Live chat replay: Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon preview

Lanni Marchant, Krista DuChene and Rob Watson joined us for a live chat, previewing Sunday's STWM.

It has become one of the most anticipated events on the Canadian running calendar. The Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon will have more than 20,000 runners participating in marathon, half-marathon and 5K events on Sunday, Oct. 14. Last year the story was about Reid Coolsaet’s and Eric Gillis’s Olympic standard performances. This year, the Canadian women are in the spotlight, as Lanni Marchant of London, Ont., and Krista Duchene of Brantford, Ont., attempt to dip under 2:30 and break Sylvia Ruegger’s national record.

Read the replay of our live chat with Lanni, Krista and top men’s contender Rob Watson.

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12:59
Canadian Running – Mihira: Good afternoon running fans!

1:00
Canadian Running – Mihira: Welcome to Canadian Running’s live chat with marathoners Lanni Marchant, Krista DuChene and Rob Watson, as they gear up for Sunday’s Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon.
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1:00
Canadian Running – Mihira: For the next 45 mins they’ll be taking your questions and comments, and offering advice.

1:00
Canadian Running – Mihira: Rob, Krista and Lanni — please say hi once you’ve signed in.

1:01
Krista DuChene: Hi (from Krista)!!

1:01
-rob-: Hi, I’ve signed in…I think.

1:01
-rob-: Yep

1:01
Canadian Running – Mihira: Great to have you folks here today!

1:01
Lanni: Hi… I think I’m logged in

1:01
Canadian Running – Mihira: Wonderful! We are all here.

1:02
Comment From Jenedward
Hi Lanni! I’m so excited to see you break the record, what have you been doing to prepare? Anything different than the Olympic qualifier

1:02
-rob-: Thanks Mihira

1:02
Canadian Running – Mihira: First of all — for all three of you — tell us how you’re feeling heading into Sunday’s marathon.

1:03
Lanni: Hi Jenn! I’ve been doing a lot of cross-training and race paced workouts

1:03
Krista DuChene: Feeling great… time to do it!

1:03
-rob-: Ready to roll, just gotta survive these last couple days of boredom and anticipation

1:03
Comment From Morgan
Looking at Sunday’s (current) wet forecast, what impacts does that have on your plans re: attire, pacing strategy, fuelling and hydration?

1:03
Comment From Olivia
Can we talk about the weather? How are you preparing for the forecast?

1:03
Lanni: Feeling ready to go… getting excited to work together with Krista again and see what we can make happen!

1:04
Krista DuChene: Weather not looking great but things can change. Looks like it won’t be cold though!

1:04
Comment From Bill
Hey Rob, how would you compare your fitness to what it was heading into Rotterdam where you had a big breakthrough race?

1:04
-rob-: I haven’t looked at weather yet, how is it looking?

1:04
Krista DuChene: Same plan, really in terms of pacing, fuel, attire. Have to expect this in October!

1:05
Canadian Running – Mihira: Each of you have set huge PBs this year in the marathon. What effect does that have on your expectations for Sunday?

1:05
Comment From Olivia
rain, 45 km/hr winds, high of 18

1:05
Canadian Running – Mihira: http://www.theweathernetwork.com/weather/caon0696

1:06
Krista DuChene: Set the bar high, is what I say! We can PB twice in 2012, right Lanni and Rob!

1:06
Lanni: Haha! I would like for us all to continue our trend of getting faster with each race

1:06
Canadian Running – Mihira: Krista, Lanni and Rob — what caused your massive jump in 2012?

1:06
-rob-: Hi Bill, I will admit, not quite as fit as Rotterdam. But still very fit, hope to run a smarter, more conservative race and score another PB. But this weather is kinda annoying…

1:07
Canadian Running – Mihira: Rob, how has your split with Speed River affected your approach to training and the workouts themselves. Are you training with Dylan Wykes now?

1:07
Krista DuChene: For me, it’s been a gradual process over 10 yrs. Baby, marathon, baby, marathon. Makes you hungry to get faster each time! Also, Coach Rick Mannen has been key for my training and racing.

1:07
-rob-: I’m down with some more PB’s, Girls are fit and ready!

1:08
Comment From JENNEDWArd
For the women, what will you do if you break Sylvia’s long standing record? Are your sponsors offering you any incentives?

1:08
Lanni: More mileage and more focused running in general … graduating from law school was a big help too

1:09
Michael Doyle: What do you guys think of the new course this year? Have any of you run parts of the course this week?

1:09
Canadian Running – Mihira: The course is different this year. It goes through more neighbourhoods. What do you think of the changes?

1:09
Krista DuChene: If we break the record, we will celebrate! For me, I am excited about what I can do with it. I love being involved in the community, giving back…just like Silvia’s “start2finish”!

1:10
-rob-: Mihira, Split with speed river was difficult but necessary. It was a long time coming and when it happened it really rejuvenated my running.
Speed River was great for my development but time had come to move on.
Not training with Dylan these days, that guy is back east.

1:10
Canadian Running – Mihira: Scotiabank is paying a bonus for anyone who breaks the Canadian record.

1:10
Comment From Scott
Hey Rob, looking for some advice…besides the long run, what type of workout do you feel is very important for a marathon?

1:10
Lanni: @Jenn – breaking that record would be amazing! I’d likely put any funds towards that beast known as law school debt ;D and get my old fundraiser off the ground with a new spin to help other struggling running studends
General life-wise, I’d probably be celebrating for a while and then set my sights on Worlds next August.

1:11
Krista DuChene: New course…wouldn’t notice much difference I must say. I am not one to know all the details, other than km’s 1.0 to 42.2! I’ve been like that since highschool x country!

1:11
Canadian Running – Mihira: Krista and Lanni — what’s it like to have the spotlight back on women’s marathoning? Do you get a sense that more women are inspired now to move up in distance?

1:12
Michael Doyle: Lanni, Krista, what’s the pacing strategy going to be like? Will you both be trying to run even splits and hit the half at around 1:14?

1:12
-rob-: Hey Scott, for a successful marathon you have to have all of your bases covered. You gotta work the speed, the endurance and everything in between.
I love long progression runs where ya just chip away at the pace during a longer sustained effort.
I also get on some fast 1000’s or Miles on the track.
Cover all your bases man.

1:12
Canadian Running – Mihira: Rob — what kind of pace will you go out at?

1:13
Krista DuChene: Yes, definitely more hype now with women running. I’m thrilled that I’ve been able to inspire people, especially moms of all abilities.

1:13
Lanni: I think it’s great to have the spotlight on women’s marathoning and running in general… I don’t think Krista or I ever thought we’d be in the position to help draw attention to the sport, but I’m excited that it’s happening!

1:13
-rob-: Mihira 65:45-66:00, my goal is a sub 2:12 this time out.

1:13
-rob-: The ladies can do the record chasing this year.

1:13
Canadian Running – Mihira: Krista, Lanni — why do you think elite women in the past decade have been reluctant to run the 10,000m and marathon?

1:14
Lanni: Ha! Krista and I haven’t had a lot of discussions about our planned paces… I think we’re likely to do what we did in Rotterdam and try to run even

1:14
Krista DuChene: Doyle- yes, even pacing is the plan. Then give it so there is nothing left at the end!

1:14
Comment From MK
What motivates you to start fresh every day?

1:14
Comment From Bill
Question for everyone…has Alan Brooks arranged for pacesetters for you guys, which might help block the wind if the conditions are poor?

1:15
Canadian Running – Mihira: Bill — yes, there are pacesetters for the elite runners at various paces.

1:15
Comment From davefromlondon
I would just like to say good luck to all of you! You are an inspiration to all of us and a joy to follow. 🙂

1:15
Comment From JENNEDWArd
Lanni, can you talk more about you fundraiser? How did you raise funds and what obstacles are other runners facing with respect to funding? How much does it ‘actually’ cost to be a world class marathoner.

1:15
Krista DuChene: Mihira – good question. Not sure. Because of my hockey background at U of Guelph, I kinda lost touch w/ my competition from highschool.

1:16
Lanni: I love it… even those mornings when I’m tempted to hit snooze I know I’ll regret not getting out there
Having a history of injury makes me appreciate the times that I can get out there and run pain free… so I try to take advantage of them

1:16
Krista DuChene: Thanks, Davefromlondon!

1:16
Canadian Running – Mihira: For everyone — Will you have lots of friends and family on the course? Does that help?

1:16
-rob-: Thanks DVL!

1:16
Comment From Alan Brookes
Rejean Chiasson & Brndon Laan will be pacing for Lanni & Krista. Fernando Cabada + 1 other for Rob & Matt Loiselle

1:16
Comment From JENNEDWArd
Krista, as a mom of 2 I can say that you are an inspiration for me. How do you balance motherhood and sport?

1:17
-rob-: DVL? that didn’t make sense…

1:17
Alison Dunn: Krista, I know your family is the most important thing in your life. Will they all be there to cheer you on? Are they planning to hit different stops along the route?

1:17
Krista DuChene: Motivation to start fresh=a good sleep the night before! And being recovered from the previous workout.

1:17
Comment From Scott
Rob what kind of mileage are you putting in on a weekly basis..how many workouts per day? I’m a mid 2:30’s guy/100k a week…what type of mileage do I need for that big step into the 2:20’s? I’m a big fan of yours and have been following you for a while. Good luck out there

1:17
Comment From Karen Gilbert Tyssen
Krista and Lanni- I am super excited for you both and think you will do amazingly. You have done such an amazing job of promoting the sport for women of all levels. I have no doubt that the record is within your grasp!

1:17
Comment From Erin
Do any of you have any racing plan for the year post marathon?

1:17
-rob-: Alan always does a nice job taking care of us canucks looking to run fast.

1:17
Lanni: My fundraiser a few years ago was “Two Feet and a Heartbeat”. It was to help me finish up law school and sign up for the bar licensing exam. It was a huge success and I’d love to be able to pay it forward and help other runners who are struggling to either finish school, or pay for travel to National and international races.
I was so touched by the generosity of the running community that helped me through those tough times

1:18
Canadian Running – Mihira: For our audience today — are you planning to run on Sunday? What distance? Or are you planning to be a fan and cheer the runners on through the streets of Toronto?

1:18
Krista DuChene: Yes, lots of support out there….will help for sure!

1:18
Lanni: Most of my family will be out there cheering… first time any of em have seen me run at this level!

1:19
Canadian Running – Mihira: Rob — one of your relatives was an Olympian. Can you tell us how that has helped you reach the level you are at today?

1:19
Lanni: Thanks so much Karen!

1:19
Krista DuChene: Thanks, Jennedward. My faith is huge in my life. My husband is super supportive. Two key factors=passion+balance! Set short and long term goals and be ready to adapt!

1:19
Canadian Running – Mihira: Lanni, do you think you might move back to Canada at some point to train or work?

1:20
Lanni: @ Erin – I know we all have Worlds on our minds in August… before that I plan on focusing on some shorter races and getting a little bit of foot speed

1:20
-rob-: Thanks Scott! For this build up I was averaging about 140miles week, biggest week was 162. 13runs/week + gym and such.
Man, if you run in the 2:30’s off 100km/wk you are well on your way! just keep slowly but steadily increasing the volume. Keep it manageable and be smart. Put in the work man, you’ll get there.

1:21
Krista DuChene: Yes, family will be there. Also my mom -inlaw and dad-inlaw, which is so special because my folks aren’t living. Several from Brantford and area also plan to cheer. I’ll be thinking of everyone while running. Kids will be w/ hubby in VIP area so that is amazing.

1:21
Canadian Running – Mihira: For those of you who don’t know, Rob Watson also has a popular blog: http://leblogdurob.com/

1:21
Comment From Karen Gilbert Tyssen
Lanni- I will see you out there! (well.. from behind)

1:21
Lanni: Right now I’m likely to stick it out down here a while longer… I’d love to move home and work/train in Canada and it was my plan to write the canadian bar exam this year… but that’s something I’m going to put on hold for the time being.

1:21
Comment From RonB .
Rob, who are you training with now – coach/group?

1:21
Krista DuChene: Thanks, KGT!

1:22
Krista DuChene: Post marathon = 2 easy weeks. Run/swim/bike and eat what you feel like for me. No set plan.

1:22
Canadian Running – Mihira: For everyone — what do you enjoy the most about being a marathoner?

1:22
Krista DuChene: Oh and Erin…worlds August Moscow 2013 will be next marathon. No spring one.

1:23
Krista DuChene: Yes, Alan takes GREAT care of us. GREAT guy!

1:23
Comment From Karen Gilbert Tyssen
How will you guys be tackling the water stations? How did you decide on your fueling?

1:23
-rob-: Mihira, haha, My aunt Jill was in the 84′ Olympics as a Heptathalete. I am actually sitting in her basement right now! She has been absolutley amazing to me. She understands what this lifestyle takes and she is there to help in any way possible. My Aunt Jill is the best, I love her.

1:23
Lanni: I love the training! Long runs have always been my favourite thing to do… now I have an excuse to do a lot of them

1:24
Lanni: I think we all know how awesome Alan has been to our sport in Canada…. he has helped a lot of us get more focused and motivated!

1:24
Canadian Running – Mihira: Rob — tell us a bit more about your training situation now. Is your brother still coaching you?

1:25
Comment From RonB .
Has AC published the standards for Moscow?

1:25
Krista DuChene: What do I enjoy most…a hot breakfast with my family after a long run!

1:25
Canadian Running – Mihira: Here are the AC standards: https://www.athletics.ca/files/NationalTeamPrograms/NationalTeams/SelectionCriteria/2013MOSCOWMARATHONSELECTION_FINAL_EN_.PDF

1:25
Comment From Deen
HI this question is for Rob. Rob, how do you take care of the emotional side of training for a big marathon? For example, when you’re just drained mentally?

1:26
Comment From Erin
Does athletics Canada fund most if not all expenses for worlds?

1:27
-rob-: My brother Pete is my Coach. It is great working with him, he is a brilliant coach and we get on really well. I love working with him.
As for groups and such, living in Vancouver there are so many people out here running and sometimes I just jump in with a group. I’ve hit the track and trails with The Point Grey TC a few times, great dudes and a great coach there at PGTC

1:27
Michael Doyle: Lanni, Krista, if the weather situation poses a problem for taking a run at the Cdn record, do you each of you have a plan B in mind in terms of strategy/pacing?

1:27
Krista DuChene: KGT – “Nutrition for the Long Run” by Heidi Smith (sport RD) is a GREAT handbook. Everything is explained so well. I follow guidelines from the book (grams carb, hydration, etc). Only about $15? We’ll have bottles at special tables with our individual mixes (Eload for all of us, since we have their support!).

1:27
Canadian Running – Mihira: I believe there’s a partnership where the Canada Running Series is also helping to sponsor the team. Alan could probably expand on that.

1:27
Comment From Alan Brookes
Tx fr the Moscow Standards; behind Lanni & Krista we have Lisa Avery & Marilyn Arsenault taking a run at the 2:35 standard. And Emily Kroshus & Leslie Sexton going for 2:38ish, to use as a springboard for an attempt at 2:35 in the Spring…

1:28
Canadian Running – Mihira: That’s a good point from Alan — there are quite a few top Canadian runners competing on Sunday in Toronto, chasing a spot on the world’s team.

1:28
Comment From Jenny Emery
Lanni- you’ve definitely inspired me to get back on the start line and I’ll be cheering you on while running the half. Go get ’em ladies, you’ve got this!

1:29
Lanni: @Michael – We’ll just run it… at the end of the day it’s a race. We can’t control the weather, but like Rotterdam, we’ll still put forth a solid effort

1:29
Krista DuChene: MDoyle- plan B, I guess would be to go under 2:30. But we’re sticking to plan A, right Lanni?

1:29
-rob-: Deen, training for the marathon is a very mentally draining ordeal. I find having balance in your life and being able to get away from this grind every so often can be very refreshing. Going out and having a beer and relaxing is nice.
Running fast is great, but there is a lot more to life than just running.

1:29
Lanni: @Jenn – Thanks so much! I’m so excited that you’re back out running… I don’t know how you baby mommas do it!

1:30
Canadian Running – Mihira: For everyone — how do you handle your taper? How long is it? Do you change your diet?

1:30
Comment From MK
Good Luck Rob from your friends in Boston!

1:30
Lanni: Ha! Yes Krista… heads down… run hard… ;D

1:30
Comment From Alan Brookes
STWM, Ottawa Race Weekend & Athletics Canada have joined together in a partnership to (hopefully) support full men’s & women’ marathon teams for Moscow WCs (5 men; 5women).

1:30
Krista DuChene: Thanks, Jenn!

1:30
-rob-: Thanks MK!

1:30
Comment From Rick
Allan – Any live video feed of the race this year, internet / TV?

1:31
Michael Doyle: Good to hear! If there’s a will there’s a way! You’ll both crack that record:)

1:31
Canadian Running – Mihira: There will be live video coverage (with Canadian Running commentators!) on the race website stwm.ca

1:31
Comment From Lisa
For all of you..at what age do you think is appropriate to try the marathon? I am better at the longer stuff…but I force mysef to try and get better at 5ks and such too because I think it will help me in the long term!

1:31
Lanni: I guess I do about a 10 day taper… I usually focus a lot more on sleep. My before work runs usually switch to lunch-time runs

1:32
Krista DuChene: Starting tomorrow, I will focus on eating mainly carbs (pasta, bread, bagels) and drinking Eload. I’ll likely have 6 small meals throughout the day. In terms of mileage, I’m doing a two week taper this time.

1:32
Comment From Deen
Lanni … when you’re tapering, are there any specifics things you keep track of in terms of how your body is feeling?

1:33
Comment From Alan Brookes
Yep. “Live” web broadcast with star Commentators Mihira Lakshman & Michael Doyle. Live Blog by Scott Leitch & Live Results from Sportstats. LINK to all

1:33
Comment From Alan Brookes
OOps! It “sent” too soon! Link to bradcast, Blog, live Results from www.stwm.ca homepage on Sunday morning. 8am onwards.

1:34
Krista DuChene: Lisa-hmmm, not sure. I’m 35 and STWM will be my 9th marathon (I think) in 10 years. A variety of race distances is good.

1:34
Canadian Running – Mihira: Rob — do you change your diet in the taper phase? Do you have to cut out the cookies and beer?

1:34
Canadian Running – Mihira: Just 10 more minutes to get your comments and questions in folks!

1:34
Lanni: @Deen – I know to expect to feel a little bit tight or sluggish during a taper. I am usually more concerned with how my system if feeling. Tapering means I have to change up my schedule and I usually live a very set routine with my day.

1:34
-rob-: Lisa, age for first marathon eh? I don’t think there is a specific age barrier. A lot of it has to do with where your development as a runner lies. If you have been running for a while and have a solid aerobic base under ya then maybe attempting a marathon would be ok, just approach the training in a smart and conservative manner.

1:35
Comment From Erin
do any of you have a go to post long run meal?

1:35
Comment From RonB .
To each of you – Lanni, Krista, Rob – the whole Canadian running community will be cheering for you, this weekend and in the future!

1:36
Lanni: @Lisa – I agree with Rob… it’s all about how you have progressed as a runner generally. But take advantage of the shorter stuff to get some foot speed ;D

1:36
Lanni: Thanks Ron!

1:36
-rob-: Mihira, starting about 5weeks out the diet gets more and more boring. cutting out all the fun stuff as race gets closer. Right now I’m down to pretty much e load and crackers…it’s lame man.

1:36
Comment From MK
Who is your favorite Canadian Marathoner of all time?

1:36
Krista DuChene: Erin- good question. I usually don’t feel like eating too much until later in the day. I have turkey and a chocolate torte waiting in my freezer!

1:36
Krista DuChene: Thanks, RonB! Love the support!

1:37
Comment From Lisa
Thanks for the insight!! Good luck to you all! Look forward to seeing how awesome you guys do on the weekend:)

1:37
Krista DuChene: Thanks, Lisa!

1:37
Comment From Beth
Good luck to you guys on Sunday! I will be somewhere on the course marshalling.

1:37
Lanni: @Erin – my post long run meal eh? Depends on how hard I run it and how many gels/carb drinks I take in during it. Sometimes I like to stick to simple and plain foods when my insides are not pleased with the run effort. Other times I’m a beer and burger girl!

1:37
Canadian Running – Mihira: Will either of you run cross-country this fall??

1:37
Lanni: Thanks Beth!

1:38
Lanni: NO Cross-Country for this girl… that was the deal I made when my coach when I moved up to the marathon

1:38
-rob-: MK, favourite Canadian marathoner of all time? Male: My dad, he ran 10 of em’ he rocks.
Female: my mom, she rocked one back in the day.

1:38
Krista DuChene: No cross country for me. Hard on my feet (plantar fasc.).

1:39
Canadian Running – Mihira: What’s the best piece of advice someone has given you?

1:39
Comment From Erin
PS. Lanni “That’s Amazepants ” 😉 Good Luck To All Of You

1:39
Michael Doyle: Have any of you had to take time off or had an injuries during the build to STWM?

1:39
Comment From Karen Gilbert Tyssen
Wishing Rob the best of luck as well!

1:40
-rob-: Thanks Karen!

1:40
Krista DuChene: Best advice…”Finish what you started”.

1:40
Lanni: Wesley Korir is probably the best motivational speaker ever! He just kept telling me this was all possible… to leave it all on the road and be thankful for every step I am able to take

1:41
Krista DuChene: MDoyle – no major injuries for me, fortunately. A few aches and pains but they move around!

1:41
Comment From Deen
This question is for Krista … do you use massage therapy during your training or do you prefer to let your bodies work things out?

1:41
Lanni: @Michael – I missed a few weeks this summer dealing with my ankle injury from the vancouver half… but I think it the long run it helped me get back in the routine of cross-training and flexibility work

1:42
Lanni: Thanks Erin!

1:42
-rob-: I’ve been injury free, got a little sick after the Zoo run but I’m all good now.

1:42
Krista DuChene: Deen-I use trigger point (roller) daily, massage (2/month?), and ART/fasical scraping with my chiropractor weekly. Good combo of things.

1:43
Canadian Running – Mihira: Final questions — Who’s the first person you’re going to hug when you cross the finish line?

1:43
Lanni: My mum

1:43
Canadian Running – Mihira: Or “Persons” plural.

1:44
Krista DuChene: My husband, Jonathan! Then my 3 kids, coach Rick and Alan B.!

1:44
Canadian Running – Mihira: How do you calm your nerves to get some sleep the night before?

1:44
-rob-: Who ever catches my limp carcass.

1:45
Comment From Alan Brookes
TX, Krista! I’ll be there ready!!

1:45
-rob-: I’ve come to accept the fact that I probably won’t sleep the night before, I’m banking the hours all this week.

1:45
Krista DuChene: Calm my nerves…pray, chat with roomie Lanni, and think about the big picture with no regrets!

1:45
Canadian Running – Mihira: Finally — what advice do you have for the 20,000 other runners who will also be out there on Sunday?

1:45
Lanni: I usually struggle to fall asleep… but I try not to let that bother me. Lord knows there have been plenty of long runs and workouts done with less than ideal sleep… I usually tell that to myself as I stare at the ceiling

1:46
Lanni: HAVE FUN! That’s the whole reason we’re doing this right? Take a minute to enjoy what you’re doing… the fans are going to be there… you’re loved ones are there… it’s all about having a good time

1:46
Krista DuChene: Advice…think about what you will tell people after the race. Again, no regrets!

1:47
-rob-: Advice for the Masses…umm…FFTF!

1:47
Canadian Running – Mihira: I just want to thank Lanni, Krista and Rob for joining us today. They are truly amazing athletes and we wish them the best of luck on Sunday.

1:47
Canadian Running – Mihira: (I’m not even going to ask what FFTF is!)

1:47
Comment From RonB .
Thanks for hosting Mihira, and thanks for the race, Alan. Go get it, team !!!

1:47
Lanni: Thanks Mihira!

1:47
Krista DuChene: And thanks to you, Mihira and Canadian Running Magazine. Your support has been amazing!

1:48
Canadian Running – Mihira: Thanks to our audience too! And good luck to anyone who is racing.

1:48
-rob-: haha, thanks Mihira and everyone else, see ya sunday!

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