Race Review: Duntroon to Stayner 8k

This is the second year I've run the Duntroon to Stayner 8k. Held every Canada day this race is in its 49th year! A local grassroots race, it isn't advertised or found online (other than local running groups event listings). The race is free, you do not pre-register online rather you just show up the day of starting at 8am and sign up on a clipboard in your corresponding age and gender category. I believe categories include M/F under 12, M/F high school, M/F masters and an open M/F.

The race starts at the old Duntroon elementary school. Duntroon is a small community one community away from the small community I live in. There isn't much there, so it's not a challenge to find the Duntroon school. Across the road the local church opens their doors so that runners may use the facilities pre-race.

I'm sure in the 49 years running it has seen weather of all types (welcome to Canada). I've heard some years have been very hot. In my experience, last year was hot and muggy but then downpoured part way through, zapping my phone. Hello waterproof case! This year it was cloudy and overcast but a nice temperature of about 15-17 degrees with a slight breeze.

The race starts at 8:30 with a singing of O Canada and then 3-2-1 GO! No fancy start banner or chip timing. No bibs, no fuss. The course runs down a major road which isn't closed for the event. You run along the gravel shoulder or on the edge of the road being mindful of the oncoming traffic. Also this year I noticed police presence following along the roads to ensure runner safety. I was able to stay on the paved part for the predominance of the race except when seeing large trucks I'd be sure to get right over for them. The course is also walker friendly, and walkers are encouraged to start around 7:30 so that they can arrive for the finish line festivities.

Mostly everyone wears red/white

The course is mainly down hill but has some uphill portions. They have it marked every km with a water station at about 3.5km. Even though it follows a "major" road (the term is used lightly for a series of small towns) it has some beautiful views of farmers fields on both sides of the road. It follows along the same road for the first 7km then turns left into a residential community and another left at the end of the road bringing you to the Stayner community centre.

the home stretch

As you enter the parking lot you are given a popsicle stick with a number on it. At the same time they write down your corresponding finishing time and you bring your stick back to the table to tell them your name.

I should have "chicked" the guy in front of me so that I could be 33!

They have water for runners and popsicles post race. After everyone has finished they have an award ceremony with trophies for the top male and female in each of the 4 categories. They also had some donated prizes this year which were given out randomly to participants. All participants get a commemorative patch that looks the same year after year except for the date. They said that 106 participants signed up, which is great! I'm sure some still took part that didn't sign up as well, which is just fine.

The only downfall (if you could find one) is that it is a point to point race meaning if you come on your own you best be prepared to run another 8km back to your vehicle or find a new friend to drive you back. Since it's not far from my home and since my parents are my biggest fans, they come along and enjoy driving along the course and stopping at different spots to take photos and videos of me. I am fortunate like that.

My mother says this race is for the "purists". You see lots of the older runners from the area who have been runners for life, those that still believe in the sport to be a pair of shoes and go, not big fancy races and fancy running clothing. I also saw a lot of different local running groups represented, which is nice to see. A different form of community.

The best part about it all is that all of the race is free to participate and free to run as it is all donated by local partners. It certainly makes me proud to be a part of this community.

post race Tim Hortons and a well earned muffin

Breaking up is hard to do (with shoes).

Finally, after 672.5km on my runners I got myself a new pair. I'm very particular about running shoes. In my 2 years running I've learned I like Asics and New Balance. Mainly because I need the wide toe box and they are both reputable brands.

Usually I make 2-3 trips to different stores that sell running shoes and do my research online. My criteria usually includes: a New Balance or Asics, a wide toe box, midline stability and of course, something pretty. I usually go for middle of the line price point as well because I'm not made of money but I don't want to wreck myself. 

But, as I opened and admired my new shoes I got a little sad about saying goodbye to my old shoes. You may find this silly but I've been through a lot with my old purple and teal asics. 

I got these shoes in the spring of 2014 in April because of a sale. I knew I wouldn't need them until June though. 

Running lots is a doubled edged sword. Running more is doing more of what you love but things wear out so much quicker. Though I feel like these shoes had a full and fulfilling life it went by too fast. 

In these shoes I: 

-came in 1st for my age category for the barrie waterfront 10k June 2014

-walked the scleroderma 5k with my family to support the research of a disease near and dear to my heart 

- ran my first 8k- a local canada day race that's been around for 46 years. 

- flew to Alberta and ran some of the most breath taking trails I've ever seen. 

-ran a 10k in BC!

-climbed a mountain. A real mountain. I now know why hiking gear exists and I wouldn't suggest ever climbing a mountain in running shoes but regardless, climbing a mountain changes you. 

-ran my third half marathon less than 12 hours after getting back to Ontario on limited sleep and fuel.

- ran my 4th half marathon, a local race, and got myself a PB on a challenging quad. 

- ran a 10k on my 26th birthday with a sub 50 that I've been gunning to break since doing it once in April. Also got 1st in my age category, won a pie and was sung to on the podium. 

-ran a Remembrance Day 5k alongside my running hero, Krista Duchene. 

And of course, all the hundreds of "training" runs in between. 

Needless to say these shoes have become a part of me. They hold so many great memories and it's hard to put them aside and start a relationship with someone new. My heart breaks at the thought. 

Then of course I catch sight of these beautiful girls and don't feel so bad. 

Because I know that they too will hold many beautiful memories I've yet to make.