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A Marathon and More

by Sandra Karl

When it comes to marathons, I have a tendency to make big plans. In May 2017, I limped across the finish line of the Ottawa Marathon, hampered by an Achilles tendon injury. At that moment, I vowed to myself that I would be back in 2019 to celebrate my 50th birthday and complete the Lumberjack Challenge.

The Lumberjack involves three races (2K, 5K and 10K) on Saturday afternoon, plus a full marathon on Sunday morning. To save you from doing the math, it’s a total of 59.2 kilometres. I viewed it as the ultimate “Embracing 50” party with my sister, brother, husband, kids and running friends. Continue reading “A Marathon and More”

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An Old Friend

by Gary Poignant

I’m thinking about reconnecting with an old friend: the marathon.

My first marathon was in 1996, in Victoria. It improved my life in so many ways. I discovered strength and stamina I didn’t know I had. I finished many unforgettable races, including Boston, Chicago and New York City. I became healthier and happier.

And, most importantly, I found true love.

In May 2001, I convinced my partner and best friend, Linda, to join me for the Edmonton Marathon. She had finished a marathon six months earlier and agreed to sign up for the epic journey through Edmonton’s streets, along the same course set for the world-class athletes at the World Championships that summer. Continue reading “An Old Friend”

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Words of Wisdom from the Marathon Woman

by Kelly McGurrin

My two best running buddies are my mom, Helen, and my friend of over 40 years, Julie Michel. All three of us are breast cancer survivors. The pleasure and therapeutic value we get from running cannot be expressed in words; it’s pure emotion and endorphins.

We have run the Ottawa Race Weekend numerous times as well as another favourite, the Space Coast Half Marathon in Florida. A “bucket list” race we’d often considered was the Niagara Falls Women’s Half Marathon. This year, we decided to go for it. Continue reading “Words of Wisdom from the Marathon Woman”

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The Science of Ultramarathons

Ultramarathons have quickly become “the next” race for runners of all shapes, sizes and experience, as the number of ultramarathon races has increased by a thousand per cent over the last decade. The term “ultramarathon” is most commonly defined as any race longer than a marathon (42.2 km) and run in a single stage. In 2018, there were more than 1800 ultramarathon events held in over 75 countries. 

Up until 10 years ago, these types of athletes—and the science behind competing in such an event—were barely on the scientific radar, so I thought it would be interesting to discuss some of the latest cutting-edge research. Continue reading “The Science of Ultramarathons”

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Instructor Profile/Marie-Andrée – Du Parc, Montreal, QC

by Harmony Marin

She is a grandmother, an excellent group leader, a great runner, and our current Half Marathon training program instructor. Marie-Andrée Ulysse is an amazing person who always makes people smile. She has a natural charisma that keeps the group united. With her, things aren’t too complicated—running looks light and easy.

Marie-Andrée has always been running for fun. She ran her first timed 10K in 2012. Her motivation to join Running Room was to complete her first half marathon and in order to do that, she needed to know more about running. She wanted to get a good training program and avoid injuries. In 2014, she joined the Half Marathon clinic at our store on avenue du Parc, in Montreal. At the end of that program, she completed her first half marathon, and has been running with us ever since. Continue reading “Instructor Profile/Marie-Andrée – Du Parc, Montreal, QC”

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Baked Tofu

by Lisa Podlecki, RD,
Diploma Sport Nutrition IOC

Tofu is a great protein source if you decide to go meatless for a day or if you are vegetarian/vegan. It contains all of the amino acids (building blocks) of protein so it can help maintain and build muscle mass. This is an easy and delicious way to prepare tofu for the week—feel free to marinate the tofu or change up the spices or condiments based on your personal preference. The nutritional yeast in this recipe is a great source of vitamin B12 for vegans. Serve as part of a main dish or add on top of a salad.

Continue reading “Baked Tofu”

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20 Minute Challenge

by Trish Slipp

On July 10th, runners and walkers across Canada and the United States helped celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Running Room with the 20 Minute Challenge. This event dates back to 2004, when John Stanton invited everyone to mark the company’s 20th anniversary by visiting a Running Room location and getting active for just 20 minutes.

John says that when he created the Running Room, his vision was that “no one would ever have to run alone.” His vision has definitely become a reality, as 245 participants joined John and his family at Edmonton’s 109 Street location, and over 11,000 runners and walkers participated across Canada and the United States. All participants received a free cap and for this special anniversary, dressed up in their best 80s gear to pay tribute to 1984, the inaugural year of the Running Room. Continue reading “20 Minute Challenge”

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Out of the Ordinary

by Melissa Ellis

I ran until I found a balloon.

It was floating by and the string dangled lazily across the sky. I thought it might get tangled on the trees close to the road, but it floated just above the tree line and skimmed across them to continue on its way. I smiled and turned around.

This will be my year, I thought. For one year, my runs would be marked by the finding of the ordinary and the special of the things I saw on my run. Continue reading “Out of the Ordinary”