The Canadian Running team’s 2020 race plans
Who we are and what we're up to in 2020
Happy New Year from Canadian Running! Currently we are a team of four, and we’re split down the middle between two pretty different types of runners: two are female track runners with Olympic goals (including the current Canadian 800m champion and a former Canadian record-holder), and two (ahem) somewhat older recreational marathoners (one male, one female). We all train and race while attempting to bring you a balanced mix of top news stories, hot takes on trends in the running world, gear reviews and training advice. Here’s a glimpse into our team members’ personal running goals for 2020.
Dave Carpenter, managing editor
My main goal is to complete the Quebec Mega Trail Race in the Laurentians on July 4, which rivals many west coast ultras in terms of total vertical. I’m doing the 50K race (my first ultra), which leads to my second goal, committing to a lot slow-paced aerobic training runs and hill workouts in the coming year in order to avoid a spectacular bonk. It’s the first race in a long time where my goal is simply to complete it.
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Madeleine Kelly, web writer
The past year far exceeded my running expectations, but it’s made me very excited for 2020. My goals for this year are lofty, but that’s what Olympic years are for!
My goals for 2020, in order of importance are:
1) STAY HEALTHY!
2) HAVE FUN!
3) Make the Olympic team in the 800m
4) Set Canadian indoor 1,000m record
Kate Van Buskirk, podcast producer and host
After a couple of Achilles procedures in the fall of 2018, in early 2019 I was diagnosed with meniscus tear in my left knee and had surgery in March. After racing only once in 2019, I am excited and hopeful about 2020.
My primary goal this year is to remain healthy and happy. Ultimately, I am striving towards my Olympic dream in either the 1,500m or 5,000m. I hope to hit the 5,000m Olympic standard at the Payton Jordan Invitational at Stanford University in May, then race throughout North America during the spring, chasing the 1,500m standard. The Olympic Trials will take place in Montreal in June, then HOPEFULLY Tokyo this summer!
Anne Francis, web writer
After a couple of trail races in Ontario this summer, I developed plantar fasciitis in my right heel, and mostly stopped running in order to let it heal. Shortly after a trip to New York in November (for the marathon I could not run), a lot of walking and the obligatory run around the reservoir in Central Park, I developed a meniscus tear in my left knee. Thankfully it won’t require surgery, and I hope to resume running by the spring and to schedule some short races around Toronto in the fall.
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