#274km

[jessicapisano]

#distance #fuckdistance #love #mimanchi #274km

[nicolevanzanten]

Sunshine Coast April Fool’s Run | Gibsons, British Columbia

Though the Sunshine Coast April Fool's Run isn't scheduled on April Fool's Day, I've been told to prepare for costumes, laughs and the odd joke leading up to the race on April 6 2014. This half-marathon first began in 1978 and is one of the year's favourites for any runner. Starting in Gibsons and finishing in Sechelt, the route hugs the coast and has a net drop (yes - drop) of 142m. Any race with history and plenty of hills sounds great to me. 

While the adults are dripping in sweat and pushing for the finish line, the Sunshine Coast April Fool’s Run offers a free kids' run for the little ones to do the same. With an activity tent, customized bib numbers and healthy snacks available, the Sunshine Care Network Kids' Jester Dash is a 400M loop for children aged 7 and under. Any long-distance running event that includes a kids' run is a win in my books. 

Fees increase for the Sunshine Coast April Fool’s Run on March 16. Be sure to register for this half-marathon event and cram in some training before April 6. See you on the course! 

I'm a proud blog ambassador of this race, along with Zahida Jaffer and Brian Webb. 

[nicolevanzanten]

First Half | Vancouver, British Columbia

If you thought the SeaWheeze half marathon sold out quickly, you'd be equally as surprised at the popularity of the First Half taking place on February 16, 2014 in Vancouver, BC.. A race capped at 2,000 runners, this event is really only for the dedicated (and crazy) distance runners in the city. After all, who runs 21.1KM in this c-c-cold February weather? 

I'm very excited about this event for one reason in particular: the location. My last two races (Amsterdam and Washington respectively) have seen me share hotel rooms on nights prior to running. Don't get me wrong - I love hotels. Exploring the pool deck, relaxing in a warm bath robe and ordering room service is just like heaven for me - but it doesn't always set a runner up for success. Getting a good rest the night prior and fuelling with familiar food is of the utmost importance before the start line. 

The start and finish line for the First Half is just a few blocks away from my apartment. The event kicks off at The Roundhouse Community Centre, goes through Stanley Park and back around the English Bay Seawall. This is my regular, go-to route on weekends. Check out the map here. 

On February 16, head down to the Seawall or position yourself in Yaletown as 2,000 runners brave the cold for the First Half. I'll be wearing bib #2288 and would love to hear your cheers and read your signs along the way.