Fast Trax Ski and Run Shop

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TEAM MEMBER ~ Petra Grean

GOAL RACES

Season Update

Running the Black Foot 50 miles was an experience I’ll never forget. It was my first time running this distance as a competitor and there was a lot of uncertainty as to how well I could run. I had run this distance as a pacer in a 100 mile event the previous year but my purpose then was to support and encourage. My lack of experience with nutrition for longer distances worried me and sure enough, I was faced with severe cramping for the last 50 km. Although I was unable to stomach anything but strawberries and coca cola, I was able to push through the discomfort and complete the course in a time of 7:46:00.

Three weeks later I was ready to hit the pavement once again and entered in the Fast Trax 50 km event. Thankfully I had no issues with my nutrition and my only dilemma this time was a very sore foot near the end of the race. I was so used to training on soft trail that wearing a light weight trainer on the pavement caused my metatarsal to become inflamed. I fell off pace slightly during the last 10 km but I am very satisfied with my accomplishment of completing the course in a time of 3:43:34.

A special thanks to Jack and Gary for organizing these two fabulous events. Your volunteer crews were so supportive and energetic, and the aid stations were excellent. I am definitely looking forward to participating next year.

So, the running season started off very well and I earned two new female course records. From there, it seemed like everything spiraled downward. A seemingly little fall onto my knee at the Death Race training camp in early July caused a summer of grief and frustration. I have always been the mentally tough person who could push through almost anything, but this time my knee wouldn’t cooperate and I knew that I couldn’t keep up with my training program. Instead I had to focus on cross training in the pool because my hip flexors and quadriceps became very tight. I had become a klutz, falling often and scraping the sides of my body with gravel.

The Sinister 7 and the Canadian Death Race relays were great events I enjoyed participating in this year. Despite my injury I managed to run reasonably well, even though it wasn’t to my standards. I had won my 33 km stage at Sinister 7, and was fifth overall, top female on my 38 km stage at the Death Race. It was a truly wonderful experience being a part of two winning teams. More importantly, it was being with a great group of guys who know how to have a lot of fun.

Not being able to run a fall marathon was quite disappointing for me. Perhaps this time off was a blessing that my body needed. Stretching has certainly become part of my regular routine. After several months off I am eager to resume training. I am focused more than ever to have a great 2009 season.

Distance Events

1. Vasque Trail Running Series
2. Blackfoot Ultra- 80 km
3. St. George or Top of Utah Marathon.

Relays
1. Kananaskis 100 mile Relay- Leg 6
2. Sinister 7
3. Death Race- Leg 2

Season Begins

First and foremost, it is a great honor to be part of the Fast Trax / Asics Marathon project. I can think of many talented female runners in the city of Edmonton that would be deserving of this opportunity and I wish to extend sincere thanks to Jack for including me in this fantastic venture.

People run for all kinds of reasons. I run to clear my mind. I run for solitude. I run because there are other passionate runners who not only believe in me but who teach me from their own experiences. I run to learn from the wisdom of others during partner or group runs. I run for that next hill, face the challenge, pushing past my limits. I am one of those crazy people who simply tie on a pair of running shoes and run.

I have been racing for 14 years. During that time I have run 14 marathons, 5 ultra marathons, 3 half marathons, numerous relays, and shorter races ranging in distance from 8 km to 16 km. It is my passion for running that keeps me motivated and running strong.

As a young adult attending the U of A, I joined an evening fitness group at the Butterdome. Being new to Edmonton, joining a health oriented group was a way to meet new people with similar interests. Before the scheduled class several members of the fitness group would meet and run for approximately 50 minutes, at some point I was invited to tag along. During conversations while on these runs I learned that several members were seasoned marathon runners.

I learned from my university fitness training days with marathon runners that group runs can be the most motivating because I am with people who have set commendable running goals and through training and discipline, have been able to surpass their expectations. It is from others that I learned many health tips, life ‘wisdom's’, great jokes, how to run through discomfort, and that a simple pleasure like tying ones shoes is a cheap way to meet interesting people. One day this fitness group invited me to join them on one of the marathon races, not as support, but as a fellow competitor. I thought they were crazy! But since I was lacing up my running shoes anyway and I had a great support system, I set a goal to train for the Okanagan marathon. However I did swear to everyone that I would only run one. Running marathons wasn't normal in my mind. I didn’t know that running a marathon could end in a chase to the next one, and the next one after that.

After running the Kelowna marathon in 3:23, I decided I could do better. Why finish a goal of completing a marathon with a time I believed I could beat? The decision was final; I was going to run just one more marathon. Well, I keep telling myself to this day that I’m going to run just one more. My latest marathon in St. George was an incredible 2:53. Although I was overjoyed, I was left feeling that I could run sub faster. As you may infer from my ‘track record’, I’m going to run just one more.

Somewhere in between the 14 marathons, I was introduced to trail running by good friend and ultra marathoner Gary Poliquin. Getting off the roads and onto trails generated an enriched running experience. The introduction of “steep hills” and mountains created a new challenge. The grueling climb to the top of a mountain only to see breathtaking views had me hooked on trail running.

After running the 50 km event at the Blackfoot Ultra for several years, I will challenge myself further and attempt to run the 50 mile event…but probably just this once!

As my running shoes hit the surface, I will continue to find new ways to challenge myself even further. I really appreciate the support I receive from fellow runners and this newest support from Asics.