Sunday, August 31, 2008

La evolución de Alex Bain


You just never know where Alex (and the PEI RoadRunners Club) are going to pop up......



http://autismointegral.blogspot.com/2008/08/la-evolucin-de-alex-bain.html

(The Google Translation of the above page)

"La vida y tiempos de Alex Bain, un chico autista de Prince Edward Island, Canadá. A pesar de sólo tener un vocabulario de 3 palabras, cuando entró en la escuela, Alex se integró plenamente en un classrooom, con un TA (Teacher's Aide) y mantiene nivel de grado o por encima de trabajo hasta su graduación, con honores, de la Escuela Secundaria. Alex escrito la mayor parte de su comunicación, sobre diversos teclados, antes (y durante años después) empezó a hablar a la edad de 6. Actualmente, Alex se conoce en PEI como miembro del PEI RoadRunners Club y se puede encontrar en la carrera de una carretera casi todos los fines de semana de abril a noviembre que cubren distancias de 1 Milla a 25 Kilómetros."


Eduardo....
Gracias y no hay de qué. Es nuestro deseo que ver la vida de Alex que inspirar y dar esperanza.
-janet /" jypsy", mamá de Alex


The Friendship Run for Prince County Hospital

It was sun and cloud and 20 degrees.

The Friendship Run at Summerside on the 10km loop course on road and trail.

I ran 37km at National Park and home on Thursday for training the first marathon. It was the farthest run ever.

Today I finish in 43:50 and made the top 10 finish and came in 9th out of 83 runners.

Mike MacKinnon won the race and new course record of 34:57 and Linda MacIsaac-Gallant for the top female.

I got a 2nd place in Male 20-29 medal.

Official Result: 9th out of 83
10K in 43 minutes, 50 seconds
Friendship Run 2007
Friendship Run 2006
Friendship Run 2005

Friendship Run 2004

More Photos

Running For Autism
Not Against It
acceptance not cure


The Prince County Hospital Doctors on the Run

Monday, August 25, 2008

Connaughton shares Olympic thoughts


Connaughton shares Olympic thoughts

CHARLES REID
The Guardian


Now that the 2008 Olympic Summer Games hoopla is over, it's time to reflect on the meaning of it all, the big picture, the whole enchilada, man's place in the universe.
OK, OK, before I warble verses from the space epic Cygnus X-1, a song from Canadian prog-rockers Rush about a man chasing a black hole in outer space, let's pull back a bit and narrow the focus to a few thoughts on the Games from New Haven sprinter Jared Connaughton.
Connaughton, 23, reached the semifinals in the men's 200-metres and the finals of the men's 4x100-metre relay in his first Olympics.
On Sunday, he sent the Guardian his impressions on the 4x100-metre relay qualifying heats, a tempestuous night marked by rain, disqualifications and dropped batons, and the final, which saw the Jamaicans - led by Usain Bolt (who won the 100-metres and 200-metres in world record time) and former 100-metres world record holder Asafa Powell - earn gold in a world record time of 37.10.
The Canadian team of Hank Palmer (lead), Anson Henry (second), Connaughton (third) and Pierre Browne (anchor) finished sixth with a time of 38.66 in Canada's first men's 4x100-metre relay final since capturing gold in 1996 in Atlanta.
Connaughton returns to P.E.I. on Tuesday. His flight lands at 11:30 p.m. at the Charlottetown airport.

Connaughton - On the 4x100-metre men's relay qualifying heat two, National Stadium, Beijing, China, August 21, 2008:

"The 4x100-metre relay holds a special place in my heart so to gear up with the team was very exciting.
Once we saw our lane draw for the semifinal (lane two) against the Jamaicans and Brits everyone initially gulped, but after some reflection and study of our previous races both individually and as a team we knew that we were capable of making the final.
Waiting for the first semifinal to finish was nerve wracking to say the least, not to mention having to watch four of the eight teams either (be disqualified) or drop the baton.
Either way, we knew that regardless of what happened in that section, we had a plan and a goal, and a little rain, bad karma, and 91,000 fans screaming in your ear wouldn't get in the way of accomplishing those goals.
Once our first runner was called to the blocks was when I began to actually feel butterflies in my stomach, truthfully, for the first time since being at the Olympics (I felt no nervousness before the 200-metres runs).
The gun fired and the race was off.
After that everything is a blur.
Once I handed it off to Pierre our anchor leg, I knew we were in the final and a tremendous wave of relief passed over me and a strong sense of belonging really set in.
After the race, we went through the normal media mix zone where the press asked us all what our chances would be in the final, and essentially we all answered the same way: a medal!"

Connaughton - on the 4x100-metre men's relay final, National Stadium, Beijing, China, August 22, 2008:

"We saw the lane draw early that morning and instantly were excited. Lane six. Outside Trinidad and Jamaica and inside Japan. A perfect opportunity to get in the mix for a medal.
It seemed like the whole team was in good spirits and excited about the opportunity to show the world what we had to offer. We had some great practice hand-offs at the warmup track outside the Bird's Nest and we knew we were ready to go once the final check-in call was announced.
As we entered the marshalling tent, the energy inside from the other teams was terrific. The Brasilians were shouting Portugese war cries, the Jamaicans were all dancing, the Germans were still. (A) very neat insight into how athletes from all around the world get pumped up.
When the officials brought the teams into the stadium, the crowd noise was electrifying, especially considering the Chinese team snuck in for the eighth qualifying spot the day earlier.
As each member dispersed to their respective zones, I knew that this was what I've always dreamed about: an Olympic final.
As the race time drew near, I prepared my checkpoint and ran a few acceleration runs and felt great.
The gun was raised, the runners became set and bang! The race was off.
Being on third leg never allows you much opportunity to evaluate the race, there is really no time to. However, I knew something was a bit off between Hank and Anson and their exchange seemed delayed.
Once Anson reached my checkpoint, we had really gotten out of the mix and behind the rest of the field. I did everything I could to make up some ground on Japan to the outside of us, but once I handed it off to Pierre, the rest of the field had really began pulling from us.
Jamaica went on to smash the previous world record by three-tenths of a second, which is a mile in track and field. We finished with a season's best of 38.66 and were sixth overall. Certainly not reflective of what our true potential was.
In the end, I continue to count my blessing and thank my family, friends, coaches for the all support and time invested into myself and to this team.
Making an Olympic final was sensational, now as a team we must go back to the drawing board, to prepare for the world championships in Berlin, Germany next July.
It's been a wild ride, and even after the race, I couldn't think of a place I'd rather be then inside the Olympic Stadium."


CHARLES REID
The Guardian


Although Jared Connaughton didn’t win a medal at the 2008 Olympics Summer Games, he’s not returning home from Beijing, China with regret.

He lands on P.E.I. today at 11:30 p.m. at the Charlottetown airport.

“It’s been a wild ride and even after the (men’s 4x100-metre) race, I couldn’t think of a place I’d rather be than inside the Olympic Stadium,” Connaughton wrote in a recent e-mail to The Guardian. “In the end, I continue to count my blessings and thank my family, friends, coaches for the all support and time invested into myself and to this team.”

His 4x100-metre squad included Hank Palmer (lead), Anson Henry (second) and Pierre Browne (anchor). Connaughton ran the third leg. The foursome finished sixth with a time of 38.66 in Canada’s first men’s 4x100-metres relay final since capturing gold in 1996 in Atlanta.

Earlier last week, Connaughton reached the semifinals of the men’s 200 metres. Not a bad pair of results for the 23-year-old in his first Olympics.

But the relay was his only kick at the medal can and Connaughton drank in the spectacle.

“As we entered the marshalling tent, the energy inside from the other teams was terrific. The Brasilians were shouting Portugese war cries, the Jamaicans were all dancing, the Germans were still. (A) very neat insight into how athletes from all around the world get pumped up,” he said. “As each (Canadian) member dispersed to their respective zones, I knew that this was what I’ve always dreamed about: an Olympic final.”

The final, however, saw the Jamaicans — led by Usain Bolt (who won the 100-metres and 200-metres in world record time) and former 100-metre world record holder Asafa Powell — earn gold in a world record time of 37.10.

Trinidad-Tobago earned silver in 38.06, which beat Britain’s gold-medal time of 38.07 in 2004, while Japan took bronze with a 38.15.

“I knew something was a bit off between Hank and Anson and their exchange seemed delayed. Once Anson reached my check point, we had really gotten out of the mix and behind the rest of the field,” said Connaughton. “I did everything I could to make up some ground on Japan to the outside of us, but once I handed it off to Pierre, the rest of the field had really began pulling from us.”

Like many Olympians, Connaughton will take some time off before returning to training in Arlington, Texas.

But there's not much rest as the track and field beat goes on.

“Making an Olympic final was sensational,” he said. “Now as a team we must go back to the drawing board to prepare for the world championships in Berlin, Germany next July.”

P.E.I.’s other Olympic athlete, modern pentathlete Kara Grant of Stratford, is scheduled to arrive back in Canada on Friday.

Even if you can't run like a Kenyan, you can run FOR a Kenyan



Even if you can't run like a Kenyan.........

you can run *FOR* a Kenyan (a whole Kenyan Village!)

Announcing the 1st
Rotary Run for Mikinduri

proceeds to benefit a fantastic cause: Mikinduri Children of Hope, and other select international projects of the Rotary Club of Stratford. Every runner out there will mean better clothes, better food and much needed help for the people of Mikinduri.

Mikinduri is a small, poor, remote Kenyan village in eastern Africa. The people have little opportunity for work, except as labourers on small farms. Like most African countries, Kenya is plagued with the effects of disease and insufficient food. Some of the children cannot afford school fees, which prevents then from getting an education. Their future is bleak. This village of kind, hard working, gentle people desperately need outside help.

Despite their challenges, the people of Mikinduri are determined to make a better life for themselves and their children. Many are active in their community and have developed several projects with which we are attempting to assist them.

Mikinduri Children of Hope is a dedicated group of volunteers based in Prince Edward Island (PEI), Canada. It was initiated in 2003 By Makena Ambassa who was born near Mikinduri and now lives in PEI.


Course Info

15K

"Our 15K is a tough, grueling hill run, that's sure to test the strongest of hearts! It also makes a great training run for the PEI Marathon."

You'll start off running down Kinlock from the Metro Credit Union straight up to Fox Meadow, and then down to Keppoch. Take a left on Keppoch and you'll work your way over to Georgetown Road and your first major challenge: Tea Hill. The top of Tea Hill is the 5K mark, and you'll find a water station right there.

Continue on up Georgetown and follow it as it turns into Stratford Road, bending back around to pass an aid station at 7.5K and then cross Kinlock. You'll keep going and take a left by the Big Blue Church onto Keppoch, to the second major challenge: the mile-long hill up Keppoch. The top will be the 10K mark with another water station.

You'll turn left quickly after this onto Skye Lane and follow the subdivision back over to Kinlock. There, you'll climb your last hill up to Fox Meadow and then speed back down to the finish line at Metro!

Stations: The 2 water stations will be stocked with Gatorade and water, along with some ethusiastic volunteers! The aid station will have bananas and pretzels, as well as Gartorade and water (and volunteers).

15K Course Map

5K

"But, don't worry, for those into enjoying the last bit of summer our 5K is just the kind of fun, socialable run that gets your Sunday started right."

As with the 15K, you'll start off running down Kinlock from the Metro Credit Union straight up to Fox Meadow. You'll split off from the 15K here, taking a left to pass through a subdivision back down to Stratford Road. There'll be an aid station as you turn onto Stratford, at the 2.5K mark.

You'll then speed back across Kinlock and take a right on Greenview. You'll start a fun little section, going on and off some of the lovely Stratford trail, before hitting Aintree Road. You'll come out Aintree onto Kinlock and take a right to finish at the Metro!

Station: The aid station will be stocked with Gatorade, water, bananas and pretzels (same great volunteers!).

5K Course Map

Bring the whole family!

While the runners are away, they'll have plenty of stuff for friends and families to do.
There'll be a couple of Wii consoles set up, for friendly matches or for some intense competition - you choose! They will have games, balloons and face painting for kids of all ages and lots of food and drink.

Don't Wait!! Pre-Register Now!
T-Shirts are only reserved for the first 100 registrants

Date: Sunday, September 7th, 2008
Starting Time: 9 AM
Location: Metro Credit Union, Stratford
Title Sponsor: Metro Credit Union
Prices: 15K: $15
5K: $10
Online Registration: http://www.events.runningroom.com/site/?raceId=3988
(T-Shirts for first 100 Runners!)
Day-Of Registration: 8 AM, Metro Credit Union Lobby
Course Description: Our 15K (course map) is a tough, grueling hill run, that's sure to test the strongest of hearts! It also makes a great training run for the PEI Marathon. But, don't worry, for those into enjoying the last bit of summer our 5K (course map) is just the kind of fun, sociable run that gets your Sunday started right.

Join the event on facebook! ~*~ Download a promotional poster

Islanders at the Ironman




Islanders tackle Ironman course
ERIC MCCARTHY
The Journal Pioneer


PENTICTON, B.C. -- The father-daughter team of Paul Dalton from St. Edward and Paulette Dalton from Toronto came close to their objective in the recent Subaru Ironman Canada triathlon in Penticton, B.C.
The Daltons had wanted to complete the course in around 13 hours. Paul Dalton, 50, crossed the finish line in 13 hours four minutes 38 seconds (13:04:38). Paulette, 24, completed the course 21 minutes 43 seconds (21:43) behind him. Her time was 12th fastest out of 22 for women 18 to 24. Out of 172 participants in the men's 50 to 54 category, her father finished 91st.
A total of 2,210 people started the race and 2,063 would cross the finish line. The Daltons were near the middle of the pack -- 1,206 and 1,334th overall.
Winning time was a near bionic 8:30:12 by Bryan Rhodes of New Zealand. Fastest female was Belinda Granger of Australia, who accomplished the feat in 9:17:58.
This is not an event for novice runners -- it starts with a 3.84-kilometre swim, then packs on a bike race of 180-kilometre duration and finishes off with a 42-kilometre marathon run.
Top Islander was Chandra DaHaan from Charlottetown, 317 overall, in a time of 11:00:23. She was sixth out of 67 in the women's 25 to 29 category.
A former Springfield, P.E.I., resident, Bryon Howard, now living in Calgary, was 49th fastest overall in a time of 9:45:42. That was third fastest among the 291 men in the 40 to 44-age bracket.

Sunday, August 24, 2008

Desmond Baglole Scenic Road Run

It was sunny and 20 degrees.

The 15km loop course on the PEI dirt roads and tough hills.

The CTV Maritimes cameraman Dan Viau arrives at Millvale to reports on the race for the news. I saw me at the start line on TV.

I finished in 1:14:52 and came in 14th out of 38 runners. The best time by 5 minutes from last year.

Stephen Baglole won the race and Pat Ellis for the top female.

Official Result: 14th out of 38
15K in 1 hour, 14 minutes and 52 seconds

Scenic Road Run 2007

More Photos (ours)
More Photos (PEI RoadRunners)



Running
For Autism
Not Against It
acceptance not cure















Kenya's Wanjiru wins men's Olympic marathon

Kenya's Wanjiru

wins men's Olympic marathon

Kenya's Sammy Wanjiru breaks the tape in Sunday's men's marathon at Beijing.
(Anja Niedringhaus/Associated Press)


With a smile on his face and enough strength in his legs to sprint to the finish, Sammy Wanjiru won Kenya's first gold medal in the men's Olympic marathon in record time.

Wanjiru, 21, set a searing pace in the final athletic competition at the Beijing Games, obliterating the Olympic record with a time of two hours 6.32 minutes on Sunday morning.

The previous record of 2:09.21, owned by Portugal's Carlos Lopes, had stood since 1984.

"It feels good to make history here," said Wanjiru, who informed officials afterward that his name was misspelled as 'Wansiru' on the official results sheet.

"It feels good to make history for Kenya and win the gold." Wanjiru pulled away from Moroccan contender Jaouad Gharib with 15 minutes remaining, and entered the National Stadium unchallenged and to a standing ovation.

The jubiliant Kenyan raised his arms in triumph, and, with the crowd cheering him on, proceeded to sprint around the track and break the tape in record time.

"I had to push the pace to tire the other runners," Wanjiru said. "I had to push the pace because my body gets tired in the heat when I slow down."

It was just the third full marathon run by Wanjiru, the world half-marathon champion, and the first Olympic gold in the event for Kenya — a nation defined in the sports world by its excellence in distance running.

"In Kenya, we have many medals," he said. "But I'm glad I have this one."

Gharib, a two-time world champion, took the silver medal in 2:07.16, and Tsegay Kebede streaked past a spent Deriba Merga, his elder Ethiopian teammate, with 200 metres left to claim the bronze in 2:10.00.

No Canadians competed in the event.

Defending champion Stefano Baldini of Italy placed 12th in 2:13.25, despite nursing a tender thigh that doctors ordered him to rest for three days just prior to the Games.

"In the last 10 kilometres, it was unbelievable what the Africans were able to do under these conditions," Baldini said.

Pleasant conditions at outset

Runners were treated to pleasant, less humid conditions and a soft breeze at the outset, but the temperature rose from 21 C to 30 C by the time it concluded.

Most importantly, Beijing's notorious air quality was surprisingly good, leaving observers to wonder whether world record holder Haile Gebrselassie should have competed after all.

Gebrselassie, who set the world mark of 2:04:26 last September in Berlin, competed in the 10,000 metres at Beijing, but the legendary Ethiopian withdrew from the marathon because he feared the city's poor air quality would harm his health over the long haul.

Ninety-eight runners lineup at Tiananmen Square for the start of the race, which meandered through the streets of Beijing, past the fabled Forbidden City and historic Temple of Heaven before looping back to the square and through the city's financial district toward the stadium.

The 42-kilometre route was exposed but relatively flat, with a gradual incline of four kilometres over the first half and a gentle downward slope the rest of the way.

As the marathoners competed outside the Bird's Nest, the performers inside rehearsed for the closing ceremonies (CBC, 6 a.m. ET), much to the delight of fans eagerly awaiting the arrival of the marathoners.

Martin Lel of Kenya set a brisk pace over the initial 15 kilometres of the marathon, covering the distance in 44:36.

Lel posted the swiftest time this season in winning the London Marathon in 2:05.15.

Reigning world champion Luke Kibet, Martin's teammate and a late replacement for injured Robert Cheruiyot, stuck with the chase group before being forced off the course with stomach cramps at 1:25.46.

Lel began to wilt by the halfway mark and relinquished the lead to Wanjiru and Merga, who ran side-by-side with Gharib trailing by 0.04 seconds.

Wanjiru pulled ahead of Merga by two strides at the 1:45.00 mark, with Gharib trailing by 0.01 and Eritrea's Yonas Kifle lurking just 1.28 back.

Saturday, August 23, 2008

On The Run - Sound mind, sound body


Sound Mind, Sound Body

Stan Chaisson

What is it that drives people to get out of their cozy bed in the morning, face the elements, and put one foot in front of the other for countless miles? How do they find the motivation? How do they battle the fatigue and keep focused on their event? Many times
it’s a challenge to make walking and running a priority and it takes more than just strong legs and lungs.

Mental preparation is equally as important as physical training when it comes to running. It’s one thing to be motivated when you start your training, but it’s another thing to stay motivated for the many weeks leading up to the event. Here are a few techniques you can use to help prepare your mind for your event.


Visualize. Take a few minutes each week to imagine what your race is going to be like. Picture yourself running smoothly, confidently and focused. See yourself overcoming any
obstacles you can
think of and comfortably completing your distance with a smile on your face and all your friends and family cheering. Imagine the rewarding feeling you’ll have as you cross the finish line.

Find your mantra. Develop a word, phrase, or even sing a song that is positive and motivating. Throughout your training and in your event repeat this motivating mantra to help you stick with your plan and take your mind away from distractions.. In a recent discussion with Shawn McCardle, an Ultra-marathoner who has completed a 100-mile race, he explained to me that staying focused is extremely important, and if you
continually remind yourself you are going to succeed, you will succeed. You need to train your mind just as much as you train your body and you need to be aware of this connection.

There’s no doubt that negative thoughts can creep into your head and many excuses are easy to find on a rainy day or
a busy weekend. Life can definitely alter your training for a day or two or even a week, but you must keep your vision and get back to your training and remind yourself about all the hard work you’ve put in, and how much this means to you. Surround yourself with a positive support system. Spend time with like-minded, motivated runners, friends and family. Display motivating quotes on your fridge and mirrors, and watch your favorite inspirational movies.

Develop a po
sitive training ritual. Start each run with a routine that is consistent throughout your training regimen. This can be anything you want; a warm up and stretch, listening to music, or a calming walk. During a nerve-racking situation, having this comfortable and positive routine can calm you down and make everything feel the same as any other training run. This will help you relax and improve your performance.
Is there a reward for all this hard work that makes it all worthwhile? Of course there is. There is no better feeling than working hard to reach a goal and completing such a great accomplishment no matter if it’s walking your first 10km or running your first Marathon.

So as you prepa
re for the BMO Nesbitt Burns PEI Marathon events in October, remember to stay focused, stay consistent and most importantly enjoy the journey, you’ll never forget it.

Stan Chaisson is a registered kinesiologist, trainer, avid runner, and exercise enthusiast. His weekly column will provide advice and training tips for those preparing for the BMO Prince Edward Island Marathon, October 18-19 (www.princeedwardislandmarathon.com)





















A Personal Best 7Km - Kent Building Supplies Run


It was sunny and 21 degrees.

The 7km loop course on Mill River East Road, Gard Road and Highway #2.

I finished in top three behind Scott and Connor and came in 3rd out of 24 runners in 29:43.

The PB by 46 seconds from last year and break under 30 minutes.

I watch the Men Olympic Marathon tonight and I run the tough Scenic Road race tomorrow.


Official Result: 3rd out of 24
7K in 29 minutes, 43 seconds

Kent Run 2007

More Photos

Running For Autism
Not Against It
acceptance not cure

An exceptional accomplishment

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

An exceptional accomplishment
The Journal Pioneer

Editor,
From Aug. 14 to 18 Luke McIver, a young man from Kinkora, ran across P.E.I. in support of Parkinson’s.
I first met Luke in early July when he decided to undertake the 245-kilometre run. His determination and spirit were infectious. Just having graduated high school and entering UPEI this fall, Luke could have spent the summer many other ways. Instead, he opted to make a difference as his grandfather had Parkinson’s and his grandmother now lives with Parkinson’s.
Luke’s journey was close to the equivalent of six full marathons in only four days. Luke’s parents, grandparents, friends and teammates all supported his efforts.
It was inspiring to see so many young people from Luke’s high school and soccer teams joining him along the way. Parkinson’s is now being diagnosed in people from their late 20s through early 50s, as Young Onset Parkinson’s is being better understood.
In the Maritimes more than 8,400 people live with the condition for which we still have no known cause or cure. Luke’s efforts to help create awareness and raise funds are an excellent example of how families can support one another while helping our society.
For the run a van was donated, hotel rooms, meals, Vogue Optical our SuperWalk for Parkinson’s sponsor hosted barbecues in both Summerside and Charlottetown, running shoes were provided along with water and refreshments. Businesses, community organizations and individuals made donations tallying more than $7,000 along the way.
Luke McIver’s individual commitment to Parkinson’s brought people from across Prince Edward Island together collectively for the Parkinson’s cause. Today we are hearing lots about Olympic achievements, records being broken and medals being awarded. Running 100 metres or one marathon is an accomplishment, but what this young Islander accomplished is truly exceptional.
To Luke, his parents, family and friends, and to the many Islanders who supported the run, the Parkinson Society Maritime Region thanks you for your generosity and spirit!
Paul D. McNair,
Executive Director,
Parkinson Society Maritime Region

Friday, August 22, 2008

Olympics over for two Islanders

Olympics over for two Islanders

Sprinter Jared Connaughton and his Canadian teammates placed sixth in the men's 4x100 metre relay at the Beijing Olympics, while pentathlete Kara Grant had to settle for a 31st-place finish.

'We've got some work to do, but this team will be back.'— Jared Connaughton

While the Canadian relay team set a seasonal best, it was well back of the winners from Jamaica.

"This would have been an opportunity to just open the steps up and really go for broke, and I think we were just a little bit conservative. And 38.66 in any other given day is a pretty good time, but not in an Olympic final," Connaughton, from P.E.I., told CBC News after the race.

"We've got some work to do, but this team will be back. I'm satisfied we're here, but you know, I'm not satisfied we're not on the podium."

Earlier this week, Connaughton reached the semi-finals in the 200-metre sprint. P.E.I.'s Grant placed 31st in the modern pentathalon with a score of 4,976.

"I have mixed feelings. Obviously, you know, it's great to be here in Beijing competing, and you know I've certainly proved over the years that I am part of a world-class field, but I definitely didn't perform the way that I'd hoped today so, definitely a little bit of disappointment there," Grant said.

This is Grant's second Olympics, and she said she hasn't decided whether she'll attempt to get to the next Games.

The other Canadian in the modern pentathlon, Monica Pinette, finished 27th.

Pentathaletes take part in five events in one day: shooting, fencing, swimming, show jumping and running.


Jamaica sets world record in 4x100 relay

http://www.cbc.ca/olympics/athletics/story/2008/08/22/day-14-olympics-relay.html

Jamaica sets world record in 4x100 relay

Asafa Powell heads home to give Jamaica the win in the men's sprint relay
at the Beijing Olympics on Friday. (Michael Steele/Getty Images)

Jamaica set a new world record in the men's 4x100 sprint relay late in Day 14 at the Beijing Olympics.

Asafa Powell ran a sizzling anchor leg to put Jamaica across the finish line in 37.10 seconds.

Nesta Carter led off, followed by Michael Frater and Usain Bolt. It was the first Olympic gold medal in the event for Jamaica.

"I said to Asafa, 'Can we do this?' And he was like, 'Don't worry, man, we got this one."' Bolt said.

Bolt, who set world records in winning the 100 and 200, will leave Beijing with three gold medals. Powell will get gold after finishing a disappointing fifth in the 100 final.

"I pushed myself to help Usain and his quest for three gold medals," Powell said.

Trinidad and Tobago, featuring 100 silver medallist Richard Thompson and Marc Burns, captured silver in the relay in 38.06 seconds. Japan won bronze in 38.15 seconds.

"We simply couldn't compete," said Burns.

Canada was sixth in 38.66 seconds. The Canadian team is made up of Toronto's Pierre Browne, Hank Palmer of Pierrefonds, Que., Anson Henry of Pickering, Ont., and Jared Connaughton of New Haven, P.E.I.

"I think overall our exchanges were tight — a little bit too tight and a little bit too close, and we didn't get any ground through the [exchange] zones and we needed that," Henry told CBC Sports.

The team improved on their semifinal time, which was 38.77. Brazil and Germany finished ahead of the Canadians

"We were just a little bit conservative," said Connaughton. "[A time of] 38.66 in any other given day is a pretty good time, but not in an Olympic final, so we got some work to do, but this team will be back."

Jamaica won silver at last year's world championsips — without Bolt — behind the United States. The Americans crashed out in the semifinals, with the baton dropped between Darvis Patton and Tyson Gay.

It is the first time since 1912 that the U.S. men's relay team did not advance to the Olympic final.

Nigeria and Great Britain, too, went from strong medal contenders to out in the semifinals due to a disqualification.

Jamaica has won six gold and 10 medals overall in Beijing. They also have teams entered Saturday in the gold medal finals for the men's and women's 4x400 relays.


Schoneborn hangs on in modern pentathlon

http://www.cbc.ca/olympics/modern-pentathlon/story/2008/08/22/olympics-modernpent-women.html

Schoneborn hangs on in modern pentathlon

German woman captures gold medal despite poor showing in 3,000-metre run


Medal favourite Lena Schoneborn of Germany overcame a ninth-place finish in the 3,000-metre run to win gold in the women's modern pentathlon Friday at the Beijing Olympics with 5,792 points.

The 2007 world silver medallist stood first entering the 3,000 — the final event — after a 10th-place performance in swimming and fourth-place standing in equestrian show jumping.

Earlier in the day, Schoneborn was 20th in the 10-metre air pistol before making up ground as the top finisher in fencing.

Heather Fell of Britain rode top-five finishes in swimming (third) and running (fifth) to capture the silver medal with 5,752 points, while Victoria Tereshuk of Ukraine was third (5,672).

Monica Pinette of Langley, B.C., kicked off Friday's competition with a second-place effort in shooting but dropped to 27th overall in the field of 36 with 5,192 points.

The 31-year-old narrowly missed a first-place finish in shooting, firing a score of 187 compared to the 188 by Switzerland's Belinda Schreiber.

Pinette fell in the standings after placing 33rd in fencing and 34th in swimming. She was also 14th in show jumping and 27th in running.

Kara Grant

Teammate Kara Grant of Charlottetown, P.E.I., placed 31st overall. The 29-year-old finished 16th in the shooting event, 25th in fencing, 36th in the 200-metre freestyle swim, 25th in show-jumping and 31st in the 3,000 run.

World No. 1 Amelie Caze of France was ninth overall. She finished second in the swim, fifth in the fencing, 22nd in shooting, 16th in show jumping and ninth in running.

Connaughton keeps Olympic dream alive in team relay


Connaughton keeps Olympic dream alive in team relay



Canada’s anchor Pierre Browne, right, from Toronto, takes the baton from Jared Connaughton of New Haven, P.E.I., during the men’s 4 x 100 metre relay semi-final at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing Thursday. Canada finished second and advanced to the finals today. Canadian Press photo

BEIJING — Jared Connaughton’s not done yet at the 2008 Summer Olympic Games.
The New Haven native is moving on to the men’s 4 x100-metre relay final after the Canadian team of Hank Palmer, Anson Henry, Connaughton and Pierre Browne ran a 38.77 to finish second in their heat on Thursday in Beijing, China. The final goes today at 11:10 a.m. Atlantic time.
Connaughton didn’t make the final of the 200-metres, but helped Canada qualify for its first 4 x100 final since winning gold in Atlanta in 1996 — despite a wet and treacherous track in which South Africa, Nigeria, Poland and the vaunted United States all dropped the baton in the first heat.
Canada appeared to be in some trouble in heat two, but an exceptional handoff between Connaughton and Browne got Canada past both Germany and France.
“It’s tough to tell because the stagger is so big,’’ said Connaughton. “We were in Lane Two. Anson and I were talking about it and we felt out of it, but when I rounded the bend we were in it. We’re in a middle lane (tonight) so things will be different. I think we’ll really challenge for the victory.’’
Canada’s 38.77 was the night’s fourth fastest clocking. Trinidad and Tobago was the fastest quartet with a 38.26, just ahead of Jamaica’s 38.31. Japan was third in 38.52. The Netherlands (38.87), Germany (38.93) Brazil (39.01) and China (39.13) will also get to run for gold.
The Jamaicans, who rested Usain Bolt — the double gold-medallist and world record holder — cruised to an easy win in the heat in 38.31. Great Britain and Italy were disqualified. The other heat had even more mishaps, with just four teams of eight teams crossing the finish line. The Americans dropped the baton on the final exchange, while Nigeria, Poland, and South Africa also didn’t finish. The Canadians came into the Olympics ranked sixth in the world.

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Daltons hoping to complete ironman course in 17 hours


Daltons hoping to complete ironman course in 17 hours

Paul Dalton gets in some practice in preparation for his participation in the Ironman Canada
race in British Columbia on Sunday. The event combines swimming, biking and running.
His daughter, Paulette, will also be participating. Eric McCarthy/Journal Pioneer
ERIC MCCARTHY
The Journal Pioneer

ST. EDWARD -- The Boston marathon is a walk in the park compared to this - St. Edward resident Paul Dalton leaves Thursday for Penticton, B.C., where he and his daughter, Paulette, are registered to compete in Sunday's Ironman Canada race.
Dalton has already run three Boston Marathons and has qualified for next year's race. His daughter, a nurse in Toronto, is still a few seconds away.
"I'd say next year she'll qualify," he predicted.
"I thought just getting her to Boston would be a big thing, but Ironman Canada is 10 times that," said Dalton as he prepared for his flight to the West Coast. He'll meet Paulette at an airport in British Columbia.
Ironman is a triathlon competition combining swimming, biking and running.
But that description does not pay the event justice. Participants will swim 3.8 kilometres across the Okanagan Lake, then hop on their bicycles and pedal 180 kilometres, with climbs of up to 1,500 metres. They end the endurance event with a full marathon run - 42.2 kilometres.
"I don't know who invented these things," he quipped.
Participants have 17 hours to complete the course and the Daltons are hoping to cover it in 13. They're not in it to win, Paul confirms. They've been advised to give the field a 30-second head start before plunging into the first leg of the race.
Paul registered for this year's event on 2007 race day.
The $1,000 entry fee was too steep for the nursing student, but her contest story about Wigwam socks and her desire to race with her father earned her the entry prize.
"So it was meant to be," her father suggests.
Paul, who marked his 50th birthday on July 4 with a 100K bike ride and 5K run, took up swimming in 2002 when Paulette suggested they try a triathlon.
He could only last two laps of the Mill River pool starting out. Now he does laps off Miminegash harbour.
He expects to be well behind his daughter when he exits the lake Sunday.
"She's a faster swimmer," acknowledges Paul, who will be working to close the gap on the bike and admits there's a competitive spirit between them.
"Some day she'll pass me and I'll give her a High 5 as she goes by," he commented.
Paul extended thanks to individuals and organizations that are helping to sponsor his participation in Sunday's race.

Connaughton and Canadian relay team make it to finals


Connaughton and Canadian relay team make it to finals


The Guardian

P.E.I.’s Jared Connaughton and the remainder of the Canadian men’s 4x100 relay track team will race for an Olympic medal on Friday in Beijing, China.
Earlier today, the Canadian team of Hank Palmer of Montreal, Anson Henry of Pickering, Ont., Connaughton and Pierre Browne of Toronto finished second in its heat to qualify for the final.
The team finished the race in a time of 38.77 seconds, placing second to the team from Jamaica.
Friday’s 4x100 relay race is scheduled to begin at 8:10 a.m. P.E.I. time. The results will be posted online as soon as they are available.
Earlier this week, Connaughton advanced to the semi-finals of the men’s 200-metre race before being eliminated.

Bolt earns sprint double, breaks world record

Bolt earns sprint double, breaks world record

2 sprinters disqualified for lane infractions

Usain Bolt of Jamaica reacts after breaking the world record with a time of 19.30 to win
the gold medal in the men's 200-metre final on Wednesday.
(Michael Steele/Getty Images)

Jamaica's Usain Bolt became the first man in 24 years to run to double sprint gold at the Olympics, breaking the world record in the 200 metres on Day 12 at the Beijing Games.

Bolt ran 19.30 seconds into a slight headwind to blow away the field in Wednesday's final, breaking Michael Johnson's 12-year-old record.

As promised, Bolt ran full steam through the finish line.

'I just came out here and just gave it my all, so I'm happy.'—Jamaica's Usain Bolt, double-gold-medal sprint champ

"After I finished running the 100 metre, I was saying, 'This is possible,'" Bolt told CBC Sports. "If I'm going to break it [anywhere], it's going to be here because the track is quick.

"I just came out here and just gave it my all, so I'm happy," he added.

Bolt collapsed on his back after seeing his record time. Later, he danced on the track for the thrilled crowd at Bird's Nest Stadium.

Defending Olympic champion Shawn Crawford took silver in 19.96 seconds, with Walter Dix earning his second bronze of the Games in 19.98 seconds. Dix, just out of Florida State University, finished third in the 100 final last week.

Crawford and Dix ascended to the podium after a pair of disqualifications.

Churandy Martina of Netherlands Antilles ran in 19.82 and celebrated an apparent silver-medal win. American Wallace Spearmon thought he had taken third ahead of his countrymen, as well as Zimbabwe's Brian Dzingai.

Spearmon, the bronze medallist at last year's worlds, was told while on the track that he was disqualified for stepping outside his Lane 9 line.

Martina didn't learn until much later that he, too, was disqualifed for the same offence after U.S. track officials filed a protest.

Celebrates birthday with record run

Bolt, on his 22nd birthday, became the first man since U.S. runner Carl Lewis at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics to win gold in both the 100 and 200. Bolt can go for another gold as part of Jamaica's 4x100 relay.

Earlier in Beijing, Bolt ran a world-record 9.69 to earn gold in the 100, even though he let up in the last several metres to celebrate, a move criticized by some track observers.

"Come on ... when you're running, if you see you're going to win, you're going to celebrate," Bolt told CBC Sports. "You're going to be Olympic champion, you're just happy. That's pretty much it.

"We're not worried about time here. When you get on the circuit, then you worry about breaking world records."

Lewis won four gold at the 1984 Games, winning in the long jump and as part of the 4x100 relay. The feat matched Jesse Owens in the 1936 Berlin Games.

Other sprinters who won both the 100 and 200 at the Olympics include Valery Borzov of Russia (1972), and Americans Bobby Morrow (1956) and Bobby Tolan (1932). Canada's Percy Williams is credited with the feat in 1928.

Bolt became the first man to break the world record in both events while taking both sprint titles. The last man to hold world records for both distances was Jamaica's Donald Quarrie in the 1970s.

Johnson's Olympic and world record in 1996 was 19.32.

"You're back there giving it everything you've got — it's brutal," said Kim Collins of St. Kitts and Nevis, the 2003 world champ who finished seventh. "He's [Bolt's] doing it and making it look so simple. Michael Johnson did it, and it didn't look that easy."

Robles breezes in 110m hurdles semis

In the 110-metre finals, Cuban Dayron Robles remains the man to beat after he advanced Wednesday.

Robles ran his semifinal heat in 13.11 seconds to easily defeat David Payne of the United States and 2005 world champion Ladji Doucoure of France. Richard Phillips of Jamaica also qualified for the final, which takes place on Thursday.

Robles served notice of his intention to win gold in June in Ostrava, Czech Republic, setting a new world record in 12.87 seconds.

China's Liu Xiang, the 2004 Olympic champion, held the previous record of 12.88. Liu walked off the Beijing track earlier this week after grimacing through a false start in his heat due to a hamstring injury.

David Oliver of the United States won his semifinal heat in 13.31 seconds. Oliver is the only man to be competing in the final who has beat Robles this year.

Artur Noga of Poland, Jamaica's Maurice Wignall, and Jackson Quinonez of Spain also qualified for the final.

The Bird's Nest Stadium crowd groaned as China's Shi Dongpeng was just beaten out by Wignall.

Jamaica's Maurice Wignall won the slowest heat, 13.36, to finish ahead of Ryan Brathwaite of Barbados and Colombia's Paulo Villar.

Two-time silver medallist Terrence Trammell is also out of contention. Trammell went down after the first hurdle in the first heat of qualifying due to a hamstring injury.

Liu holds the Olympic record in the event with a time of 12.91.

With files from the Associated Press

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Connaughton comes up short in 200; sets sights on making relay final

http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/index.cfm?sid=163850&sc=98

Connaughton comes up short in 200;
sets sights on making relay final


Canada’s Jared Connaughton, right, from New Haven, P.E.I., and Great Britain’s Christian Malcolm cross the finish line in the men’s 200-metre semi-final at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, Tuesday. Connaughton finished in seventh place and did not advance to the final. Canadian Press photo

EDITORIAL STAFF
The Guardian

As one Summer Olympic Games dream died on the running track at National Stadium in Beijing, China, Jared Connaughton moved quickly onto another.
The New Haven sprinter ran a 20.58 in his men’s 200-metres semifinal on Tuesday, good for seventh place but not good enough to reach today’s final. Jamaica’s Usain Bolt ran a 20.09 for the semis’ fastest time.
Still, Connaughton, 23, had a good dash at the 200-metre title in his first Games and is undaunted as he eyes the 4x100-metre men’s relay. Heats begin at 9:20 a.m. AT on Thursday.
“It was tough. I had to do a lot more work in the first two rounds than I’m used to, that showed over the last 50 metres. I learned a lot.’’
But he said in a post-race interview that he is pleased with his performances thus far.
“I’m a little disappointed that I didn’t set a personal best (currently 20.34), but heck, I’m without a doubt considered one of the best 200-metre runners in the world, so things could be worse. Now it’s time to reflect and re-energize for the 4x100-metre relay which I’ll be running the third leg.’’
Connaughton reached the 200-metre semis with times of 20.60 (third in the opening heat) and 20.45 (fourth in his quarter-final heat). He was the lone Canuck in the semis after Edmonton, Alta., native, Brian Barnett, re-injured a wonky hamstring in the quarter-finals and didn’t finish.
Canada hasn’t won gold in men’s 200-metres since 1932, and since 1996 in the 4 x100-metre men’s relay — a team that featured Donovan Bailey, Robert Esmie, Glenroy Gilbert and Bruny Surin.
Connaughton, a Bluefield high school graduate, is excited about the 4 x 100-metre challenge.
“I believe I proved throughout the 200-metres that I’m arguably one of the best curve runners in the world and that will bode well for our relay team. I’ve said in the past that I came here to make an Olympic final, so now my chances in the 200-metres are over, my and our only hope is the relay,’’ said Connaughton.
“I’m still very fit and very motivated and thrilled to be representing my family, friends, province and country (on) the biggest sporting stage on Earth.’’
P.E.I.’s other Olympian, Kara Grant, competes in the modern pentathlon Thursday at 9:30 p.m. AT.

By Guardian staff and CanWest News Service



Tuesday, August 19, 2008

2009 Canada Games unveils medal design



2009 Canada Games unveils medal design

Charlottetown, PE, August 18, 2008 – With one year left to go before the 2009 Canada Games takes place on Prince Edward Island, the Host Society today unveiled the design for the medals that will be presented to the top athletes at next summer’s multi-sport event. The Games’ organizers also announced the Delta Prince Edward Hotel as a Bronze Sponsor.

The Hon. Carolyn Bertram, Minister responsible for sport, Host Society president Joseph Spriet, vice president Wayne Carew, and Medals and Flags Committee member Vicki Allen Cook were on hand at an event in Charlottetown today, along with Delta Prince Edward General Manager Michael Bird, to announce that Laura O’Brien, of Charlottetown, created the winning design.

The Medals and Flags Committee of the Ceremonies, Protocol & Hospitality Division ran a contest earlier this spring to find the design and picked O’Brien’s entry over more than 50 others. O’Brien, a graphic designer and graduate of Holland College, works for a local marketing agency. She said, “I’m really honoured to have my design selected as it will form part of the legacy of this event on Prince Edward Island.”

A special publicity campaign targeting students took place as part of the contest, encouraging children of all ages to enter. Minister Bertram acknowledged and thanked Minister Gerard Greenan and several Department of Education and Early Childhood Development staff who helped promote the contest amongst Island schools.

Brandon Bernard, a student from Kensington, took top honours for “best school design”.

The Host Society will need to produce approximately 1700 medals in order to present the coveted 1st, 2nd and 3rd place prizes to winning athletes during the event. Who will produce the medals, based on O’Brien’s design, has not been determined yet.

Mr. Bird also assisted Allen Cook in presenting O’Brien, 2nd place design winner Raylyn Yu of Charlottetown, and Stephen Farquharson of Dieppe, New Brunswick with their prizes.

“The Delta Prince Edward is proud to be associated with an event like the 2009 Canada Games that helps to inspire dreams and build champions in our Canadian youth,” he said. “We, at the Delta Prince Edward, look forward to welcoming the many visitors to Prince Edward Island, some of whom, the athletes, will have the opportunity to win beautifully designed medals as we’ve seen today.”

Carew, vice president of the Friends of the Games division, charged with raising $7 million in the private sector to help stage the games added, “We are thrilled that one of the premier properties in the province, the Delta Prince Edward Hotel, is the latest company to ‘come play’ on our team as Bronze Sponsor of the 2009 Canada Games.”

The award-winning Delta Prince Edward will contribute both cash and in-kind value in terms of guest and meeting rooms during both the pre-Games period and during Games-time, and will be the VIP hotel for the both weeks of the 2009 Canada Games.

Artist leaves her mark on Games with winning medal design

Laura O’Brien of Charlottetown stands in front of her winning design that will adorn the 2009 Canada Games medals. Guardian photo by Jim Day

JIM DAY

The Guardian

Laura O’Brien will make her mark on the 2009 Canada Games through art, rather than athleticism.
O’Brien, 34, of Charlottetown has created the winning design that will adorn the 1,668 medals that will be awarded to the bronze, silver and gold medallists when the Summer Games are staged next year on Prince Edward Island.
“What I find funny, I’m really a non-athlete — no co-ordination whatsoever,’’ she said.
“So it’s great that me, as an artist, can now play a part in the Games.’’
A graduate of Holland College’s visual communications program, O’Brien has been working at Graphic Communications in Charlottetown for a number of years.
Often her work, which includes considerable print media efforts, focuses on creating marketing images that are seen in a flash.
Her winning design for the medals, though, will be hanging around (quite literally) for a long time.
“It’s just something that’s really great for a designer to do,’’ she said. “It’s such a lasting memento of their (athletes’) achievement and the event here on P.E.I.’’
In creating her design, O’Brien said she tried to imagine what would appeal to the athletes who will be winning the Summer Games medals in one year. She tried to make the design have depth, look professional, convey a sense of movement all while using elements to represent the Island and the spirit of the Games.
Her successful design, chosen over more than 50 entries, has a golden maple leaf on the horizon meant to symbolize the sun rising, as the athletes from across Canada dedicate each day, rain or shine, to train to achieve gold, she explained.
“It is also meant to resemble a flame of desire,’’ she said. “Each day is a new day for the competitors to reach their ultimate goal.’’
Three sweeping lines near the bottom of the medal serve several purposes, including showing movement and speed of an athlete while also reflecting the Island’s rolling farmlands.
The trio of lines also represents what O’Brien calls the three must- haves for all athletes: dedication, training and sportsmanship.
Leaves running up the side are the laurel leaves of victory. Oak trees, seen in both the provincial flag and coat of arms, symbolize the Island’s three counties as well as strength and growth.
On the top of the medal, O’Brien created the image of a flag of pride for the top athletes in Canada, each representing their own province. It is also meant to show the ribbon at the end of a race or the completion of a goal, she explained.
On the back of the medal, a far more simple design illustrates an athlete victoriously crossing the finish line.
“Oh, it’s fantastic,’’ O’Brien said of being able to create the winning design.
“The other entries were just outstanding. I’m in good company with those guys. It’s an honour.’’
Raylyn Yu of Charlottetown and Stephen Farquharson of Dieppe, N.B., were recognized for placing second and third respectively for their design entries.
Brandon Bernard, a student from Kensington, took top honours for “best school design.’’
A company still needs to be selected to produce the medals.