2023 Boston Marathon Tips
A few tips, collected over the last 19 years on running the Boston Marathon.
2022 Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend Tips
Some practical advice for Ottawa Race Weekend.
Tips for your First Race
A few tips for your first race.
Running 201
More answers to your running questions. If you missed it Running 101 can be found here. How often should I run? If you want to improve you need to run at least three days a week, four days a week is better, five days a week is great, six days a week is pushing it a…
Running 101
Welcome all to the world of running! We hope you come to love it as much as many of us do. New to running? Here are the answers to some common questions we get from new runners. What do I need to buy to start running? There is lots of great gear available. However, the…
The 2021 Fall Racing and Marathon Season at a Glace
With vaccination rates going up and COVID-19 cases going down in person racing is gradually returning. Here is what is and is not happening as of early July. Things change constantly so don’t believe us. Check the race website. Ottawa Area Races The larger events are still primarily going virtual but there are a couple…
Public Washrooms Open in the Ottawa Area
A useful read for runners!
Places to Day Hike or Trail Run Around Ottawa
Looking for a new place to take a hike or go for a run? Here are some spots you may not have found yet. Follow the links to get more information about each trail. Marlboro Forest Located south of Ottawa with three parking areas along Roger Stevens Drive, Marlboro Forest contains 29 km of hiking…
Suggested Hilly Loops in Ottawa
Why run boring old hills when you can run hilly loops? Here are a few suggestions. Barrhaven- St Remy On Strava: https://www.strava.com/routes/2783731222643625126 Short loop- start at Barran run up St Remy to the turn (house #54) run back Medium loop- start at Barran run up St Remy all the way to Larkin run back Long…
Triathlon 101 Packing for Race Day
Completing a three stage race in unpredictable weather conditions can require the most remarkable amount of stuff. Sit down a few days before the race, think about each stage, each transition and what will you need. If in doubt bring it. For the swim: A triathlon suit – These can be one or two piece.…
20 Tips for Overnight Long Distance Relays
A few lessons learned from the Kentucky Bourbon Chase – 200 miles with 9 runners and the PeaktoBrew -236 miles with 12 runners. Both events are long distance relay races which you can take seriously or not so seriously. Both races were independent when we ran them. The Kentucky Bourbon Chase is now part of…
Nutrition on the Run
Some very basic nutrition advice for runners. General Nutrition Guidelines First and foremost like everyone you need to start with eating a healthy balanced diet. Canada’s Food Guide has some good basic information for healthy everyday eating habits. Runners who don’t want to lose weight may need more calories but unless you are training regularly…
Tips for Running Virtual Races and Challenges
Running for the love of running is fun but it’s nice to set a goal and test it once in a while. Until we get back to in-person racing a virtual race is a good option. Here are some suggestions about how to get the most out of your virtual race experience. Choose your Event…
Winter Traction Aids 101
Running outside in Ottawa in the winter can have it’s challenges and traction is definitely one of them. Here are some recommendations based on personal experience. There are other brands available in most of these styles. The brands listed below are the ones that I have actually tried. Regular Yaktrax and Yaktrax Pro Don’t buy…
Snowshoe Running Basics
Slogging through the snowy streets of Ottawa over the winter can be a challenge. Wet feet, snowbanks in the middle of the sidewalk because they get cleared last, and the really cold days when your eyelids freeze together. A little cross training goes a long way to break things up. A few years ago, I…
Tips for Outdoor Winter Running
Thinking about running outdoors this winter? Here is some basic advice to help you stay as warm and comfortable as possible. What to wear? Layers, layers, layers… several thin layers are better than one thick one.NO COTTON – cotton clothing absorbs sweat so you get cold and damp from the inside out. High tech synthetic and merino wool…
Never Run a 10K in a Hazmat Suit. The Life and Times of a 60 Minute Pace Bunny.
It all started quite innocently. I volunteered to be a pace bunny for Ottawa Race Weekend and when I discovered that I had to wear a shirt that was too big and a hat with ears on it, I decided If I had to look silly why not look really silly. I went to Walmart…
Can’t find what you’re looking for? Use the search form to search the site.
Run K2J 