2021 Royal Victoria Half Marathon & 8K

On a beautiful fall morning, five Sooke Trail and Road Runners participated in the first large-scale road race on Vancouver Island in more than 18 months. While there was no marathon this fall, the Royal Victoria name was back and so were the runners.

“It was just fantastic to be out there pounding the pavement with fellow competitors,” STARR runner Steve Eriksen, who ran the half marathon said. “I think just being out there in the element with so many people with the thirst for competition, and being in the group environment after such a long dry spell of nothing other than virtual runs was a definite highlight.”

There were new out and back courses. They took runners through James Bay and Beacon Hill Park before going along scenic Dallas Road.

In the 8K event, STARR Karla Barylski finished in 46:08. She placed 31st out of 106 in the F30-34 division. Surrey’s Sarah Inglis, a native of Scotland who runs for Great Britain, won the women’s 8K crow. She crossed in 25:35 to break her own record of 25:43, which she set in 2019. In the men’s event, Langley’s Reid Muller finished first in a time of 24:01 to be the first male.

In the half marathon event, two Calgarians won the titles. On the men’s side, Matthew Travaglini won in 1:06:44. The top female was Leanne Klassen in 1:17:15.

The first STARR in was Steve E. He finished the course in 1:45:48. That placed him 36th out of 104 in the M45-49 category.

“I had a goal of 1:55 and managed to pull out a delightful 1:45:48,” Steve said. “Today I am thankful for my super supportive STARR community and all of the runners and friends that have got me this far. 47 years old and three years of running in, I am feeling pretty good.”

Stephanie Croft was the next STARR in. She crossed the line in 1:47:15. That placed her 20th out of 115 in the F45-49 age group.

Maggie Curtis finished in 2:01:43. That put her 41 out of 103 in F50-54.

“I did the half in 2011, just after I turned 40 and got just over 2:13 at that time, so beating myself by more than 10 minutes 10 years later felt pretty good,” Maggie said.

Pascale Knoglinger came in at 2:25:27. In the F40-44, she was 131 out of 166.

Of course, the in-person races were only part of the fun this year. STARR’s own Andrea White took on the Royal Flush Virtual Series - tackling five different distances varying from a mile to a full marathon.

Congrats to all STARRs who took on the Royal Victoria challenges - whether in person or virtually.

A Few Moments at 2,200 Metres – A Kananaskis Experience

Leslie Ann running leg 6

Leslie Ann running leg 6

I recall the afternoon sun shining and the chill of the wind nipping at me. I gazed around – nothing but mountain peaks and a nasty little incline awaiting me, luring me to test my fitness level.  My breathing seemed laboured for just standing still. There is something to be said about being 2,200 feet above sea level. I was calm but there was also a tingling, flutter inside me. I heard the announcement, “team 105 a mile out.”  That was my queue to get ready for my first live running race since November 2019.   Ten kilometers of down hill awaited – plus an up hill start and nasty up hill finish. 

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“I’m hoping that gravity will be my friend,” I joked to a seasoned-looking runner standing beside me. He eyes met mine. His eye brows raised. His chin dipped. It was my younger sister’s “as if” look, if truth be told. A few moments later, I noticed the neon green shirt of my team mate pushing through the end of gruelling leg 5 of the famous Kananaksis 100-mile relay. We exchanged the timing chip quickly and I was off. That hill was not really a hill, but in the thin air of Highwood Pass, Canada’s highest paved pass, getting to the crest of the pass’s peak was monumental. I mostly walked up that hill, already short of breath. Before I knew it, I crested the peak and assumed it would be smooth sailing down hill. My teammates cheered me on throughout the stage. By kilometre 8 my quads were still working hard and surprisingly not minding the pounding of each step. The bottoms of my feet were tender though, noticing each landing as I decended. I could hear some old tunes blasting from Stephanie’s truck – songs with great beats we all selected to help us run fast, and perhaps to remind us of our younger speedier days.

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The Kananaskis 100-mile relay had been on my bucket list of races to do due to its breath-taking beauty in Canada’s Rockies. In 2019 I started recruiting running friends to take up this 10-stage race with me. It is not for the faint at heart – 5 legs of climbing and 5 legs of decent into Kananakis/Nakiska’s stunning Rocky Mountains. The event is usually scheduled for the end of June to take advantage of the longest days of sunlight. No one needs reminding that 2020 wasn’t usual. COVID had other things in mind for our team. The June event turned to an August event and then postponed to 2021. Surely COVID would be “done” by then. Who knew? With multiple date and year changes, our team members dropped out and more were added but by July 2021, we were down to three members. I may be crazy, but there is no way we would split 160km between three people – more than 50km each, no way. After plans B, C and D didn’t pan out, Plan E did. Our team merged with a local team also lacking sufficient runners and voila, “How the West was Run” emerged.

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With two vets, two nurses, two CPAs, a CFA, a teacher and an array of talents, we had a team. Stephanie, part nurse, part rancher, and mother of three became the team captain of this motley crew. We dined on BBQ’d steaks and burgers and other potluck goodies the night before on the porch of her ranch. Andy and I brought the mother of all chocolate cakes as our contribution, made by a local German bakery. Did it really take three of us to carry it? The evening meal on a ranch really set the mood for a truly Albertan experience. It was a wonderful opportunity to meet our team members. I’d like to say it was also a time for us to strategize on our race the following day.  But what the heck.  None of us had been racing for nearly two years.  We were all grateful to have a live race waiting for us the following day.  As we chowed down, no mention was made of running, at least that I recall. And, before Stephanie could race, her 4 and 6 year old boys were doing the mutton rodeo just down the street when we parted ways around 6:30pm. Her day was not over.

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So, back to the race, as the early afternoon wore on, I was treated with peak after peak of Canada’s Rockies. I breathed in the fresh crips air. I could feel the bottom of my lungs. For much of my race, I enjoyed the solitude of running, breathing and feeling lucky to be there. Many of the peaks in my view were barren grey rock – simply above the treeline. My legs felt great pounding down the slopes. My lungs and heart had other ideas such as “why was I doing this again?” at each breath.  I chose a run-walk rhythm to keep my breathing at bay, but to also take advantage of fresh legs the were egging me on down the slopes. I was unused to carrying bear spray in my hand but it was a requirement for the park. I was surprised at how quickly I got accustomed to carrying it as I ran. Andy and my long-time friend, Dave supported me with water breaks & cheering, and Stephanie’s crew provided music at various points. Thanks to a great team, I crossed the transition line ten minutes shy of the forced start cut off for our leg 7 runner, fully aware of the tune of Rocky theme song – Gonna Fly Now blasting from the van – a personal best time for 2021. Whew!

My adventure wouldn’t be complete without introducing our amazing team.  We couldn’t have done it without each other.

Our team – Rob, Dave, Steve, Andy, Eric & Marina, Leslie Ann, Katrena, Stephanie and the finish line and more

I think back to our starter, Rob. New to wheelchair racing, our man-in-motion, Rob chugged along nearly 20km up hill, grinning. It was impressive to see him rolling along in a standard wheelchair, navigating potholes and the uneven elements of old asphalt. Dave, running leg two looked tired early on and commented about his slim training plan as we clapped and supplied water. By km ten, Dave was rolling along in his old form and enjoying the moments. Steve, our third runner was our veteran. He’s tackled this challenge multiple times before but was coming off injury. He pushed hard. The day was getting hot as he tackled incline upon incline. Andy was a Speedy Gonzalez as he tackled a more technical climb and didn’t seem to break a sweat. He was inspired by the views and kept a fast pace to hand off to Eric, for the gruelling, relentless climb up the Highwood Pass. Katrena joined the team from Saskatchewan, and took leg 7, a long down hill section. We all enjoyed her awesome sprint to the finish to our cheers, overdoing it a bit for herself. Our ladies were impressively fast. Mariana had leg 8 and clocked a 5:13 pace over 16km. Ashley, new to running, and Stephanie took the cross-country trail sections. Stephanie rocked the last leg at a 4 minute pace and change, to bring home our team – 14 hour 39 minutes. Rumour had it that there was bear activity on the trails but our ladies were too fast for the bears, apparently! We all finished in one piece.

Grinning as I write this piece, it was an adventure I’ll never forget. I’m already thinking about next year.

2021 Finlayson Arm - The Double

Two brave STARRs successfully tackled the challenge of Finlayson Arm Double.

Greg Balchin and Pauline Nielsen completed a 100K run that ran from Friday into Saturday and then took on a 28K run on Sunday. They had to make it to certain points under a time limit in order to be able to keep going. Greg’s time was 29:28:23 and Pauline finished in 29:29:49.

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“So, the runners who completed the event, ran 128km and had a total climb of 24,500ft,” Greg said. “I’m borrowing the word ‘event’ from my buddy Bob Butterworth. In an ‘event,’ you can race against the clock, or other runners, or both. Ultra Trail runs, however, are ultimately against yourself. You are not just fighting fatigue, you are fighting self doubt, testing your mettle. The only worry we had was making sure we passed the check points before the ‘cut off’ times. … Pauline made sure we were well under the cut offs.”

Greg finished first in the men’s 60-99 age category. He was the oldest to complete the double. Pauline was third in the women’s 50-59 age category. A huge congrats to both!

While not an official running stat, Greg mentioned he stomped on Pauline’s heels six times over 128k.

“One of those times took her shoe right off! That was the closest I think she has ever come to actually hitting me,” Greg said. “She’s an awesome running partner. I’m very lucky she puts up with me!!”

The event is much more than literally running for days up and down hills.

“The race is only half about the runners, their blisters, their rolled ankles, etc.,” Greg said. “The most enjoyable, most memorable part of the run was the support of the volunteers, who went out of their way to make this run possible. Deep in the forest trails and at the aid stations, well-wishers cheered us on with cowbells and signs - all through the night, in the rain, whole families (even their dogs) turned out to keep us motivated and focused. They filled our hydration bags, handed us food, bandaged our feet, dried our tears, and sent us on our way. The most surreal experience I had was running into the aid stations in the dark of night. They had music playing and generators set up to power several hundred feet of Xmas lights on either side of the trail leading to the aid stations. Quite magical.

After all that, there is one obvious question. Greg said:

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“Would I run it again? At the 90km mark, the answer was ‘Hell No,’ but now I’m already thinking about what I could do to cut two hours from my running time. I think I might do it again!”

The Course

The dynamic duo started the 100k run on Friday at 5 pm. With 26 hours to complete it.

“The run is the Finlayson Arm 50k with roughly 10,000 feet of total climb,” Greg said. “Normally, they give you 12 hours to complete it, but if you run it twice, as we did, they take a little pity on the runners, and allowed us one extra hour to complete each 50k loop.

“The run starts at Goldstream, weaves through the park, through the stream and back over the bridge to Mt. Finlayson. You climb the mountain, then run down the backside, and head to Gowland-Todd (Roundtree aid station #2). Then you run to Mt. Jocelyn, and continue to Durrance Lake, where you head up to the parking lot (aid station 3) at Mt. Work. Then you cross over Mt. Work to the fourth aid station, do a one-block loop, and head back over Mt. Work again to aid station #3 (that’s an 11km run).

“Next is a reverse run back the way we came until we hit the new path, bypassing the Bear Mountain trail. This is a tricky, bushwhacking trail, just long enough to mentally write your will and obit! The rest of the run, about 3km, is relatively easy and mostly downhill. 

“We ran to Jocelyn without a headlamp, but after that headlamps lit the way. We arrived at Goldstream start/finish point around 4 a.m., got a drink, had some food, and started out again for the next 50k loop. By the time we started climbing Mt. Finlayson, the sun was coming up, so we packed up our headlights and retraced our route - finishing the total 100k in just over 24 hours.

“We were advised to slow our run down in order to conserve energy. We can run one loop in about 8 to 9 hours, but we timed the run to take us 11 hours. We came in at 10:55, that left us a total of 15 hours to complete the second loop. We finished that one in 13 hours.

“Pauline has an unwavering, disciplined fast pace. You can set your watch to it! In spite of all the protests and crying from me, she didn’t slow down for me until halfway through the 28k run on Sunday!

“The 28k was the same trail but you turn around and run back to Goldstream, once you hit the top of Mt. Jocelyn.”

Greg said 59 runners did the 100k event with 27 of them running the 28k event to complete The Double the next day.

Sooke Runners

The Double

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The 100K

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50K

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28K

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STARR Around the Bay Virtual and Simulation races, March 27-28, 2021

Sunday participants and supporters

Sunday participants and supporters

By Leslie Ann Bent

Wow! I’m so impressed with our club this weekend. Seven teams totalling 18 participants came out to do 30km in honour of the famous Around the Bay race which in pre-COVID times took place in Hamilton on the last Sunday of March since 1894 – the oldest race in North America. Whether you run for speed & competition, personal goals & accomplishment, camaraderie, to enjoy the fresh air, or just for general fitness, there was something for everyone this weekend. I’m very impressed with all of the accomplishments. Congratulations to all!

Maggie at the 5K mark

Maggie at the 5K mark

Yesterday’s virtual teams got us off to a good start with Triple Trouble setting the bar for the 3-person relay with an official time of 2:53:13. Spectators Danny and Leslie Ann were there to take pictures and cheer on the team. While chatting, both realized that together they had completed 30km themselves that day so put in a last-minute entry!

Today, the runners went out in a staggered-start format to ensure good social distancing. The out and back format with the 5km returning to the start and finish, allowed all runners to see club members along the course. Steve E. was our first runner to start, managing his team to a first-place finish in the two-person relay category. Mark, Ken, and Vanessa were next to head out into the drizzle as the first runners on their respective teams. Over the course of the morning, Jenny, Maggie, Kayla C., Andy, Claude, and Stephanie all puddle-jumped their way through the course. The photos will tell the story of lots of smiles and lots of game face focused efforts.

Steve K. finished

Steve K. finished

This afternoon, Megen’s team Duck, Duck Goose, with Donna and Justin, completed their virtual run in the howling wind and rain to bring a close to the event.

It was a wonderful way to see other runners.

The fastest runner was Andy with a 15k time of 1:06:58. Top runner for 10k was Robin with an awesome time of 48:46. However, this event was all about the teams. Here are the results:

2-person relay – 15km each

1. Harry Trotters (Steve E, Maggie) 2:50:37

2. Staggering Geese (Mark, Andy) 2:52:18

3-person relay – 10k each, running category

1. Triple Trouble (Steve K, Jackie, Robin) 2:53:13

2. 2 Jacks and a Jill (Ken, Jenny, Claude) 3:07:24

3. Sooke Supremes (Vanessa, Kayla, Stephanie) 3:13:24

Walking – all under 6 hours!

1. Coffin Ready (Danny, Leslie Ann) 5:22 (some running)

2. Duck, Duck, Goose (Megen, Donna, Justin) 5:53:03

Comments from the participants:

Steve K: “This run was important to me. Although humbling, so rewarding. So great to see my friends. I needed today more than I knew.”

Hannah and Stephanie

Hannah and Stephanie

Mark: "It was so good to see many of my STARR friends this morning. Thank you, Leslie Ann for making it possible."

Jackie: “I had forgotten how good pushing so hard is!”

Stephanie: “That was fun today but it took me a whole hot water tank shower to properly warm up!”

Jenny: “It was great to see everyone out today, especially nice to pass familiar faces en route”

Robin: “Thanks Steve and Jackie for doing this. So much fun!

Thanks, as always, Leslie Ann for organizing and for coming out to cheer us in today.”

Andy: “I really liked the layout of the course. I got to see my teammate twice and the other runners as well. It was great to have opportunities to cheer everyone on as we passed.”

Congrats to all of our STARR runners. Thanks for the support for everyone who came out to cheer and take photos. It was inspiring.

STARR – 25-Miler, February 27, 2021

Danny’s last step

Danny’s last step

By Leslie Ann Bent

Andy finished!

Andy finished!

What does it take to do 25 miles?  Just ask STARR members Andy Smith and Danny Eddy. Yesterday was a new STARR virtual event – the 25-miler (40k).  The morning was crisp and a cool zero degrees.  Frost was still clinging the grass along the Galloping Goose by the time Danny started out. While many of us were home enjoying our morning coffee or tea, by 7am Danny was at km 44 on the Goose to commence his 40 km trek.  The official course started at the Poleyard on Sooke River Road (km 44), headed north to the km 55 post near Leechtown.  Then after turning, retraced the course to the Poleyard and continued out to the 35km marker at Roche Cove and back to the 44km marker. The course proved to be a beautiful and quiet route for a Saturday. The sun came out too.

Jackie offered to be the official photographer, sag-wagon and mobile water and refueling station.  By 8:45, I joined the support team to tackle the second half of the route to cheer on our participants.  An hour later, Andy joined up and started his run towards Leechtown.

With no crowds and no competition breathing down your neck, it can sometimes be a challenge to motivate yourself. Sometimes just knowing there is an event and others out there, can encourage you to tackle something new.  I’ve asked Andy and Danny for their thoughts on this event. Both completed the 40km faster than their target goals despite the lack of a formal race.

Andy said his favourite part was the Leechtown area.  The route was so quiet and the view of the river stunning.  His legs and lungs felt good. It was a challenge since his longest run in a while had been 28km. This route really stretched his distance considerably.  It was nice to see Jackie and he benefited from a water stop complements to her.  He saw some other STARR members out too – Claude, Mark and Leslie Ann.

Danny said he took it on for the inspiration and challenge. He felt it was an achievable challenge on a route that doesn’t get much better than the Goose with a variety of terrain – Sooke Hills, Sooke Basin, ups and down, open spaces, and forests. He appreciated having water and chocolate along the route complements of Jackie. It was obviously wonderful to hit the 44km marker indicating the end!

Jonathan

Jonathan

I ran into Jonathan doing his own unofficial 25-miler not far past the return from Roche Cove. His route included Quimper! Another group of STARR runners were out – Vanessa, Kari, Megen, and Maggie. A nice day on the Goose for STARR. Danny was in perfect easy stride when I saw him on the second part of the route. Andy was smiling and had a steady rhythm as he passed Jackie and me on part 2.

Official results:

Andy Smith (runner) 3:18:51

Danny Eddy (walker) 7:36

Unofficial route

Jonathan D (43km) 5:12

 Congratulations to Danny and Andy for their star performances. You inspire us!

Galloping Goose Personal Half Marathon

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By Maggie

Watching the smiling STARRS rack up the kilometres during the Vancouver Island Circuit Challenge and May Marathon Madness fired me up. Although I was injured for much of it, reading Leslie-Ann’s reports, chatting with members online, watching Megen’s girls hiking away, and (of course) seeing everyone’s footage for the video inspired me. So when I was fully recovered, I decided to try a half marathon--not for any virtual race, but just so I would know that I did it.

I was up to 20km towards the end of July, when I had another fall at Elk lake and it moved my training back. The half marathon was not to happen by my birthday as planned. My personal theme over the last few years has been finding the balance between accepting what I am able to do in the moment and pushing myself safely to be the strongest I can be. So I tried to shake off the fall and keep moving towards my goal.

On August 19, starting in the morning fog, I completed a whole 21.43 kilometres on the Galloping Goose. My original plan had been to run from the poleyard to Matheson and back, but a spasming calf muscle made me decide to turn back at Sooke road and keep closer to the parking lot (just in case). The muscle spasms started at 3 kilometres and forced me to stop, stretch and walk and contemplate the possibility that it might NOT be my day after all. However, after the third time stopping, stretching and walking, the spasms subsided and I was able to keep going for the last 15km (except a couple of short water/Gatorade walks). My new route included a couple of out and backs to the second trestle. My time was 2:36:57.

As the fall and winter begin to descend on us, likely without live races, I hope the club can focus on how we can encourage each other in our training within the “new normal.” For me, creating a goal for myself, sharing it with others and then celebrating my success has been a wonderful experience. If I hadn’t told every single person that I talked to about my half-marathon plans, I may have waffled at the last minute (I don’t think I would have, but I will never know). Also, when I see members running and smiling and doing their best, it makes me want to do the same! So a big thank you to all of STARR for your support on my journey.

STARRs Crush Mizuno Midsummer Virtual 5K

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July 9th was a beautiful night for an evening race, and some STARR members gave all they had on a flat out and back 5km route for the Mizuno Midsummer Virtual 5k.  4 STARRs participated in the race: Steve Eriksen, Maggie Curtis, Megen Seysener and Nicola Turner.  Maggie, Steve and Megen ran on July 9 on the Galloping Goose trail from the poleyard on Sooke River Road towards the trestle bridge.  Nicola did her 5km in her neighbourhood (Steeplechase, Caffery, Church and trail to Seaparc) on the fine morning of July 12 in the company of her twin sister.

Steve Eriksen led the pack with an outstanding time of 21:30, coming in 8th overall in his age category (40-49).

Maggie Curtis came in at 33:00, with Nicola right behind at 33:20. Megen Seysener ran a 39:48.  Megen’s dog Sprout also ran a 39:48 and although not officially registered for the race, we are proud of her efforts.

Toryn, Brynn, and Jason came out to view the excitement on July 9.  Louie also made an appearance, and seeing his face seemed to give Sprout that extra push at the end. 

This virtual event had some great swag, including Mizuno running shoes and Goodr sunglasses, as can be seen above in the photos.

385 people participated in the event, with many racers coming from Edmonton where it was organized by the Running Room.

With many “in person” races being canceled due to Covid 19, virtual races are becoming more popular and the Mizuno 5km was well organized with runners from all over Canada taking part.

Steve, Maggie, Megen (and Sprout) rocking some strong finishes!

STARR May Marathon Madness Results

Megen, Teresa and Magge - 4 marathons!

Megen, Teresa and Magge - 4 marathons!

By Leslie Ann Bent

May was a fantastic marathon month for STARR, with some great mileage and some inspiring virtual marathons and ultras.  Our final report shows:

·       31 runners and walkers participating including children – 20 female (65%) and 11 men (35%)

·       5,330km covered in 31 days – that’s more than 126 marathons!

Brynn - 3 marathons!

Brynn - 3 marathons!

·       We’ve had 4 marathon memory write ups, 1 half marathon recap, and 2 virtual marathon stories.

·       We also had 7 youth clocking the kms with their parents. Nice to see the youth out.

Top Competitors

Female –1st Pauline (283.8k), 2nd Emily (273.7k), 3rd Megen (182.3k), honorable mention Teresa (182k)

Male – 1st Danny (710k), 2nd Greg B (421K), 3rd Greg C (365.6K), honorable mention Robin (323k)

Special recognition prizes

Glow Stick Award goes to someone who brightens everyone’s day – Maggie

Abacus Award goes to someone we can count on, for all his behind the scenes work for MMM - Robin

Mountaineer Award for many vertical (reported) kms – Carol with 21,000 vertical meters of climbing

Cheerleader Award for those who cheered on our runners the most on the STARR website and Facebook –  tie, Jenny and Jim G

Father’s Day award for a father inspiring his children in fitness – Steve E. for encouraging his 2 daughters (ages 9 and 12)

Running with the Bulls Award for the runner who takes the most risks with trying new and challenging routes – Many are looking forward to those challenges again when we can run together - Jackie

Leslie Ann and Andy

Leslie Ann and Andy

Winners will be contacted by email to receive their prizes.  Megen and I will be reaching out to winners for pick up or delivery later this week. We must say that Danny has earned his Man-Sized Treat Basket hand-created by Megen including a beverage or two if you believe the rumours. She calls it “Take the Load off Danny.”  In among Pauline’s prizes is the book “Running with the Kenyans: Discovering the Secrets of the Fastest People on Earth.”

So, what marathons have we virtually completed?  There have been so many so I will just name a few. Danny added a marathon for each province in the second half of the month. Carol and Wayne both tackled ultras. Wayne completed the Squamish 50 miler and Carol the Canadian Death Race plus the Lost & Found 30k. Jackie stayed close to home with the Victoria, Vancouver and Port Angeles marathons. We did lose Donna somewhere on the Goose at the half way point!  She is still out there somewhere, I hope. Ken, Mark and I all did Dublin. Andy tackled Barcelona and Boston. I am half way through the Loch Ness Marathon and I am still looking for the Loch Ness Monster.  I haven’t found it yet.

Here are the results to May 31

Ultras: Wayne (105km into the race), Carol (155km)

How many marathons?

Completed 10 or more: Danny (16.8), Greg B (10)

Completed 6 or more: Greg C (8.7), Robin (7.7), Pauline (6.7), Emily (6.5)

LIla and running companion Maisy

LIla and running companion Maisy

Completed 4 or more: Jim G (4.4), Andy (4.4), Megen (4.3), Teresa (4.3), Mark (4.2), Maggie (4.2)

Completed 3 or more: Jackie (3.9), Steve E & Carol (3.7), Leslie Ann (3.6), Lila (3.4), Stephanie (3.3) , Vanessa, Toryn and Brynn (3.1)

Under 3: Wayne (2.5), Kari (2.3), Ken (2.1) Jenny (1.6), Jodie (1.4) Willow, Haley & Jesse Wow a marathon! And Skyler wow a half marathon!

Congratulations to everyone.  A special high-five to the youth who showed grit and determination.  All will receive treat bags made by Megen as well as certificated designed by Maggie and signed by our president.

Toryn - I’m done!

Toryn - I’m done!

Ken’s Marathon Madness – a few memories and virtual racing

Rin and Ken at Athens Marathon

Rin and Ken at Athens Marathon

By Ken Pungente

Hello all! Here are my thoughts and experiences about marathons. First, my own bucket list of marathons which will now only happen virtually as I'm getting too old to risk another actual one:

1. Istanbul Marathon that goes from Asia. This is one of my virtual marathons this month as I run along West Coast Rd. & pass into Sooke from Otter Point - that's me going from Asia to Europe. https://worldsmarathons.com/marathon/istanbul-marathon

2. Midnight Marathon in Tromso, Norway. It is one that I was planning to do with one of my angels, Leigh Walters but never happened, so again this is my second virtual marathon this month because I'm still waiting for it to warm up here. When I left Sicily at the end of January, it was in the high teens to low 20s. I talked to a friend there 2 days ago and it was about 35C. https://www.msm.no/en/

3. Budapest Marathon, Hungary https://marathon.runinbudapest.com/

4. Great Wall of China Marathon, but you only do about 2km on the Wall https://great-wall-marathon.com/

Ken and cousin Ronan

Ken and cousin Ronan

In reality, I've done two marathons. My first was in Dublin 2009, three years after I had open heart surgery with 5 by-passes, which I did with my cousin Ronan, which was also his first. Okay, Okay, first I have to stop here to tell you something about myself. Although my last name is Italian as is my father, my mother was born in Dublin, Ireland, which made for a pretty fiery youth for me. The Dublin marathon is very picturesque, relatively flat and a full circle. You leave the heart of Dublin and pass over the famous Liffey River (2 blocks from where my grandmother was born) and head out towards Phoenix Park. One thing about a full circle or point to point marathon, as apposed to an out & back is when your my age, you don't have to watch the elite runners heading home when I've still got 2/3 of my race to finish. So, if some of you are waiting to do your first take that into consideration. The other thing I noticed at the start of the race was here I was in my shirt and shorts and I see all these people with expense jackets, gloves, water belts, timing gadgets & I felt like a amateur. But when I got to the 34 to 35km mark I saw all that fancy stuff thrown of to the side of the road to shed weight, because that last 8km all comes from inside you and that's where your training will kick in. The year I ran it 12,000 registered, but 10,437 finished.

Ken and Rin looks like the start.jpg
Ken Athens marathon.jpg

My next and last marathon was in Athens the following year, 2010, which starts in the town of Marathon and ends in the Olympic Stadium in Athens. It is where the concept of the marathon comes from, following the path of the soldier Pheidippides who was sent from Marathon to Athens to announce the winning of the battle against the Persians. For this marathon I was joined with a good friend Rintge Raap, a fellow STARR who I trained with for years who has ended his path last year. In this run Rin caught up with me around the 33km mark. We ran for a couple of kms together but I was feeling sick in this race so he went ahead & greeted me at the finish. Although it is a hard marathon going uphill from 10km to 30km the finish is worth the effort. The last 100 or so meters is in the oval Panathenaic Stadium first built in 144AD & renovated for the 1896 modern day Olympics which is made of all marble. I believe it holds about 80,000 people. This is where I slowed right down and tried to imagine the stands full of people cheering me on (as I've said before it's all about the accolades, I've got lots of hardware). The results? In 2010, 12,000 registered, 10,371 finished. A marathon is no easy task so if you've done one be proud, unless your one of those people who dress up in firemen or military gear, or carry a ball & chain or dress like a marijuana leaf, but those are the same people who do those Ultras & for them it is like a walk in the park. We know your names.

Stay hungry. Stay foolish,

Ken P.

Ken at a marathon expo.jpg