the marathon route has a new out-and-back located on Blanca Street, replacing the out-and-back that was in the Spanish Banks parking lot in 2012. The almost 1km add-on allows the finish line to be adjusted and the marathon to be at the official 42.2km length.
11. Finish line moved. The finish line will now be at Bute and Pender. The change was made so participants can see the finish line when they veer on to Pender Street at the end of the race, bringing more energy and excitement to the finish zone.
12. Whole Foods for finishers. All half and full marathon finishers will receive a special lunch from Whole Foods after they collect their medal at the finish line. Bagged lunches will include a Powerbar Protein bar, Kettle Chips, banana, Sunrype juice box, Sunrype fruit to go fruit leather, Kind bar, Mary’s crackers, and almond butter spread.
13. Street Festival. After the marathon, meet up with friends and family and enjoy the afternoon at the Street Festival.

Last night the Vancouver International Marathon Society released images of the 2013 BMO Vancouver Marathon finishers medals. This year there are two designs, one featuring a male and one featuring a female runner. The new finisher medal design features the race logo, slogan “Ran Van”, and a silhouette of a male runner against the skyline of Vancouver.

The silhouette of the male figure featured on both the full and half marathon finishers medals have what many believe to be a striking resemblance to my official 2012 BMO Vancouver Marathon finishers photo.

In my official 2012 finishers photo I can be seen with one arm above my head and the other reaching up. It was at this exact moment that I was doing a little dance to cheer myself up for completing another marathon, despite finishing 20 minutes after my original goal time. I would be photographed again approximately 20 second later, after receiving my finishers medal, completely in tears because I had not reached my personal goal.

Typically when a marathon finisher crosses the finish line they are either looking down at their watch to stop the time on their pace watch, or have both hands high above their head in celebration, smiling for the camera, as it taught by every training clinic.

Assuming the artist who came up with the design, with many rounds of feedback from the Vancouver International Marathon Society stakeholders, it is likely to conceive that my 2012 finishers photo was the most likely source of inspiration in the development of the male silhouette figure.  Based on the general position of the figures arms, along with some creative license of adjusting the shape of the head because of the camera angle, and the adjustments of the shorts and legs, it’s a pretty close match-up.

Need further evidence? Last year I was an official blogger for BMO Vancouver Marathon, and am I also one of the most well known and respected bloggers in Vancouver’s running community. Because of this, photos of me are widely available on the internet through Google searches. The creative artist behind the photo would have also had access to all the official race photographer, Marathon Photo, photography, to source inspirational images during the creative development phase.

The race organizers have no officially commented if my photo indeed inspired the silhouette image, but looking at all the facts, there’s a pretty good chance.

As participants of Canada’s largest 10km road running race lined up this morning at the start line for the Vancouver Sun Run, the skies may have been blue and grey, but most participants wore blue and yellow in honour of the Boston Marathon. The 29^th annual run, celebrating community spirit, health, and fitness saw 48,196 registered participants, slightly below the previous year.

Finishing first place was Paul Kimugul of Kenya, winning the Men’s Overall division with a time of 29:04. Second place finisher, Ian Burrell of Tuscon, Arizona, finished in 29:17, and third place finisher, Edwin Kaitany of Kenya crossed the finish line at 29:36. The first Canadian male to cross the finish line was Victoria’s Clifford Childs at 30:09.

For the second year in a row, Natasha Fraser from Port Moody, BC, finished first place in the Women’s Overall division and the Canadian Female, with a time of 32:42. The second place finisher was Lindsey Scherf at 33:01, and Lioudmila Kortchaguina of Toronto finished third overall female at 33:25.

Congratulations to everyone who participated in the 2013 Vancouver Sun Run!

Personal Results:

• Overall: 1545
• Chip Time: 44:59
• Pace: 4:30
• Male 30-34: 232/2,777 (top 8%)
• Male Overall: 1,307/20,377 (top 6%)

After months of training, over 14,000 participants will lace-up to run and walk to 24^th annual TC10K in Victoria, B.C. on Sunday, April 28, 2013. The 10km road running race is the largest on Vancouver Island and is a popular draw for many runners from Vancouver and across the Pacific Northwest.

The race starts at precisely 8:00am, on Government Street in front of the BC Legislature Buildings. Participants will follow a marked course around Victoria’s downtown core, to Fairfield, through Beacon Hill Park, around James Bay, and finishing back at the Legislative Buildings on Victoria’s inner harbour.

Road closures will be in effect along the race route from 5:00am until 12:00pm on race day. Roads within the race area will remain open, but drivers will not be able to cross the route until the roads re-open. Pedestrian traffic will be able to cross the course, providing they do not interfere with runner safety.

Participants can pick up their race packages at the race expo, located at the Delta Ocean Pointe Hotel on Friday, April 27 from noon – 5:00pm, and Saturday, April 28 from 10:00am – 6:00pm. Race-day package pickup will only be available for out-of-town competitors. Crystal Gardens (713 Douglas Street) at the following times:

• Friday April 26 → 9am – 11am, Corporate and Sports Team Package Pickup Only
• Friday April 26 → noon – 6 pm, Corporate, Sports Teams and Individual Package Pickup
• Saturday April 27 → 10am – 6 pm, Corporate, Sports Teams and Individual Package Pickup

The TC10K is also one of the few races in British Columbia that offer live social media tracking during the race. Pre-registered participants can sign-up online to have their race time published on their Twitter and Facebook status feeds as they cross special mats located at the 5km, 8km, and finish lines.

There is still time to register for the TC10K.

April In the days leading up to the BMO Sunshine Coast April Fools Run, the constant downpour of rain didn’t dampen the spirits of the would-be half marathon participants.  As runners geared up for the Sunday, April 7, 2013 race, the overcast skies remained dry and kept temperatures cool, creating ideal running conditions for the 36^th annual race.

The 628 participants lined up for the 9:30am start in Gibson’s for their 21.1km (13.3mi), journey from Gibsons to Sechelt. The first place overall and men’s finisher was Nicholas Browne, followed by the 2012 first place finisher, David Palermo, both from Vancouver. For the second year in a row, Lisa Brooking took home the first place women’s finish.

Watch the highlights video by Keith Dunn, of the top finishers:

Personal Results (new half marathon person best):

• Finish Time: 1:36:28
• Overall: 62/ 627
• Men’s Overall Finish: 51 / 235
• Men 30 – 34: 12/29
• Average Pace: 4:35m/km

International elite athletes, recreational runners, joggers, walkers, wheelchair races, corporate teams, schools and kids are all getting ready for one of the largest 10km road races in Canada, The Vancouver Sun Run.

The Vancouver Sun Run has become one of the biggest spring traditions in Vancouver. Close to 50,000 participants will come together to celebrate healthy living, fitness, and community spirit.

The 2013 Sun Run is Sunday, April 21, getting underway at 9 a.m. in downtown Vancouver.  Individual registrations are being accepted until the final registration deadline, Saturday, April 20. Participants can save by registering online by midnight, Tuesday, April 16 ($48.37), or register at the Sun Run Fair ($60.00). There are currently over 43,000 registered participants.

Race package pick-up and the Sun Run Fair will be held a BC Place. Race packages include race bib, timing chip, and a souvenir 100% cotton t-shirt featuring artwork by Vancouver artist, Tiko Kerr.

• Thursday, April 18: 4:00pm – 8:00pm
• Friday, April 19: 10:00am – 7:00pm
• Saturday, April 20: 10:00am – 5:00pm

In 2012, the first place finisher was Kelly Weibe of Regina, Saskatchewan, with a time of 29:12, winning the Men’s Overall Division and Top Male Canadian. Second place finisher was Kip Kangogo of Kenya, in at 29:14.

The Vancouver Sun Run starts at 9:00am on Sunday, April 21 on West Georgia Street in downtown Vancouver. It is the third largest 10km race in North America.

After saying goodbye to Los Angeles in 2012 and heading to Chicago, openly gay music singer, songwriter, and actor, Levi Kreis, was on a new path and excited for his future.

“My partner, his family, and the people I’ve come to know in Chicago enrich my life in a very authentic way,” Levi reflected on his move from California. “Resolving the years in L.A. and taking a huge risk into the unknown was right for me. It feels light to me.”

In February 2013, Levi released his latest single, So Much Better, with Vision 9 Records and UK label Enriched Records, followed by a mini-solo tour  promoting his latest works.

“I release my sixth album on June 20 call Imagine Paradise,” said Levi, explaining what he has in store for the rest of 2013. “In between all the hustle to promote new media, I’ll keep throwing myself out there for new acting roles.”

Recently Levi has shifted his outlook on life, releasing this fear of control.

“I feel more peace when I trust that something greater than myself is capable of guiding me to my most fulfilling life,” said the very religious songer. “I don’t know what that is, but I’m willing to sit in the question.”

Although deeply moved by spiritual powers, Levi looks inward on himself as his inspiration to continue to grow.

“I’m inspired in those moments where I feel the most distance from the opinions of others,” says Levi. “So much of my past has been controlled by an addiction to people pleasing. It has made my art impure and uninteresting at times, thinking if I did it like this, it would bring me approval by others. In those brief moments of self-empowerment, when my self-expression is untainted by the need for approval, those are the moments that inspire me the most. They grow me, because I then see pieces of me that I might not have seen before.”

It has taken Levi many years to scratch the surface of self-discovery, to put trust in others, and to abstain from what he and others would consider the evils of addiction, he leaves these words of advice for other artists…

“Happiness is not found in the attainment of some idolized accomplishment. It’s a choice. Right where you are. It’s within you, not without you.  Choose to be happy now. Chase nothing.”

On Sunday, April 7, 2013, runners will lace-up for the annual BMO April Fool’s Run, a beautiful point-to-point half marathon from Gibsons to Sechelt on B.C.’s Sunshine Coast.

Registrations are being accepted online until midnight on April 1, and will cap-out at 700 participants. Race packages include bib, timing chip, a Cytomax stick pack, the coveted blue BMO race gloves, and race shirt/jacket (if ordered).

Race package pick-up will be available in Vancouver on Thursday, April 4 at the Denman Running Room from noon till 6:00pm. The first 200 people to pick up their race packages at Denman Running Room will receive a free bottle of Muscle MLK.

Participants can also pick-up at the Gibson’s & Area Community Centre (700 Park Road), on Saturday, April 6 from noon to 5:00pm, or Sunday, April 7 from 8:00am – 9:15am.

Although the race time has been pushed out to a 9:30am start to accommodate participants coming from Vancouver on the early Sunday morning ferry, staying for the entire weekend is a great option. The official race hotel is the Cedars Inn, located just a few blocks from the start line. There are also B&B’s and other accommodation options available.

Spectators are encouraged to cheer on participants along the race route with signs and noise-makers, and to celebrate at the finish lines as runners receive their medals.

Every 9 ½  minutes, someone in the United States is infected with HIV. There are an estimated 220,000 people living with HIV that do not even know they are infected. While over the years research has substantially improved the treatment for HIV, awareness of safer sex and education for people to get tested to know their status has become incredibly important to reduce the spread of infection. People living with HIV rely on community support programs.

This is where Dine Out for Life steps in. Each year, Dine Out for Life raises over $3 million to support the 60 service organizations. Across the United States and Canada over 3,000 restaurants donate a portion of their proceeds on this special day to help HIV/AIDS resource organizations so they can fulfill their mandate.

Funds that are raised locally, stay locally. Vancouver’s Dine Out for Life will be held on Thursday, March 7, 2013. Restaurants in Vancouver, Whistler, White Rock and the Fraser Valley contribute 25% of food sales to the program. The Vancouver beneficiaries benefit A Loving Spoonful and Friends For Life.

This Thursday, March 7, visit a participating restaurant for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and be a part of an amazing social movement to help people living with HIV/AIDS.

Contest

Wild Rice is delighted to participate in Dine Out for Life. The socially conscious establishment prides itself for their farm-to-table menu. Their focus on local, seasonal, and sustainable menu, along with owner Andrew Wong’s Chinese heritage, has influenced the East-meets-West and traditional-meets-modern Asian-fusion fare. Both Gastown and New Westminster locations are favourites of Vancouver foodies.

Enter for a chance to win a $50 gift card to Wild Rice. To enter tweet:

I want to win a $50 gc to @WildRiceBC from @br_webb to support @VanDOFL, @alovingspoonful & @VanFFL: http://ow.ly/ih8d2  #WinWildRice

Once you have tweeted this contest you can receive up to four additional chances to win by doing the following:

1. Follow @br_webb on Twitter and leave an additional comment on this blog post confirming you are a new follower for an additional entry.
2. Leave a comment on this blog post if you’ll be going to support Dine Out For Life Vancouver this Thursday, March 7, 2013.
3. Share this blog post on Facebook and leave an additional comment on this blog post confirming you have shared on Facebook for an additional entry.
4. Subscribe to myWebbSite.ca and leave an additional comment on this blog post confirming you have subscribed for an additional entry.

Contest closes at 5:00pm PST, Wednesday, March 6, 2013. One random drawn winner will be announced on this blog post on or before Thursday, March 7, 2013. Read the complete contest rules.

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This contest is now closed.

Congratulations Dilara, you are the lucky winner of a $50 gift card to Wild Rice! 

Thank you to everyone who entered by sharing on Facebook, twitter, and subscribing to myWebbSite.ca. Please keep watching for more contests coming soon.