Promoting the love of running

Posted on | August 30, 2010 | No Comments

BY STEVE MATTINA, SPECIAL TO THE SUN

Cross-country running is what I consider running in its raw form. The introduction to it is usually at a young age through our participation in school events. What’s unique is that the appeal is not on personal placement but more so on participation, or rather a team feel, since most times the weight rides more on the fifth or sixth placing runner rather than the top few because it’s a combined score that determines the winning team.

I was lucky in my school years because there was a resurgence of sorts in running. It was the work of a passionate teacher who decided to take it upon himself to raise a huge team to represent our school. I remember going away to meets where we got to travel as a complete team, from fastest to slowest, and needed two buses just to get the whole team to the event. The days were spent watching and cheering other runners as you waited for your start time; of course, the bus rides back consisted of fun times and dreams of better results no matter what the outcome of the day.

It was times like this that I believe helped me make a big decision in my life, turning away from what was a career job to reach out for something I was passionate about. I found this in a little store on Robson Street where I joined in with a bunch of runners to go for a simple group run, not thinking this would change my life forever. Back then, the Running Room was small, just 11 stores with races and events very old-school in that they consisted of the classic bagel and oranges and the usual tailgate-like hang around after an event.

Of course, this changed. Events grew and so did the company. Now we are involved in most major marathons coast to coast and have recently past the milestone of over 100 stores in Canada. But that being said, we still haven’t forgot where we came from. If you look around at local high school track meets and cross-country events, you will still see our presence and the fact that pure running has never left us. I consider myself quite lucky in that most people cannot say they can combine what they are passionate about with their job each and every day.

I look at the Whistler Spirit Run and see those early days, realizing that when passion takes hold and the right people are in place with a dream in hand, nothing can stop the growth.

The Whistler Spirit Run holds all the right cards in that it is a quest of passion to promote activity and the love of the sport through our youth and masses. It’s an event like no other in that the venue itself was made for greatness and we are just left to fill in the missing pieces.

The best way of putting it is using the words from the famous Finnish runner, Juha Vaatainen: “Stadiums are for spectators, we runners have nature and that is much better.”

Region offers inner happiness in the great outdoors

Posted on | August 24, 2010 | No Comments

Many in the community are adventurers who love an active lifestyle surrounded by natural beauty
By Kristin Seller, Special To The Vancouver Sun

Every Monday until the third Whistler Spirit Run takes place Sept. 25 and 26, read columns written by guest writers.

Many of Whistler’s residents are outdoor enthusiasts who came just for a visit, decided that wasn’t enough and then launched heart-first into a love affair with the Sea to Sky region.

With unique, breathtaking panoramas visible from trails, lakeside parks and village pathways, it’s impossible to ignore Whistler’s allure on the slopes and in the valley.

Coast Mountain vistas, crisp air and easy access to a variety of outdoor adventures have inspired Whistler’s locals and its visitors to embrace an active lifestyle.

Whether you’re cycling or walking along the valley trail, riding the cross-country mountain biking trails in Lost Lake Park, taking a gondola ride up Whistler Mountain for a scenic alpine sightseeing experience or enjoying an evening paddle on Alta Lake, there are numerous ways to move through Whistler’s beautiful landscape and appreciate all that it has to offer.

Celebrating athletics and outdoor fun is a cherished part of Whistler life, whether you’re watching mountain bikers compete during Kokanee Crankworx, pedalling from one Pemberton farm to the next on Slow Food Cycle Sunday or congratulating competitors at the RBC GranFondo Whistler finish line. Whistler’s events contribute to its vibrant, energetic vibe and offer unique ways to appreciate its natural beauty.

The Whistler Spirit Run, for example, is a two-day cross-country and trail running event that includes races for children and adults at a variety of ages and ability levels. Participants are offered the opportunity to absorb the spectacular scenery of the Callaghan Valley as they share time on the trails with friends and family at Whistler Olympic Park.

Events such as the Whistler Spirit Run provide undeniable proof the Whistler atmosphere is invigorating and full of possibility.

Whistler is a community surrounded by soaring mountains, rooted in its passion for a huge variety of adventures and constantly embracing many routes to inner happiness in the great outdoors.

Kristin Seller is with Tourism Whistler.

Whistler isn’t just for winter activities

Posted on | August 16, 2010 | No Comments

Spirit Run is the first non-winter sporting event to be held at Whistler Olympic Park
By Keith Bennet

Every Monday until the third Whistler Spirit Run takes place on Sept. 25 and 26, read columns written by guest writers from the world of sport.

As the sun rises just above the treetops in the Callaghan Valley, a flurry of activity begins. Dedicated volunteers move quickly to complete the setup for the third annual Whistler Spirit Run. Trails are being marked, tents are being erected and the finish line clock is being set.

This event is much more than a race — it’s an opportunity for trail runners of all ages and abilities to explore the Callaghan Valley by foot, to meet other runners, and to raise money for the great cause that is KidSport BC. The Whistler Spirit Run is an inspiring event for all.

Whistler Olympic Park played host for the cross-country, biathlon, nordic combined and ski jumping events for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. This venue is now known as North America’s premier nordic area. However, it’s not just a hub for winter activities. In the future, it will host such events as orienteering challenges, mountain bike races and trail-running events, just to name a few.

The Whistler Spirit Run is the first non-winter sporting event to be held at Whistler Olympic Park, and represents the future of our commitment to the legacy venues. I truly believe that our three venues — Whistler Olympic Park, the Whistler Sliding Centre and the Whistler Athletes’ Centre — will be the foundation for sport and community development in Whistler and in Canada for years to come.

This fall, our team will be introducing corporate meeting planners to biathlons, offering piloted public bobsleigh rides and hosting athletes in a lodge where Olympic competitors recuperated. Each of our facilities offers boundless opportunities for use beyond the sports they were built for.

Whistler Sport Legacies is proud to support KidSport BC and its efforts to provide the financial support that allows any child to participate in organized sport. We look forward to supporting the Whistler Spirit Run for many years to come.

Keith Bennett is president and CEO for Whistler Sport Legacies.

PI Financial Corp. renews support for the Whistler Spirit Run

Posted on | August 16, 2010 | No Comments

VANCOUVER, BC – PI Financial Corp. (“PI”) announced today that it has renewed its support for the Whistler Spirit Run & Festival which will take place September 25 and 26 at Whistler Olympic Park. PI will again act as the presenting sponsor for this exciting event. Building upon the successful events in 2008 and 2009, the September events will consist of two days of running with races for all ages and abilities. Saturday will feature a cross-country festival designed for school and club teams as well as competitive runners. Sunday will consist of 5K and 10K fun trail runs for all ability levels as well as a 4 x 2.5K team relay.

Max Meier, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of PI Financial Corp., said his firm was pleased to continue its support for this charity running event which fosters healthy communities by involving children as well as adults in an outdoor activity. Whistler Olympic Park, which is located 15 minutes south of Whistler, in the beautiful Callaghan Valley, was the site of cross country skiing, biathlon and ski jumping events for the 2010 Olympic Winter games.

“We are thrilled to have PI back as our presenting sponsor “ said Peter Diemer, President of the organizing committee. “We have been fortunate, that notwithstanding the difficult economic conditions, all of our partners from 2008 and 2009 are back with us this year. We are confident that we can increase our numbers substantially again this year and continue our development of this event in the memory of Frank Reynolds”.

PI Financial Corp. is a Vancouver-based, full service investment dealer employing 170 people in its offices in Vancouver, Victoria, Calgary and Toronto. PI and its Chairman Max Meier, have been strong supporters of Whistler sporting events for the last 17 years. Mr. Meier is the co-founder of the Whistler Cup, an International Juvenile ski event which attracts the best 11 – 14 year-old racers in the world and PI Financial Corp. has been a sponsor of that event since its inception in 1993. PI is also the headgear sponsor of Whistler-based Britt Janyk, who finished 6th in the recent Olympic downhill event.

The Whistler Spirit Run & Festival is a two-day cross-country and trail running event that takes place at Whistler Olympic Park and features something for everyone. The Whistler Spirit Run is the realization of Frank Reynolds’ vision to provide a world-class running event in the beautiful backyard of British Columbia. Today, its goal is to foster healthy communities throughout the lower mainland and all of British Columbia, by providing funds to British Columbia athletics through charitable donations and scholarship programs.

For more information, please contact:
Max Meier
Chairman & CEO
PI Financial Corp.
Tel.: 604.664.2905

Peter Diemer
President
Whistler Spirit Run
Tel.: 604.657.1358

For more information – visit – www.whistlerspiritrun.com

Range of running courses keeps sport interesting

Posted on | September 23, 2009 | Comments Off

Vancouver area has a wealth of options

By Maurice Wilson, Special to the Vancouver Sun September 21, 2009

There are many types of cross-country runs, but what they all have in common is that they take advantage of the natural landscape to create an interesting and challenging race for runners of all abilities.

Traditional cross-country is run primarily on grass in parks or across open countryside, involving multiple laps of a relatively short distance. The multi-lap format makes such events spectator- and children-friendly.

Whether it is a big mud puddle, a stretch of sandy beach, twisty forest trails, or eye-popping scenery, every race presents unique and memorable challenges in a way that running on the roads cannot match.

The softer surfaces associated with getting off the roads helps build leg strength and endurance while reducing the possibility of injury. This makes cross-country running excellent cross training for other sports, too.

Constantly changing conditions and the need to pay attention to route markings strengthens the mind as well as the body. Adjusting for natural obstacles such as fallen trees, rocks, roots, and mud requires agility to maintain momentum. Running up and down hills and changing stride length stretches muscle groups, helping prevent overuse injuries.

Around Vancouver, we are fortunate to have parks, trails and mountains that allow you to experience all forms of cross-country running.

The Lower Mainland Cross Country Series appeals to the traditionalist. The North Shore Trail Series provides the solitude of the trails. The 5-Peaks Trail Running Series features some of our best local mountains. And the BC Ultra Trailrunning Series will have you running all day, and into the night.

The longest established of all local races is the BC Cross Country Championships. The 61st annual championships take place in Stanley Park on Oct. 31, with races for all ages and abilities.

Past winners include many of Canada’s best endurance runners. The Whistler Spirit Run on Sept. 26-27 provides a warm-up to the provincial championships.

For a complete listing of all races throughout B.C., check out the BC Athletics website: www.bcathletics.org.

Maurice Wilson is the technical manager, Road & Cross Country Running, for BC Athletics.

To read a longer version of this article, go to vancouversun.com/ sunrunseries

Whistler Spirit Run goes green with Bullfrog Power

Posted on | September 22, 2009 | Comments Off

Charity running event chooses 100 per cent green electricity.

Vancouver, September 22, 2009 – As part of its commitment to give back to the community, the Whistler Spirit Run & Festival has chosen to bullfrogpower their September run. The result of the newly-formed partnership with Bullfrog Power will ensure that as much green, emissions-free power is injected into the regional electricity grid as the charity running event uses.

 By being bullfrogpowered, the Whistler Spirit Run will have a reduced impact on the environment and help to raise awareness of the choice people have to support green power for their own homes and businesses.

 “Choosing 100 percent low-impact renewable electricity for the Whistler Spirit Run is fully aligned with our goals to create a world-class running event,” said Peter Diemer, President, Callaghan Valley Sport & Cultural Society. “We take every action we can to preserve the beauty of our landscape and of our community and we value the support of a company like Bullfrog Power.”

Training beneficial at any age

Posted on | September 14, 2009 | Comments Off

More and more, active adults are discovering cross-country skiing is an ideal winter activity to complement their main summer sport, be it cycling, road running or triathlons. There is no better sport to develop overall strength, aerobic fitness and coordination without stressing your joints. Just ask my mother-in-law, who often can be found chasing any one of her 10 grandchildren around Cypress Mountain’s cross-country ski trails.

Those kids are part of a growing number of children from the Vancouver area who are choosing cross-country skiing as one of their main sports. Some are participating on a mostly recreational basis while others take part in races. The benefits they gain from skiing transfer to their other sports as well.

The activity they use for cross training more than any other is cross-country or trail running.

Cross- country running is very accessible and offers advantages to athletes of all sports and of any age. For young children, running is considered a key movement skill. Running should be encouraged at an early age and developed throughout the elementary school years. Young kids should take part in a variety of games and play to ensure their well-rounded development — cross training taken to the extreme.

Once they enter high school, teenagers will naturally start to narrow their focus to two or three sports. Whatever sport they choose, cross-country running will help them to be better. The adolescent years provide the best opportunity in a person’s lifetime to develop the aerobic system – the heart and lungs and the ability to use oxygen in the muscles. At this age they find they are able to run longer distances. Teenagers who do distance trail running revel in their increased strength and endurance. They also develop their agility and balance running on uneven terrain.

Cross-country races such as the Whistler Spirit Run provide motivation and help to hone competition skills. This all adds up to teenagers who develop a positive self image, the self-confidence that they can handle any difficult situation and a love of the outdoors. The endorphin release that can change a moody teenager into a happy productive person in the space of a 45- minute run should have all parents racing to sign their kids up for the cross-country team.

The secret to engaging kids, especially teenagers, in sport is to create a social group or “team.” All kids are looking for that sense of belonging. Cross-country running and skiing are similar in that they are individual sports in which training as a team is extremely important. The young athletes learn to work together so that they all can succeed. What could be a boring long run becomes a series of crazy conversations, friendly teasing and heart-to-heart talks where they help each other to work out problems.

So whether your child does sprinting, soccer or curling, or is just looking for a way to get active, think about cross-country running.

Sign up for the school team, join a track club or get some friends together and sign up for the Whistler Spirit Run. Do the cross-country race on Sept. 26 or the 10-km trail run or team relay on Sept. 27. Better yet, make a great weekend out of it and do both.

- – -

Jake Weaver is a level 3 NCCP cross-country ski coach with the Hollyburn Jackrabbit Ski Club Racing Team. He is on the organizing committee of the Whistler Spirit Run.

Whistler Spirit Run gets exclusive access to Olympic Park for charity running event.

Posted on | September 10, 2009 | Comments Off

Event organizers are gearing up for the 2^nd Annual Whistler Spirit Run & Festival, a two-day cross country and trail running event in support of KidSport™ BC.  The September run, taking place on the 26^th and 27^th at Whistler Olympic Park, will host a competitive series of races on the Saturday for runners of all ages and a 10K trail running race on the Sunday.

 With the Olympics in Vancouver quickly approaching, on September 1, 2009, access to the newly developed Whistler Olympic Park in the Callaghan Valley will be closed to the public as teams lay the groundwork for the much anticipated event. The Whistler Spirit Run offers participants not only a chance to visit the venue after this time, but to experience it first hand.

 According to Peter Diemer, President, Callaghan Valley Sport & Cultural Society, “It’s the only running event on site before the Olympics and it will provide runners of all levels with a chance to be a part of a world-class competition.”

PI Financial renews its commitment to the Whistler Spirit Run.

Posted on | September 3, 2009 | Comments Off

PI Financial Corp. announced today that it has renewed its support for the Whistler Spirit Run & Festival which will take place September 26 & 27, 2009 at Whistler Olympic Park. PI Financial is the presenting sponsor for this exciting event. Building upon the successful inaugural event last year, the September run consists of two days of running with events for all ages and abilities.

According to Max Meier, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of PI Financial Co, “Our firm is pleased to be supporting a charity running event that focuses on promoting healthy communities right here in British Columbia.”

Whistler Olympic Park, which is located 15 minutes south of Whistler, in the beautiful Callaghan Valley, will be the site of cross country skiing, biathlon and ski jumping events for the 2010 games.

 “We are thrilled to have PI Financial back as our presenting sponsor. We have been fortunate, that notwithstanding the difficult economic conditions, all of our sponsors from 2008 are back with us this year. We are confident that we can double the number of participants over our first year.”   – Peter Diemer, President, Callaghan Valley Sport & Cultural Centre.

PI Financial Corp. is a Vancouver-based, full-service investment dealer employing 160 people in its offices in Vancouver, Victoria and Calgary.

PI Financial and its Chairman Max Meier, have been strong supporters of Whistler sporting events for the last 15 years. Mr. Meier is the co-founder of the Whistler Cup, an International Juvenile ski event which attracts the best 11-14 year-old racers in the world and PI Financial has been a sponsor of that event since its inception in 1993. PI Financial is also the headgear sponsor of Whistler-based Britt Janyk, one of Canada’s foremost medal hopeful in the upcoming winter games.

Food to fuel a healthy, balanced lifestyle

Posted on | August 31, 2009 | Comments Off

Each day, our goal should be to find the right balance between food intake and physical performance. The key is to burn 600 calories every day through exercise. Here are some key points for achieving peak performance.

Avoid fast foods: They definitely are not “fuel foods” for optimum performance. Why? If you indulge in a Big Mac, french fries and a large milkshake, you would consume 2,200 calories. You would then have to run almost a marathon — 22 miles or 35 kilometres. Running a mile burns about 100 calories. Intelligent food choices are just as important as exercise to stay healthy.

“Under-size” me: Portions of meat, poultry and fish should be the size of the palm of your hand. Fruits and vegetables should be the marquee attraction, with daily servings of five to eight 1/2-cups (125 mL). The meat portion should be the “condiment.” Hungry? Think fruit: Reach for a piece of fruit as a snack. Go for healthy carbs such as strawberries or a banana.

Think fresh. Buy fresh. Eat fresh: Stock up on locally grown fruits and vegetables in season.

For dairy, eat low-fat yogurt, cottage cheese, skim milk and lower-fat cheeses such as Italian parmesan, bocconcini, Spanish manchego, Greek feta and chevre.

Pure fruit and vegetable juices contribute to your daily intake of five to eight fruits and vegetables. But remember that they add to your total caloric intake. Dilute fruit juice with water.

Go nuts: Roasted nuts and peanut butter are, mmmmm, good. A little goes a long way: 2 tablespoons — or 30 mL — provides nearly 300 calories.

Chocolate, chocolate, chocolate: Indulge in a nibble a day of dark chocolate (a 30-calorie bite, or 1/4 oz., 6.8 grams).

Red wine: A perfect complement to any meal. Women should keep their alcohol intake to one glass a day.

Coffee: Enjoy, but limit your intake to one to two cups daily. We have a cup of coffee before a run for an extra jolt.

What to eat the night before and the morning before the Whistler Spirit Run: In the ’50s, when my husband Doug and I competed, athletes were told to eat steak, in the belief that it would provide energy. Wrong! Pasta is now the “fuel food” to eat the night before. The evening before, don’t eat anything that is new to your taste buds. Eat normal portions, possibly a little pasta, salad, bread, but no alcohol. Drink water.

The morning of the run, most prefer just a cup of coffee, or a half a bagel or toast with peanut butter. Don’t forget to stop at the water stations during the run to avoid dehydration.

Try a Wake-up Jumpstart Smoothie: This is our morning “jumpstart” on the day of the run: 1 cup (250mL) orange juice 1/2 cup (125mL) peeled and sliced mangoes or peaches (or combination), fresh or frozen 1/2 ripe banana, peeled, in chunks 2 Tbsp (30 mL) low-fat vanilla or tropical yogurt 1 Tbsp (12mL) wheat germ (optional) 3 or 4 ice cubes (if using fresh, not frozen fruit) Toss everything into the jar of a blender. If using fresh fruit, add the ice cubes. Blend well. Enjoy! Special to The Sun Diane Clement is an Olympian sprinter (1956 Games), a bronze medallist at the 1958 Commonwealth Games, the author of eight best-selling cookbooks and last but certainly not least, a co-founder of the Vancouver Sun Run.

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Recently Written

• Promoting the love of running
• Region offers inner happiness in the great outdoors
• Whistler isn’t just for winter activities
• PI Financial Corp. renews support for the Whistler Spirit Run
• Range of running courses keeps sport interesting
• Whistler Spirit Run goes green with Bullfrog Power
• Training beneficial at any age
• Whistler Spirit Run gets exclusive access to Olympic Park for charity running event.
• PI Financial renews its commitment to the Whistler Spirit Run.
• Food to fuel a healthy, balanced lifestyle

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