U of C Dinos Runners Conquer Canada West
Local University Track Team Brings home the gold!
Victoria , BC
The University of Calgary team capped off their outdoor season in fine form at the Canadian Inter-University Sport (CIS) National Cross Country Championships, which was run in conjunction with the Canada West Cross Country Championships, on a challenging course at Beacon Hill Park in Victoria, British Columbia.
Scampering over hill and dale, the Dino’s pulled off their best ever team performance with an outstanding CIS second place finish for the women’s team and a solid fourth place finish on the men’s side. Both the Dino men and women ended the day taking home the Canada West Conference team titles, the first time that has ever occurred in the history of the program.
The Dino women continued to be a powerhouse in the CIS bringing home their 5th team medal of which 3 have come in the past four years. With their sights set on a coveted CIS medal, the men came up just short feeling they should have been able to make the podium. Pushing for CIS glory, both Dinos teams showed their mettle while putting in strong performances in a sport that throws predictability out the window.
“Cross Country Running can throw you a curve when you least expect it. One day you are on top of your game and the next day you get taken out on the grassy knoll. You could either have your best race or your worst race, this is why cross country is a team sport, it is necessary for a teammate to step in and carry the load when another is suffering.” commented Dino team member Travis Cummings.
Head Coach Doug Lamont showed his pleasure with the teams’ results, "We have two Canada West Championships, a silver and fourth place finish at the CIS level, and that's probably our best result ever, we went out and competed on the day and got what we got, and all our athletes did a great job."
Overall, despite some individual disappointments, it was a great way to end the season and all members should be satisfied with their hard work. Dino’s results from the CIS Championships are listed below, full results from the championships can be found at www.sportingcanada.com.
Dino Results:
Women |
CIS |
SILVER – 96 pts |
Cda West
|
GOLD – 34 pts |
Heather Sim |
6 th |
1 st Team All Canadian |
Silver |
1 st Team CW All Star |
Jessica O’Connell |
15 th |
|
4 th |
1 st Team CW All Star |
Natalie Thompson |
16 th |
|
5 th |
1 st Team CW All Star |
Hilary Johnston |
27 th |
|
10 th |
2 nd Team CW All Star |
Faye Stenning |
35 th |
|
13 th |
2 nd Team CW All Star |
Kim McMurtry |
71 st |
|
22 nd |
|
Valerie Hurdle |
88 th |
|
29 th |
|
Men |
CIS |
4 th – 147 pts |
Cda West |
GOLD – 42 pts |
Geoff Kerr |
6 th |
1 st Team All Canadian |
Silver |
1 st Team CW All Star |
Matt Cloutier |
27 th |
|
7 th |
1 st Team CW All Star |
Ryan Russell |
32 nd |
|
8 th |
2 nd Team CW All Star |
David Zylberberg |
35 th |
|
9 th |
2 nd Team CW All Star |
Grant Burwash |
56 th |
|
18 th |
|
Brad Hove |
67 th |
|
21 st |
|
Travis Cummings |
72 nd |
|
23 rd |
|
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The High and Lows of the New York City Marathon Weekend:
Race Report by Graham Hood -Strides co-owner and resident fast guy...
On Friday November 2 nd, I boarded a plane to NYC to run my second NYC Marathon which also happened to be my second ever marathon. After arriving late that night, I awoke early the next morning to watch the US men’s Olympic marathon trials in Central Park. Every four years the Americans put on a stand-alone event where it is the one chance to make their Olympic marathon team, the top three get a ticket to the 2008 Beijing summer games.
It was a great event full of electricity and turned out to be a great race with a very impressive 2:09:02 run by the winner Ryan Hall. Hall broke open the race at the 18 mile mark by running a blistering 4 minute and 32 second mile and an overall 1:02:45 second half of the marathon. Unfortunately, the celebrations of an outstanding race were brought to a sobering level afterwards with news of a horrible tragedy, Olympic hopeful Ryan Shay had suffered a massive heart attack and passed away only 5.5 miles into the race (Ryan’s wife Alicia is a friend of my wife’s). After hearing the news, my thoughts immediately turned to home and my race the next day lost some of its personal significance. (more on Ryan Shay here...)
The next morning, I joined the masses on Staten Island to begin a race through the five boroughs. As the starting canon fired you could feel the energy of the 40 000 runners ready to be a part of a race steeped in history. The New York City Marathon is the original “ Big City” marathon and every participant can feel that they are a part of something special. I felt good passing over the Varazano Narrows bridge into Brooklyn. We were greeted by enthusiastic crowds as we continued through the diverse Burroughs of the city. In New York there is always some interesting scenery that keeps you entertained throughout the race.
Through Queens and over the 59 th Street Bridge which was the 15 mile mark, I was feeling relaxed and comfortable, still on my desired pace. At this point you are treated to yet another adrenaline rush as you enter 1 st Avenue in Manhattan, with wall-to-wall crowds cheering you on. The secret here, as always in a marathon, is not to get too excited by the crowd and be thrown off your game. The New York City Marathon could lend itself to an epic tale as there are non-stop sights, crowds, entertainment and runners. And of course, there are 26 miles that need to be traversed… And, as all of you marathoners know, the legs get a little heavy those last 4 miles or so, but the crowds in the park keep you motivated to reach the finish line.
My race went as hoped time wise; I improved on my previous NYC experience in running 2:34:52. If you ever do compete in this race, I’d be sure to save something for the late miles as you don’t want to hear the wrath of the NYC fans if you’re forced to stop along the road (or so I’m told). As many of the runners made their way towards Central Park, I proceeded to grab a quick shower and make my way to the airport... I couldn’t wait to get home and see my wife at the airport as somehow that had become the pre-eminent thought in my mind after the events of the previous day. Next year, I hope to return to the race with the Strides NYC Marathon clinic and relish in the experience. It truly is a magnificent time to be in the city and an event like no other I’ve ever experienced. For the record, I beat both Lance Armstrong & Katie Holmes!
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Winter Clinics are Hitting the Streets with Strides
With your New Years resolution in mind, or you just want to keep on track... Strides has the New Years list of running clinics ready to hit the streets. With a clinic to meet the needs of every level of runner we offer time tested training for all levels and instructors who are the top in the field.
Introduction to Running Clinic
Starting from square one (or square minus one): this clinic is for you. From lying on your couch, we'll get you ready to run 5 km comfortably! Couch potatos wanted! Conditioning Clinic Designed for someone who has some experience running but would like to get a little more distance under their feet. This clinic will increase your knowledge, confidence, and endurance to help you get through a 10 km comfortably. Advanced Clinic Do you want to take your running to the next level? The Advanced Training Clinic provides you with the fundamentals of performance training. This clinic is designed to improve your strength and endurance, providing you the platform to improve your performance at the distance of your choice! Half Marathon Clinic Is 21.1 km what you are looking for?! We have the clinic to get you up to your speed! Whether it is your first time at the distance or your are looking to improve, our progressive training techniques will help you reach your goal! Marathon Clinic
Starting the week of March 3rd: do a 42.2 km foot tour of Calgary or New York City... or maybe both, you decide! We'll help you get there in style!
- Beginner Marathoners... If this is your first crack at the distance, we will lay the ground work, based on expert experience and technical knowledge, to help you enjoy the experience. Our marathon clinic has helped turned beginner runners into marathoners! We want to help you find your pace and make sure you have the resources to maintain a healthy lifestyle!
- Advanced Marathoners... If you are looking to challenge yourself a little more, we have the edge that will provide you with the direction to help you achieve your goals.
Unable to join the clinic, but still interested in keeping in shape? Call or drop by Strides for training ideas and join us on Saturdays for your long runs.
For more information on Strides Running Store Clinics, please call 240-4656 or check out our clinic page. Our experience and knowledge will help you reach your goals!
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