Janelle Morrison (Calgary Triathlete) Seriously Injured in Car Accident

"Every memorable act in the history of the world is a triumph of enthusiasm. Nothing great was ever achieved without it because it gives any challenge or any occupation, no matter how frightening or difficult, a new meaning. Without enthusiasm you are doomed to a life of mediocrity but with it you can accomplish miracles."~Og Mandino
1923-1996, Author of A Better Way To Live

"Our greatest glory is not in never falling but in rising every time we fall" Confucious.


Update as of November 25:


From Jordan Bryden:


Janelle Has had both her ankle and her elbow/ arm repaired in her latest surgery. This is the last surgery that she will have to undergo. RIght now the focus is on getting her rested so that (hopefully) tomorrow they can extubate her so she can start breathing on her own. Janelles mom told me that she asked J to try to move her right ...leg today, and she was able to wiggle her toes. I think this is a promising step forward.

All the donations that have been collected online will be sent to Joy Morrison so that Janelle has access to that money when it is needed. All you notes (that have been sent to tricommitment@gmail.com have been saved and will be given to J as soon as she is well enough to read again.

Thank you so much for your support!

How to donate:


http://web.me.com/jordanbryden/tricommitment/Spin_a_thon.html

Update November 24:

http://triathlon.competitor.com/2010/11/news/canadian-professional-triathlete-in-a-coma-after-car-accident_17098

 Donations can be made directly to help support Janelle's recovery.  Information is located here:

http://web.me.com/jordanbryden/tricommitment/Spin_a_thon.html


Outpour of Support for Calgary Triathlete Injured in Car Accident CALGARY, Alberta (November 23, 2010)-

Former Calgary schoolteacher turned professional Ironman triathlete, Janelle Morrison, was involved in a serious head on collision west of Revelstoke, B.C. on November 21. Janelle is currently listed in stable condition however has suffered extensive injuries.

Due to the serious nature of her injuries Janelle had to be airlifted hospital in Kamloops, BC where she is currently in the Intensive Care Unit. Doctors state that had it not been for her exceptional physical condition, she may not have survived her injuries.

At the time of the accident Janelle was en route to Calgary to attend a Spin-a-Thon fundraiser for her and TriCommitment teammate Jordan Bryden, on Saturday, November 27. In spirit of Janelle, an athlete that never shies from adversity, TriCommitment will proceed with the Spin-a-Thon fundraiser in her honor as planned.

“Janelle is an incredible athlete and a great friend,” said Rose Serpico, co-owner of Calgary retailer Tri-It Multisport. "She is a fighter who knows how to push through adversity."

In 2008, Janelle Morrison left her full-time job as an elementary school teacher to pursue her Ironman dream in Penticton, BC. In her professional debut at Ironman Canada in 2009, Janelle raced to an overall 3rd place finish.

“Janelle and I face the same challenges of balancing training against earning a living as other professional athletes. We use fun events like this Spin-a-Thon as a way to give something back to the people who are kind enough to donate to us as emerging athletes”, said Bryden who is a London 2012 Summer Olympic hopeful. “With Janelle’s accident, we will be raising money not just so that her and I can compete, but just so that she can race again.”

TriCommitment, a unique innovative triathlon team comprised of Morrison and Bryden, aspires to share the sport of triathlon with others while raising money for emerging Canadian triathletes.

This Saturday TriCommitment will hold the Spin-a-Thon Fundraiser from 9:00am to 2:00pm in Eau Claire Market. The event has already garnered the support of star Canadian triathlete champions Simon Whitfield and Samantha McGlone who both donated signed championship race suits to the event’s evening auction.

Approximately 100-150 athletes and friends are expected to attend the indoor ride to support the athletes, supported by local coaches and fitness companies. Auction items will be on hand will include a jersey and signed hat from Lance Armstrong, and donations from many Calgary retailers.

The Spin-a-Thon will be followed in the evening by an after party and auction at 6:30pm at Spur Gastropub.

Donations will be accepted at both events for Janelle and a fund will also be set up in Janelle’s name to provide her with financial assistance during her recovery.

Participation in the fundraiser Spin-a-Thon and/or Party is open to the public, and registration is still open at www.tricommitment.com.

Take a moment to remember!

November 11 - a time to remember those that gave their lives!

My father and two of his brothers fought in World War II.  My Grandfather fought in World War I.  I cannot imagine the feelings my grandparents had as they watched THREE of their sons leave for war; never knowing if they would return!  Two returned but the one did not.  My uncle, who I never met, has been a memory of mine through pictures and stories.  Adolf Edward Yaworski was an Air Force pilot and was killed in the line of duty. 

http://www.wwii.ca/memorial/world-war-ii/147624/warrant-officer-class-i-adolf-edward-yaworski/

My dad spoke very little about the war, and most of the things I know about my dad and his war experiences are stories my mom tells me.  My dad was an engineer, and his job in the War was to build bridges and diffuse land mines.  I cannot imagine that!  We talk about stress in our lives but this thought of my dad having to diffuse a land mine quickly provides a reality check.  My father passed away in 1999. 

I grew up in a town in Saskatchewan called Rama.  This is where my dad and uncles are remembered for their war efforts.  In Northern Saskatchewan, there is an Island that carries our family name.  It is to honour my dad and my two uncles.  It is located here:

http://atlas.nrcan.gc.ca/site/english/maps/topo/map?mapsize=428%20380&lat=56.0000802009&long=-103.683743602&mapxy=-528665.461691+806054.018526&scale=5000000&feature_na=Yaworski+Island&location1=47&unique_key=0c2f4090849c20c3b16ea5700825ed79&searchstring=Yaworski%20Island&entity=ISL&layers=fapfeature+fapfeature%20north_arrow%20other_features%20million_grid%20t50k_grid%20grid_50k_3%20roads%20hydrography%20boundary%20builtup%20vegetation%20populated_places%20railway%20power_network%20manmade_features%20designated_areas%20water_features%20water_saturated_soils%20relief%20contours%20toponymy%20contour%20nodata_ntdb_50k&urlappend=%26unique_key%3D0c2f4090849c20c3b16ea5700825ed79%26map.layer%5Btextzoom03%5D%3DFEATURE+POINTS+-528648.987716+806048.049178+END+TEXT+%22Yaworski%2BIsland%22+END%26map.layer%5Btextzoom46%5D%3DFEATURE+POINTS+-528648.987716+806048.049178+END+TEXT+%22Yaworski%2BIsland%22+END%26map.layer%5Barrowzoom03%5D%3DFEATURE+POINTS+-528648.987716+806048.049178+END+END

On November 11, take that moment of silence and remember!  We should NEVER forget!

THE BIGGEST WEEKEND IN ALBERTA CYCLOCROSS is here this weekend!!!

The biggest weekend in Alberta Cyclocross will return for it's third great year this October 2nd and 3rd. The Dark Knight and The Oval 'Cross are back. Rumour has it that it is ... bigger, better, and well ... new.

The courses move to C.O.P. I am sure the atmosphere and lunacy will be the same as in the past. If you have not experienced watching cyclo cross ... well this is the weekend to get on that. I have raced both the Dark Knight and the Oval Cross since they have begun. The Dark Knight is fun, crazy and blasting with music to make you want to shake your bootie whilst on a bike.

There is going to be a downhill pump track (frankly I do not know what that is) but it sounds fun as it promises air!




Pepper Harlton

 



Katy Curtis

 

Catch the action at C.O.P. Here are the details:

Saturday: (mixed racing)
6 pm is when it all happens for novice riders
7 pm is when the non-elites rip it up (people like me)
8 pm the more experienced riders go off (including the top females)
9 pm darn they are good riders smash up the course

Sunday:
10:00am Sport Men, U15 Boys and Girls
(start in 2 min intervals, race for 40min)
11:00am Open Women (race for 40min)
12:15pm Expert Men (50 min)
1:30pm Elite Men (race for 1 hour)

GET THOSE COW BELLS OUT!!! And bring your loudest voice!

Kronos Triathlon and a new chapter...

After five years of coaching, two years of mentoring the coaching staff, two years of developing all the athlete periodization including designing and implementing individual race distance discipline programs and individual yearly training plans (run, bike, swim and strength), three years of clinics/camps, two years of progressively implementing youth programs, and two years of aggressively promoting, I have parted ways with the Kronos Triathlon Club. I am moving on to continue to develop my own coaching practise. Over the last two years my own coaching practise has suffered as I have been juggling my duties for Kronos Triathlon Club and my career as a Program / Project Manager doing large scale ERP implementations.

A week ago, I made a decision that I wanted to be closer to the athletes I coached. I have missed working one on one with athletes. I have missed the connection that develops when working closely with developing athletes, athletes who simply just aspire to be better, and the teens who are the future of sport. My arrangement with the Kronos Triathlon Club was no longer serving my own goals and aspirations. Simply being the "back office" brain while someone else delivered my work was no longer an arrangement I wanted to continue and felt it was bordering on being ethically wrong. I made a proposal to the club to take over as full-time coach / administrator of the club. It was rejected with the message given to me that I did not align with the future goals and long term strategy of the club. Obviously, the Board has no idea how I contributed. I feel cheated as I have been the person who has been looking forward and has put in place programs to attract both youth and adults to the club. I have been the person who has been looking forward and not in the moment. Anyone who knows me clearly recognizes that I am an implementer; my ideas have already gone through my internal filtering system. As such, I walked away from the club as the message given to me was far from the truth and hurt me immensely.

I am excited about building my coaching practise from the ground up again. I have spent the last couple of weeks building some exciting potential partnerships and am looking forward to the next two years as this all transpires.

In the meantime if you are wanting to join a run group..... read below.

If you are looking for more go to my other blog at:

http://www.coachingtheyaworskiway.blogspot.com/

Stay tuned for a new website which combines my personal blog with my coaching blog. Some exciting features will include newsletter subscriptions that will provide you with training tips and tools, courses being offered and information on training venues and packages both locally and in Belgium, Canada and United States. Over the years, as an high performance athlete and coach, I have worked with some of the best coaches. I will now be leveraging these connections to create some exciting stuff.

About my Run Group



Need someone to train with?
Looking to get faster?
Looking to improve your form?

Then join up with my group for some training on Thursday nights.

• We meet Thursday nights for interval and form work

• Cost is $150 per session (16-week sessions): Sept. to Dec.; Jan – April, May – Aug. for the once a week coached session

• Come November we move indoors to the Oval and you need to pay your own entrance fee

• If you are looking for an individualized program, I can help with that as well. For those signing up for the Thursday intervals, the cost for an individual run program is $50 per month. Programs for Triathlon are also available and if you join my run group, the cost is $100 per month for an individualized triathlon program.

Contact me at yaworski@telusplanet.net to register now.

This is not a learn to run program and individuals must be able to run 45 minutes comfortably. The sessions will involve tempo, interval and speed work. A strong emphasis will be on proper running mechanics.

Bike ride from Lake Louise to Jasper and back

The Adventure- Riding my bike from Lake Louise to Jasper and back in two days. 233 km each way.

My partner for the ride- Jason Doornbos

What did we take- a small knapsack with clean clothes to be able to go out and eat in Jasper upon our arrival, and lots of food to eat during the journey.

Day 1, Wednesday, July 16, 2010
We left Calgary at 5 am and drove to our start location, Lake Louise. We were on our bikes pedaling at 8:15 am. It was a chilly morning which was likely a good thing as the climb out of Lake Louise to Bow Lake lasts 39 km. Our first 39 km was pretty quiet with very little traffic. The ride from Bow Lake to Saskatchewan River Crossing is 40 km but you get to descend from an elevation of 1869 meters to 1423 meters. Jason and I stopped at Saskatchewan River Crossing. Jason went into the store to grab 1.5 liter of water while I lined up to grab coffee. Cost of two bad cups of coffee was $6.80; cost of 1.5 liters of water $5.25. I guess that is the price of being in the middle of nowhere.

Jason proceeded to tell me his experience paying for the water. The young woman at the register suggested that Jason grow his curly hair out as she thinks that guys with long curly hair are sexy. I looked at Jason and started to laugh and suggested that maybe he could spend a couple of nights at Saskatchewan River Crossing possibly asking a premium price to satisfy the women folk in the area.

After warming up, eating and filling are bottles we proceeded to climb our way up to the Columbia Icefield. It is 50 km from Saskatchewan River Crossing to the Icefield. This is an elevation gain from 1423m to 2035m. We stopped in Columbia Icefield and grabbed some more water and fueled up. It took us about 5 hours to reach the Icefield from Lake Louise. Jason and I arrived along with the dozen or so tour buses mostly filled with Japanese tourists. As we prepared to depart for our trek to Jasper, we suddenly became the photo opportunity for all the Japanese tourists. I realized I was wearing my Speed Theory race team gear. Having lived in Asia, I know that they likely saw my logos on my gear and assumed that I was some professional cycler on a training ride. I wonder how many photos Jason and I are now in and what the discussion in Japan will be when the photos are shared with family and friends. Speed Theory has now gone global!



The ride from Columbia Icefield to Sunwapta is 48 km. Jasper is 56 km from Sunwapta. Although the elevation map shows a massive descend from Columbia Icefield to Jasper from 2035m to 723m, I would not say it is flat! About 13km from Jasper my bonking began. I so wanted the ride to be over and all I could think about is taking my knapsack off which was very light but not exactly feeling light after being on a bike for 9 hours.

Jason wanted to stay somewhere closer to the main hub of Jasper; however, I looked at the first motel on our entry into town and said I am not biking any further. I said we can walk the 1km into town but I am not riding. We proceeded to check into the hotel. All I can say is that we smelled really badly. We showered and grabbed a bite to eat. My appetite was big but my ability to digest the food was not so good. I ate about half my food and said to Jason that I needed to lie down right now. Jason kindly went to grocery store to grab food for our breakfast and journey back to Lake Louise the next day. I went back to the motel and did not wake again until the alarm went off at 6 am.

Day 1 journey took 9 hours and 6 min.

Day 2, Thursday, July 17, 2010
Our ride home began at 7:15 am. Neither Jason nor I were very perky. Even after lots of oatmeal, my hunger began within 30km of the ride. I glanced over to Jason and said “I am not a happy biker. I need a solid breakfast. We need to stop in Sunwapta." Upon arriving in Sunwapta after climbing for 56km, I ordered eggs and hash browns and consumed a bagel and a banana. I think they were the best darn eggs and hash browns in the world in that 2 minutes it took me to consume them!

Upon leaving Sunwapta, we knew that we would be climbing another 48km to Columbia Icefield.

Perspective- it took us 5 hours to cover the 129 km to Columbia Icefield from Lake Louise, and it took us 5 hours to climb the 104km from Jasper to Columbia Icefield. A head wind did not help to make the climb easier! We were happy to reach the Icefield. As we climbed the section of the road where the speed limit drops to 50km per hour and really no shoulder exists, I notice all these cars pulling over into a pull out. I look up at the ridge and there is a goat traversing the top as I am pedaling along. I look down at my odometer which says I am going 8km per hour. The darn goat was climbing faster than I! Finally, the big climb is over. Jason is ahead waiting for me. I pull over and we watch as the goat proceeds to walk across the road and jumps the barrier to walk down the massively steep cliff to the falls. As we are standing there cars are pulling over which was a common thing to see throughout the trip. One car would pull over and everyone would rush out of the car to take a picture of some animal and then many cars would pull over. This occasion was no different. However, this time some dude decides to cross over opposing traffic on a blind corner, slamming his brakes with his car facing the massive cliff to get an opportunity to see what everyone has spotted. He looks at Jason and I, while his wife is yelling from the car “what is it?”, I look at Jason and then the man and say “It was crazy. Some guy just came to the edge and jumped down into the waterfall.” The guy looks at me and says “really”. Jason responds and says “yeah really”! Off we went continuing to pedal our bikes.

When we reach the Columbia Icefield, I realize I have a flat. Karma kicking my butt for the comment made to the guy no doubt. I quietly remind myself to keep my sarcasm to myself as I do not want any bad luck. Karma was gently reminding me not to be an ass. After more photo opportunities for the Japanese tourists of me, the professional cyclist racer changing a flat, Jason and began to pedal again.

I think it became a reality to Jason and I that our ride back to Lake Louise from Jasper was going to take longer than the 9 hours it us from Lake Louise to Jasper. We still had the Bow Summit to climb. However, before that we had a couple of great descends from the Icefield to Saskatchewan River Crossing. I did not want the descending to end; as all I could think about was making up for the 8 to 14 km per hour climbs with the 65 km descends. We made a brief bathroom stop at Saskatchewan River Crossing and proceeded to climb. Some family asked me if I was following them. Apparently, they kept seeing us. No doubt they were taking in all the photo opportunities!

The climb up the Bow Summit seemed to last forever and the temperature was climbing as well. Every corner there seemed to be another stretch of road going up. About 2 km from the summit, I cracked. I had a solo cry for the last 2 km and almost got off my bike to call it a day. However, my inner voice said “get on with it” and the visual of a couple of cars pulling over only meant one thing – a bear. So up off my seat I got and proceeded to pedal faster to get through the area as quickly as possible. Finally, the top was reached. Jason was standing there and I told him that I had a meltdown. He proceeded to remind that we were almost done with only 39 km left and about half of it descending. As we fueled up, a car pulls over and sits there for awhile opposite us. Not sure what they are doing but glance around to ensure that no wild animal is near us. None spotted. Then the vehicle crosses over the road and the couple waves to us. Jason, not very chipper at this point, looks at me and says, “I am not waving back. I am not some zoo animal.” I laughed so hard! Onwards we went; roughing it through the bits of climbs left and treasuring the descending. We reached Lake Louise and were happy to see that my vehicle was waiting for us. We changed and grabbed some food from the grocery store. Yes chips, coke and more chips and a bit of fruit.

Day 2 journey took 10 hours and 28 min. That is 1 hour 22 minutes longer than the way out.

Jason asked me if I wondered had we done the return on fresh legs if our return time would be quicker. I said that I really did not care to know! Truly though- we had a great trip. It was tough at times but we had great weather and the scenery was amazing. I have run in what was the old Jasper to Banff relay many times and have run about half of the relay legs on this highway; however, I do not think I have really seen all great things I saw on this epic ride. By the way, leg 6 of the old relay went up to Columbia Icefield and I have run up this part of the road, and have concluded that running up it is far easier than biking up it.

Things we saw: 2 bears, a baby goat, a grown goat, deer, moose, and spectacular scenery.

Disappointing things to see: the demise of the Icefield. It makes me angry that busses cart people up so that they can walk on the icefield. I recall back in 2000, the last year of the full 24 hour relay, the icefield was substantially larger. It is small compared to 10 years ago. I was shocked to see how small it has become.

Stampede time means mixing running and beer

New UCI rules for Cyclocross

Following the recommendation of the Cyclo-cross Commission, the UCI Management Committee has approved modifications to its cyclo-cross rules which will take effect at the beginning of the 2010-2011 cyclo-cross season. A summary of the changes is as follows:

1) Disc brakes will now be allowed in cyclo-cross competition.
2) The legal tire width in competition has also been changed. Width shall not exceed 33 mm, whereas before the maximum width was 35 mm.
3) Continental Cyclocross Championships have been established.
4) The “6 obstacle limit” has been changed to a “6 man-made obstacle limit.”
5) The height of barriers is now a maximum of 40 cm instead of a defined height of 40 cm.
6) Man-made sand pits are now allowed and the dimensions for them have been established.
7) The distance between planks has been changed to a range of 4 to 6 meters between.
8) Commissaires may now authorize feeding if the temperature is above 20 degrees C. This feeding takes place in the pit lane, but not during the first two or the last two laps.
9) The commissaires may now invoke the “80% rule” and remove a rider who is behind the leader by 80% of the leader’s lap time. Thus, riders can be pulled before they are lapped.

While going through the UCI rule book ....

I came across rules for artistic cycling and cylce ball. I got curious and of course started to read the rules. Cycle ball intrigued me....have a look at this video. I say skip indoor spin classes this year and let's get a gym and play this!

BicycleDreamsTrailer

LongTreks: Peru y Bolivia Trailer

Calgary wins bid for 2011 & 2012 Canadian Track & Field Championships

Events to serve as trials for 2011 World Championships and 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games

Athletics Canada announced today that Calgary has won the bid to host the Canadian Senior Track & Field Championships for both 2011 and 2012.

Both editions bring added excitement as the 2011 event will serve as the World Championship Selection Trials, and the 2012 event will serve as the Selection Trials for the Olympic and Paralympic Summer Games in London.

Calgary’s bid came out on top following a record-breaking number of bids to host the events.

"The response and enthusiasm in hosting Athletics Canada events has been one of, if not the largest in our history. Certainly the quality of bids has never been better," said Joanne Mortimore, Athletics Canada Chief Executive Officer. Mortimore added, "Athletics Canada is confident that the Calgary Track Council, Tourism Calgary, The City of Calgary and all other parties involved in putting the bid forward will now turn their attention on delivering a first class event for the athletes, for our members and for track and field fans across Canada."

Winning the bid for the Canadian Track & Field Championships is one more testament to Calgary’s reputation as a sport-friendly destination and a great host city.

The Calgary Track Council, the umbrella organization of all track clubs in Calgary served as the Bid Champion with support from Tourism Calgary, the Calgary Sport Tourism Authority (CSTA) and The City of Calgary. The Calgary Track Council will now take on the role of Host Organizing Committee.

“We aggressively pursued this opportunity, and the team put together an excellent bid package to secure the events. We are grateful to Athletics Canada for the opportunity,” said Doug Mitchell, Chairman of the Calgary Sport Tourism Authority (CSTA). “Sport is at the very heart and soul of who we are as a city. Not only do events like these provide benefits to our growing sport tourism industry, they provide community legacies along with branding and promotional opportunities that enhance Calgary’s position as the premier host of sport and culture events in Canada.”

“We are absolutely thrilled to be selected as the host city for the Canadian Track & Field Championships,” said Randy Williams, President & CEO of Tourism Calgary. “We look forward to working with Athletics Canada, Athletics Alberta, The City of Calgary, the Calgary Track Council, the Calgary Sport Council and the local community in the ongoing planning and delivery of exceptional events and an extraordinary Calgary experience.”

This is only the second time in Calgary’s history that the city has been selected to host an Athletics Canada championship. Calgary previously hosted the Canadian Junior Track & Field Championship in 2000.

The 2011 and 2012 Canadian Track & Field Championships will be held in June of each year at Foothills Athletic Park which will undergo a previously planned major upgrade prior to the 2011 event.

Upwards of 1000 athletes (able bodied and para athletes) are expected for each event, along with 300 coaches, 300 medical personnel, 100 officials, 100 volunteers, 60 media and 60 host broadcasters.

Eau de Hell Week- 2011 goal??

Vancouver Island
Eau de Hell Week

What is it? Eau de Hell week is a full brevet series (200 - 300 - 400 - 600km) packed into seven days. There have been four, so far - April 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010. The start/finish for all rides is in Chemainus, south of Nanaimo on Vancouver Island.

Here are the dates etc. for 2011:

April 9 (Sat) : 200 km "Tour of the Cowichan Valley"
April 10 (Sun) : 300 km "Alive are the Hills"
April 12 (Tues) : 400 km "Lost (but not Forgotten)"
April 14 (Thurs) : 600 km "Ride for Gold"

Looking for takers to partake this with me.....

Multisport Fieldhouse - Get Involved

The City is hosting Open Houses April 20 and 21 (see details below) to introduce its conceptual master plans for both Foothills and Glenmore Athletic Parks.

Multisport Fieldhouse included in Recreation Department master plan

Calgary's long-needed multisport fieldhouse is one step closer. The City of Calgary Recreation Department has included such a facility – with a 400 meter indoor track -- in its master plan for Foothills Athletic Park.

In a press release, the Recreation Department explains that the plans include improvements and additions “to increase capacity and better accommodate the evolving needs of Calgary's athletic community.” Our growing population means increased demand that can't be met by aging facilities that are increasingly costly to operate.

In addition, the department points out, the master plans address the City's need for “primary priority facility types” such as gymnasiums, indoor track, indoor fields, indoor ice and aquatic facilities as well as multi-purpose space that were identified in the City's 10 Year Strategic Plan for Sport Facility Development and Enhancement.

The department proposes to phase in the improvements and additions over a number of years as funding becomes available.

Currently plans are underway to complete badly needed repairs and improvements to the Foothills outdoor track. An upgraded outdoor track will help meet the needs of the running community in the short term. The indoor track and multisport facilities in the fieldhouse willl serve the larger sports community for the long term. We should urge the City to construct a fieldhouse in the first phase of the master plan. Since Calgary doesn't have a fieldhouse facility at present this should be a high priority.

Open Houses

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

6-8 pm

at:

South Calgary Community Association – Main Hall

3130 - 16th St. S.W.
Calgary, AB T2T 4G7

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

6-8 pm

at:

University Elementary School

3035 Utah Drive N.W.
Calgary, AB T2N 3Z9

The Calgary Multisport Fieldhouse Society encourages you to attend to find out details, give input, and show your support for the creation of this world-class facility. A show of strong public support is required to emphasize the need for a fieldhouse in Calgary.

For more information on the Calgary Multisport Fieldhouse, visit the Society’s website at http://www.calgaryfieldhouse.ca

Eamonn Coghlan to Speak in Edmonton

Dare to Dream…Focus to Win!


A Presentation by Eamonn Coghlan
May 1, 2010, 10:00am-12:30pm
Room E-120, Van Vliet Centre
University of Alberta

Sponsored by: The Canadian Athletics Coaching Centre and Athletic Alberta

Admission: to be determined.

Eamonn Coghlan is truly one of the world’s greatest middle distance runners. His many accomplishments on the track include:

· World Champion 5000 metres (Helsinki, 1983)

· Four-time Indoor Mile World Record Holder (1979-1998)

· The first person to run a sub 3:50 indoor mile (3:49.78, 1983)

· Four-time NCAA Champion mile/1500 metres for Villanova University

· European Champion 1500 metres indoors (1979)

· Seven-time winner of the Wanamaker Mile in Madison Square Garden

· Four-time Olympian for Ireland (4th in 1976 at 1500m and in 1980 at 5000m))

· The only Master’s athlete (40+ years old) to run a sub four-minute mile (3:58.15, 1994)---- My former coach John Bermingham was second at this race. There was a huge amount of money on the line for the individual who could break the 4 minute mile for a Master.

Away from the track Eamonn’s accomplishments are equally significant. He is on the Board of the Irish Sports Council, Chairman of the High Performance Committee, race director for the St Patrick’s Festival 5k in Dublin, motivational speaker and author. Where Eamonn’s passion off the track truly lies, however, is as a coach. Currently a Grade 3 National Coach in the Athletics’ Association Ireland, Eamonn is working with a number of Irish National Champion athletes with aspirations to compete in the Olympics in London 2012 and Rio 2016.

Thanks to the inspiration and instruction Eamonn received from his coaches, Gerry Farnan and Jumbo Elliott, he learned how to dream and how to focus and ultimately how to win. It was this philosophy that contributed to his success as an athlete. In this presentation, Eamonn discusses his rise from the streets of Dublin to the straightaways of glory around the world and how he uses his experiences as an athlete to inspire today’s runners and guide them physically and emotionally to achieve their goals.

This talk promises to be a fascinating insight into the mind of a world-class athlete and will be relevant for runners and coaches alike as well as fans of the sport.

Speed Theory Women's Team Now Recruiting

Speed Theory Women's Team is now recruiting! We are a grassroots team with plans for future growth. Our goal is to develop both our racing teams and training teams. We will be holding an open house on February 2 at 6 pm at the Speed Theory Store. Plan to stop by and meet other team members and ask questions. Find out why Speed Theory is the club for you! No experience racing? No problem, we will help you prepare and feel confident for your 1st race!


A few things we are lining up for the year include:

· Twice a week training sessions. One of these will be a skills session. We will cover basic skills such as drafting, pack riding, cornering, crit riding, etc. The second session will be a long easy ride where there will be a no drop rule. Riders will be divided into abilities to accommodate all types of riders. We will teach you what to eat and drink on long rides and provide great riding routes around Calgary and the mountains.

· A Race team for both A and B riders. We will be asking those that want to be part of a race team to choose 3 out of 5 races to attend. This will ensure that we have a good selection of women at each race. Our goal is simple- to create an atmosphere of Speed Theory riders who can work together at races.

· Our training sessions will be open to all club members whether you are part of the race team or a non-racing member. We want to ensure we are offering riders a forum to improve their skills and grow the sport of women in cycling.

· You will also be invited to attend the Speed Theory May riding camp in Penticton.


Join us on February 2 and learn more about Women’s cycling and the Speed Theory Team.


Kailee at kaileeboyle@gmail.com
Marcy at marcy.kimpton@gmail.com
Sandra at yaworski@telusplanet.net

12 Days of Christmas

Hope everyone had a great Christmas and enjoying the holiday season. I have had the pleasure of heading out to the mountains a few times to take in snowshoeing and classic cross country skiing. My hip flexors are mighty sore from the cross country skiing. Funny how something you have not done in a while hurts you after.

I have been enjoying training, spending time with friends and the great outdoors, eating and watching movies. My twelve days of Christmas training started on December 23. I have been getting in about 3 to 5 hours of training per day thus far. The next six days will be bigger days and I am looking forward to it.

It has been pretty quiet around my place as my family is Mexico, Arizona and BC. I have been hanging out at home watching movies and reading. I made myself a great Christmas dinner and watched movies on Christmas day. I have not been home at Christmas for a few years now. So I wanted to ensure that I did some winter stuff this year so the snowshoeing and skiing has been fun.

I always find that Christmas finds me reflecting on things and also really solidifies what is important to me. For me the New Year is a time when I begin to really implement changes that I want to make in my own person. I do not believe in New Year's resolutions but I do believe in committing to growth and change. This year my commitment is to take more care of myself and learn to say "no" to things that I should say "no" to. Nothing too serious here, just committing not to give in to people when it is not in my best interest. Business needs to be business and friendships need to reciprocal.

I will soon have a pretty good sketch of what I plan on doing for racing in 2010 as well. I have been putting the final touches on things. More on that later.

Beer Mile, October 24, 2009 Results

It was a cool Saturday night with a bit of snow on the ground but clear footing on the track for the 33 individuals who took on the 2009 Beer Mile. The cast would include 16 first time beer milers with the eventual winner, Geoff "hoofing" Hopfner coming from this group. Defending champion, Luke Way came in second. The two were in separate heats and I wonder how it would have turned out had they been in the same heat.


The women saw a close battle between Cat Brown and Kelly O'Toole with O'Toole claiming the victory.

Bringing up the rear was Trev Williams. Give this guy credit as he comes out knowing that he drinks beer like he is sipping tea at a Tea Party. But he was not alone at the Tea Party as Joel "beer bottle soother" battled it out with Trev. It came down to the last 200 meters and Joel claimed victory over Trev. Hard to believe that these boys are Engineers!

This year a double was attempted and was succeeded. Rob Lukacs posted 8:15 amd 15:04, respectively for his beer miles. He was seen drinking before and after. Goosh!



In usual fashion many dressed up for the occasion.



Thanks to all who came out. See you in the spring for the next one.



Sex Time Name Age

M 6:47 Geoff "hoofing" Hopfner 28
M 7:04 Luke Way
M 7:52 John White 34
M 7:59 Kyle Marcotte 32
M 8:01 Raui
M 8:27 Johnny Hammill 27
M 8:28 Keith "I just turned 40" Bayly 40
M 8:28 Mike Young 32
M 8:15 Rob "beer star double" Lukacs 23
M 8:51 Carson Bannon 28
M 9:02 Greg "I am gonna win" Nicholson 35
M 9:21 Alan O 45
F 9:29 Kelly O'Toole 27
F 9:44 Cat Brown 29
F 10:47 Sandra "polishbaba" Yaworski 47
M 10:58 Mark Shand 31
F 11:01 Shari Boyle 36
M 11:03 Clarke Ellis 26
M 11:26 Lachlon Holmes 31
M 11:27 Jason Doornbos 26
M 12:02 Scott Curry 34
M 12:21 Evan Romanow 26
F 12:22 Tara Ross 29
M 13:07 Ryan Murray 32
F 13:08 Caroline Owens 28
F 13:17 Aoife Donnelly 27
M 14:27 Steve P 25
M 15:04 Rob "beer star double" Lukacs 23
M 15:10 Chris Campbell 32
F 16:20 Leslie Bannon 24
M 16:58 Frank "fast legs" Woolstencroft 31
M 22:47 Joel "beer bottle soother"
M 23:02 Trev "someone has to be last" Williams 34

Calgary cycling club raises money for U of C scholarship at the Jason Lapierre Memorial Cycling Weekend

CALGARY - For young, aspiring athletes, every bit of cash helps them reach their goals. And for those receiving the Jason Lapierre Memorial Scholarship, the money carries an even deeper meaning.

On Aug. 22 and 23, a Memorial Cycling Weekend in Calgary has been dedicated to Lapierre with proceeds donated to the U of C fund. The two days of racing include a provincial 40-km time trial, a criterium, and a Tour de France-style 150 km road race.

This event follows another held on Aug. 2, the inaugural Viterra Ironman 70.3 Calgary, which hosted athletes from over 20 countries in our city. This sold-out triathlon made available charity entry spots with proceeds going to the Jason Lapierre Memorial Scholarship.

On July 19th, 2006, Jason Lapierre, 34, was killed just east of Cochrane, Alta., after being struck by a car while training on his bike. His friends started a memorial scholarship in his name, and each year an award of up to $1,000 will be given to an athlete who shares one of Lapierre’s many passions: triathlon, alpine ski racing, coaching or distance running.

“Jason Lapierre was a great athlete, coach and a friend to many. Jay’s legacy has made a lasting impression in Calgary’s sporting community through the annual U of C scholarship in Jay’s name, the Jay Cup ski race at Nakiska, the Viterra Ironman 70.3 Calgary and the Jason Lapierre Memorial Cycling weekend,” says Kyle Marcotte, a close friend of Lapierre and an Ironman triathlete who helped start up the scholarship fund at the U of C.

Race director Trevor Williams says he has tried to model this race after how he believed Lapierre would have done it.

“I have made the race open to anyone willing to try out a race for the first time without a race license – this is not a common thing in cycling – and, at the same time, keep the high level of competition,” says Williams who is a U of C post doctorate and research engineer as well as a competitive cyclist, triathlete and friend of Lapierre.

“Jay was always such a great ambassador for any sport he competed in and, like me, believed getting youngsters and fresh blood into the sport continuously was very important, all while he himself completed at a high level.”

Julie Rabnett received the award for 2008-2009. She knows Lapierre from her alpine ski racing days and spoke with him often about triathlons, a sport she was interested in getting involved in.

The 24-year-old graduated from Kinesiology last year and is now taking organic chemistry and plans to apply to medical school.

“Every bit counts when I’m going to school,” says Rabnett. “It also makes it much more real to have a face behind the award – in this case, someone I know.”

Triathlete and Kinesiology grad Grant Burwash was the first U of C student to receive the award two years ago. He had met Jason through triathlons. Burwash says the award was an honour to receive because the funding is coming from an athletic community he is actively involved in.

“It helped me free up some money to attend school so I would have extra cash to put toward racing in the summer,” says Burwash, 23, who has spent time racing in Europe, Turkey, Mexico as well as in Canada and the U.S.

As they did in June for the “Race the Ring 30-km Time Trial,” Stoney Trail Constructors has once again provided use of a freshly paved section of the unopened Northeast Stoney Trail. Project Manager and cycling enthusiast Lorie Holte says, “Stoney Trail Constructors is very proud of the Northeast Stoney Trail, and we are pleased to be able to make this road available to the Speed Theory Race Team and the Alberta Bicycle Association for the Jason Lapierre Memorial Cycling Weekend.”

Spectator and participant parking is available, and parking officials will be onsite to direct and assist arriving vehicles.

For more info, please visit www.speedtheoryteam.com or www.jasonlapierre.com

WHAT: Jason Lapierre Memorial Cycling Weekend

WHEN: Saturday Aug 22 and Sunday August 23 – Citizen and Provincial Time Trial on Saturday morning; Metis Trail Criterium on Saturday afternoon; Tour de France style road race on Sunday.

WHERE: Unique, Spectator-friendly Venue: newly paved highway located east of Deerfoot Trail NE on Stoney Trail NE, from Country Hills Boulevard NE to McKnight Trail NE. Spectator and participant parking is available, and parking officials will be onsite to direct and assist arriving vehicles.



Media inquiries may be directed to:
Trevor Williams
Race Director
Speed Theory Cycling
Cell: 403-831-8738
Email: willit@ucalgary.ca

Julie Rabnett
2008/09 Jason Lapierre Memorial Scholarship recipient
Cell: 403-462-5606

Grant Burwash
2007/08 Jason Lapierre Memorial Scholarship recipient
Cell: 403-999-7028

Sponsor me on Ride to Conquer Cancer

The Ride to Conquer Cancer is a unique, two-day cycling journey that will take place in Alberta on June 26-28, 2009. The mission is clear: to conquer cancer. The Ride is a new endeavour to help the Alberta Cancer Foundation do just that. And it will bring us all closer to our vision of a cancer-free future. The funds raised through The Ride to Conquer Cancer will make breakthrough cancer research possible. Research that will help to uncover prevention strategies and more effective treatment options to benefit patients and families at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre in Calgary, the Cross Cancer Institute in Edmonton, and other cancer centres throughout the province.

I have chosen my funds to go to the following:

** Priority Cancer Discovery Research has application across a wide range of cancers and includes crucial support utilized in three key areas, all of which are essential to reaching our end goal, to conquer cancer. They will invest in:

1. Programs: These include research focused on basic mechanisms of cancer development and therapy (e.g. Cancer Stem Cells, Cancer Cell Genomics / Proteomics / Informatics; Immunotherapy) and also Guided Therapeutics (image guidance and targeted radiation medicine to advance the delivery of radiation treatment to cancer patients).

2. Platforms: (e.g., High content tumor banking, New drug developments, Advanced Molecular Profiling Lab, Biomarker Identification, RNAi screening).

3. People: To lead and conduct the science and translate discoveries into new therapies, we need the top scientists and researches to excel on the Platforms and Programs mentioned above.

My goal is to raise a minimum of $10,000. Please help me achieve my goal by making a donation by going to the following website:

http://ab09.conquercancer.ca/site/TR?pg=pfind&fr_id=1282

Join me in the fight against cancer!

November 21-22 - All Women Half Marathon in St. Petersburg to support Leukemia & Lymphona Society

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) and Women's Running magazine laud St. Petersburg city officials' announcement today granting the two organizations permission to produce an all women's half marathon the weekend of November 21-22, 2009.

The event, Women's Running St. Pete Half Marathon to benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, will draw women from across the country. It will be St. Petersburg's first women only half marathon. Participants can train to run or walk the half marathon through LLS's Team In Training (TNT), the world's first, largest and best charity sports training program. With TNT, participants join a group of supportive teammates and get four to five months of training with certified coaches, and in return, they raise funds to support blood cancer research and patient services.

"We're excited to partner with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team In Training," said Dawna Stone, President and Founder of Women's Running magazine. "Together I believe we can grow the St. Pete Women's Half Marathon into the premier women's half marathon."

The flat, fast race course will wind along the scenic downtown St. Petersburg waterfront, through quaint communities, past historic buildings and museums.

"The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society wants to thank the officials of St. Petersburg for granting us the opportunity to put on this great event," said Nancy Klein, Chief Marketing and Revenue Officer of LLS. "This will be an exciting weekend, giving participants the chance to take on an athletic challenge while also making a difference in the lives of thousands of people fighting blood cancer."

About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is the world's largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancer. The LLS mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world and provides free information and support services.

Founded in 1949 and headquartered in White Plains, NY, LLS has chapters throughout the United States and Canada. To learn more, visit www.LLS.org or contact the Information Resource Center at (800) 955-4572, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET. www.lls.org .

About Women's Running magazine
Women's Running is the only women-specific national running magazine. Women's Running covers all aspects of the running lifestyle, from nutrition to training plans. The Women's Running mission is simple: to create a high-quality magazine for smart, successful women who use running to balance and enrich their lives. Women's Running features quality editorial content that motivates women to train intelligently, participate in active travel, adopt healthy nutrition habits and keep moving. Visit womensrunningmag.com for more information.