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September 22, 2003 New York City Trip and Races
Much to say about New York, nonetheless here are just a few highlights for your entertainment and enjoyment. The best part was that the weather was great. We got rain from Isabel on Thursday night, but nothing stopped us from a skate on Friday in Central Park, not even the few twigs that were on the road, the pavement was mostly dry already, too. It was nice to have the bus there after the skate to leave bags in it and go directly into sightseeing mode.Different people did different things in terms of sightseeing and dining - everybody came away with stories though.
As always the trip was well organized. Gavin and John put a lot into all the details to make sure everyone is well taken care off and can enjoy themselves.
Now the real reason to some for the trip might be the shopping, or the hip scene or just being in a place like New York for a couple of days. Most everybody comes for the skating, whether it's Central Park that is calling you, completing your first marathon in a great venue or serious racing to test your training and yourself.
The new timing system in use (it's matless, and announcers see on a lap top right away who just crossed the line, so they can tell them about how many laps to go and all kinds of encouragement) is truly amazing!
The Park was repaved, and this time they meant it. Everything except for the straight away near the parking lot and the uphill section was pristine black pavement, smooth and beautiful to skate on. It makes thinking about the 100 k for next year a lot easier for me...
The races were competitive and fun. OISC was represented by 16 skaters and several supporters (thanks for being there Maryanna, Jim, Dagmar and Sharon) and we certainly showed good spirit throughout the races and the day.
The 10 k
New this year, was the 10 k recreational skate. Gay Stinson represented OISC in this event. Taking it nice and easy she skated the two laps, climbed the hill and made it all the way to the finish in good spirit. Being plagued by an ice speed skating injury all year, it was great to see her finish her third ever 10 k and take good care of herself along the way.
Women's Marathon
Jan Riopelle, Inga Petri, Linda McDonald, Denise Gontard, Violetta Skalski and Rosemary Strober all skated in the 42 k event. For some it was the first marathon and I'm pleased to report everyone completed it. Jan had a great race, finishing in 1:38, and pretty much doing all the work on her own. Linda skated 6 of the 8 laps with Rosemary and after passing them on the downhill on my 7th lap, Linda caught up with me over the next kilometre. She hang on easily in my draft for my last lap which took us about 13:30 and then she finished off her race in what appears to be a 13:20 final lap. The best part: she came in just under 2 hours with this huge effort in the last two laps. Rosemary finished 10 minutes later having put in a solid performance and getting close to matching her time from the X-endurance marathon, on a much more difficult course. I'm happy with my time this year, about 5 minutes faster than last year's. Violetta and Denise stuck out their first marathon, with Denise battling back pain and taking several breaks because of it. Congratulations to both of you for your gritty determination.
Men's Marathon
Stephane Tremblay, Ray Vermette, Frank Larue, John Pillar, Michael Lachance, Gavin Thulien, Zsolt Finta, Sheldon Whynott all skated this race. Stephane raced in the men's lead pack in the marathon until the end and finished 10 seconds behind the winner, in a very fast 1:18:33! Ray, Gavin and Zsolt worked together in a larger pack and had a great race coming in in 1:33:35 and 1:33:32 and 1:34:13 respectively. Michael's race plans didn't quite survive the start, but nonetheless he skated a solid marathon and came in a minute ahead of John. Frank, like Denise, battled back pain but finished the race anyhow - hope you are recovering well from it now! Sheldon skated his first marathon and he put in a steady performance finishing in 2:36.
The 100k
After last year's record number of 2 women and 3 men from OISC entering the legendary 100 k, the sole entrant in this year's race was John Fray, one of OISC's determined rec /fit skaters. He completed 9 of the 19 laps, before he called it a day. These 9 laps represent about 48 kms, which from what he told me a couple of weeks ago bests his longest continuous skate by 18 km. Good show, John!
Congratulations to one and all!
And above all, thanks to Gavin Thulien and John Pillar who organize this trip each year and put their resources behind it. You guys do a great job making it happen and keeping it all moving!
