Nick Capra

Team Running Free Markham

Member Since: 2007

Occupation: Running Free Apparel Buyer

Home: Toronto

About Me: I've had the pleasure of working in the athletic industry for over 20 years. Running Free, our staff and customers, have been my inspiration in achieving goals I could not have imagined even 10 years ago. Running Free has also bridged new found relationships in other interests in my life. I've been blessed to work with wonderful people doing great services in the community. This year will be my third year as race director for Kidfest Canada's Run and Read program. I'm also quite involved in the Canadian political arena. I ran as the Green Party of Canada candidate in the riding of York West in the 2006 Canadian federal election. This experience has certainly widened my perspective on all kinds of social, economic and ecological issues. You want to talk about the environment... don't get me started, just ask my running pals.

Sports: Running, Swimming, Hockey, Bocce

Athletic Goals: Sub 3:05:00 Marathon, My first triathlon

My most catastrophic racing experience was: In my first marathon I went out at a pace that would bring me in just under my Boston qualifying time, that was my first mistake. My second mistake was not hydrating adequately, and what a whopper of a mistake it was. I hit the 38k mark of the marathon at a 3:12:00 pace then boom, or should I say splat. Hitting the wall is an understatement. I somehow stumbled my way to the finish and promptly fell to the ground. 6 hours and 7 units through IV later I was released from Ottawa General. I don't actually remember too much of that 6 hours but my electrolyte levels were so out of wack that things, for a while there, were touch and go. I was in good shape going into the marathon and that along with the 7 units made my recovery pretty quick. I found out the next day that my time was 3:24:42 which considering the circumstance, was surprising. I do remember thinking at about 40k in the race I don't care if I come in at 5 hours and if I don't finish this thing I wont be able to wear the t-shirt. I learned a lot about myself, namely that I'm in the 99th percentile of sweaters, and 4 months later safely finished my second marathon standing tall and proud.

My most memorable racing experience was: Although the 2004 Boston Marathon was the hottest on record and I ran the slowest marathon to date, I will never forget the entire experience. From the Expo to the post marathon dinner, everything that was the Boston Marathon was well worth the work getting there.

Favourite Racing Gear: Long run shoes - Asics Kayano, Speed work shoes - Brooks Burn, Sugoi Perk Jacket, Mizuno race shorts, Butt'r anti-chafe cream

Favourite Race: Run for the Toad 25k Trail

Favourite Race Food: Gel of choice: GU espresso love with double hit of caffine, Drink: Gatorade, Energy Bar: Bakers Breakfast cookies