Team Running Free Alumni

Member Since: 2007

Occupation: Student

Home: Markham

About Me: I'm a university student who races cross country and track during the school year, hits the roads to race during the summer, and also pretends to be a triathlete once and a while. I've been running since grade three when my mom told me to get involved in school sports and at the time, cross country was the only team that didn't make cuts and allowed students that young to compete. I continued running throughout high school and made huge improvements in university, where I got the amazing opportunity to compete for Canada in my first international competition in 2008. I started racing triathlons two years ago after buying a road bike for cross training and have been enjoying tris ever since.

Sports: Running (cross country, track, road racing), triathlon.

Athletic Goals: After having succumbed to several injuries over the past year, my current goal is to stay healthy and get back into shape. In the long-term, I want to race the marathon when I am finished with school.

My most catastrophic racing experience was: There have been quite a few over the years, but I think the Peterborough Half-Ironman takes the cake. I was in the weeks preceding the race, so my training was nowhere near what I needed to complete the distance. The heat really got to me on the run, and I had goosebumps all over my body from dehydration. I couldn't take in fluids because my stomach was so upset. I spent the entire run alternating between running, throwing up, walking, and throwing up again. None of my races are ever pretty, but this one was particularly ugly.

My most memorable racing experience was: My most memorable races were my first (and as of now, only) half-marathon and the 2007 University Cross Country Championships. These are also, not coincidentally, my most painful races. You can read my overly long race reports for all of the glorious details. https://www.teamrunningfree.com/blog/2008/04/29/the-limestone-half-marathon/ https://www.teamrunningfree.com/blog/2007/11/14/canadian-interuniversity-sport-cross-country-championships/

Favourite Racing Gear: Anything by Brooks! The Racer ST series is usually my weapon of choice, but I think most of their other shoes are wonderful, too.

Favourite Race: University cross country meets!

Favourite Race Food: Because I race shorter distances, I don't usually race with gels. My pre-race breakfast for the past five years or so has been a buttered bagel and a nice big mug of tea. During my training, I like GU gels and Gatorade.