August 5, 2004

Track North Web Site

View of Lake Placid from Whiteface Mountain

Rocks!! travel to Lake Placid for the Ironman Triathlon

 

"More Stories"

Leslie Mclosky Writes:

Ah race day at last. It seems that the training goes on forever then poof it’s the 25th. I say the 25th because both my Ironmans or would that be both my “men” were on the 25th, (oops just kidding Dave). “There’s something cosmic in that don’t you think?” “You know 2 + 5 = 7 and 7 is lucky for many people….. Actually, when I initially pulled up the tribuddies race numbers from the Lake Placid web site I sensed that they were all excellent numbers. “ What’s that you ask?” “Yes I do bet on horses by their colour if you must know”

It was a wonderful day. The weather was perfect ! My Dad must have had a hand in that because he knows what a wimp I am about rain or cold and he probably felt sorry for the rest of the gang having to listen to me moan about the potential ice storm on race day.

After getting set up the day started off as per usual with the tribuddies making that last mad dash to the porta potty (hope this isn’t too graphic for you younger folks) You really know you are in race mode when you can go into the Herby sans footwear. “ Aghhh….. I warned you.” “What were we thinking?” I guess that’s it we weren’t thinking we were just being. “Hmmm, so deep” Actually my Lake Placid Mug says “To do is to be”……

Ok, let’s stay focused here! The swim start is always an anxious time before you really get cracking. While in line I was glad to have rescued an Italian fellow’s goggles from the sand. He seemed very appreciative and we bonded briefly exchanging pleasantries. The start had times posted to seed yourself. Looking back I likely could have started further ahead as I was having to swim around a lot of people. There is of course a lot of congestion at the beginning of the swim, (not lung congestion) just swimmers stacked up like chocolate bars in a vending machine. People are tickling your feet as you all try to find space. There are those people that find it acceptable to swim on top of and or over others. “Where do they think they are going for heavens sake?” Boo Hiss… You’d better hope you’ve already had your kids if you do that to me.

Wow the swim was done and what a great feeling to get out and find lots and lots of bikes in the bike corral! Whew, yes, I’m smoking here!!! Just flying along…… Darn, had to stop just outside the timing mat to engage my brakes. NOT that I used them much, except for the initial killer downhill with the sewar bump that would send you into orbit.

So out onto the bike course, it’s hilly. Get to Keene downhill and fly down. Thank goodness we rode that section a few times before the race. It really was quite easy after you practice it. (good learning point) Up to Jay and Upper Jay, it’s hilly. The aid stations were marvelous on the bike route. I actually took drinks from the people as I rode through this race. I know “hellooo” The best aid station was at the NorthPole (actual town) where people were dressed up like Santa. They also had the best music going!!! “ I’d do a 3rd loop just to hear that music, ok it wasn’t that good but close” “ Did I mention that it was hilly?”

Finally I was back in town rounding Mirror lake. There is a sharp right turn on a grade. The spectators were cheering and so close. “Oh my God it’s like being on the L’alp d’huez time trial. I was standing and stomping on the pedals, past main, behind the school and “Oh my God what happened to my legs I’ve got another loop.!” After I cleared the lactic acid from my legs going over the sewar bump I headed out for my 2nd loop. “You know what?” It was darn hilly. I was looking forward to the Keene hill. “Ok ok I confess, I was desperate for the Keene downhill!” “How can it be that there were more uphills than downhills on a course?” It was great to see Sheila , Jan and Al smoking up the course. Actually it was an unusual feeling to be biking with other people still around. Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha

I didn’t do the Lance Armstrong thing coming in the second loop strictly because I was saving my legs for the run. I know it disappointed the crowds but you have to ride your own race.

It’s not quite the same feeling coming in from the bike and finding lots and lots of bikes in the corral. I was happy with my bike though, I expected 8 hours and came in slightly under that.

T2- Transition two Yeah, the bike was done. Did I mention that it was hilly?

The run course starts with a cruel downhill meant to break the best of them but your legs are still in bike mode so they really don’t know and just go where you point them. Gravity helped also. I had my Heart Rate Monitor on to keep me honest. I tend to be a lazy sloth like runner who, without outside assistance would saunter along for the entire race.
Ah, more excellent aid stations! The run course was a 2 x out and back type course. Honestly I was somewhat freaked out by this before the race but found it to be great as the run was naturally broken up into segments.

2nd loop on the course my lungs and heart were up to staying honest but my IT bands were playing dueling banjos. “Where is Barry when you need him?” The race concludes on the Olympic Oval. It’s amazing how you find more power as you near the finish and the music becomes louder and the crowds are cheering. I entered the stadium and
Van Halen JUMP started up. I resisted the urge to play air guitar. My children Meg and Gabe popped out from the sidelines and we ran in for a finish I will treasure. I’m sure Jan, Sheila, Al and I would all agree it was a momentous day. “momentous” it’s a sacred tribuddy word only whispered on the most special of occasions

Now you are all probably thinking, What’s with Leslie she didn’t mention the support crew at all. “Well, I thought I’d save the best for last, besides it too hard to type, cry, type, cry….. What a great support crew, ( in no particular order) Jean, Dan, Lise, Vince, Brent, Steve and his family, Marg and Ray, Julie and Phil, my best girl and boy Meg and Gabe and of course Dave who makes it all come true!

They had a tough job because our motel was right on the bike/run course so they couldn’t sneak off and party too much. These people live and breath the good times with you. They have the added burden of watching and praying that nothing goes wrong because it would hurt them twice as much.

Remember the announcer at Pentiction 2002 “YOU GUYS ARE AWESOME”

Thanks also to those supporters at home sending along their energy and prayers. “YES, WE COULD FEEL IT BABY!!!”

In Summary, good weather, long good day, nice people and one fine Hamburger Dan ! Thanks

Jan Weeres Writes:

Hi, Vince and Gang,

Well, Brent and I arrived back from Lake Placid, so I thought I would give you a break down of my experience at IM USA. I read Sheila's report so I will try not to duplicate, except to say a big THANK YOU to all of the Lake Placid Support Team. It was comforting to have all of you there. I tried not to be stressed and often had to combat those negative thoughts with positive ones. It worked most of the time except, during the night before the big day I remember laying in bed not sleeping, my heart was pounding, and I said to Brent, "I am very scared". But you know, once morning (4:30) arrived, you start doing all those routine race preparation things that help you not be so nervous.

Standing in line waiting to enter the water at the swim start felt a little like going off to war, there were so many athletes! Sheila, Leslie and I hugged and wished each other good luck, then Sheila and I swam to the back of the crowd. Before you knew it, the cannon went off and so did we. Try to imagine a serious smelt run in the spring. That's what the water looked like to me. There were two thousand athletes in the swim start. It was hard to see where to go, so I just went, and as usual I did go off course slightly and got kicked in the face so bad that I was checking for a bleeding nose. The first lap was like swimming an obstacle course but the second lap went much better. I actually found my sweet spot ( a weird swimming term), basically I was swimming well. My calves cramped a bit on the last half but I ignored it.

Out of the water and into transition. Wow, the volunteers were great. I'm sure my volunteer would have actually dressed me if I had asked her to! On to the bike. I had a great bike. The 9k Keene hill was awesome as Sheila mentioned. I love downhill. The faster the better. What a rush! However, at the bottom there were volunteers waving and shouting that there was a bike crash. I came around the corner and sure enough the ambulance aids were loading an athlete onto a stretcher. His face was all bloody, I'm assuming he hit his aero bars first. That was pretty bone chilling to see. I saw coach Steve on the bike, told him I was doing ok, felt a little tired at that point, and then low and behold my tri-buddy Sheila showed up!! It was great.

We went through bike/run transition together and started the run together, saw all our support team ( that was great) then I told Sheila to go ahead. I was turning it over at that point but was not going to push it. I saw Leslie, told her to go ahead, just wanted to finish, but you know, at the mile 17 aid station they were handing out cans of whoop ass and I just had to open one!! Wow, what a difference!! (Actually I remember Frank Lesk in the Cape Breton Relay telling me if my legs were tired, to start and focus on moving my arms - thanks Frank). It really works! My pace picked up, I didn't feel my sore feet, and then I got in the "Zone". I saw Sheila and Leslie on the turn around just ahead of me, high fived them as we passed and then slowly started to close the distance between them and me. I managed to pass Leslie and hammered in the rest of the run with a smile on my face. It was amazing! It was such a high, spectators shouting your name ( as Sheila mentioned our name was on our bib), I felt very strong. I tried to burn every moment , every sound , every emotion into memory. What a great day...it was everything I expected, and more! To top it all off, Sheila, Leslie and I finished within minutes of each other. I remember Laura Young asking me why I would do an Ironman if I wasn't going to win, well now I know - it's because I can. (p.s. Ruth, if you are reading this, know you can do anything if you really want to)

Thanks for all the great coaching Steve, Vince and all the support from friends and family before, during and after. I can't wait to do another one!

Jan

 

Vince Perdue - Getting the word out that Sudbury Rocks!!

by Randy Pascal of Sudburysports.com

Vince Perdue - Getting the word out that Sudbury Rocks!!
2004-07-30
by Randy Pascal
Long-time local runner Vince Perdue explains that the founding of the Sudbury Rocks Running Club evolved from an effort to make road racing accessible to runners of all caliber, regardless of the base from which they were starting. "We really try to provide information that will cater to everyone, regardless of ability", said Perdue. "I have also gotten far more satisfaction in training or helping other runners than in anything I was able to accomplish myself", Perdue notes.
A native of the Peterborough area, Perdue was hired by Inco in the early seventies. And while he had competed in some track events while in school, he never seriously took up road racing until 1979. Looking to develop a more active and fit lifestyle, Perdue had began cross-country skiing that winter and wandered into running as a means of maintaining the weight-level he had achieved. Perdue explains that he has always been far more influenced by people, fellow runners, than he was by the sport itself.
"After running the Manufacturers Life 10km race with about 500 people, I hooked up with Russ Thom who was a friend that was in training to complete the Voyageur Marathon", said Perdue. For a few years, Perdue continued to compete in marathon and half-marathon races until 1983, when he continued to run for fitness without any aspiration of participating in specific events.
Again, Perdue stresses that it was a particular individual rather than a race-specific goal that provided his re-birth into road racing. "An acquaintance from the neighbourhood I had just moved to, Tony Durbacz, knew that I was running and asked about completing the Beaton Classic as a duo", states Perdue. At the same time, he developed an affinity towards the Ramsey Tour, a half-marathon event held every September in Sudbury.
As so often happens in many sporting circles, the contacts began to spread and along the way, Perdue formed a friendship with two mainstays of the Sudbury road racing scene, Malcolm Stevens and Ron Poirier. "By the mid-90's, I was running faster times than I had ever run previously", said Perdue. "But I was training a lot smarter and was being coached." Looking back, Perdue figures that he peaked in and around the turn of the millennium, and now continues to run comfortably with a goal of completing one marathon each year.
"I just don't have the mental drive to keep pushing myself at 90% of maximum capacity while in training", said Perdue. In 2001, Perdue was approached by a handful of local female runners wanting to run the Boston Marathon. Unfortunately, the world's most well-known marathon race requires entrants to qualify by attaining a time and all but one of the local lady runners achieved the standard that fall in Toronto. The next few months provided Perdue with one of his most memorable running experiences, not to mention among his most satisfying moments.
After the Toronto race, he approached Jan Weeres, the one runner from his local contingent who had not qualified for Boston and asked if she might be willing to give it one more chance, training alongside Perdue. In order to be ready for the April race in Boston, it was imperative to find a winter marathon in the Southern U.S. Training in some of the toughest winter conditions that Perdue had ever seen, the duo ran a marathon in Austin, Texas together, meeting the required standard with forty-five seconds to spare. With no specific coaching credentials to his name, Perdue sees himself more as an "advisor", drawing on years of personal experience to provide helpful tips.
After retiring from Inco in 2000, Perdue was looking for an outlet to his boundless energy, and his goal of giving back to the running community and trying to provide an avenue for beginner runners eventually grew into the Sudbury Rocks!! Running Club. In the early years, the club spread word of articles of interest through flyers at races. But about one year ago, Perdue and friends jumped aboard the Internet band-wagon, launching "www.sudburyrocks.ca", an excellent source of local running information which also tied together several different groups already actively involved in the sport.
The weekly newsletter includes a section dedicated to Track North head coach Dick Moss and also allows an outlet for many local runners to pass along their experiences from participating in road races and triathlons across North America. The Sudbury Rocks club received another pleasant surprise this past May with the opening of the Running Room at the Cedar Point Mall, a retail outlet that offers a wide variety of walking and running clinics to athletes of all levels. "The Running Room has been an absolute Godsend to the Rocks. They can do so much more than we would have been able to accomplish on our own", notes Perdue.
While general fitness concerns continue to grab headlines almost daily, Perdue sees a light at the end of the tunnel. "The numbers keep climbing and start of the web site is attracting so many more people" said Perdue, who noted that new Running Room members alone accounted for about an additional fifty runners at the July 1st Firecracker Race in Lively. "I think if we can just get the message out there that there are avenues available for people just learning how to walk for fitness right through to the competitive racer, that would be wonderful" states Perdue, summarizing the thoughts of many involved in local sports.

 

Haw eater 5k Classic Run - July 31

Saturday, July 31 @ 9:00 am

Approximately 50 participants showed up for Little Current's first 5k. The Organizers were delighted with the turnout. Lise Edwards and Sheila Yaw-Maclean of the Rocks!! were there along with a few Running Room Run Club members from Sudbury. For those who ran, you can send your thanks to the following people.

INFO: Contact Greg 705-368-3531or Kristen 705-368-0694

THIS SATURDAY @ 10:00 AM

Late Registration from 8:30-9:30 AM

(Check out the Promo on Tv Channel 10)

This August, a team of Canadian Relay Runners and adjunct University of Toronto professor Kirsty Duncan will run for a star down the Dream Trail-- from Sudbury to Toronto over six days (August 7th-12th) in support of the Make-A-Wish Foundation ® of Toronto.

NOTE: I will be asking Sudbury Rocks!! Runners to assist as marshals in the event -AND- I am also looking for Rocks!! runners to assist Kirsty Duncan in her run. Our group will pace her in 11 mile sections for 2 days until she gets to Parry Sound. (44 miles a day).

We welcome all runners to send off our long-distance athletes with a 5 km fun run in Sudbury (the ‘Kick-Off to The Dream Trail Run’, August 7th, 2004).

Contribute to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and help fulfill the special wishes of children who have life-threatening illnesses.

5 km Fun Run

Saturday, August 7th, 2004 (10:00 a.m.)

 

Try the Espanola TRi

SWIM 750m - BIKE 20 km - RUN 5 km

THIS SATURDAY!!

Race starts at 8:00am at Clear Lake Beach.

Click Here for more Info

The Road to Hawaii

Lise Edwards Prepares for the Honolulu Marathon with Team Diabetes

Get ready for a Hawaiian Luau
Get ready for a Hawaiian Luau on September 17, 2004 @ 8:00 p.m.

Lise Edwards, Team Diabetes Honolulu Marathon runner, is holding a Luau to
support her fundraising goal of $6,200!! The Luau is being held on Friday,
September 17 at the Steelworkers Hall on Frood Road.

The tickets are only $10 and the dress code is the wildest shirts for men
and the most colourful dress for women.

There will be a contest that night for the wildest/tackiest shirt for the
men! Yes ladies, just when you thought you could get rid of that wardrobe
item, he now has a reason to keep it!! Don't worry - it's for a GREAT
cause! There will also be a Limbo contest for all you athletic individuals to so you can add the Limbo training to your schedules. Vince has been working on his Limbo moves at the Running Room store during slow times:)

A disc jockey will be on hand to keep the party hoppin'!
Please share this information with all you know.
Tickets are available at the Running Room. If you have a group that would like to attend and would like to all sit together, there will be some reserved seating available on a first come first serve basis.

Hope to see you there.

Team Diabetes Canada
Honolulu Marathon
December 12, 2004

Aloha, Lise

For information email Lise at ledwards@fitfriends.ca

Vince's Note: A hot linked banner has been added at the top of the homepage connecting you to Lise's marathon information. I will keep it open until her upcoming event in Hawaii this December

Click Here for info on her fundraising Hawaii Luau