Congratulations to everyone who participated in the Saskatchewan Marathon event last weekend - what a great day!
In this week's Times we're keeping the focus on the marathon - the Abbott World Marathon Majors - to be specific. For those not familiar with the six World Marathon Majors they are the Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago and New York City Marathons.
One of the most renowned accomplishments in the sport of running is completing all six of these majors. In the past 10 years, only about 600 people have accomplished this, and one of them is Saskatoon's, Reita MacDonald.
In this week's Q&A we're speaking with Rita to learn about her extraordinary achievement, which she completed at the London Marathon last month.
Q&A with Reita MacDonald
Tara: Let’s start by learning more about your running background; how long you've been running? What got you started?
Reita: I ran my first marathon on September 3, 2000, a month before turning 50. Prior to that, I jogged a few miles here and there as part of my gym workout to stay healthy and fit. I happened to be in Fort Worth, Texas in February that year visiting my sister, who encouraged me to do one of the smaller distance races in the Cowtown Marathon. The 10K race was sold out, but I managed to get on a relay team with two men named Mike and John. My part of the relay was 8 miles. I knew I was in over my head, but thought, ‘why not?’. I drew on my competitive nature and ran that 8 miles harder than what I was accustomed to. We placed third in the co-ed event and made a pact to stay in touch. This experience of competitiveness and friendship actually started me off to entering marathons, half marathons, and 10K races.
Since my workday started at 7:30 a.m. and was long, much of the time I hopped into my runners at 3:30 in morning in order to get the long training runs in. Mike and I have remained friends and we have run together in Big Sur, Eugene, and Portland. London was my 24th marathon, where I was awarded the Abbott World Majors, Six Star Finisher Medal. I have also competed in several track and field events, the World Masters Indoor Championships in Kamloops in 2010 and the North/ Central American/Caribbean and Canadian Masters in Saint John, NB in 2012.
Mostly I workout and train on my own, but I get tremendous inspiration from the friends and athletes I have met along the way and I will always hold those close to my heart.
Reita holding her Six Star Finisher Medal (right hand) and London Marathon Finisher Medal at the 2017 London Marathon. Photo supplied
Tara: When did you decide to take on the challenge of completing the six World Marathon Majors? And, what was your motivation to do so?
Reita: The goal of completing the six World Marathon Majors entered my mind after I ran the New York Marathon. My passion for running just continued to grow, as did the challenge of competing, only to improve my own performance. This definitely sparked my interest and when a marathon friend, Jeff Vince, from Winnipeg, suggested making this a goal, I decided I was in. I have run all six majors with Jeff, who just ran his 74th marathon in London.
Tara: What was the most challenging part of completing these six marathons? And what was the most rewarding?
Reita: The most challenging part of completing the six was the commute and jet lag when traveling to Tokyo, Berlin, and London. I never did learn to pace myself to allow enough time to become acclimatized. The most rewarding race was my first Boston in 2006. The runner enthusiasm and massive crowd support are so incredible. I have to say that London was special also in that I knew the World Marathon Majors Medal was waiting at the finish.
Tara: How did you stay healthy and away from too many injuries through all those many, many miles of marathon training?
Reita: While staying healthy is a lifestyle choice of mine, but remaining injury-free and allowing for recovery time involves effort and patience. Strengthening, stretching, doing weights and recovery seem to take equal time to actually running. While running keeps me focused on eating nutritious meals, the opposite holds true as well. Everyone is different. I enjoy eating wholesome food, and although my diet is pretty plain, it keeps me going. My staples are avocado on hemp toast, yam, broccoli, spinach, beets, sweet potatoes, freshly grated ginger, various lettuces, chicken and turkey breasts and free-range eggs. I load up in the morning with a good breakfast of steel-cut oats, chia, Brazil nuts, pumpkin seeds, blueberries or strawberries, along with a bit of yogurt or a soft boiled egg. After a long run or weight workout, I rely on a protein powder which contains chia and probiotics - which I find very good for muscle recovery. I feast on other things as well, such as dark chocolate, Himalayan salt caramels, chocolate chip cookies and popcorn at the movies.
Reita running the 2017 London Marathon on April 23. Photo supplied.
Tara: Does one of the marathons stand out to you as your favorite in terms of your performance, or the race itself?
Reita: Each and every marathon is special on its own. The most memorable one for me was my first Boston on April 17, 2006. It was special because of both of my kids, Michael and Patrick were with me on that trip and we were all so excited. I will always remember when we walked to the Boston Tea Party, located at the Long Wharf Waterfront, for a brunch specifically for Canadian runners. It was so exciting to be there in the midst of others who were sharing the same enthusiasm and excitement. I have run Boston three times; each time the same enthusiasm - I will do Boston again.
As for performance, the Fargo Marathon was my personal best at 3:48, placing first in my age division. Big Sur was close to being a personal best as well and definitely the most scenic. The view from many different points on the course was incredible as was arrival at the half marathon point, where soloist Michael Martinez was playing the grand piano over a beautiful scenic view of the ocean. That was one cool, refreshing run!!
Tara: Is there anything else you would like to share with us about your experience?
Reita: Just a thought I would like to share regarding London Marathon. The marathon itself is one of the largest with 39,000 runners as well as the largest in support of charities. Although I didn't see the Duke and Duchess and Prince Harry, I did pick up a "Heads Together" headband which was handed out at the expo for runners to wear in support of mental health. Heads Together for Mental Health is a charity started by William, Kate, and Harry over a year ago and thus far has raised over 8 million pounds. I wore my headband and plan to wear it again in other races.
In closing, I cherish the friendships I've made in my running adventures. Setting goals keeps me running on. There are so many events - I never stop thinking, 'what's next?' - the Italy Coast-to-Coast Relay, the Napa Marathon, and Boston again are looming. But more importantly, I just enjoy getting out and starting my day with a run or a good gym workout.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Brainsport Mimosa Run
On June 11 join Brainsport and the Lasers Swim Club for a 5K fun run in support of the Lasers Para Swim Program, which helps athletes with physical disabilities learn to swim and compete. Your entry will include a scenic fun run; a beautiful souvenir tank; sophisticated post-run snacks, and a mimosa! For more information about the run and to register click here.
Queen City Marathon
This year's Queen City Marathon is being held on the weekend of September 8. Considered one of the premier running events in the province, this is a race consider getting on your list. There are racing options for everyone at this event! Click here to learn more.
Open Water Swim Clinics
The transition is offering Open Water Swim Clinics at Pike Lake this June. These clinics are designed to increase triathletes/swimmers confidence and skills in the open water and are targeted at both beginner and experienced triathletes/swimmers. The focus is on skills and tips for open water swimming including sighting, swimming around buoys, exits, etc. For more information click here.
Huskies Track and Field & Cross-Country Community Forum Meeting
Everyone is welcome to attend this open session aimed at informing people about the Huskies' program and the vision for it. Local cross-country and track & field teams, along with all members of the community will have an opportunity to learn more about the program, take part in a Q&A and hear from the Huskies' new coach!
EY River Run Classic
The EY River Run Classic, organized by the Saskatoon Road Runners Association, is being held in Saskatoon on Sunday, July 9. The event consists of a 5K, 10K, and half marathon, with the 10K race being part of the Saskatchewan Athletics Road Race Series. It is a great route along the South Saskatchewan River. For those of you who will not be entering the race, please consider volunteering (volunteers can contact Nancy Milhousen
Tri-Unity Challenge
Registration for the 2017 Tri-Unity Challenge being held on August 12 is now open. Challenge yourself to walk, jog or run 18K, 8K or 3K - all while taking in the sights of Pasquia Regional Park in the Carrot River Valley. For more information and to register click here.
Beads of Courage Colour Fun Run
This is a fun family run being held on June 4 at Lakeview Park, with 100% of proceeds going to Beads of Courage programming to help support sick kids in Saskatchewan. Register you and your family today; kids 10 and under are free. Don't delay, this event sells out! To register go to www.colourrunsask.ca.
Canada Goose 150 Race
This one-time only, no-pressure distance running event is being held on June 24 and 25 in Wascana Park in celebration of Canada's 150th birthday. There's something for everyone at this fun-inspired event. Choose from 150-minute run to a 150K run, with plenty of other options in between. For more information click here.
Canada 150 Ultramarathon
Celebrate Canada's 150th anniversary by taking on this unique ultra marathon traversing the Canadian Shield. The event will be held on July 1 at Falcon Lake, Manitoba (race starts at Great Falls). Run the 150 solo, or get a team together to participate in the relay! For more information go to http://canada150ultra.com/registration/,
Breath Move Be Yoga - Six More Weeks!
Breath Move Be is offering runner specific yoga at Namaskar Yoga Studio (615 2nd Avenue North. Cost is $72 if pre-registered. There will also be a $17 drop-in option if there's room in the class. Pre-register by contacting
Product of the Week
E-Load Energy Gel
This week's product comes with a tip from Brainsport manager, Lisette Schermann, which we'll get to in just a moment. First, here's what Lis has to say about E-Load Energy Gel:
"By this stage of the season, some athletes dread the thought of using another gel, often because they're sick of the texture or heavy flavors of the ones they've been training with. E-load gels use very mild natural flavors and they have a very watery texture. They're a gel that even very sensitive palate can handle."
Now for a tip from Lis: "Always drink water with any of these products. Even soft, squishy gels are dehydrated and if you use them without drinking water, you're compromising your ability to digest them."
Before signing off, a reminder the Brainsport Pop-Up Store is open at our old location - 704 Broadway Ave. Come check out some major discounts on running shoes, walking shoes, sandals. casual shoes and boots!
Thanks for reading the Times this week . . gotta run . . .Tara