Top Canadian prospects share their excitement for 2018 Waterfront 10K

The 2018 Waterfront 10K, organized by the exceptional Canada Running Series, takes place early this Saturday, June 16th on the streets of Toronto. Once again, a stellar field of local and national talent has been recruited to join the field. Given their credentials and past performance, they also hold the highest odds of coming out on top.

RELATED: 2017 Golden Shoe Awards: Race of the Year – Toronto Waterfront 10K

We spoke to some of the pre-race favourites, asking them about their training leading up to the race, their goals and expectations and also to give some advice.

Sami Jibril
Age: 28
Location: Toronto
10K/10,000m PB: 29:16/29:43
Previous Waterfront 10Ks: 30:45 (2017)

What are you most looking forward to at this year’s Waterfront 10K?

I’m looking forward to see how far I can push myself on the day.

How has your training gone leading up to the event, and what are your goals for the race?

Training has been great and I would like to match or better my previous performance from last year’s Waterfront.

What’s the best and worst advice you have for running a good 10K?

Leave it all out there and have fun.

RELATED: STWM athlete profile: Getting to know Sami Jibril

Reid Coolsaet
Age: 38
Location: Hamilton, Ont.
10K/10,000m PB: 27:56.92 (on the track)
Previous Waterfront 10Ks: 29:24 (2016) and 31:51 (2017)

What are you most looking forward to at this year’s Waterfront 10K?

Running a fast 10K course against a quality field and enjoy the fun race atmosphere.

How has your training gone leading up to the event, and what are your goals for the race?

Training has been going well. I eased into training after Boston, but didn’t want to push too hard in order to make sure I stay healthy leading into fall marathon training.

What’s the best and worst advice you have for running a good 10K?

Just like any other distance the best advice is to pace yourself properly. That usually means not going out too fast. Worst advice… go out really hard.

Name: Sasha Gollish
Age: 36
Location: Toronto
10K/10,000m PB: Don’t have one!
Previous Waterfront 10Ks: N/A

What are you most looking forward to at this year’s Waterfront 10K?

The amazing cheer stations that Lululemon puts together. Their energy is infectious! When you get fatigued you can rely on these to get you over that.

How has your training gone leading up to the event, and what are your goals for the race?

Training has been a lot of fun lately. After the change in coaching staff at U of T, I was really worried my training might suffer. It was a huge mental blow after all. But I’m back to having so much fun on the roads and the track again. The goal is to first, have a ton of fun out there; and second, to just push the limits a wee bit more each time.

What’s the best and worst advice you have for running a good 10K?

Don’t go out too hard. We all get sucked into going too fast at the beginning and 10k is short but not that short. Be confident in your training and play to your strengths. And when it gets hard, smile, because it’s why you signed up right?!

Name: Krista DuChene
Age: 41
Location: Brantford, Ont.
10K/10,000m PB: 32:41
Previous Waterfront 10Ks: 33:49 (2016), 35:53 (2017)

What are you most looking forward to at this year’s Waterfront 10K?

Fun! I’ve recently raced a 5K in Saskatoon and a 10K in New York City as a short late spring post-Boston Marathon season. The Waterfront 10K will be my final race before I commence another marathon build.

How has your training gone leading up to the event, and what are your goals for the race?

Recovery from Boston was smooth and uneventful so I easily transitioned to workouts. I have no big race day expectations, which in itself is enjoyable. My fitness is decent but in order to PB I’d have to devote more training time for that, which doesn’t really interest me. I’m continuing to learn more (even at my age) and love every new chapter this sport surprises me with.

What’s the best and worst advice you have for running a good 10K?

Geesh, I’m no 10K expert so I’ll give marathon advice. Best: start conservatively. Worst: go hard from the gun.