Posted on

Learning From Lucas

Humility is hard to find. When you encounter someone who has it, it is like a breath of fresh air. Lucas McAneney is such a person. I met Lucas a few years ago, as a customer of the Running Room store he managed. We chatted and compared notes about races we had in common. Imagine my surprise when I later found out that this friendly store manager was actually an elite runner who has won the Mississauga Marathon, won the Oakville Half Marathon, won the Ottawa Marathon, placed fourth at the Buffalo Marathon, competed in the Pan Am Games, and many other elite running credentials. Continue reading “Learning From Lucas”

Posted on

Guardians Half Marathon and 5K

The annual Guardians Half Marathon & 5K is the signature provincial run for the Law Enforcement Torch Run, in support of Special Olympics. What started in 2017 with 350 runners and $25,000 raised, grew to 450 runners and $32,000 raised in its second year. We are very excited for year three and hope to continue this incredible growth, supporting a cause that impacts so many lives every day. Continue reading “Guardians Half Marathon and 5K”

Posted on

Why the Marathon?

When you mention running a marathon to a group of non-runners, they may shake their heads in disbelief and ask: “Why?”

There are many meaningful reasons that runners and walkers choose to tackle 42.2K. For some, it’s a “bucket list” item. For others, it’s a chance to mark a significant occasion like a birthday, anniversary or family reunion. It can be an ambitious challenge you tackle with a friend, or an exciting element of an overseas vacation. It can be a way to honour someone close to you or raise funds for a cause you care about. Continue reading “Why the Marathon?”

Posted on

Instructor Profile/Alexander Molnar–Kingston, ON

by J.B. O’Reilly

The bad winter weather of 2018-2019 made life challenging for many Canadians, including those enrolled in the Half Marathon training program at the Running Room location in Kingston, Ontario.

Despite the crazy weather conditions we encountered week after week, the good-natured personality of instructor Alexander Molnar made our clinic an enjoyable experience. Continue reading “Instructor Profile/Alexander Molnar–Kingston, ON”

Posted on

Race Giving

Race: Foodfare-WPS Half Marathon
Charity: The Canadian Cancer Society
Funds raised in 2019: over $2 million

by Nick Paulet

For the 15th year, participants from across Manitoba and beyond gathered to celebrate personal goals as well as community service. On May 5, the 15th annual Foodfare-Winnipeg Police Service Half Marathon was held in support of the Canadian Cancer Society. Continue reading “Race Giving”

Posted on

The Science of Stride Rate

Recently, there has been a recent surge in research, magazine articles, and blogs about stride rate. Let’s take a look at the science behind this commonly misunderstood biomechanical factor.

How fast you run is a function of two factors: (1) the length of your stride and (2) the frequency at which you take those strides—known as your stride rate. To run faster, either factor has to increase. For the past 30 years, the magic number of 180 steps (beats) per minute (bpm) has been discussed as the goal. This arbitrary target number has been seen as a method to increase running economy and potentially reduce joint loading during running. Continue reading “The Science of Stride Rate”

Posted on

Summer Play

Family members of all ages thrive on unstructured “playtime.” This is especially true for Canadian families, as longer days bring extended outdoor play hours. Here are some ideas to help your family get moving and play together this summer:

Active Training. If you missed out on a community run/walk or charity event in the spring, consider signing up for one. Take the family to a free all-ages event like the Running Room 20 Minute Challenge— it might be the springboard for a more active summer ahead. Continue reading “Summer Play”

Posted on

The Woman and the Bay

by Christopher Redford

Hamilton’s Around the Bay Road Race, established in 1894, is the oldest road race in North America, three years older than the Boston Marathon. The race remained closed to women for 85 years, until Tersilla Komac came along. Born in Castelfranco Veneto, north of Venice, Tersilla had no time for running in Italy. She was too busy working on the farm. Coming to Canada in 1954 at the age of 22, she married Emil Komac and set about raising three children in Burlington.  Continue reading “The Woman and the Bay”

Posted on

Summer Running FAQ

by John Stanton

It’s summertime, and the living is easy—but a casual approach isn’t wise when it comes to exercising in hot weather conditions. To help you stay safe in the heat, here are my responses to common questions about summer running.

How much water do I need to drink?
As summer temperatures soar, proper hydration becomes a top priority. You need to drink frequently before, during and after exercise. Plan to drink at least two cups (500 mL) of water in the hour prior to your run. During your workout, sip (don’t gulp) water every 15 to 20 minutes, and be sure to re-hydrate once your run has concluded. Don’t wait until you feel thirsty, because at that point you may already be dehydrated. For normal fitness activities, plain water is your most effective drink. For workouts or races over three hours, a sports drink can help replace lost electrolytes. Continue reading “Summer Running FAQ”