Running for CHEO

Running for CHEO

Along with my colleagues at CIRA, I will be fundraising in support of the CHEO Foundation as we train for the Ottawa Race Weekend on May 27 and 28th. Learn more about what we're doing and how you can help us reach our fundraising goal. 

Team CIRA Runs is made up of 10 CIRA employees participating in the 5k, 10k, half marathon and full marathon events. CIRA (the Canadian Internet Registration Authority) is an Ottawa-based, not-for-profit organization that manages the .CA domain name on behlaf of all Canadians. You can learn more about us at www.cira.ca

Trying Something New

Trying Something New

I’ve decided to try something new this year. No, I’m not getting into triathlons or ultramarathons...yet. I’m still focused on my current love and obsession: the marathon. I’ve come a long way over the years. From completely crumbling and barely finishing the Ottawa Marathon in 2013, I’ve been able to shave about 35 minutes off my marathon time, which included qualifying for and running the Boston Marathon in 2016.

My Marathon Commandments

My Marathon Commandments

These are my marathon commandments. The divine rules by which I live my running life. These are the things I repeat in my head and remind myself of when I start to veer off-track. These are not set in stone - they will evolve and change over time. These commandments will continue to guide me through my marathon journey, which is destined to be fraught with it’s own set of new challenges, failures, and triumphs. 

Vancouver Rock N' Roll Half Marathon

Vancouver Rock N' Roll Half Marathon

2016 has been a year of ups and downs for me running wise. I finally conquered the Boston Marathon in April, although it nearly killed me. I ran a couple of awesome trail races on Vancouver Island and in Gatineau Park respectively. I struggled in the heat to a decent finish at the Canada Army Run Half Marathon in September. While I had achieved some good results and checked a few things off my bucket list, I was left with a bit of an empty feeling. A few years back, almost every race was a personal best. It's kind of just how it goes when you start to really get into running. With every race you learn so much, and apply those learnings to training for a next one. You are always getting faster and stronger, and continue to PB...until you eventually hit that wall.

2016 Army Run

2016 Army Run

Hot. That seems to be the theme of my races so far this year. After nearly dying in Boston, I thought I was done with heat-filled races for the year. That was until about 9:27 AM on Sunday morning, standing in my corral waiting for the Army Run to start, feeling the hot morning sun start to burn away at my fare skin. "This is going to suck" I said to my buddy Scott who was lined up next to me. "Oh yeah" he responded. We both knew what we were in for. 

Boston Marathon 2016

Boston Marathon 2016

I don't even know where to begin. This was the hardest blog post I've ever written. I'm usually able to sit down after a race and hammer out my thoughts, but  this time is different. I needed time. Time to rest. Time to recover. Time to reflect. Time to clear my mind and get back to normal. This race took a lot out of me, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. It was hard - the hardest thing I've ever done, and I'm just now wrapping my head around it all.