In the Good Old Summertime

It's here, finally...sunshine, warmer weather and for some, vacation! Even with our June-uary, we have had some perfect weather conditions for outdoor activities.

We have an amazing trail system around Oceanside, and it certainly makes it nice to vary your routes from time to time. I have found trail running to be quite a nice alternative to hitting the pavement. It also lead me to try a few more challenging endurance type races this year. I will never come in first place, but I can honestly say I felt like a winner after finishing a GutBuster race in Duncan and then, to my amazement, the ultimate Kusam Klimb.

Both were breathtaking, and I was delighted to run into another ORCA member on the mountain. Although, it was the other way around as Wanetta slid into me on the descent from the summit! Way too long a story to put here, but trust me, when you see me on one of our runs..I will be more than happy to share the story!

On a final note, it looks as though our Royal Victoria Half and Full training starts this weekend. Even if you choose not to run the races, the training runs are always fun, and you know the old adage, "the more, the merrier"!

And one more thing....GOOD LUCK to those in the Qualicum Beach Triathlon this weekend! We will be out there cheering you on!

See you out there!


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2008 CLUB MEMBERS

Please inform Donna de Bellefeuille if your email address changes. You can contact Donna by email or call 757-9436.
Also, 2008 membership renewals are past due. If you have yet to submit your payment and waiver forms, email Donna deBellefeuille if you wish to continue your membership. Please send your renewals to her at Site 156, Comp 29, Bowser, BC V0R 1G0.
You must be a member in good standing to qualify for special discounts in ORCA sponsored clinics/events.

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Be sure to use our website to view weekly run schedules, photos, and special events. Ken is continually updating so if you have any photos, articles or events, please email to Ken Peters.
ORCA Webmaster
The site is still at http://www.orcarunning.ca/

July 6, 2008 at 8:00 am, Cowichan Challenge Triathlon
Fuller Lake, Chemainus
Sprint Distance and Main Event
Register online Cowichan Challenge Triathlon 2008 (ceevacs.com/cowichan/run.shtml)



July 6, 2008 at 10:00 a.m, GutBuster 004 5K and 11 K Trail Run
Mt. Douglas, Victoria, BC
Register online GutBuster Trail Running Series(www.gutbustertrailrun.com/registration.html)



August 17, 2008 at 8:00 a.m, Port Alberni Log Train Trail Marathon, Half and 10K
McLean Mill, Port Alberni, BC
Registration forms are available online at www.arrowsmithradicalrunners.com or contact Chris Morrison 250-726-4612.


For a full list of Upcoming Races, check out the calendar at: Prairie Inn Harriers Running Club (pih.bc.ca)

Learn to Run Program - Finished and Fun
The Twilight Shuffle marked the end of the first Orca Learn to Run Program. The program was well attended at the start with 15 people taking the opportunity to learn about the sport of running and become members of our club. We started at a 1 minute run, 4 minute walk and by the end of the program we had progressed to a 30 minute run.
It was a great group of people. We had a wide assortment of runners. Some first-timers and some wanting to get back to running after long breaks from the sport. All different ages and from all over the Oceanside area.
We lost a few people on our travels, most of whom want to try it again in the fall. And I am hoping to see them.
Many could not make the Twilight Shuffle, but those that did had huge smiles on their faces as they crossed the finish. The biggest smile was on Andrew's face. Andrew decided that he wanted to run a 5 K race with his daughter before she got married. On Tuesday night, he crossed the finish line of the shuffle with his daughter and on Saturday he walked his daughter up the aisle at her wedding. But there was no wedding until father and daughter did one last 5K with the group on Saturday morning; then they were off to the wedding.
The Learn to Run group has now become the Tuesday evening Walk/Run group. We will be doing a 10 minute run, 1 minute walk and will be working our way up to a 10 k race sometime in the future. So, if you know anyone who may be interested in our walk/run program, have them email me at rbailey@shaw.ca.
And don’t forget to email me if you a interested in training for the Victoria Half or Full Marathons. In the mean time, Keep one foot ahead of the other, and you will get there.
Rod

Welcome New Members

Ken Baumann
Leann Chislett
Jaime Fletcher
Kara Malcolm
Catherine Trembath
Sally Vinden

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UPCOMING ORCA EVENTS:

ORCA SUMMER FUN RUN on Monday, July 21, 2008
Run at 6:30 p.m. We will meet outside Qualicum Beach Civic Centre for a relaxing SOCIAL 45 minute run
7:30 p.m. we will proceed to the Shady Rest Pub on Qualicum Beach.
Please join us at the pub, even you cannot make it to the run, for team Natchos!
No need to RSVP....Hope to see you there!
Melanie

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RVM TRAINING PROGRAM
It is that time of year again. Orca will start the training program for the Royal Victoria Half and Full Marathon this Sat June 28 at BSS at 8:00 am.
It is also the Qualicum Beach Tri this weekend, so the run this Saturday will be somewhat subdued.
If you are interested please email me at rbailey@shaw.ca
Thanks, Rod

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Special Discount to ORCA Members

Be sure to visit the following Team ORCA Sponsors:

Outsider - The Outdoors Store, Qualicum Beach 752-6610
-10% off running related products, excluding sale items

Frontrunners, Nanaimo 729-8200 or Victoria
-10% off anything except food, heart rate monitors or sale items

Extreme Runners, Courtenay (250)703-9544
-10% off most products

Body Works Fitness & Tanning, Parksville 248-3346
-20% off gym memberships

Body Sculptors Fitness, Qualicum Beach 752-5553
-$40 for a month membership or a ten punch card

Fitness Connection, Parksville 248-3144
-15% off membership fees

Heaven on Earth Natural Foods, Qualicum Beach 752-3132
-10% off sports nutrition items and vitamins, including items on sale

Arrowsmith Bikes, Nanaimo (behind Earl's) (250) 758-6675
- See Kebble Sheaf or Robin Dutton for 10% off all merchandise.

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President: Rod Bailey

Past-President: Randy Longmuir

Membership Director: Donna deBellefeuille

Secretary: Mairi Speed

Treasurer: Jackie Allen

Events Director: Melanie Peake

Communications: Ann McDonald

Media Contact: Don Petrie

Webmaster: Ken Peters

ORCA meetings are held every 2 months. If anyone from the club would like to join us, please do so! Goodies are always provided!

Next ORCA Meeting: Monday, September 8, 2008 at 7:45 pm. at 309 Willow Street . Please Email Rod Bailey or phone 240-2331 for more details.

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Questions or comments regarding the newsletter or if you would like to submit an article, please email Ann McDonald.
ORCA Newsletter Editor