Janet Paine
Janet Paine: Trapline Marathon 2009!
(larger version)
Post Race Report
I DID IT!!!....It took me 5hrs 57 sec but I finished!! I was so proud to be a part of the marathon crew on the bus heading for North West River. But then, I got to thinking that the drive seemed awfully long, a lot longer than I remembered it to be. Then, I started getting anxious, wondering what ever possessed me to think that I could run a marathon in the first place. What a stupid , stupid, stupid idea! Thankfully, the chatter in my head was drowned out by the chatter, jokes and laughter of the other marathoners on the bus and I abandoned my plan of hitchhiking back to Goose Bay.
Gathered together at the Trappers' Monument, we were inspired by Mr. Ed Blake. Decked out in trappers' garb, complete with shotgun and golden retriever, he told us of the trapper's life. How they followed their trap lines, traveling alone, on foot, through treacherous trails and unpredictable weather for months at a time. Put into that perspective, the run back to Goose Bay didn't feel quite so daunting. With a blast from Ed's shotgun, we were off and that was the last I saw of most of my fellow marathoners. I settled into my own pace and although I ran alone for most of the race, I certainly wasn't lonely. The Katimivik kids made me feel like a real celebrity, and there were friendly faces giving lots of encouragement at all the water stops. Mike Mealy in his little red car and the first aiders on their bikes made regular loops to the back of the pack. My hubby, Trevor even found time to check up on me in between marshaling the starts of the races and manning the finish line. I felt very supported.
Halfway up 'heartbreak hill' I was thinking that I would be crossing 'run marathon' off my bucket list and never attempting anything so torturous ever again. But as I ran down MOT hill, I began to feel a tingle of excitement as I realized for the first time, that I was actually going to complete my first marathon. It felt amazing to make that little turn into Kinsmen Park and see the banner with that one sweet word; FINISH.... I Did!!!!
After hugging Martha, receiving my beautiful medal, accepting congratulations and gloating a little bit, I proceeded to the food tents. My only regret from the entire experience was that after eating moose soup, fish and brewis and baked salmon, I had no room for a flummie!
I am so proud to have been a part of the Trapline Marathon. My thanks and congratulations go out to the volunteers and organizers whose dedication and attention to detail make this a truly awesome sporting/cultural event... a totally unique Labradorian experience!!
Gathered together at the Trappers' Monument, we were inspired by Mr. Ed Blake. Decked out in trappers' garb, complete with shotgun and golden retriever, he told us of the trapper's life. How they followed their trap lines, traveling alone, on foot, through treacherous trails and unpredictable weather for months at a time. Put into that perspective, the run back to Goose Bay didn't feel quite so daunting. With a blast from Ed's shotgun, we were off and that was the last I saw of most of my fellow marathoners. I settled into my own pace and although I ran alone for most of the race, I certainly wasn't lonely. The Katimivik kids made me feel like a real celebrity, and there were friendly faces giving lots of encouragement at all the water stops. Mike Mealy in his little red car and the first aiders on their bikes made regular loops to the back of the pack. My hubby, Trevor even found time to check up on me in between marshaling the starts of the races and manning the finish line. I felt very supported.
Halfway up 'heartbreak hill' I was thinking that I would be crossing 'run marathon' off my bucket list and never attempting anything so torturous ever again. But as I ran down MOT hill, I began to feel a tingle of excitement as I realized for the first time, that I was actually going to complete my first marathon. It felt amazing to make that little turn into Kinsmen Park and see the banner with that one sweet word; FINISH.... I Did!!!!
After hugging Martha, receiving my beautiful medal, accepting congratulations and gloating a little bit, I proceeded to the food tents. My only regret from the entire experience was that after eating moose soup, fish and brewis and baked salmon, I had no room for a flummie!
I am so proud to have been a part of the Trapline Marathon. My thanks and congratulations go out to the volunteers and organizers whose dedication and attention to detail make this a truly awesome sporting/cultural event... a totally unique Labradorian experience!!
Janet Paine at Trapline Marathon 2008!
(larger version)
Pre Race Feature Story
To me, running is like an old friend... the twists and turns of life can force you to lose touch for months or even years, but when the time is right you can pick up from where you left off...well almost! I started running back in elementary school when our PE teacher encouraged us to pick a track and field event to participate in. I couldn't jump very far or high, couldn't throw straight and I wasn't the fastest one on the track, but lap after lap; I could keep on going.
I have been running off and on, ever since. I've run to get fit, to lose weight, to have some quiet time to think or just some precious time to myself when my family was young (a better option than hiding out in the bathroom!) Now, I am at a stage in my life where I find I have more time just for me, which means more time for running.
I ran a half marathon back in 1987 but had done no 'serious' running until last year when I heard of plans for the first Trapline Marathon. I decided to attempt the half marathon distance. It was a wonderful event; well organized with great volunteer support and camaraderie among runners. The uniqueness a of the trapper's theme, the picturesque course and to top it off, the weather... a 'large Labrador day', combined to make it an awesome experience.
After completing the half marathon, it seemed like a natural progression to attempt the full distance. There is just SOMETHING about the marathon... the 'Everest' of running. It's a huge challenge; but a goal that is actually attainable for the average Joe or Jane or... Janet??? So, if all goes according to plan, I'll be there on October 10th, at the starting line by the Trapper's Monument... and hopefully at the finish line too! Somebody save me a flummie!
I have been running off and on, ever since. I've run to get fit, to lose weight, to have some quiet time to think or just some precious time to myself when my family was young (a better option than hiding out in the bathroom!) Now, I am at a stage in my life where I find I have more time just for me, which means more time for running.
I ran a half marathon back in 1987 but had done no 'serious' running until last year when I heard of plans for the first Trapline Marathon. I decided to attempt the half marathon distance. It was a wonderful event; well organized with great volunteer support and camaraderie among runners. The uniqueness a of the trapper's theme, the picturesque course and to top it off, the weather... a 'large Labrador day', combined to make it an awesome experience.
After completing the half marathon, it seemed like a natural progression to attempt the full distance. There is just SOMETHING about the marathon... the 'Everest' of running. It's a huge challenge; but a goal that is actually attainable for the average Joe or Jane or... Janet??? So, if all goes according to plan, I'll be there on October 10th, at the starting line by the Trapper's Monument... and hopefully at the finish line too! Somebody save me a flummie!