My name is Colleen and I used to be a ski racer. Here is an excerpt of an email written to the OAC Racing Team to encourage participation in Peri’s FUNdraiser run. I’ve edited some parts that were directed mostly at the running group but have kept most of it (even the ‘running only’ parts).
Hello All,
There is an upcoming race in
Almonte in support of one of my long-time friends, Perianne Jones, who will be
competing in Whistler 2010 for cross country skiing. Peri grew up in Almonte and was
a very good runner throughout high school so a FUN running race is a very
fitting tribute.
For those ‘super serious’
runners, I realize the timing isn't "great" as it's the week after the Army
run. However as a skier in a former life it would mean a great deal of the
various sporting communities could show their support for an exemplary athlete
from the
There is a 5km and a 10km as
well as a children’s event.
Link to the event's website
can be found here: http://www.runalmonte.ca/ so if anyone
has time and/or energy please, go for it.
If you still
need convincing here are some reasons to give it a try:
2) Humane start time: 10:00AM!!!
3) For all those living in the west end -it's not far! (and for those in the
city...I live in
4) The race will certainly have some
decent runners and given her family's involvement in running I have a feeling
the course will be properly measured.
5) A chance to wear your sexy running
outfit
6) FUN! (And probably some decent
competition)
Here's a bit of Peri's story and a bit of my personal connection with her
As I mentioned, the run is in support of
one of my long-time friends
Perianne Jones. Back in another life when I used to ski she joined Nakkertok
from a smaller club in the valley when she was in grade 9 and I was in grade
11. At the time Peri was also one of the region's top distance runners winning
OFSAA xc that fall. Her father (also a Nakkertok ski coach), a marathoner and
ultra-marathoner encouraged her to run but ultimately she chose skiing.
We both spent time on the
Although based in Canmore whenever Peri's at home she always finds time to
visit Nakkertok both in formal and informal sessions. I know she doesn't just
visit the club because she 'has to'' I know she really enjoys playing with the
younger kids -sometimes our planned ski ends up turning into playing on the
jumps with the jackrabbits! She also still visits her old high school and has
always kept in touch with her community of Almonte. (see website for high
school coaches accounts).
First and foremost, Peri has demonstrated
that great skiers CAN and DO come from
Back when we were both still skiing
'good' skiers didn't come from
The National Capital Region is one of the
best places to raise a skier. It is the vibrant ski community that makes it
such a great place to be. As a community this is our time to shine. This is our
time to show that we not only support skiers and athletes as children but that
we support them all the way from ‘pulk to
podium’.
So again, if anyone out there is looking to try a new event, has energy to
spare, or just feels they really want to have an excuse to wear their sexy
racing outfit then please consider entering this FUN race.
Thanks,
colleen mortimer