2013 wrap up

384 hours of training 

244 km of racing

10 races

7 victories

3 course records

1 national experience

= one heck of a 2013 season

I'm so grateful I was able to achieve what I have this year.  My heart is filled with much love of this sport and I thank my lucky stars for the success I have had so far.  I look forward to building on this and continuing building my experience in this so unpredictable sport of trail running.

I hope I could inspire some to join me in trail running.  Message me if you ever want to join me.

I start my foundation first thing tomorrow!  With 3 weeks of recovery coming to an end, I look forward to hitting the trail in the upcoming season. 


Stay healthy!  See you on the trail.

Coach Mike (www.discomfortzone.com), I hope you're ready for me :)

and looking great in runningskirts.com.  Thank you!

Chantal --  A shout out to my wonderful husband, and my beautiful girls who are always 100% supportive of my goals.  Believe! 

xo

https://www.facebook.com/trailrunningchantal

Cross Country 4km Race

Oct 6 – Don’s Harrier Memorial 4K, Sunnybrooke Park, Toronto 

The day after my 50km race at Pinehurst, I raced a 4km with my team The Newmarket Huskies.

 As I limped out of bed Sunday morning, sore for running over 4h30 Saturday, I was thankful for the 1pm start of this race. After breakfast, coffee and a much too short visit, my family and I were back on the road, driving from London to Sunnybrooke park in Toronto.

 After my warmup, and some strides, I toed the line with my amazing teammates. My last thoughts were, 'this is going to hurt'! I am grateful the race was only 4km. I held a comfortable pace for the first 2k, pushed the big hill, and was patient threw kilometre 3.5.

 With 2nd place female just ahead of me, I thought, 'I could push for 2 more minutes, I suffered for the last 2 hours yesterday...what's 2 minutes today?' I passed her.

 Now, my sights were on the 1st place female. I wasn't far behind her. Could I push even harder?
My brain started calculating again: 'what's 30 more seconds?' PUSH, PUSH, PUSH!.

It worked out in my favour. I took over the lead and won the race by a short 3 seconds, with a time of 15:43. Whoohoo!

50k Canadian Trail Championships

Run For the Toad, 50km Canadian Trail Championships 
Pinehurst Conservation Area Paris, ON
October 5th, 2013
$7000 cash prizes up for grabs for the top 5 overall runners, plus $500 if you break the course record

Female top 5 
1st place Stacie Carrigan 3:57:18 Kelowna BC
2nd place Christina Clark 4:11:32 Guelph ON
3rd place Stacey Cleveland 4:14:22 Penticton BC
4th place Lauren Mcniven 4:31:56 Beamsville ON
5th place Chantal Warriner 4:37:21 Minesing ON

4x 12.5km loops
overall pace 5:33/km
Lap 1 1:00:21
lap 2 1:03:07
lap 3 1:15:01
lap 4 1:18:57

Well, as you could see from the above splits, something didn't go as planned! Unfortunately.

As any racer will tell you, anything can happen on race day. Sometimes, training and mental preparation just isn't enough.

The first 2 laps were picture perfect. I felt comfortable, happy, and loving the atmosphere. I had my husband Jeff, my 2 beautiful daughters Jubilee and Maelle, my amazing step-mother in law Monica, and my great friend Robin with her 8 month old son Max cheering me on. I also had my friend Chris Brokenshire as a support. Life was good. I happily ran, seeing the above people at various parts of the course. I ate, I drank and I got continuous feedback on how well I was doing. I held 4th place, and was closing the gap on the 3rd place female. I followed my race plan until....Bang! Suddenly, with no notice, I wasn't feeling well.

At about the 30km mark, I suddenly felt like I swallowed a small bowling ball. I could no longer tolerate food, and could hardly drink any fluids. It just wasn't going away. By the 34th kilometre, I had been walking for ~5 minutes. I knew Chris was waiting for me at aid station #4. He immediately knew something was wrong. He walked along side me for a couple of minutes as I discussed my options with him . I was ready to tell him I was done for the day. It wasn't until he said it out loud "You're quitting the race?" that I knew quitting was not an option.

I drank a cup of coke (Manuel Saumon will love seeing this!) and started my journey to completion. I tolerated the pain in my gut but still couldn't eat or drink anything. I forced myself to sip water (which I now carried with me). I drank another cup of coke, hoping the calories would get me threw it. I got passed by another female competitor in the last few kilometres and was able to hold on to 5th.

I'm proud of myself for not giving up. It's unfortunate I wasn't able to pull it together for this prestigious race. Kudos to all the runners there. The race was very well organized. The volunteers were amazing. The speculators were top notch. The food afterwards was the best I've ever had at a race.

I want to sincerely thank Lisa Wilson (Concept of Movement Barrie), my physiotherapist, who without a doubt helped me with some obstacles leading into the race. She's the absolute best! Dr. Gavin Steciuk, chiropractor, thank you for all of the adjustments. Murray Wood, who adjusted my orthotics a week before the race and gave me a call after the race to wish me congratulations...now that's service! My wonderful coach and friend, Mike Coughlin at Discomfort Zone. I always feel supported with him in my corner. Runninskirts.com, who makes me look chic and pretty in their practical and beautiful activewear. Check them out! My parents, step parents, and in-laws, thank you for the kind words of encouragement. My friends and relatives, who think I'm nuts :)! And most importantly, my husband, and beautiful daughters. I hope my 'obsession' with this sport is a good example for you. I see how proud you are in me. Thank you for the cheering. I love you.

There will be many more races to come. This 50k may of been the last of 2013's trail season, but it's just the beginning in my journey to ultra running.

Follow me on my Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/trailrunningchantal

Repost... I realized that writing a post after midnight may not be the best idea. Here is the same report with a little less grammatical errors 

Here is my race report from Saturday's win:

Iroquois Trail Test, 34K Crawford Lake Conservation Area 

My day started early! The alarm went off at 4:30 am. After 1, perhaps 2 snooze buttons, I rolled off the couch. (I gave my mom - my beloved babysitter - my bed. I stumbled around in the kitchen, realizing I didn't give myself enough time. Luckily I prepared my coffee maker the night before. After a quick bit to eat, and travel mug in hand, I was off to the race.

About 3 minutes later, I came up to a road closure. The police had the road closed. I hope everything was ok as I U-Turned and made my way on an alternate route.

I had no issues cruising on the highway at this early morning. Getting through Toronto was no issue. But then, I found myself heading into the airport. Stressed at 'arrivals', constantly looking at the time, I circled back to the 401. I'm still not sure how I ended up detouring to the airport.

I arrived at the race site at 7am, 30 minutes later than I planned. If you're anything like me, you'll agree with me that 'pre-race rituals' are important before toeing the start line. I am grateful that the race kit pick up line up and the bathroom line up was minimal. By 7:10, I attempted to eat my oatmeal. Unfortunately, the water in my thermos was not warm enough and my oatmeal was disgusting and bland. I suffered through a few bites and left it. I moved on to my banana and my blueberry cliff bar. It would have to do. It's now 7:15 and I was really starting to get anxious and excited to start the race.

I headed out for my shortest warm up ever. 8 minutes later, I was back at the start/finish line awaiting race instructions. The announcer was quite funny and I chuckled a bit. I was glad, as that loosened me up for the morning ahead. About 45 seconds before the 'gun' went off, I saw a friend waving at me. One last smile and wave and I was off!

The 34k was the first race of the day. It consisted of 3 big loops. There was to be 2 shorter races (18k & 7k, I think) starting after us, at different start times.

My goal was to start comfortably and work my pace every lap. I knew my 'race plan' as I confirmed it the night before with my coach via text. I later found out he was on his bike in the middle of nowhere when he responded. Thanks Mike (Discomfort Zone), Much appreciated.

As I saw the lead men impressively stride off, I settled in my pace. I took the women's lead from the start. I re-familiarized myself with the course on the first loop. It had multiple different aspects such as technical uphills and downhills; a wooden bridge; fast and flat upper loop; grassy sections; rocky sections; and quite of bit of singletrack. I loved the technical part of the race and reminded myself to recover a bit on the double track.

I came through the first lap (11.3km) at 1:02. As I circled around, I saw the 2nd place women about a minute back and the 3rd place women just behind her. That got my adrenaline juices flowing.

I build my pace a bit, knowing I wanted to step it up again come the third lap. I ran comfortably strong. All was going well. The course volunteers were fantastic. They were all very encouraging. They each told me I was the 1st female. I just wished they could of told me how far back the 2nd place female was. I'd have to wait an hour to find out when I circled the start/finish line. I drank, and ate according to my needs and stayed focused on the lap. I came through the second lap at a split time of 1:00:46. Perfect. I dropped my time and still feel strong enough to give it a push. I noticed the 2nd place girl in the distance before I turned off, calculating she was about 5 minutes back from me. I took a mental note of it.

I immediately pushed the pace. By this time, the course was loaded with runners from the other 2 races. This made the technical downhill section a little hectic. I was able to squeeze between many runners (I apologize for the many shoulders I touched) on the way down. Over the wooden bridge and up the other side...ah... alone again. I kept my pace strong. My legs felt great; my energy was high; the volunteers were motivating and encouraging; and then I superman'd across the dirt path to a, what I believe was very graceful, shoulder roll. Ouch! Quick body check as I got up. Nothing seemed to be hurt, just the evidence of a fall all over me. No harm done, I continued.

I finish the second half of the loop in a strong effort to come across the finish line at a split of 58:34, to give me a finish time of 3:01. Yay, victory. My 5th straight win for my 2013 season. I felt grateful and mentally thanked everyone who continually helps me achieve my goals. I enjoyed a freezie, superb idea ITT, with a friend and chatted about our shared passion.

As a bonus, I got a MEC gift card for winning. It's my favourite store, so I'm excited to get there and shop.

I look forward to my next race, September 7th Haliburton 50k. Loving life, loving running!!

Thank you Coach Mike at Discomfort Zone and Cindy at runningskirts.com and of course all my husband, kids, family and friends.

Upcoming Race

August 17, 2013
IROQUOIA Trail Test 34k

http://www.burlingtonrunners.com/index.cfm?pagepath=Races/Iroquoia_Trail_Test&id=5710


YIPEE!!!!

Mid-season report- 2013

Mid-season Report- 2013

My 2013 running season is flying back and I'm having a blast!  Hard to believe we are at the half way marker of the season.  So far, I have completed 4 racing, raging from 12km to 42.9km. The 4 races included: Pick Your Poison 25km, 5 Peaks Hardwood Ski and Bike; 5 Peaks Rattlesnake; and Limberlost 42.9km.  4 wins!  I'm so grateful for all the support I'm receiving from my family, friends, and coach Mike.

Pick Your Poison
25km-  2:07:12
1st women; 6th overall

A 2 lap course which includes many many hills.  This is the 3rd time I've participated in the race.  I just love it.  It is a challenging course which tests you physically and mentally.  The race this year tested my fitness level and my desire to win.  I came in second place the previous 2 times I competed in the race.  2013's race was a real nail bitter.  I couldn't tell you what place the top 3 women were cross the finish line.  The leader shuffled between 3 of us. Each leading different sections of the race. I took the lead at ~10km and lost it on the flat section of the second loop. (~14km mark). We each had our strengths.

:. I was patient on the remainer of the flat and keep a consistent effort on the uphills, pushed the downhills and kept her in my sights. On the second last big climb, I noticed leader walking.  I pushed even harder knowing this was the last 90 seconds of climbing before the big descent. Pushed my HR to 182 bpm and gave it all I got to the finish line. We were both sprinting as hard as we could but I was able to pass her with just ~200m left, beating her by 7 seconds. It wasn't pretty or graceful but I was flying down that hill.  I didn't want 2nd place for the 3rd time. Exciting finish. lots of cheering :)

7 minutes faster than last year.  I'm super happy with my execution. I played it smartly and was patient with my plan.

lap #1 1:03:05 (avr hr 158bpm)
Lap #2 1:04:09 (avr hr 162bpm)

5 Peaks- Hardwood Skit and Bike
12km- 1:01:23
1st women; 9th overall

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10151431148612479&l=5101512745090588977

Race felt fantastic. The race felt comfortably hard, could of probably went a bit harder. Pushed the hills, and was able to recover from them fairly quickly. Super happy that I'm 4.5 min faster than last year. I'm thinking the times were ~2min faster than last year, cause it was raining last year. (if I remember that correctly).  As always, 5 Peaks puts on a great race!!  I highly recommend trying one.


5 Peaks-  Rattlesnake
12.8km - 59:59
1st women, 11th overall

The race felt great. I just love the technical single track of these trails. Lots of rocks, roots, and climbs.... challenging race. I felt great, and the kms flew by!
Once again, the race was well organized.  Great venue with great prizes, including door prizes.

Limberlost Challenge
42.9km- 4:37:30
1st female, 3rd overall

Wow, what a hot humid day. Thankful of the 8:20am start.
The course had muddy sections, otherwise it was pretty dry. It was a soft and gorgeous course with a couple really good climbs.  3x 14.22km loops.

My goal time was 4:30 (descending laps)

Lap 1: I went out super conservative. chatted with a group of 4 the whole time. 1:31:12 no walking

Lap 2: I raced part of the way with the 2nd place man... (then ahead of him from ~ 20-38k). I started my journey of being racing alone at ~20k to the end). I felt great the whole lap. 1:28:49


Lap 3: I started walking the aid stations. The temperature was steadily climbing to 40C. Wowzers! That's super hot!!  Things got a challenging when I felt mentally fatigued with 6k left. I focused on staying positive till 4k to go and then the fight really started.

By this point, all I wanted to do was walk. I continued with lots and lots of positive reinforcements. I focused on the downhills and walked any incline.  "just keep running for goodness sake!" "I'm fit!, run, run, run!!!" It's pretty comical now, but it got me threw it.

Lap 3 1:37:31. Family waiting for me at the end. That's a great way to finish a race.

Cheers to the next half of the running season!!  Yippee!!

2012 Season Wrap-Up

2012 was a season of building.  2011 ended with the birth of my beautiful little girl, Maëlle Emily Warriner.   I, unfortunately was unable to exercise much with this pregnancy, as my pelvis was very bothersome.  Come October, I had not only the lack of fitness, but also a c-section to recover from.  I wasn't worried.  One of my best qualities is my hard working ethic and I was up to the task.  I began my training with a 4 week walking program and build from there.  Come end of April, I was ready to race.

I jumped in with both feet and raced a 25km trail race, Pick Your Poison and came out with a 2nd place podium finish.  My speed and fitness base continued to improve throughout the season.  I climbed from many second place finishes to the top of the podium throughout the summer season.  My hard work paid off and I pulled off the 5 Peaks series win! My 2012 summer goal was achieved and I was ecstatic!!

I took a two week break (maintenance weeks) in late August.  This gave me a little rest period before another speed build focus.  The cross country season with the New Market Huskies is always intense.  The workouts were hard but very fulfilling.  They definitely build fitness and character.  We had a great season and I look forward to 2013 season with them.  It's my favourite time of year :)

The following are my 2012 race results:

Trail Season

• April 28th, Pick Your Poison, 25km trail-  2:13:57, 2nd overall female
• May 9th, 5 Peaks- Durham Forest 14.7km trail- 1:05:54, 2nd overall female
• June 7th, Creemore Vertical Challenge 25km trail- 2:08, 1st overall female, Course Record
• July 12th, 5 Peaks Highlands 12.0k trail- 59:48, 1st overall female
• August 11th, Dirty Girls 32km trail- 2:58:02, 2nd overall female (felt awful this race)
• August 18th, 5 Peaks- Long Point 10.6km trail, 58:32, 1st overall female, locked down my series win!!

Cross Country Season- New Market Huskies. 

• September 30th, Taylor Creek 5km- 19:09, 4th overall female
• October 21st, Don Farquharson Harriers 4K, 15:24, 2nd overall female
• November 4th, Sunnybrook 8k, 32:05, 4th overall female
• November 11th, Ontario Championships 5k 18:42, Bronze medal
• November 24th, National XC Championships, Vancouver 7km, 26:22, 43rd female (mid-pack)
• 2012 Newmarket Huskies Hall of Fame

Bring on 2013!

Thank you Runningskirts for my gorgeous skirts and much more
www.runningskirts.com


Thank you coach Mike at Discomfort Zone for great coaching.
www.discomfortzone.com

Thank you coach Derek and coach Sue at the Newmarket Huskies.
www.newmarkethuskiestrack.ca

And most of all, thank you to my loving husband for the continuous support.