All posts tagged with: BMO

Photo contributed.

Running a full 42.2km marathon takes a huge amount of time and commitment. It’s 17+ weeks of training and dedication. For many, arriving at the start line is a big reward, and crossing the finish line, a dream come true. For 2013, BMO Vancouver Marathon has an exclusive opportunity for 200 participants to receive the VIP treatment for their marathon experience.

This is the first time Vancouver Marathon has offered a VIP package like this. It’s designed to take away the pre-race stress and to make post-race as easy and relaxing as possible.

The VIP package includes:

• Race registration fees
• Package pick-up express lane
• Start line tent with toilets, water and warm-up mats
• Exclusive gear check-truck at the starting line and express pick-up at the finish line
• VIP tent at the finish line

Register before December 31, and receive the VIP treatment for $189 for half-marathon or $209 for full marathon.

Register now for the 2013 BMO Vancouver Marathon.

Photo Credit: Jay Minter

For the last 19 weeks I have been dedicated to my largest physical challenge of the year, the BMO Vancouver Marathon. After months of training in the rain, snow, and sun with my Running Room clinic group members, on Sunday, May 6 at 8am the true test will begin, and I need your help.

The 42.2km BMO Vancouver Marathon course is brand new for 2012. There are many challenges along the way – long hills early in the race, steep descents downhill and fast flat sections that go for miles on end. What keeps a marathon runner going? Seeing friends and family along the race route!

This year I have prepared a detailed race plan. Each kilometer along the 42.2 km course I have estimated by time. My plan is to run at an average km pace of 4m 50s, with a 1 minute walk break after every 20 minutes of walking (which averages out to somewhere around 5 minutes per kilometer).

My bib number is 1054. I will be wearing one of two outfits:

Photo Credits: Jay Minter

Fair weather:

• Sun glasses
• BMO blue gloves
• Light blue shirt
• Black shorts
• Black water belt with grey water bottles
• Orange and grey Nike shoes

Inclement weather:

• Sun glasses (depending on how hard it’s raining)
• BMO blue gloves
• Bright green long-sleeve shirt
• Black running tights
• Black water belt with grey water bottles
• Orange and grey Nike shoes

I will try to run with / near the 3:30 pace bunny. At times I may be with, slightly ahead or slightly behind the pace bunny – give or take a few minutes – but generally speaking I should be right on track with the bunny. The “pace bunny” will be carrying a “3:30” placard and will have on a Running Room shirt and running hat with pink bunny ears. Pace bunnies are usually found with large groups of people running with them. They pace the entire course with the intention of finishing the marathon at their estimated time (although it is not a guarantee).

Here’s where you come in. I have identified some key spots along the marathon route that I know are exceptionally challenging. These are locations (continue reading below), that I really need to see familiar faces to cheer me through the most grueling parts of the race. Please sign-up to cheer at a specific location by leaving a comment in this blog post.

No, you don’t have to be at the start line at 8:00am (actually it’s better that you’re not at the start line because I’ll be in pre-race concentration mode, it’ll be hard to get to and tons of people around), and no, I do not expect you to stand outside for an hour or more waiting for me. My detailed race plan has many specific locations and times that are a fair estimate of when I am expecting to pass through. Just be sure I would suggest arriving 5-10 minutes in advance of the posted time (in case I’m ahead of my planned time) and plan to stay 5-10 minutes extra in case I am late (but technically you can leave as soon as you see me or stay to cheer on the other runners).

Click to enlarge

A good tip – search @br_webb on twitter to see if anyone has seen me running on the marathon route and what location I’m at. That should give you a good idea of where I am in the race. When you see me, tweet it! See #4 below!

In case you need help locating the specific cheer locations, here are the links to the locations on Google Maps:

• Camosun at 35th (Climbing the hill)
• Discovery St at NW Marine
• Chestnut St at Cornwall
• Two Thirds across Burrard Bridge Deck
• Foot of Chilco on Seawall
• Denman at Georgia St

Here are some cheer squad suggestions:

1. Make a sign! Most runners listen to music to keep them motivated while they run. Large, bright coloured signs are incredibly motivational. Stuff like “Keep going”, “I’m proud of you”, “Run Like You Stole Something”, “You’re Doing Great”, “Stay positive. Stay focused”, “Remember You Trained For This; You Earned It”, and “Remember Your Whisper Time” are all great and I know myself and the other runners would love to see you holding.
2. Write a personal message. If you don’t want to hold a sign – write with sidewalk chalk on the road! Thousands of people will see it – including me! Use the same motivational messages I listed above or write a personal message like “Go @br_webb!”
3. Horns, bells and noise-makers. Let’s face it – if you stand in one spot long enough your hands will get sore from clapping and your throat will be bothered from all the cheering. Grab a noise maker like a cowbell and let the runners know you’re there for them!
4. Tweet me! With the thousands of runners in the marathon how will you see me? Well, if you sign up for a location – be there at least 5 minutes in advance of the marked time in my race plan. Be in visible sight of the runners. I will be able to see you long before you’ll spot me! I’ll likely run in your direction and wave – I don’t often talk while I run because my energy is focused on the run. As I pass by you, tweet “I’m at ___________ and @br_webb just passed by at HH:MM in the @BMOVanMarathon. #RunVan” – please note, put in your specific location so people ahead who are reading twitter know if I’m on schedule or not. For HH:MM put the exact time you saw me pass. For example “I’m at  Camosun Hill and @br_webb just passed by at 8:52 on the @BMOVanMarathon. #RunVan”.
5. Tweet a photo! If you can, have your smart phone out and tweet a photo of me! Other people on twitter will be following along your tweets wondering where I am… and anyone further down the course will want to know what I look like so they can watch for me.
6. Meet at the Finish. When I cross the finish line I’ll have my finishers medal placed around my neck and go through a cool-down area off-limits to the general public. After a few minutes I’ll emerge. @jminter will be there so if you know him, he’ll give you directions. You can also plan to see me at the park at Thurlow and Cordova after I exit the finish area.

Come meet me at the finish line...

Again, I want to thank everyone including my friends for their patience over the past four months while I have undergone another amazing marathon race training journey, my fellow pace-group leaders, pace-group participants and other members of the Denman Running Room marathon training clinic, my family for their best-wishes during my training, and to the BMO Vancouver Marathon for our collaborative efforts and for having me as one of their official #VanRun bloggers.

In 2012 I have achieved all new personal bests in 5km, 10km and half-marathon races. Help me make my 2012 BMO Vancouver Marathon extra special by coming out and cheering me on!

I look forward to seeing you on the race route this Sunday!

After running a marathon, like the BMO Vancouver Marathon, it’s important to pay close attention to post-race recover. Here are five easy things you can do to help your recovery time:

1. As soon as you cross the finish line hydrate. You’re body burns an average of 1 cup of water per 15 minutes of exercise. Sports drinks with electrolytes will help your body absorb and retain water.
2. Within the first 30-60 minutes of finishing the marathon it’s important to start replenishing the body with much-needed nutrition. Start with lean proteins to help rebuild muscles, carbohydrates to replace fuel burned during the run, and fruit like blueberries and bananas to replenish sugars and vitamins. A banana, chocolate milk and a bagel make a great combination.
3. Rest your legs. Elevate your legs to flush out the legs. Epsom salt baths and a massage after the run or the day after will do wonders to speed up the recovery time.
4. Stay warm. Have a change of clothes ready that are warm and dry. If you stay damp and get chilled you can easily get sick.
5. Stretch your muscles. From the legs to your shoulders, you have put a lot of stress and tension on your body. Stretching will help ease muscle cramping, pain and increase flexibility.

Nothing gets runners more excited on race day that running past thousands of people lining the streets cheering them on. During the 2012 BMO Vancouver Marathon, spectators have the opportunity to win up to $5,000 for spreading positive energy and excitement along the race course. It’s all part of the BMO Cheer Challenge.

Registered groups that sign-up in advance, show-up on race day, and demonstrate great cheer energy are eligible to win the prize packages. It’s an easy and run way for groups to get involved to raise community spirit and to encourage the hard-working participants as they make their way to the finish line.

Groups will be judged on the following categories:

• Number of spectators at your group’s designated location – greatest number of people wins!
• Creativity – will be judged on theme, team name, costumes and decorations
• Spirit – will be judged on attitude, energy and atmosphere (how loud you are!)

Creating an atmosphere of positive energy and motivating the crowd are how musicians and DJ’s work their magic. The organizers of the BMO Vancouver Marathon want to harness the creativity of local amateur musicians to create a festive and exciting race experience. They call it the Community Music Challenge, and like the half and full marathon courses, it is all new for 2012.

On Sunday, May 6, as 15,000 participants of the half and full marathons run through the neighbourhoods of Vancouver on their journey to the finish line. The race organizers want to showcase local music talent, give them a chance to win thousands of dollars in prize money, and the opportunity to receive great exposure through the event.

Along each course there will be designated music stations to inspire and encourage race participants and to entertain event spectators and volunteers.

Applications are now being accepted from amateur music groups, choirs, school and local amateur bands, dance groups, cultural and heritage musicians, and DJ’s to participate in the Community Music Challenge.

All groups selected to participate in the 2012 BMO Vancouver Marathon will be listed on the marathon website, receive up to $100 towards equipment rental (if required), mentions in media and social media, and an invitation to attend the Community Celebration Party.

Groups will be judged in three categories:

• Energy and spirit (35%)
• Uniqueness and creativity (35%)
• Spectator atmosphere (30%)

Prizes include:

• 1^st Place: $1,500
• 2^nd Place: $1,200
• 3^rd Place: 800
• Honourable Mention: 3 winners, $500 each.

The top three winners will be invited to play at the Community Celebration Party, VIP / Volunteer Captain night.

To top it off, each performing group may submit a song for the Community Music Challenge Playlist, which will be made available for all runners and the community.

For some people playing practical jokes on April Fool’s Day is a long standing tradition. For others, it’s running in the BMO Sunshine Coast April Fools Run half marathon.

For 35 years, organizers have been putting on the friendly and fun 21.1km race. The scenic point-to-point race from Gibsons to Sechelt, BC, is one of the most stunning and scenic half-marathon race routes in the lower mainland.

The 2012 race will get underway on Sunday, April 1st, 2012 at 9:00am. The course is a mix of long-scale undulations, hills and flats, all along a paved surface.

Registrations are still being accepted for the 2012 half marathon event. In 2011 there were 640 registered participants and 539 finishers. Organizers are hoping for a larger turn-out in 2012.

Race packages can be picked up in advance at Forerunners at 980 Marine Drive in North Vancouver on Thursday, March 29, or from 2-6pm at the Community Centre in Gibsons on Saturday, March 31.

“We’re proud to be the title sponsor in this Sunshine Coast recreational running tradition,” says Debra Carson, Gibsons Branch Manager, BMO Bank of Montreal. “We’ll be setting up water stations, helping with the finisher’s medals and cheering on all the participants — from first to last.”

BMO is supplying both the volunteer t-shirts and the runners’ BMO blue gloves for the race, and BMO employees will be out in force to volunteer at the Fool’s Run.

There will be a gear-check at the start of the course, which will be transported to the finish line. Busses will bring participants from the end of the course in Sechelt, back to Gibsons.

Each finisher will receive a medal for completing the race, along with food and beverages from local race sponsors at the finish line.

For those traveling to the event and want to make a weekend getaway, the official half marathon host hotel is The Cedars Inn Hotel & Convention Centre.

For those traveling from Vancouver on race day, catch the 7:20am ferry from Horseshoe Bay to Langdale. A bus will be waiting to take participants to the start line in time for the 9:00 gun.

You can follow along April Fools Run on Twitter and Facebook.

Photo Credit: Anne Hales

This Saturday, March 17, 2012, visitors to Vancouver’s Stanley Park will have to look twice to see if they are seeing Leprechauns or some of the 1,500 race participants in the annual BMO St. Patrick’s Day 5K race.

Photo Credit: Christine Papau

This year there is a new race route through Stanley Park; and it is flat and fast! The race get started at 10:00am sharp at the Stanley Park Pavilion. Participants are encouraged to dress up to compete for best-costume prizes. This race is #3 in the lower mainland Road Race Series for the BC 5k Championships and there is prize money up-for-grabs for the top three finishers in each race category.

Photo Credit: Richard Coulthard

After the race, participants, friends and spectators are welcome to join the St. Patrick’s Day party. There will be green beer, food and other refreshments, music and a souvenir glass for the first 800 race participants. The bar will be open, so remember to bring some loot.

Registration is now full for this race. Package pick-up is this Thursday and Friday at the Running Room on Denman Street. On race-day there is bag check at the course with proceeds going to the Canadian Diabetes Association.

Spectators, friends, family and the community are encouraged to line the edge of the race route to cheer on participants.

For more information visit the St. Patrick’s Day 5K race website.

In just 100 days, on Sunday, May 6, 2012, the gun will go off and 5,000 full marathon and 10,000 half marathon runners set off on their journeys to conquer their brand new courses at the 41^st annual BMO Vancouver Marathon. The word on the street this morning is that the full marathon is already 70% sold out… so if you’re training hard, make sure you register now before space is gone.

Are you waffling if you should register or not? Show your friends, family and co-workers how much you want to run in this year’s race by challenging them to registering with you as a group for the I ♥ Run Van Contest. On Tuesday, February 14, the group with the most registered participants will win a special gift package.

Still not convinced? Forbes Magazine has named the BMO Vancouver Marathon one of the top 10 marathon races in the world!

What are you waiting for? There’s still time to register, train and to get to the start line.

It’s a new year and resolutions have been made. Many of which will include “eating healthy” and “getting more exercise”. Resolutions, like goals need to be measurable and attainable – otherwise, how do you know if you have reached your goal?

Today I am pleased to announce one of my 2012 New Years resolutions – to train and run in the 2012 BMO Vancouver Full Marathon.

The BMO Vancouver Marathon is just over four months away, and with the new year, now is the time to commit, lace up the running shoes and start training for an event which you will remember forever.

This year BMO Vancouver Marathon has announced new half and full marathon courses. These are the first new courses in ten years. The new courses continue to showcase the outstanding views and sights of Vancouver and the quality of the courses have received much praise from the International running community.  The half and full marathon spots are already 50% sold, so now is the time to sign-up, before they sell out.

Official sponsor of the BMO Vancouver Marathon, Running Room is now offering training clinics at many of the retail store locations and online, to help runners of all abilities from beginner to returns, to help them reach their running goal for the Sunday, May 6, 2012 race.

Last year my BMO Vancouver Full Marathon time was 3H 39M 52S. My goals for 2012 include:

• Complete the Running Room training clinics without injury
• Weekly training with the 3:30 pace-group
• Complete the BMO Vancouver Marathon
  • Goal time: Maintain my 2011 run time (3:40)
    • Stretch goal: Achieve a personal best by completing in 3:35

What are your 2012 New Year resolutions?

It may seem like it’s a long ways away, but for avid marathon runners and the organizers of the 2012 BMO Vancouver Marathon, they can’t wait for Sunday, May 6 2012. It’s the day 5,000 full marathon and 10,000 half-marathon runners will gather at Queen Elizabeth Park in Vancouver at the start line of the brand new point-to-point half and full marathon courses.

“We have completely revamped the courses with two new exciting journeys for runners,” said Race Director Jordan Myers. “Both the Marathon and Half Marathon routes are distinct point-to-point courses providing participants with an exciting new experience that responds to the feedback we received.”

The new full marathon course incorporates many of the well-known neighbourhoods on Vancouver’s west side including UBC, Spanish Banks, and English Bay. The Vancouver’s Parks Board was also excited to get involved in supporting the growing event and committed to closing the majority of the iconic seawall for the first time in history for the event. The full marathon course wraps around the entire perimeter of Stanley Park and ends in downtown Vancouver.

“It was our goal to give [participants] more scenery, more of the local neighbourhoods and more of the park,” said Myers. “Runners can experience the Vancouver marathon again for the first time!”

Half Marathon participants will run a completely separate course, making their way through West Side neighbourhoods, along the Stanley Park roadway and finishing downtown.  The half-marathon runners have a fast start down Cambie Street into downtown Vancouver where they will tour past Vancouver’s most iconic landmarks including sections of Yaletown, Chinatown, the West End, the famed Seawall, Stanley Park, Coal Harbour and finishing downtown.

Participants from both the full and half marathon courses will make their way to the new venue at Canada Place for refreshments, entertainment, and an awards ceremony.

The BMO Vancouver Marathon is one Canada’s oldest races, operated by the Vancouver International Marathon Society, a non-profit, volunteer run organization.  In 1972, 46 entrants ran around Stanley Park five times.  Today, the event draws runners from over 40 countries.

7:45am on the nose, the shot rang out and the 2011 BMO Okanagan half marathon was underway. The weather was perfect. Overcast skies, 8’c, a light rain and no wind. These are the best race conditions.

The route for 2011 was the same as 2010, which was a new, ‘old’ course. It’s incredibly flat; a total rise of about four metres, which in race terms is nothing. This makes the course fast and furious and most runners can easily score a personal best.

In fact, the Okanagan Marathon has one of the highest percentage of qualifiers of any other North American marathon. In 2010, over 10% of runners qualified.

My three goal times for this year were to complete, finish at two hours, and my whisper time was 1:45. Having not trained all summer and only competed in a few races and keeping up with my weekly 10k runs, I thought these were fair goals.

Lining up at the start line, I was with the 1:45 pace bunny. They were going to run 10-and-1’s. I thought this would be a good strategy. At their first walk break I was just getting my legs moving and I wasn’t ready to walk, and I fell into step with the crowd around me, something seasoned runners should never do.

At the half-way mark I saw a few people who I knew were there to cheer me on and it really did give a boost of adrenaline. As I continued on I felt pretty good. As expected around km 15 – 17, I was getting tired, but the small groups of people standing with signs and cheering were just the inspiration that I needed.

As I crossed the 17km mark I knew I was going to have an epic finish. I had ran most of the route with a small group of people who were all clock-watching and pacing pretty good. By 19km I knew I decided this was it and I had to push it to the finish.

One of the girls I had paced with got ahead of me, but I passed her again just before km 20. At the exact 20km point my left calve started to cramp and about 10 strides later worked itself out, but I knew the small pedestrian bridge was coming up quickly.

Sure enough as I took three giant leaps up the bridge and overtook the crowd, I felt both of my calves cramp causing me to almost fall to the ground. I was panicked for a short moment but knew there was only .3 km left to go. ‘Get ‘er done’ I said to myself.

As I entered the park there were masses of people who were clapping and cheering. I could hear the accouncer and got super excited. As I turned onto the final home stretch I put it into high gear, sprinting to the finish line and collapsed into the arms of the BMO staff member who put my finishers medal around my neck.

I turned around to look at the clock and it was ticking at 1:41:45! I knew at that exact moment that I had just smashed all my previous half marathon finish times and achieved a new personal best!

The BMO Okanagan Marathon is by far one of the best courses in the BC half-marathon circuit and I would encourage any runner to come and run. It was an amazing experience and I cannot wait to come back and do it again.

For spectators, friends and family, they were treated to being able to see three amazing races all happening at the same time – the full 42.2km marathon, the 21.1km half marathon and the 10km.

Congratulations to all the participants in the 2011 Okanagan Marathon and thank you to the volunteers, support staff, sponsors and spectators! A fantastic, well-done job! You all are winners in my mind too!

Official Results:

• Gun Time: 1:41:56
• Chip Time: 1:41:41
• Pace: 4:50
• Overall: 117 / 1331 (top 9%)
• In Sex (M): 87/472 (top 18%)
• Division (M30-39): 26/139 (top 19%)
• 10km Time: 0:47:54 (booo!)

Keddi-Anne Siterbino, winner of the 2010 BMO Okanagan Marathon

This week Kelowna welcomes the BMO Okanagan Marathon. There are 3,500 people expected to participate in the full, half and 10km events taking place in Kelowna City Park on Sunday, October 9, 2011.  So where is the best place to watch, get the best action photos and cheer on the crowds?

Many people select the finish area as the place to watch, cheer and photograph the participants. Here are some other great locations along the Okanagan Marathon race route that will have more space and be better for you as a spectator and to help encourage a positive running environment for the participants.

Here’s a link to the 2011 Okanagan Marathon half marathon race route. It will help you locate the KM markers and to choose where you are going to watch, cheer and photograph the event.

The best location to watch the event is from Kelowna City Park. The half marathon will have the most participants and it kicks off at 7:45am. For the beginning of the race, spectators should plan to watch the start of the race from Abbots Street as the runners are leaving the park. Plan to be in your location 5-10 minutes before the race starts.

The best photo opportunities for action will be along the seawall at the 10km mark. This is a nice stretch along the lake. There will be lots of spectators and runners will be hyped from all the energy from the crowd. Participants should still be full of energy because it’s the halfway mark. It’s also only a few minute walk from the course start. Runners should start trickling through this area around 8:10am for elite athletes and about 8:25 for the fast runners.

During the run, participants really rely on the energy from the spectators. Some runners thrive and get a burst of endorphins, re-energizing their body. On this particular course, cheer squads are appreciated from KM 15 – 19. For many unseasoned half-marathon runners, this is the hardest part of the run, and it’s also the furthest they will physically be from the finish line. If you’re watching in this zone, plan to be there for 8:40. Runners will be coming through this area right through 10:00am.

If you are going to stake out the finish line, elite athletes should start coming through around 8:55am mark. Faster half marathon runners should start arrive around 9:15am right through to 10:30.

Remember, no matter where you are watching from, to stay off the racecourse and to obey all the volunteers. It’s for your safety.

Have fun watching the participants run tomorrow and enjoy the sunshine!

When I woke up on Sunday, May 1, I knew my four months of marathon training was about to pay off as I put on my gear to run the 40th Annual BMO Vancouver Marathon.

It was a perfect morning. Clear, blue sunny skies, cooler air for the rain the day prior, and a body that was full of energy for the day’s events.

Every race event I’ve been to has been full of energy, but this one was different. Jay and I had a well thought-out plan for the entire morning, we knew our responsibilities and we were prepared.

Also bringing peace, calm and harmony to the early morning start was seeing so many of the familiar faces of the members from the Denman Running Room who I had spent so much time training with. I put all my trust into their program and I was anxious to feel the results.

Although I had trained for a 3h 30m finish time, I had to re-evaluate after being out of training for over four weeks due to multiple injuries. As a result, I lost out on valuable speed and endurance training. As I approached the start line I was prepared to run with the 3h 45m pace group.

I remember June James from the Running Room telling us you have to set three goal times:

1. To complete the race
2. The goal time you think you will run and be happy with (3:45)
3. Whisper time – the time we secretly tell ourselves we want to achieve when we feel inside we are prepared for our best run day ever.

I had spend the days leading up to race day mentally preparing for “to complete the race”, but when I got up race morning and got to the start line for the 3:45 pace group, the energy felt wrong. Like I had the energy to do better. I shifted to the 3:40 pace group

When the shotgun when off to start the race I crossed the start matt with the 3:40 group. They were running 10 and 1’s; I had trained for 20 and 1’s. My training has taught me to start off slow and to trust the pace bunny’s speed. I did exactly that.

After the first 10km were over I felt like I had got into my rhythm and was ready to excel. From that point I was off on my own, managing the course on my own. I maintained my pace and moved to 20 and 1’s. I was paying attention to my hydration and nutrition levels and felt very confident.

I breezed through all the water and nutrition stations having learned in training that you should never rely on on-course supplies, especially because our bodies have been adapted to using specific products. Race day is not the day to try something new!

Along the route I had planned to see Jay and Ross, which they were anxiously awaiting me at every point and cheered me on. I also saw other friends along the route including Steve. When you see someone you know along the race route who is cheering you on, it gives a giant boost of energy and feeling of purpose, that you instantly forget your pain and continue on with renewed excitement.

During training I had only ran up to 32km. When I hit km 30, I could feel the pain in my legs. I popped an Advil and kept on running.

At km 32, I passed John, another member of my Running Room training group. He was already headed towards km 34.

At the top of the hill at km 33, the furthers point in the entire course from the finish line, my body was screaming for hydration. I stopped at the water station for water but was handed a sport drink. I could feel it instantly upset my stomach, which thankfully only lasted about half a km.

I felt in control the rest of the way through Kits. The crowds along the street helped keep me going.

I knew km 37 – 40 were going to be the toughest. It’s the point in the course with long, steep hills. I couldn’t maintain my 20 and 1 tempo and dropped back to 10 and 1’s. I could feel the lactic acid weighting down my legs and the gels in my stomach starting to sit heavy. By km 38 the 3:40 pace group had caught up.

As I approached the Burrard Bridge the 3:40 pace group over-took me. On the way up the bridge deck I could feel my heart sink as I saw the group get further and further ahead. By the time I had crested the bridge, the 3:40 pace group was easily two full city blocks ahead of me. It was at that point I had to make a decision – finish in advance of 3:40, go for complete.

I chose to go for it and by km 41 I had caught back up to the 3:40 pace group. With only 1.2 km left to go, I asked if there was going to be any more walk breaks and the pace bunny said no because there was only about six minutes left in the run.

Although I was extremely tired, my body was exhausted and my legs were in pain, I knew I had to push on. I mustered up what little energy was left in my body and continued to run ahead of pace towards the finish line.

So many times my body kept asking to take a walk break, but with the cheering from the people lining the streets and knowing I only had moments left before I would complete my first every marathon, I knew I could not stop.

I sprinted the last half kilometer to the finish line. I don’t remember hearing anything other than the beats of the music as my feet pounded forward. I knew there were friends waiting for me.

As I approached the finish line I remembered two key things:

1. To take out my ear buds as I crossed the first matt in advance of the finish line so I could hear them call my name – to which I almost cried
2. To listen to June’s advice to run across the finish line, ‘upright and smiling’, with my arms proudly above my head.

Once I crossed the finish line I wanted my medal so bad. I had worked so hard to wear the blue ribbon around my neck.

Making the moment even more exciting was to see Jeremy greeting me at the finish line. Jeremy was my 3:30 pace leader at the Running Room had he was instrumental in keeping me on track, motivated and focused during training.

Once I caught my breath I walked out of the finishers area and joined up with friends. Knowing there were people waiting to see me after my biggest athletic achievement made me feel so proud.

As accredited media for the BMO Vancouver Marathon, I also had the unique opportunity to be able to be on the finish line at the time Charlie Bewley crossed the finish line. Charlie is best known for playing the character, Demetri, in the Twilight movie series. It was exciting to hear first-hand Charlie’s first words and comments as he completed his ultra-marathon challenage (a 21.1km half marathon followed immediately by a 42.2km full-marathon).

I ended the morning event by rejoining my friends for a celebratory bottle of champagne and hugs.

This was by-far one of the most exciting running events I have ever attended and it was well-worth the four months of dedicated training.

My final stats: 

• Place Overall: 568/3225
• Place in Sex: 470/1827
• Place in Division: 81/246
• Pace in Minutes/km: 5:13
• Finish Time: 3:39:53

[slideshow]

The weather couldn’t be any more perfect on Sunday, May 1 when Charlie Bewley, best known as the character, Demetri in the Twilight movie series, set off to complete his Run For Your Life ultra-marathon challenge.

In 2010, Charlie’s best friend and actress, Jocyln Clarke, was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Wanting to raise awareness, help others who have cancer, and more importantly connect with his friend Jocyln at a deep spiritual level, Charlie agreed to do whatever it would take to help. The result would be for Charlie to run an ultra-marathon – a 21.1km half marathon followed immediately by a 42.2km full marathon.

When Jocyln passed away from cancer in February 2010, Charlie knew his mission was even more important. He was well aware of the difficulties and pain his friend underwent during her cancer treatments.

“Most people would never understand or realize what a worrier they really are,” Charlie explained. “It’s through the evolution of society and technology that people are lazy and sleepy. We are so far away from the primal beings that we really are.”

When Charlie and I spoke in March 2011, his goal was to complete the ultra-marathon in under six hours. When the official results and race times came in, Charlie’s time was under 5h 45m.

“There was definitely the competitor in me in the first half marathon,” said Charlie as he recalled his experience of running the ultra-marathon challenge. “The first half marathon was just about keeping the pace and thinking about my pace at any given moment.”

Running a marathon is mentally and physically challenging. As an athlete Charlie listened to his body and paid attention to hydration, nutrition and his physical well-being. But Charlie also took time to reflect on the true purpose for the day, to honour Jocelyn.

“I remember he vivacious spirit and energy,” Charlie said with excitement in his voice. “I would smile and start running too fast and had to slow down. I thought of her when I was in real pain.”

As the kilimeters added up, Charlie’s body was starting to take the toll and he began to suffer from severe pain.

“When I thought about her [Joclyn], and the phone calls I had and the fears in her voice, my body would hear this and say ‘I’m sorry, I didn’t meant to moan or winge, I’ll just keep going.’ Next think you know I would have another two or three miles in me.”

As Charlie came towards the end of his ultra-marathon challenge, like many other marathon runners, he found his inner-strength to pull-through with every last piece of energy in his body.

“I was struggling mid-way through the marathon. At kilometer 40 at the top of Burrard Bridge everything just relaxed and I cruised in pretty fast, considering how much pain I had been in.”

When Charlie crossed the finish line he was extremely proud of his accomplishments and achievements. He knew he had done his part that day to fulfill a commitment to his best friend.

“I never wanted to know if I could do this run,” Charlie stated. “I wanted ti to be that ridiculous amount of running, and to be sure the stakes were high enough that when the stakes did hit, they were there to keep pushing me on. That was the only way it was supposed to be.”

Charlie raised over $20,000 for the Encology department at Lions Gate Hospital, the department that treated Jocelyn.

“This is the start of something really special,” Charlie explained. I feel very content with everything that has happened this weekend. It’s made it the most magical day.”

Charlie is looking at new ways to continue the momentum from the Run for Your Life campaign to keep the legacy of Jocelyn Clarke alive.

[slideshow]

Keddi-Anne Sherbino of Kelowna is the top Canadian female finisher in the 2011 BMO Vancouver Marathon

On Sunday, May 1, brilliant sunshine graced 14, 345 runners and walkers who crossed the finish line for the 40th Annual BMO Vancouver Marathon.

Benard Onsare, formerly from Kenya, now living in Calgary, finished in first place with a time of 2:19:59.

“In 2009 I ran alone and won. This year was different – I was running with other runners.  But, I knew if I was patient that something good was going to happen,” said Onsare.

In first place for the women was Keddi-Anne Sherbino from Kelowna, with a time of 2:43:38.

The 21-year old woman was running her second marathon having won her first marathon, the BMO Okanagan Marathon in October 2010.  Sherbino was welcomed at the finish line by Kathrine Switzer, the first woman to finish the Boston Marathon and an inspiration to millions of women runners around the world.

“I just hoped to make the top ten,” said Sherbino.  “When you have the fans around you on the course it’s awesome.  All the support was amazing,” added Sherbino.

While there were no course records set in the BMO Vancouver Marathon, Canadians did exceedingly well in both the 21.1 km Half Marathon and Full Marathon. In the Full Marathon, Graeme Wilson placed top Canadian male and Keddi-Anne Sherbino was the top Canadian female. In the Half Marathon, Jim Finlayson of Victoria, BC was the top Canadian male and Emily Tallen from Kingston, Ontario was the top Canadian female.

 2011 BMO Vancouver Marathon Final Results:

Full Marathon Male

• 1st – Benard Onsare, Kenya [2:19:59]
• 2nd – Gilbert Kiptoo, Kenya [2:23:09]
• 3rd – Graeme Wilson, Vancouver, BC [2:30:07]

Full Marathon Female

• 1st – Keddi-Anne Sherbino, Kelowna, BC [2:43:38]
• 2nd – Allison Macsas, Austin, TX [2:44:50]
• 3rd – Kimberly Mueller, Chula Vista, CA [2:59:22]

Half Marathon Male

• 1st –  Kibet Rutto, Kenya [1:06:31]
• 2nd – Tibor Vegh, Flagstaff, AZ [1:06:58]
• 3rd – Jim Finlayson, Victoria, BC [1:06:59]

Half Marathon Female

• 1st – Emily Tallen, Kingston, ON [1:16:03]
• 2nd – Carre Heineck, Portland, OR [1:19:11]
• 3rd – Catherine Watkins, Vancouver, BC [1:21:31]

The BMO Vancouver Marathon is one of the west coast’s premier marathons, welcoming runners and walkers of all ages and abilities.  It is one of the most scenic marathon routes taking participants through Vancouver’s famous Stanley Park, False Creek, over the Burrard Street Bridge, and into the Kitsilano and Point Grey neighbourhoods.

BMO Vancouver Marathon has announced there will be a new race route for 2012.

Over 15,000 registrants are expected to take part in the 40th BMO Vancouver Marathon including the marathon’s original winner, Tom Howard. Howard was elated 40 years ago after finishing first at the premier event, and he’s almost as excited to be back to run in the Half Marathon on Sunday, May 1, 2011.

Here are some fun facts about the 2011 BMO Vancouver Marathon:

• In 1972 the original marathon was called the “British Columbia Marathon”. 46 runners signed up for the first race; only 32 completed the event.
• BMO Bank of Montreal has been a sponsor of the event for the last six years
• There are four races: the Marathon, 21.1 km Half Marathon, 8 km and McDonald’s Kids MaraFun
• The course is a Boston and New York Marathon qualifying event
• The event is organized and operated by the Vancouver International Marathon Society
• There are more that 15,000 participants expected this year; 10,400 from British Columbia
• 40 countries are represented – top countries are United States, Japan, Mexico, Germany & U.K.
• More than 1,500 children will run in the McDonald’s Kids MaraFun
• 63% of the 21.1 km Half Marathon participants are women
• One of the few marathons in North America using 30,000 litres of Britta filtered, bottle-free water, eliminating 60,000 standard 500mL water bottles
• Over 1700 volunteers are required to assist with staging all aspects of the BMO Vancouver Marathon.
• 75,00 safety pins, 250,000 compostable cups, 10,000 feet of fencing
• 140 portable toilets, 11 entertainment stations, 16 water stations, 11 medical stations
• Youngest marathon participant: Sage Duggal, age 13, Seattle, Washington
• Oldest marathon participant: Sun Pul Ho, age 78, Coquitlam, British Columbia
• Youngest participant: Bentzy Goldman (8 km), age 6, Richmond, British Columbia
• Oldest participant: Bettyjean McHugh (Half Marathon), age 83, North Vancouver, British Columbia

The night before a marathon you’ll be full of emotions; nervousness, excitement, happiness and more. Start off with having a lean, healthy dinner high in carbs and protein, such as pasta with tomato sauce with chicken. Sprinkle on some extra salt – your body will need it the next day. Remember to have water throughout the evening to hydrate your body.

It’s very important to set-out all your gear. It’ll help you be ready in the morning so you not forget any important items rushing out of the house to get to the start line on-time.

Here’s a check-list of items you’ll want to have ready to go:

• Water belt with bottle(s) filled with water and / or Gatorade
• Gels, shot  blocks, and / or sport beans
• Charged iPod and head phones
• Sports watch
• Advil
• Band aids (to cover your nipples to prevent chaffing)
• Put your timing chip on your shoe
• Pin your race bib on to your race shirt
• A large garbage or recycling bag with holes cut into it so you can wear it to keep warm at the start line
• Sunglasses

Remember, race day is not the day to try new things. Rely on your training and stick to what you know. Wear what you’ve been training in and what is comfortable. Use nutrition that you have used during training – experimenting on race day can be detrimental to your race.

If you have bag check or support staff, here are some extra things you will want to have packed:

• Water
• Protein bar
• Towel
• Socks
• Advil

Go to bed early so you can get a good night sleep and be refreshed for your big day! Go out, have fun, and enjoy your run.

The BMO Vancouver Marathon is less than a week away, the months of gruelling training is done and it’s now time to prepare your body and mind for race day. Here are some helpful tips to prepare you for a successful race day:

1. Stick to your tapering run schedule. It’ll be temping to want to do additional training; you’ve trained for months and it’s time to store energy for the big day.
2. Drink an extra glass of water each day to increase hydration and cleanse the body.
3. Increase your salt level. Add an extra of extra salt to every meal. Your body will need it on race day.
4. Increase your carb in-take, including potatoes, brown rice and whole wheat pasta.
5. Reduce or eliminate all fat from your diet. Stay away from ice cream, deep fried foods, donuts, etc.
6. Stick to a clean diet of fresh, natural ingredients including fresh vegetables and leaner meats like turkey and chicken.
7. Refrain from alcohol, smoking and drugs.
8. Decrease your caffeine in-take. Don’t have coffee, energy drinks, or soda the last two days before the race.
9. Gear check. The day before the race affix your timing chip to your shoe, set out your running gear and pin your race bib to the front of your shirt. Don’t forget to include bandaids to cover your nipples to avoid chaffing.
10. Prepare your water belt. Fill your water bottles and have all your nutrition planned out including gels, sport beans, blocks and your other fuel-replenishing supplements. Pack extra Advil for along the race route and the finish line.
11. The night before the race take Advil to reset your body’s aches and pains from training and to start out race day feeling fresh.
12. Get as much sleep as you can the night before the race.

Former Vancouver-based actor Charlie Bewley, best known for his role as Demetri in the Twilight film saga, will be running in the 2011 BMO Vancouver Marathon. Bewley will be facing his biggest running challenge to-date. In honour of his friend Jocelyn Clarke, who passed away February 14, 2011 at the age of 36, Bewley has set a goal to run a distance equal to one and a half marathons (over 60 KM) at one time.

Bewley has been an avid runner since he moved to Vancouver four years ago. He started out running just 25 minutes per day along the seawall and gradually built up to running a full hour.

“I was 30 pounds lighter after just two months,” exclaimed Bewley. “I was inspired by the shorelines, the runs, lifestyle and fresh air.”

As part of his Run for your Life campaign, Bewley will complete a 21.1km (Half Marathon) warm-up and then take his place at the start line along with 4,200 other runners in the Full Marathon on Sunday, May 1, 2011. He is determined to make it on behalf of his friend, Jocelyn.

“I will be using some very low impact and efficient running styles,” as Bewley explained how he has been training for the event and the various techniques he is learning to complete his challenge.

“I have never ran professionally,” said Bewley. “It’s about digging deep. People can be inspired to push yourself as a human being.

Bewley has wanted to do this challenge since learning of Jocelyn’s rare and terminal lung cancer early in 2010.

“To see someone with such radiance and vitality go through what she went through will stay with me forever. To say that she ‘lost her battle with cancer’ would do a huge disservice to the incredible strength she showed during the course of her treatment.”

“It’s still very raw for me” explained Bewley. Today, Bewley is focused on running and raising money to donate to those responsible for treating her illness so others may be given the opportunity to fight as Jocelyn did.

Bewley first met Clarke on a bus in North Vancouver on his way to an audition two years ago.  The next time he met her was on the set of “Twilight Saga: New Moon” where she was doubling for actress Dakota Fanning.  That’s when their friendship was solidified.

“We enjoyed each other’s company when it serendipitously occurred,” recalls Bewley. “Jocelyn will always hold a place in me and I shall miss her.”

“We commend Charlie Bewley for his compassionate fundraising efforts and wish him well in his Run for Your Life,” said Joanne Gassman, Senior Vice President, BMO Bank of Montreal, BC Division. “All the employees at BMO Financial Group in British Columbia are pleased to be associated with such a healthy event that crosses all age categories and promotes good community spirit,” added Gassman.

Are you training for your first full marathon, or even a half marathon? Training to run long-distance can seem to be a daunting challenge at first. Training over a period of time will help you work up to running longer distances. It takes dedication and practice.

“The long run is a key part of your training program, no matter what distance you are training for,” said Rick Morris, an avid BMO Vancouver Marathon, marathon runner. “5K runners can benefit as well as marathon runners. The weekly long run is a workout that many look forward to while others dread.”

Here are Rick’s top 10 tips to make your long runs enjoyable and beneficial:

RUN A LOOP

Running a loop course offers many advantages over an out and back course. A loop course of any distance will work, but one that is between 1 and 2 miles is ideal. A loop around a park works well because there are usually bathrooms available. A loop course will allow you to keep your sports drink hidden at your car or behind a bush or tree. That way you do not have to carry the fluids with you. Running a loop is also safer. You are never a long way from your starting point. With an out and back course, if you become excessively fatigued or if the weather gets bad, you may be as much as 12 miles away from shelter. The loop is also ideal for gradually adding distance. If you have a 2-mile loop, you can add one loop when you are ready to increase your distance.

RUN ON A TREADMILL

Many runners do some of their long runs on a treadmill. This is especially convenient when training an area that has severe winter conditions. It is much easier to run on the treadmill than to fight icy streets and cold winds. Elevating the treadmill 1 or 2 percent will closely mimic running outside on flat streets. If you are training for a hilly race, but live in a flat area, the treadmill will provide valuable hill work. Put a television in front of your treadmill and watch a movie during your long run. It makes the time fly by.

MAKE YOUR DISTANCE GOAL SPECIFIC

You should adjust the distance of your long run according to the race distance you are training for. A marathon runner should gradually increase the distance of the long run up to about 22 to 24 miles. It is not necessary to go longer than that. A 5K runner should do about 8 to 10 miles, a 10K runner should go 11 to 13 miles and a half marathoner should work up to about 14 to 17 miles.

RUN SOME MILES AT GOAL PACE

All long runs are not run at the same pace. Make your pace specific to your goal. If your goal is simply to finish a marathon, your long run pace should remain easy throughout your workout. However, if you have a goal race pace, you must increase to goal pace for a portion of your workout. For the marathon distance run the first half of your workout at an easy pace. Speed up to goal pace for all but the last one or two miles of your run. Then, slow back down to an easy pace for the last mile or two. If you do not run a portion of your long runs at goal pace, you will not be physically or mentally prepared to run that pace in the marathon. Do not run more than half of your long run at goal pace. The same procedure may be followed for half marathon training. When training for a 5K, do a goal pace mile in the middle of your training run or at the end. 10K runners should do 2 miles at goal pace either in the middle or end of the long run.

COUNT THE LONG RUN AS A HARD DAY

Many runners believe that the long run is an easy day, because most of the workout is performed at an easy pace. The long run is actually a hard day. In many instances it is the hardest workout of the week. Plan on taking the day after a long run off. It is best to rest totally. If you must run, keep the workout after a long run very easy.

RUN ALL YOUR MILES AT THE SAME TIME

Many fitness professionals are trying to tell us that you get the same benefit from two 30 minutes workouts as you get from one 60-minute workout. That is simply not true. The total calorie burn may be equal, but the fitness gains are not. Two 30-minute workouts will not prepare you for 60 minutes of continuous running.

RUN A FAMILIAR ROUTE

Don’t run a route that you are not familiar with when doing your long run. Save the adventures for your shorter runs. You need to have a good idea of the distance you are traveling when doing your long runs. If you want to add some variety and try a new course, try to measure it first with either your car or your bike.

DRINK A LOT OF FLUID

Dehydration and heat related illnesses are common problems when doing a long run. Drink a lot of fluid to avoid this. It is better to drink a sports drink rather than water. The sports drinks contain both carbohydrates and sodium, which will help your energy level and the mineral levels in your blood.

TAKE A BREAK

If your long runs are 10 miles or less, you can do them every week without risking over training or injury. Long runs of between 11 and 17 miles should only be done every other week. Once you build up to 18 miles or more, you long runs should be done every second or third week. The break between long runs will allow your muscles and connective tissues to heal and will help you avoid burnout.

MAKE MILEAGE INCREASES GRADUALLY

Making large increases in mileage is a mistake. Don’t increase more that 2 miles per long run. Making bigger jumps in mileage will increase the possibility of injury.