Doug Gray's race report from the Snow Flake Series in Orillia

There is a great little running series in Orillia called the Snowflake Series. It's made up of 3 x 5k's and a New Year's Day 10k, from late November through early January.  http://velocitybicycle.com/merchant/1576/files/SF2010_11_1flyer.pdf  This is the 3rd year I've ran at least one of the races, last year I slipped on the ice and tore my calf (a danger of inter running). However this past Sunday I did the 2nd leg, a 5k. I left Barrie and there was a light snow falling, bit as I approached Orillia, the snow was coming down hard. I guess that's why it's called the Snowflake Series..lol  About 100 or so runners were there in age from young teenagers to an 80 year old! The race is timed, although there are no chips. As you cross the finish line they shout out your number and the time is recorded. The 2nd leg was about 100m shorter due to some construction at the start/finish line. It has a small town atmosphere, so if you are expecting all the bells and whistles, then this isn't for you. However, the price is right, $17 on race day, or $50 for all 4, so how can you go wrong? All the money goes to the local food bank.  It's a great way to keep up your motivation through the winter and have some fun.   The route had a lot of snow and ice, soif you are concerned about your time, wear traction on your shoes. :)  Hope to see you there!  Doug Gray

Snowflake Series News

On a snowy December 12th,  members of the Barrie Baydogs braved the storm and headed to Orillia to compete in the 2nd 5k run in the Orillia Snowflake Series.  Baydogs Jim Duffy and Wayne Hodge graciously volunteered at the event, while Doug Gray, Janet Duffy, Lloyd Smith, Kirsten Lowery and Joanne Merkley raced against a tough field in Orillia.  Congratulations to Joanne and Kirsten on their 3rd place finishes.  Joanne also placed 2nd in her age group on November 28th.  The next run in Orillia is a 10k on January 1st.  Hope to see all the Baydogs out in the New Year!

Kevin White

Congratulations Kevin for being the DoMore eMag Athlete of the Month for November!

Kevin White

Kevin White vs. the World

On Saturday November 13, 2010 one of our veteran long distance competitors, Kevin White, represented the Barrie TC Baydogs in the Foster Grant Ironman World Championships 70.3. After qualifying for Clearwater at Rohto Ironman 70.3 Hawaii, Kevin spent the summer training to accomplish one goal: go sub 5:00 against the best in the world.

Setting many personal bests at the Tuesday night Time Trials, pushing himself faster at Kevin O'Neill's speed work, Kevin wanted to finish his season strong. He also travelled to Michigan in August to compete in the Steelhead 70.3 to get himself physically ready to go faster than he has before.

On a 'clear' day in Clearwater, Kevin White set out to achieve a goal, and achieve he did. Kevin not only finished the World Championships, not only set a new Personal Best for a 70.3 course, but accomplished his goal of completing the course with a sub 5:00 time.

Rohto Ironman 70.3 Hawaii - 5:21:14 swim time 35:51 T1 3:28 bike time 2:46:11 T2 3:16 run time 1:52:30
Steelhead 70.3 - 5:09:52 swim time 33:51 T1 3:08 bike time 2:37:39 T2 2:11 run time 1:53:03

Foster Grant Ironman World Championships 70.3 - 4:58:53 swim time 38:58 T1 3:06 bike time 2:27:15 T2 2:13 run time 1:47:21

Well done Kevin! You raced so fast that you made the production of this blog post look slow!