It’s the first week in June and that can only mean one thing – hundreds of runners across the province are struggling to come down from the Cabot Trail Relay High.  The glow of the fresh highland air was all the sweeter for FC members  Dave Nevitt and yours truly, however,  as our team, The Eastern Z Descendents,  retained its position as First Place Mixed Team with a time that was a full minutes faster than last year.  All this without our ringer, Rami Bardeesy, who defected to the champions Dennis Farrell’s Grey Hair, and with more women on the team than we have ever had! We women, by the way, put on one of our strongest showings yet, with Denise Robson, Suzanne Ferrier, and Leah Jabbour finishing as first woman in their legs, Brigitte L’Heureux and yours truly each coming in second, and Victoria Jollimore finishing as  third woman on MacKenzie mountain. (Which is the weaker sex again…..?)  

With two victories under our belt, efforts will surely be made to de-throne us in the coming year. With another year’s training under our belts, however, we should be even stronger. Bring it on, we say!

May has been a busy month for club members!

First, congratulations must be extended to Stacy Chestnut for organizing the fantastic Shelter Challenge races on Mother’s Day weekend. Fundraisers for the St. Leonard’s Society, The Benny the Bulldog 5 k and the Du it For Shelter Duathalon were well attended, well organized, and boasted some of the best draw prizes this runner has ever seen. Combine this with post-race treats from Two-If-By-Sea Cafe and you have two events that that we will look forward to for years to come.

A thumbs-up must also be given to Catherine Fitzsimmons who finished the Missisauga Marathon in a solid 4:07. Catherine also recently ran the Disney Princess Half Marathon and paced a close friend to a Boston Qualifier in another recent event.

With the long weekend fast approaching the Blue Nose Marathon is in the minds of many. This event has long been a club favourite and this year is no exception. Dave Nevitt, Karen Marlin, and Brenda Topliss are all planning to run the full marathon, while Maureen Stiner, Trish Fogarty-Pierce, Clarence Whynot, and Fred Debaie are running the half. Those running the two hour half marathon group should look for yours truly in her Bunny Ears and white ball cap. I think I am more nervous than I would be before a race!

Cabot Trail Relay is just around the corner as well. Dave Nevitt is captain of the Eastern Z Descendents – the defending mixed team champions, for those who are interested - which includes Stacy Chestnut and yours truly among its members. Word has it that Stacy plans to bike all three mountains on Saturday and run an early leg the following morning. Way to go Iron Woman!

Stay tuned later in the weekend for updates on the weekend’s race results and Marathon Maniac Dave’s next adventure.