Last Sunday marked the annual Sudbury Beaton Classic. This event is well known among Sudburians, and has always been an event that athletes aspire to be part of. Many years ago, when I was just starting to run, I competed in the Beaton as the canoeist for a team of Moms. I looked at the athletes doing the event solo with awe - how can anyone be that strong to accomplish a solo Beaton?

This year, I decided to compete in every event of the Sudbury Fitness Challenge. It is important to set goals for yourself, and I thought this would be a great one for me. When I started the Fitness Challenge last February, I wasn't sure how to manage the Beaton. By June, I had psyched myself up to trying it solo. I started training for the many events, and was surprised by how much I enjoyed multi-sport training. It got me away from just running.

Sunday was a day that I will always cherish. I competed in my 1st multi-sport even alongside my partner, and my daughter Kate won the kid's triathlon. Once again, I was so pleased to see the support and encouragement of our cities athletic community. I was also really happy to see the large number of youth competing in the triathlon. The future of sport in Sudbury looks very promising! I also have to send a very special thanks to Vince for loaning me his super speedy road bike - I wouldn't have done so well without it!

The Beaton Classic is a unique event for our city. We should continue to support it by attending and volunteering next year. We want to make it even better in 2010. Thanks especially to the Rocks!! members who helped out this year. I strongly encourage everyone to stretch themselves out a bit beyond their normal comfort level and try something new. It is a very rewarding experience."

Part 6 – The Joy of Running

Welcome to the 6th and final column in our “So you want to Run” series. My goal was to provide you with a bit of knowledge about running in the hopes that your interest in the sport might get sparked. We’ve covered all the basics and your tool belt full of knowledge will see you safely on your running path, even to competitions if you so desire. With these simple beginner tools you can now easily go on to being a successful runner. Some of you will even go on to embrace your new sport and truly enjoy the experience. I surely do. I’m often asked how I stay motivated running day after day, year after year. It’s an odd question to me as I really do love running. But how will you keep your enthusiasm after the initial high has subsided? How do you keep the joy in your running? Let’s discuss that.

We all start to run for different reasons. Weight control, stress relief, social interaction, fun, and competition are the biggies. Most of our rationales for continuing usually change somewhat. Over time we often discover a different self. We feel better both physically and emotionally. We have become more confident and not only in our running lives. We now feel more in control. We love the sense of satisfaction and achievement. We just have to find ways of staying at it.

The easiest way to stay motivated is to keep your running fun. That usually means keeping training levels sane and probably includes running with others on a scheduled regular basis. The social aspect goes a long way in making the sport fun and improves your running ability as well. There are always free coaches and advisors out there to keep you tuned up. Plus it’s a great opportunity to gossip.

The best way to stay stimulated is to set some goals. Just make sure they are realistic. Before deciding to put a training program in place take a look at your daily schedule to ensure you actually have the time to make it all happen. Family, work and other commitments vie for your time and they are all important. Remember, the idea is not to add needless negative stressors to your life. It’s smart to have at least a couple of goals. A long term goal might be to run a marathon someday. In order to succeed in that endeavour you require shorter term goals that get you out the door on a regular basis so you can slowly increase your endurance over time until the marathon is absolutely doable. It may take some time but that’s what long term goals are all about. Mine is to run 100,000 miles (nearly 161,000 kilometres). I don’t know if I will ever make it but my short term goals of getting out on a daily basis and training for and completing a few runs each year have kept me solidly on track and with luck someday I will have to modify that once dream goal - upward.

Don’t be afraid to modify your training when necessary. Life or injuries or both will get in the way once in awhile. Learn to recognize when you need a break and don’t be fearful of a little down time.

The joy of running over the long haul is all about balance. You are a runner but you also successfully balance a regular running schedule and maybe some competitions with the normal goings on in your daily life. Your life focus is usually a blend of many things including family, friends and work. Running probably should not be the primary one – unless you are collecting a paycheck from the sport. Unless you make your living as a runner, don’t take running too seriously. Don’t make running your life. Make it part of your life.

Keeping the above in mind and adhering to some of the points should not only make you a more successful runner but better still it just might bring you to the level where you truly experience the joy of running. I hope so. It’s a good place to be.

That’s it folks. My ‘So you want to Run’ columns are done. I hope they have excited a few of you and I further hope there are some new runners out there now enjoying the sport. I look forward to seeing you on the roads.

For those who have missed some of the series or if you would like to review some points you will find all the articles in the Latest Running News ‘ Archives Section’ at www.sudbyuryrocks.ca.

 

Join Team 'Sudbury Rocks for the Cure'

I have registered a team with the help of Stephanie Koett and Maureen Moustgaard to participate in the CIBC Run for the Cure on Sunday October 4, 2009 and I would like to invite all Rocks!!! members to join. This years team name is "Sudbury Rocks For The Cure". Anyone wishing to join our team can go to the www.cibcrunforthecure.com website, choose the Sudbury location and follow the instructions to register. Last year our Rocks!!! team raised a great deal of money for a cause that I'm sure has touched everyone in some way or other. It would be great if we could match or exceed the amount this year.

My new email address is shyawmaclean@gmail.com for anyone wishing to get in contact with me or just send me a quick email so I can add you to my address book.

Hope to see everyone on October 4!!!!!

Sheila Yaw-MacLean