Runners before the rink

Elite runners like the flawless Kenyan runners and our top Canadian distance runners can create poetry in motion. What many of us struggle with the top runners seem to create art in mid-air as they flow effortlessly and gracefully through a 10Kor marathon. Figure skaters create grace and poetry on ice. In March 2013, Patrick Chan won the world championship and set a world record score in his short program.

With little grace and even less patience, I’m not one who can figure skate and watch in wonder as those who can sweep across the ice. It is art but also a lot of work. I decided to get hold of Patrick Chan and ask him about his skating and of course, his running.

Patrick Chan

Patrick has been a star on the ice for a few years now. In 2006 he was the youngest competitor at the World Junior Championships and in 2008 was the youngest Canadian male to win a National title at age 17.

Patrick was born in Ottawa, ON to Lewis and Karen Chan, immigrants from Hong Kong – both who seemed to have passed on their own athletic talent to their son. Growing up Patrick showed a skill for downhill skiing but a skater since the age of 5, he stuck to the rink. Patrick is currently focusing on his skating but has plans to complete a B.A. in Economics, Business and International Languages.

Patrick is the 3-time reigning world champion (2011-13). Current world record Holder in all 3 categories (short program, free program, and total score), and 2-time world silver medallist and at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics placed 5th in Men’s Singles.

I managed to get hold of the busy figure skater and ask him about his running.

What part does running play in your training?

“Running plays a large role in my training regime. I run every morning to start my day and for my aerobic training schedule I typically do 30-second sprint intervals on the treadmill to build up my lactic acid tolerance. Running has played a tremendous role in improving my endurance and is always included in my warm-up before I step out onto the ice.”

What is your favourite time and place to run?

“I love to run in the mornings around 9 a.m. My favourite place to run is along the water. If I had to choose one spot, it would have to be the along the Toronto Habourfront Trail.”

Goals for 2013 & 2014?

“I have accomplished my goal for 2013; win my third-consecutive World Championship title. Looking ahead to 2014, my goal is to win gold at the Olympic Winter Games in Sochi. I have accomplished a lot of great things in my career; Olympic gold is one that has evaded me so far. Olympic gold has always been my ultimate goal. I believe that all previous competitions have been preparing me for the Olympics in Sochi next year, which will be the single most important moment in my career.”

When away from the rink Patrick enjoys golf, tennis, skiing, music, video games, cars and running. Patrick also makes time for causes and charities that include ThinkFirst, Right to Play Canada and youth ambassador for the Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto.

For some reason it is like there is a link created when runners know someone else runs. Welcome to the community Patrick, run on.

We all can’t be graceful or smooth but perhaps thinking of Patrick gliding across the ice while on a run might smooth out one’s form- worth trying.

Do you have a running story to share?

legsnlungs@hotmail.com

See you on the roads or in the blogosphere.