RMSC - the 10K Weekend

I love running in Canmore! I mean look at the view!! How is this not amazing? Love the air, Heck I even forgive the hills out here. And, since we are talking mountains, there are hills. #holyhills

 The Rocky Mountain Soap Women's Run was moved back this year and fell a week before the Calgary Marathon. Because of that I chose to do 10km on Sat and 10km Sunday. The goal would not be to have a best time, but to remain steady and do a time that would set me up for a great run at the Calgary Mara! The night before I set out the outfits....

And set the alarm as Tara was picking me up VERY early on Saturday to drive out to Canmore for the run! As I waited I tried to think about race strategy. Then I settled on the 'just run and have fun and push up on the hills' strategy. Sounded like a hella good plan!

Tara was walking the half and I would do the 10km. It really was a beauty day for it!! 

Or so it seemed around 630 am! 

 The hour long rive was awesome! And once we got to the Nordic Centre - YES! It was awesome.

 The start of the race...As you can see - an amazing view!

One of the things that makes this race so awesome is the aromatherapy cloths (the volunteers are prepping them in the photo) and the goodie bags at the end of the race! And the super cute t-shirts! 

And Buffs...funny no pics of the buff, tho. 

So now finally. Time to get a move on!

My usual...before selfies...

The race itself went quite well. I remained very steady. I did slow down a bit at the the 5km an 6km mark and the 8 and 9 km mark. Just felt a little tired and distracted. I could not see my data, but knew I was really steady throughout the entire race. I mentally noted a couple trouble spots that I could FIX the following day...But here is a bombshell. IF i forget about time, pace, performance - and just enjoy the run, I run better. Sure this was not a personal best. But I felt so GOOD the entire time. Running out in Canmore at the Nordic Centre just feels good. It is my #runhappy spot. I forget about what it SHOULD be and can JUST BE. I love that about running out here. Good thing, since i think I have 4 more races out her before September!!  

Run Finished in about 72 minutes. I was pleased. Sure I would love to be able to pop off more like 66-67 mins...but I do have a marathon in a week...And I can try to do a little better tomorrow too! I popped over to say hi to Simon Donato of Stoked Oats and Boundless fame...and had a visit and ate some oatmeal. Then I whipped over to help out at the Strides tent to help sell merch as we were rather busy! Tara came and got me when she was done. She shopped a bit, while I finished my shift.

Off we drove...and once again...reminded how glorious this town it! 

We checked in and then had a lie down. Normally I don't do that, but \why not. 

We conked right out and slept for a couple hours!! 

Then we went for dinner and had a glass of bubbly to celebrate.

 And then we decided to have a nightcap at the hotel...but there were no cups or glasses. 

Handy we both had our hand-helds at the ready (and the foam roller)! 

And then we got to sleep in til 8 since Sunday didn't start til 10! So lots of time for jacking around.

Overall I ran a steady race. It was the exact same race as the day before. And in spite of having a couple glasses of wine, I felt rested and fine. I drank a lot of water the day and night before. And, I popped  a good dose of ENERGYbits when I got up. And again just before the race and felt energized. This time I did not carry water and was just fine with three water stops available to me on 10k route. I pushed on the hills I knew I needed to and felt comfortable the entire time. I remained focused and my mind did not wander like Saturday. I suppose one's goal is not to be comfortable but to push the boundaries. However, I wanted to finish strong and feel good going into a marathon. And I felt great afterwards. And I finished almost a minute and a half faster than the day before! Score!! And a few days later when uploading data, I was very close on pace for both races. Did a tad better on a couple hills. Another score! 

Our friend Jen was running with her mom on Sunday, but we never caught up with them until after the race. But we all had a great run! I was faster than the day before, and remained nice and steady in pace. Jen's mom was 3rd in her age group - a first for Gabrielle! We were so pleased for her!! And both Jen and Tara ran strong races. A great day by all! It's such a feel good celebrate girl power race and you really leave filled with a lotta love. Such a great atmosphere!  Jen wearing the Rocky Mountain Soap Women's Run Buff - I am wearing the Fast and Female Buff! 

And then it was time to go home....sigh...

Oh and you know how I always hate my race photos? 

Somehow THIS race always gives me ones that are pretty darn good! 

Here are Saturday's

and Sunday's

(And I only left out one really bad one!!)

So now to concentrate on my big bad mara next weekend! eep

Running for Pancakes: Stampede Road Race

The other morning I woke up and thought...mmmm. Pancakes. 
Anyone who knows me knows that I love pancakes. A LOT! 
Even when I am not running or on taper

I know you are thinking...and this has to with running...HOW????

One of my local favourite runs has pancakes. You run, they feed you pancakes. BONUS, indeed.

Yes. I am talking about the one and only Stampede Road Race. 

SO I guess a little background is in order. The Stampede run is held during the Calgary Stampede. If you are not from Calgary, you might not be familiar with the Stampede. 

The Calgary Stampede is an annual rodeo, exhibition,festival held every July. The 10-day event bills itself as "The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth" attracts over a million visitors and features one of the world's largest rodeos, a parade, midway, stage shows, concerts, agricultural competitions and First Nations exhibitions. Our Stampede has been going strong since 1912. 

And with Stampede comes pancake breakfasts. I am not really sure why. 

Legend has it that in Stampede's early days there was a chuckwagon driver known to camp at the old Canadian Pacific Railway station. He often shared breakfast with other cowboys. And, with other who passed by. Thus began the tradition of Stampede hospitality. And, over the years this tradition has expanded. Today, (seriously) every day during Stampede there are dozen so pancake breakfasts. 

Pancakes are synonymous with The Calgary Stampede. So with the Stampede Road Race we would expect nothing less! Its a great local race - with a halfmarathon, 10km and 5km. And a fun kids race too...so there is something for the whole family. Like many summer time races it really is a party atmosphere. 

This year I am SO pumped to be doing this race this year. I have missed out on running it the past two years due to other commitments. But this summer I am back. And I am excited for one of the the awesome shirts...something that many runners rave about. The shirts are fun, and technical. The kind you actually wear AFTER a race! 

And in keeping with the "stampede" or western tradition, 
the medal for the halfmarathon is pretty freaking awesome. 

Another reason this race is so appealing to me is the view. The route is great - a scenic favourite of many Calgary runners. We run around the Glenmore Reservoir area and Weaselhead Flats - which connects north and south Glenmore Park. It's scenic, a little hilly (not THAT hilly) and challenging but so beautiful to have such a great park within the city! 

There is also a personal reason for why this race is special...in 2010 I did the 5km race in just shy of 41 minutes. It was hard. And, there is no photographic evidence (whew). I was about 210 pounds, and not really in shape.

One year later, I was 30-some pounds lighter. And ran 10km in about 70 minutes. Quite a victory. And, the race was so fun for me. It was so different running after I had been training.

And I am so looking forward to running again this year! And this one will be a half-marathon for me. IT might be my 30th half...or maybe it is my 29th...I better go check! It does tend to get very warm, but the race starts early - 7 am - so by the time we are done, it is still early and time for pancakes!! 

And one of the other great things (IMHO) about this race is their charitable donations. Since 2009, the Stampede Road Race Society has donated over $45,000 to Calgary-based charities. This year, the profits of the SRR will benefit Can Praxis, a charity that helps veterans and their families though equine assisted learning. 

Stampede Road Race is proud to announce its partnership with Can Praxis, a not for profit that helps veterans and their families through equine assisted learning. Horses, along with team building and communications training, help soldiers and their families recover from the effects of war.

I love smaller community races, and this is one that you really should do! Come join me (and all the fun kids!) for a fun race and a great pancake party afterwards!

If this isn't enough to make you want to sign up for this FAB race, check out these reviews from my fab pals who love the race... Michelle is running the halfmarathon again this year. I am hoping Cori will have a super awesome cheer station! 

Michelle 2012 + 2013          Cori  2010 + 2011

Have you run the Stampede Road Race?

Are you signing up this year? 

HURRY UP....early bird pricing ends June 2!!

Calgary Marathon: 5 More Sleeps!

Yup. 

The Marathon. Its looming. 

Really I am not panicked. I have momentary freak outs. 

Then I have moments of zen...where I say...yes. YES you can.

Then I get all up in muh grill and say..oh yesss. you WILL

Clearly I like me some power animals! 

I have trained. I have had my setbacks. I have gotten my mileage in, perhpas not all teh speedwork. And, frankly, I've had too much sickness and stress. But I persevered. And, I am (deep cleansing breath) ready. 

I am ready to run. To challenge me. To know that I have done this before. I will do it again. 

In doing so, I really hope I see some great signs along the way. 

Like this. 

Or this. 

I have a stronger heart and more determined head. I am ready. Sure, I would like to be faster, but that is not where I am at right now. I am going to be steady. Consistent. I will be present. And happy. 

Persevere. Breathe. And Believe. 

And when i get to the finish, this beauty (or is it a beast) awaits! 

Its a medal. It's a bottle opener. Its a belt buckle. 

Yes. Indeedy.

I think the most exciting thing is that I know so many people who are coming to the race to get a big fat shiny medal around their necks. This is gonna be a FAB 50th birthday party for Calgary Marathon. 

And, we are lucky to be able to run it. We have our health! Klink!

And we shall all proudly walk funny for a few days afterwards! 

#runbitchrun

Oh. YES. And I have one hellova kickass soundtrack for my run too! 

#fuelyourbetter: Vega Sport Energy Bars

**Disclosure: As a Sweat Pink Ambassador with Fit Approach, I was selected to review the Vega Sport Energy Bar. I received free product to review, but the opinions in this post are ALL my OWN!

Just a little background on my and Vega...

I regularly use Vega One Nutritional Shake (and jazz it up with almond milk, banana and berries and chia seeds) - sometimes before a run or as for a breakie shake on the way to work. I was introduced to it in December, reviewed it, and several months later am still using it. Last Summer, at 5Peaks Trail Runs they served us Vega Sport Recovery Protein. LOVE it! I do try to be organized and use it after long runs in smoothies. Heck this winter I won beer at a race and a pal of mine won the Vega Sport  - I totally said, "Wanna Trade?". HA! Honestly, I am still learning about nutrition, but I have found that this plant-based protein power really does reduce my recovery time between workouts! And, it tastes better than the other powders I have tried. I like Vanilla since you can mix it other  fruits or flavours in more creative ways than berry or chocolate flavour. 

Anyhoo. Let's talk about those Energy Bars!  

When I was given the opportunity to pick a product to review, I chose the Vega Sport Energy Bar. Partly because this was a product I could use DURING a run. Especially since I was getting to be in the thick of marathon training. I am generally not a fan of protein bars, so I thought these'd work perfect!

I TOTALLY MADE THE RIGHT CHOICE!! 

Vega Sport Bars are gluten free, dairy free and vegan.  I got the super yummy chocolate coconut almond flavour. Quite honestly they were delish! The first time I tried them was actually on my birthday. Krista had picked me up and we went off to the BMO Vancouver Mara Expo for our half marathon bibs. Both of us had skipped breakfast, so I whipped one outta my purse and said lets try this! We were both pleasantly surprised at the "brownie like" texture and tastiness. The flavour combo was nice. Not too sweet.

I have taken them on my last 3 long runs (they fit right onto my SPI Belt or in the front pocket of my hydration vest). During a 15 or 20miler, I definitely needed some extra energy and these went down so much better than gels!

I also tried them a few nights after work when I had about an hour to get from work to a run, an loved how they worked. The  first time, I took a few bites and ate half the bar. It really was a perfect energy boost to sustain me during a run - no matter what the time. Last week, I had a 5miler race at 7pm. I didn't want to eat before the race, so I ate one about 30 minutes before I arrived. It satisfied me, and I had great energy for the run. My tummy is happy with them, and that is a big win.

Have YOU tried any Vega products? Got a fav? What did you think? 

#fuelyourbetter

#vegafueled 

Check out Vega's awesome new campaign! 

Wordless Wednesday: 11 sleeps til the Mara

***sometimes I just need to remind myself***

Running Thru the Decades: What are YOU Wearing?

This year the Calgary Marathon turns 50 making it Canada's oldest marathon!  So it is time to celebrate. For some of us that just means running. Race organizers have come up with a unique way to celebrate 50 years of running history  -- they are having a race day costume contest:

Pull out your retro running gear and vintage duds from the tickle trunk! Professional race photographers will be on the route and at Stampede Park capturing pictures of the best costumes. Celebrity judges will be watching the finish line and will name The "Best Dressed of the Decades". Winners will be contacted after the race and winners announced online on June 9. You must finish the race in your costume to qualify!

What can you win? (check here for details on the FAB prizes!)

Grand Prize: RUN BARBADOS WEEK-LONG PACKAGE FOR TWO 

First RunnerUp: RUN TORONTO WEEKEND PACKAGE FOR TWO 

Second RunnerUp: RUN VICTORIA WEEKEND PACKAGE FOR TWO

Need some ideas? 

Me and some of my running pals have snapped a few pics to help YOU come up with a few creative ideas!  A SUPER FAB shoutout to Cori for all her enthusiasm and ideas to help me write this post! 

 Some 70s inspiration from Lindsay!

 Or some 80s inspiration from Nikki, Michelle and Yours Truly! 

 

(what you didn't think I was an 80s girl?)

Amanda shows off her 90s neon!

Shall we play GUESS the Decade with some awesome musical tributes

Thanks to Susan, Cori and Nikki for some inspiring running duds inspired by Elvis, Madonna and..my personal fav...the Grunge Runner! 

Remember that you can wear run gear UNDERNEATH costume gear...

Great finds - running gear or vintage wear is found at Value Village or thriftshops! 

And, don't forget about using fabric paint! Always awesome for costumes! 

(you could use it instead of jewellery...again...google search engine is YOUR friend!)

If you still are not inspired...Check out my PINTEREST for some great ideas pinned there by me and Cori.

AND of course for EVEN more inspiration....

Tina Fab's Top 10 hints for making "dressing up" easy! 

1. Keep An Open Mind. This is FUN and enjoy it. Check out all the pics online and be inspire. You would be surprized at all the fun things you can do with your running gear.
2. Be Creative. You can customize your shoes with colorful duct tape or even KT tape.
3. Do a test run. You know the rule nothing new on race day? Yeh.  MAKE SURE you TEST your costume? You want to minimize mid-race unpleasant discoveries.
4. Vaseline is Your Friend! Use liberally to avoid serious chafing, especially if it is raining (this specifically relates to unpleasant discoveries).
5. Safety Pins are Your Friend! Pinning props (necklaces, anything that may move) to your outfit helps prevent bouncing (you’ll know what to pin from your test run!!!). You can also safety pin a tiara or headpiece to a hat or visor. FYI – carry safety pins with you (say, in your water bottle pouch) for emergencies.
6. Think Breathable! Not cotton. Wear lycra, or whatever wicking fabric floats your boat. THEN put the “costumy” stuff on top.
7.  Don't Use Cheap Makeup Kits. If you are going to PAINT your face…use theatrical make-up, such as Ben Nye (this stuff lasts forEVER!).  
8. Don’t use hairspray. Remember you will sweat. Think burning eyes. And, trust me. NEVER use hairspray. If you want to set your makeup…use what some of the fab pros I know use - Urban Decay's All Nighter. Still, I might not spray anywhere near your eyes.
9. Dressing Up Can be Aerodynamic. Just because you are in costume doesn't mean you cannot run a great race or chase a personal best. 
10. Revel in the Awesome. Expect some commentary. and have fun with it. There will be cheering. And it is kinda motivating! At many marathons there are always those who run in costume to get a World Record! 

AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST!!!

Fame Awaits, people! 

Work the Crowd. Spectators are going to love you. Use their enthusiasm to your advantage.

Have YOU run in costume? 

What is your fav costume you have run in? 

Or Seen at a race? 

eep! Late for Liebster!

Ok! Clearly I am remiss is responding! I have recently been nominated for a Liebster Award from Terry, Brian, Leana, Darilyn, and ( a really long time ago) Krista! And in the last few weeks, bloggy pals Michelle and Cori have done a Libester post too! SHEESH!!! I best get answering the questions!! And I chose a mixup of the questions on a few of the bloggers! Thanks for the shout-outs my fab fellow Canadians!

1. Why did you start blogging?

I think I decided to start blogging to keep myself accountable. And, to talk about how training and doing races made me feel. I had come from heavy and sedentary to running (slowly, and faster...and well sometimes not so faster) and I thought that sometimes I might have a funny sotry or two to share. And if no one read, well at least I was getting my thoughts out there! 
2. Do you have any "furbabies"? If you do, tell us about them.

OK. This is crazy to admit. I have NEVER had a pet. EVER. 
3. What is a habit that you had you are most proud of breaking?

oh boy. I have never smoked...I have heaps of little bad habits. I should swear less. But dammit, I don't have the fortitude to stop. I am probably lazy. I probably used to drink too much. But I grew up. And now i feel the effects of drink if I try to run. SIGH. I don't do drugs or gambled.

I LOOOOVE to procrastinate like hell!  

I really should stop procrastinating. I will....

5. What is your favourite holiday?

Christmas. It was my Grandmothers favourite time of year. I recall her house being exquisitely decorated. And how she wrapped presents!!! Perfection! My mother still has her home decorated within an inch of it's life! I love the look and feel of that. And singing Christmas Carols. And eating turkey. And yummy Christmas breakfasts. And reading new books that one has just unwrapped. Oh, and Christmas books too! 
6. What would be your dream job?

Being a lady of leisure would be grand. Or being a food critic. Or a travel writer. I always wanted to write for a magazine or in a book publishing company....but no such places existing in the tiny part of the world I grew up in. 
7. What's the first site you check when you turn on computer?

I probably check my email. Then snoop on Twitter and FaceBook.

This is TOTALLY hilarious. And true. 

 8. What did you study in university/college? 

I studied Voice Performance. As in a Bachelor of Fine Arts. Yes. I sing like Julie Andrews and a la Maria Callais, Renee Fleming. But I felt constant pressure and I actually stopped singing for a few years. Once I was studying Literature at university, I began voice lessons again. And was singing with a women's choral group again. Over the years, I have sung with several symphony choruses - including Melbourne and Calgary. I have sung for the Queen, and a few Canadian Prime Ministers. And, two Australian Prime Ministers too. Oh I ended up getting a degree in Communications - and work in marketing and public relations. 
9. Who is your biggest celebrity crush?

mmm. Nigella Lawson or Anthony Bourdain or Neil Gaiman (who has nothing to do with food like the first two!). Authors all of them...witty, smart and fabulous imaginations, all! 

10. If you could run with anyone, who would you choose?

Maybe Gordon Ramsay would like to have a VERY slow run with me. And then give me some cooking tips in the kitchen. I would be soooo all over that! 

11. What’s your favorite workout and why?

I sometimes just like to put my trainers on and go for a run. Often after work. IS that a tempo run? maybe. I  jsut like to tune out and go. A trail run is also fairly good at kicking my ass ...and is so lovely. A good view whilst running...best thing ever! 

12. What motivates you?

Motivation is like a pushmi-pullyu for me. Fear of failure can motivate me. The desire to have fun motivates me. And I never ever feel guilt over running - unless I do NOT do it! Running is what keeps me sane. I go out 

13. Looking back over your last year of training, what would you change and why?

How do I change losing my job, getting shingles, having a bad bout of flu, bronchitis and then another cold (all in the last 8 months)? I am just ONLY now feeling better. Still not as strong and fast as I used to be. I cannot wish that away...I wish I could. I cannot. But I can work hard at being more persistent. My theme for this year is "believe, breathe, persevere". I will get there. And more. I just have to keep going. 

14. What is your favourite thing to do as a training reward?

Training rewards TOTALLY centre around food or drink for me! I so love a good breakfast - so give me  Eggs Benedict  and I am happy. But that is a rarity. A latte or good cuppa tea is often what I have. Or a smoothie. AND a big fav thing to do after a long run is soak in a nice hot Epson salt bath and read a magazine.

15. How do you get yourself going again after a “funk”?

Running is what brought me out of a funk several years ago. But in recent times, if I have ever felt blah about running, going for a run with a friend or a small group of friends (and then having coffee and good laughs) is totally a good cure! 

16. What hobbies do you have outside of the athletic?

I love to cook. I love to read. I love to take photos. I also love wine and champagne. And reading about wine and history!  I should love cleaning a whole lot more than I do....

17. What is your go-to fuel (pre/during/post workout)?

Pre run, I try to eat toast and peanut butter, or a little porridge. During long runs lately I’ve been taking EnergyBits or a gel. Trying not to have too much gels as they really upset my tummy. Post workout, i will drink chocolate milk or almond milk or a smoothie! 

18. What are you most proud of? (athletic or not)

I have trouble actually saying I am PROUD of myself. I guess I am proud of getting off my arse and running my way to losing 40 pounds and realizing that yes I can run a marathon. I'm proud that I persist when I often wondered if I really could do it. And, I think I can say I am proud of who I am as a person (thank you to my Mom and her 5 awesome sisters, and my grandparents who have shown me how awesome  it is to be loved and to have people cheer for you no matter what) because of my super awesome family. I think I am also super proud of my cousin Jim, who in his mid-30s chose to live a life of authenticity. He is a man of integrity and I love that when i spend 5 minutes with him he knows how to set me straight and give no bullshit advice. 

19. What is your most embarrassing workout story?

Oooh. You mean like the time I was doing a 10km race and with less than a kilometre to go from the finish line I really had to go. And there was no waiting. And it was pissing ran/sleet/snow so my tissues were wet so I had to go into the bushes and use leaves? (Um I have about 3 of these stories) Or that other time I was running a relay and I had gone 4 miles with NO loo...and I realized I had another 2 miles to go. And I HAD to GO. So as I ran into a spot that gave a tiny bit of cover (ok..it was a deep hill going into Lowe's parking lot with a bit of a covered garden area) another van saw me and pulled over asking if i needed help. HA! i told em i had a biffy emerg. They tossed me baby wipes and said get going!! And as I left cover...they were standing there waiting to give me high-5s and cheer me on! You gotta laugh. Wait...there is more....oh so many stories. HAHA

20. What’s something about you not many people know?

I was baptised with water from the Jordon River. When I was a baby, we lived in Libya. And our pastor used to make a trek to the Jordon to get water to baptise the parishioners. I am the middle kid (older brother, younger sister). oh. Do I karaoke? Yes. I can absolutely rock out the house when I do a barn burner version of Gloria Gaynor's 'I will Survive'. Have been known to rock Paradise By the Dashboard Lights, too. Gimme a few drinks and...you may get me belting out something from Grease, or Divinyls "I Touch Myself". If my StepDad picks the song, I get Patsy Cline.

Run RnRVAN with Me: Discount Code!

Thinking of running #RnRVAN?

Come run with me!

Register for 

Rock ‘n’ Roll Vancouver Half Marathon and Cunningham Seawall 10K 

and SAVE! 

Register for the HalfMarathon with code 'CRANTINA' and receive a $10 discount! 

Register for the 10k, with code 'CRANTINA10k' for a $5 discount! 

REGISTER HERE! 

See you there! It is gonna be FUN! 

Calgary Mara: 411 on H20

We runners love volunteers. 

We Hi-5 em at races! We shout that we couldn't do it without them. We give and get hugs on course. We even let them dump water on us on those super hot days!

But have you wondered what happens to get the WATER on course? Or about the logistics that happen to ensure everything runs smoothly on race day?

Planning for a race like the Calgary Marathon begins as soon as the course has been finalized and approved by the city. It takes months of work! And flexibility is key. Changes can occur to a route due to venue location changes or construction.

Fun Facts about Race Day Water! 

The amazing Cori did this infographic for me!

• Once course is set, the logistics team “map the route’. 
• They drive the route and take photos of areas where water station is planned (ideally located 3km apart) 
• A route report (driving instructions, photos) is given to aid station captains, port-a-pottie delivery guys, and water, equipment truck drivers.  This detailed description ensures the equipment, water and people all show up in the correct spot!
• The logistics team calculates how many run through each aid station - resulting in a spreadsheet detailing equipment needed at each location – cups, tables, garbage cans, rakes, jugs, water, or gels!
• While you might see 3 or 4 volunteers at an aid station, there are several shifts. So throughout a race there could be 14-20 people working at a station at any given time!
• Before the race volunteers drop off the equipment and do set up. Then they make the rounds dropping off the aid station volunteers. And then they take it all down.  
• So on race day... every aid station has had somewhere between 12-40 working at it to ‘make it happen’.

This year Calgary Marathon has 13 aid stations with 2 bonus “water only” stations. 

Marathoners will get water twice at aid station 11 and aid station 12 along Memorial Drive.
The 50km runners pass by 4 times! 

THAT means marathoners get 17 aid stops and 50k-ers get 19!

How much water is that? 

Not including finish line or the water bottles you get with food 

Calgary Marathon uses about 550 5-gallon water bottles!

 That means 175,000 paper cups for the course alone! 

No wonder it’s a great idea to GO GREEN and bring your refillable water bottle!

MUCH THANKS to Michelle Simonin, Logistics Coordinator 
on the Calgary Marathon Committee!   

For the past six years, she and her FAB logistics team have worked to make this race go off 

without a hitch. And, their work has helped keep us runners hydrated and happy. 

Michelle has been running since 1999. She has ran 16 marathons, 1 50km, 5 Ironman races 

and “too many to count” halfmarathons!  

Keep Calm. It's my Birthday!

I am off to Vancouver

to run 21.1km at the BMO Vancouver Mara! 

#25AnniversaryHalfMara

#soexcited

#rocktheBday

#NewAgeGroup

Anyone Wanna Have a Birthday Drink??