About 50 walkers and runners toed the line for the start of the first annual Western Manitoulan 5 & 10 event in Gore bay this Saturday. Weather threatened but the rains stayed away and participants were treated to a flat fast and scenic out and back course along the shores of Gore Bay. To accommodate all comers there was a 5k walk, a 5k run and a 10k run. Technical t-shirts were provided to all entrants and the top three male and female finishers + the top three under 19 youths received award medals There was also a special medal for the very first entrant and it was awarded to Rocks!! member Flo Atkins. She registered as soon as the event was advertised a few months ago. It pays to be a keener.

Hats off to Manitoulan Rocks!! member Greg Bond who organized and directed the event. Greg, with the support of the community, some fine sponsors and lots of willing volunteers, was able to put on a class event right out of the blocks. We commend him.

Congratulations to Sudbury's Jody Nadjiwon and Becky Olacke formerly of Manitoulan Island on their successful completion of the 2009 Ford Ironman Lake Placid. Jody navigated the 3 event course in a total time of 11:56:13. Becky finished in 12:40:51 with a third place in her 18-24 year age group.

Samantha McGlone was the top Canadian female in 9:44:24 and Pierre Heynemand was top male in 9:36:06

Result Details

Part 2 – Running Safely
Welcome to week 2 of “So you want to Run”! In my previous column you were introduced to some pointers on getting started. Now that you’ve found the time, got the gear and know how to get going, it’s very important to cover a topic of primary importance before you pick up any questionable habits on the journey in your newfound sport.
Running Safely
Running is generally a safe sport but there are inherent risks in everything we do. Let’s put the odds of a mishap in our favour by practicing some smart running habits right out of the gate. Here’s a few examples to send us safely on our way.
• Try to run with a partner or group. There is safety in numbers. If you don’t know anyone try a local running club. Sudbury Rocks!!, the Running Room and the “Y” are just 3 examples where groups run regularly.
• Running in daylight is safer than at night. If you must run after dark, invest in some reflective gear. You absolutely want to be seen.
• Run defensively. Run on the sidewalk when available or on the left side of the road facing traffic. When on the road stay in single file as traffic approaches and be prepared to move even further over if need be. Be especially careful at intersections and any place where you are exposed to traffic. Always be prepared to give vehicles the right of way. They outweigh even the heaviest of us by many factors. Look for that eye contact with a driver before proceeding in front of a car. If running in a group it's always best to have a leader who will help ensure the safety of the runners especially at intersection and road crossings. Be a running ambassador. Promote good will whenever the opportunity arises. Wave at the driver who gives you a little extra space. Please try not to react negatively when someone appears to have wronged you. Don’t acknowledge or respond to harassment. Situations are never improved when our composure is lost. Just remember; being dead right is still a very bad position to be in.
• Carry personal identification. You never know when or if you are going to need it. I remember waking up on the road a few years ago a little addled. I was riding my bike to the gym to get my run in for the day when a car decided to occupy the same space I was taking. Needless to say I lost the battle and was knocked unconscious in the collision. After I regained consciousness a police officer was soon on the scene and engaged me in conversation. “Do you know who you are sir?” he queried. I thought on it for awhile and responded, “I suppose I should know this...but no I don’t”. He further asked “Do you know where you live”? I pointed down the road in some direction and stated. “I really believe I’m supposed to know this as well but I believe it’s down there somewhere”. Two good things happened after that initial conversation. I had identification on the bike which the officer was able to retrieve plus my memory slowly came back and I was able to figure out who I was. I still don’t carry ID all the time and that isn’t smart as I do run alone on numerous occasions. So let’s all assume we may actually need ID and make a promise to ourselves and loved ones to carry it at all times. Enough said.
• Be very careful when wearing headphones. Some groups and races simply don’t allow them. The popularity of the I-Pod has grown so much though that I believe it’s very hard to consider bans. It appears regardless of what the experts say some of you will wear them anyway. So again I’ll state. Be careful when using them. Keep the volume low enough so that you are absolutely aware of your surroundings. That car, dog, bear or anything else you can’t hear can harm you.
That’s enough points for today. Your running tool belt is accumulating notches. You now have a basic running program as well as a bag of safety tips. And we’re going to add to it.

Next week: Part 3 - Running Form
See you on the roads