ELLIS EDGE MASTERS CAMP 2007 - DAY 2

Here's Sheila McGinn's Day 2 report:

Ellis Edge Masters Camp Day 2 – July 27, 2007

Day Two starts with video reviews. Sue reveals her true artistic talents, illustrating the correct body positions right on the screen with an erasable marker. However, she may need to implement a seven second delay on her video replays to avoid broadcasting the, uh, unintended version.
Caleb has managed to get good footage of everyone, and we all have a chance to identify what we’ve learned and incorporated into our technique, as well as what we’ll do differently the next time. Sue doesn’t let us start by focusing on the negative things, but rather the things we’re doing right and want to keep for the future.

We also spend time on reviewing Olympic and world championship footage of both good and bad examples of the techniques we’ll be working on for the day. We see the consequences of both – and it helps to know that even the best in the world make mistakes.

Today we’ll be focusing again on the three keys – chest position with belly to thigh, a tucked butt, and ankle position – and on compacting the position proportionately rather than just trying to get low. We’re still working on our straightaway technique, especially finishing the push with a good ankle snap “down and away” to set up the next push, getting into a good recovery position with the thigh and skate blade vertical, driving the knee through to the chest and letting the ice come up to meet us. We’re reminded of the impact of chest position on the completion of the push.

We spend time on the Techni-Cords preparing for lay-ins and turns. With chalk lines on the floor and the very literal support of our training partners, we repeat and repeat the drills, working on the direction of push, the angle of the lean, and the placement of the landing foot. Later, we’ll practice the same techniques with on-ice bucket drills.
On the ice, our Feelings drills evolve into a Feelings Warm-up, continuously following Caleb through a sequence of walking forward, walking backward, bouncing, hopping, monkey skating, knee-by-mid-calf, hopping to the side, and picking-the-daisies, followed by laps to incorporate the feeling of the movements into our technique.

The bucket drills are fun, and revealing when it comes to technique. Every time we finish a drill and return to free skate focusing on our new feelings, it gets a little easier, and a little better.

The day ends with a barbeque on the Belleisle. The “kids” spend time jostling each other off the swim raft, the guys are great in the kitchen, the sun is warm, the beer is cold, and everyone mellows out after an intense and sometimes overwhelming day.

Tomorrow promises to be even more intense.

ELLIS EDGE MASTERS CAMP 2007 - DAY 1

Sheila McGinn, Ontario representative to the Canadian Masters Speed Skating Committee, sent the following report:

Saint John New Brunswick. In 1926, home-town boy Charlie Gorman won the World’s Amateur Speed Skating Championships right here on Lily Lake, and was immortalized forever in King Square as the local sports hero. Speed skating has a long history in Saint John.

Fourteen modern speed skaters have assembled here for the 2007 Ellis Edge Masters Camp. The next four days will consist of three and a half hours of ice time and four hours of off-ice instruction with Sue Ellis (three and a half hours of ice for four days in succession, in July, what was I thinking?).

We started in truly civilized fashion last night with a wine and cheese at Sue’s house, where we met our fellow skaters from Maine, Michigan, Pennsylvania, New York, New Brunswick, and Ontario, as well as Sue’s husband Glen, and her assistant Caleb and his mom, Carol. We cringed at the training course in her back yard, especially the hoops clearly designed to be leapt through, and were truly relieved to learn they were for the dog. Phew, dodged that bullet…

Day One was all about Feelings – not getting in touch with my feminine side, though, much to my husband’s dismay – you might know these better as Drills. Feelings associated with the movement – feeling our balls (of our feet), feeling our tongues (of our skates), feeling our belly on our thighs, feeling our body position, feeling frustration when you couldn’t feel it, feeling amazement when you could.

Also, feeling like a seven year old – everybody needs a little fun. However, still being responsible adults and all, we made sure that Sue stayed properly hydrated.

We learned the basics of Techni-Cords – working with our partners, and chairs, and any other help we could get.
This is definitely a technical camp, not a conditioning camp, though my thighs after the Techni-Cords might not agree. At the end of a jam-packed day, we were just punchy enough to come up with some seriously twisted alternate uses for Techni-Cords. Caleb manages to be young, talented and skilled without making us all feel bad, but I think he still has concerns about our intentions with respect to the slingshot proposal.

Quote from the other campers at the end of the day – “Sue Ellis rocks!!!”

OVAL MASTERS CAMP 2007 - DAY 5

While most masters campers were showing the signs of fatigue from 4 days of training, 74 year-old Peter Blokker came bouncing into the track-side warm-up area looking fresh and ready-to-go at 7:15 am. And off we went with an indoor run that wasted no time heading up the stairs into the spectator seating area. Heart rates and body temperature quickly reached active operating levels and after some dynamic stretching and plyometrics, it was time to go on the ice.

The morning ice session focused on corner drills beginning with balancing on the right skate in a crossover position with the left skate fully extended (and off the ice if possible). Interspersed with laps concentrating on corner tempo building, this drill was repeated with a partner allowing each skater to experience leaning into the turn in the crossover position.

Video recording continued for skaters with helpful analysis by camp coordinator and Calgary Speed Skating Association coach Graeme Koelwyn.

The post-ice warm-down session featured home-made authentic Italian pizza outdoors on the picnic table courtesy of Silvia Tassara.

The morning's technical seminar focused on custom boot construction by Calgary boot builder James Lewis.

Prior to the afternoon outdoor warm-up, campers posed for a group photo adjacent to the Gaetan Boucher sculpture on the patio outside the Oval. Then it was off to the soccer field for a friendly masters-only game. Some campers elected to rest under the shade of the adjacent trees.

Finally, the last ice session of the camp was structured as a pre-race day program including a few warm-up laps, accel's, corner builds and a 400m tempo, ending with both flying and standing starts. Despite the suggestion to hold something in reserve for tomorrow's racing, many masters continued focusing on technical improvements with helpful coaching by Neal, Abby and Kevin.

Ten skaters will return to race tomorrow morning where they have been seeded into pairs for 500m and 1500m time trials. For many others, farewells were exchanged as they headed for home or other adventures of various destinations.

Many thanks to Silvia who organized and distributed contact information for all participants.

OVAL MASTERS CAMP 2007 - DAY 4

This morning's 7:15 am warm-up run inside the Oval proved a little more challenging as the route took campers up and down the aisle stairs through the spectator seating area. Then, it was onto the ice for one hour where participants did 2 laps on / 2 laps off x 5, 1 lap on / 1 lap off x 5 and 100m on / 300m off x 5. During the ice session, skaters were video-recorded in the front straight and corner for later review and coaching.

Todd McClements was, once again, the morning's presenter of a seminar on the interesting, but complex, subject of Decision Training as opposed to Behaviour Training. This provided the masters present with some new coaching theory concepts and ideas to take back to their respective home clubs.

During the afternoon warm-up, many participants opted to play soccer in a pick-up game where masters tied the home team 2-2. The final and deciding shoot-out was about to commence when Coach Neal called the masters to head back to the Oval for the afternoon ice session.

After an on-ice warm-up of laps and accel's, each master was timed in a 400m tempo skate to help seed competitors for the coming Saturday morning time trials. Additional video-analysis was completed to be added to a CD to be made available to campers later in the week.

Finally, a session of standing starts ended the day with additional coaching by Olympian Kevin Crockett.

OVAL MASTERS CAMP 2007 - DAY 3

This morning's pre-ice warm-up included more straight-away technique imitations in front of the big trackside mirrror following a few laps of running and dynamic stretching. Then, it was on to the ice for the first set of longer intervals - 4 x 4 laps or 4 x 8 laps with a focus on consistent lap times.

Todd McClements presented the day's seminar on Recovery & Regeneration covering warm-downs, nutrition, massage, contrast baths and monitoring including the Rusko Test.

Cor Zwaal re-hydrating and restoring his electrolytes

Following some mid-day practical application of Todd's advice, it was back to the soccer fields for the afternoon pre-ice warm-up including running, dynamic stretching, accel's and dryland start imitations.

Applying Todd's recovery technique

The afternoon skate session including laps of skating SFL (super %#&^(!*@ low) combined with accel's and flying (transition) starts. Additional coaching was provided by 1998 Nagano Olympics 500m bronze medallist Kevin Crockett who gave extra advice on corner entry, corner tempo and flying starts. Kevin, who will be assisting to coach for the remaining days of the camp mercifully withheld comment on the first flying starts of the season, but promised to be more outspoken in the days ahead.

OVAL MASTERS CAMP 2007 - DAY 2 (DOING THE DANCE)

"Doing the dance" has emerged as the camp's underlying theme as the phrase keeps surfacing during instruction on cross-overs and skating imitations technique.

This morning's warm-up session featured dry-land straight-away imitations in front of the big trackside mirror with emphasis on weight transfer and body alignment. This focus reaped visible benefits for all skaters in the on-ice session that followed immediately after. The morning ice session consisted of progressively challenging balance and gliding drills interspersed with a pyramid of laps in which to apply these new and re-discovered technical skills.

Today's informative seminar, led by Neal Zaluski, focused on equipment including sharpening, rocker, bend and set-up. Although denying any artistic ability, Neal's drawing skills on the whiteboard combined with practical demonstrations and answers to questions made clear the basics for camp participants.

Coach Neal Zaluski demonstrating rocker measurement.

Following lunch, it was back outdoors under blue Calgary skies for another warm-up run and dynamic stretching in preparation for the afternoon on-ice session. Back on the ice assisted by coach Abby Ennis and former national team sprint coach and Olympian Sean Ireland, skaters were led through a progression of cornering drills combined with sets of laps and 200m accelerations.

OVAL MASTERS CAMP 2007 - DAY 1

It was a great day to be on the ice in Calgary's Olympic Oval as outdoor temperatures reached into the 30 degree C range under clear blue skies. That didn't stop coach Neal Zaluski from leading many skaters outdoors for a short warm-up run and dynamic stretching around, and on, the nearby soccer fields prior to the afternoon ice session.

The day began early with registration and introductions followed by a brief indoor run on the track surrounding the ice surface. In the warm-up session that followed, skaters introduced themselves as well as their home ice location and led the group with a stretch of their own suggestion.

The 19 masters skaters, in attendance, had come from destinations near and far including British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario and Wisconsin. Many of these were participants in the 16th Masters International Speed Skating Games from last February including Silvia Tassara from Italy.

Silvia, who's attendance has given the Oval Masters Camp a new-found international flavour, made her patriotism evident when a video of Enrico Fabris was featured in today's seminar on straightaway technique. The session was well-presented by Olympic Oval Program Long Track Coach, Crispin Parkinson.

Seminar presenter Crispin Parkinson (left) and camp coordinator Graeme Koelwyn

Also adding international representation was Cor Zwaal who has been visiting in Calgary for the past 4 months but makes his home in the Netherlands.

Prince George, BC was very well-represented by 4 skaters including Lyle Dickieson who has attended the masters camp for the last 3 consecutive years.

It was also good to see some of our American friends from Wisconsin who normally make Milwaukee's Pettit Center their home oval, but came to Alberta in search of ice after Pettit open speed skating was cancelled on April 12 of this year.

Also in the group are some of Canada's top masters skaters including Jo-Ann Johnson of Calgary Alberta who holds 6 Canadian and 2 North American records for Women 40-49 long track and Peter Blokker of Vernon BC with 1 Canadian and 4 North American records for Men 70+ short track.

The day's two 1-hour ice sessions were intended to re-familiarize skaters with the ice and their equipment after the Spring rest. It was properly back to the essentials with basic position, balance and gliding drills interspersed with some easy laps focusing on technique.

Many of these same basic drills could be seen in the Canadian, Japanese and American national team early-season practices which preceded and followed the masters ice sessions.

With great weather in the forecast and a great group of enthusiastic masters and coaches, the camp promises to be a huge success for the remaining 4 days concluded by Saturday morning racing.

MONTREAL 24 HOUR INLINE - FLYING FOSSILS

Stephen Fisher, of the Toronto In-Line Skating Club, organized a +55 year old team called the Flying Fossils for the Montreal 24 Hour In-line Challenge. The grueling event took place this past weekend in Montreal's Parc Jean Drapeau.

Stephen forwarded the following report from his team-mate, Cale Carvell:

Bonjour! Monsior Cale here with a report from the pain train that was the Montreal 24 hour marathon. The experience began when Margo, Jan, Tom G., and I landed in beautiful Montreal, Canada. The Canadian version of France, where all the signs are in French, most the people speak only French, and finding your way around is no easy project. We did, however, with our rent a car, find our way to the hotel and did some shopping for the experience that was to follow.

With much excitement and some apprehension, and after getting lost first, we made our way to the Formula one race track where the race was to begin at 1:00 PM. We separated as I found my "Flying Fossil" teammates while Jan, Tom, and Margo went to find their team "Skate Log.com". From hear on out, you will be reading about the Flying Fossils and my experience as part of this team of old farts all of who were 55 and over. Our median age was 58.

After setting up our paddock (basically a 20 X 20 ft covered area) with water, coolers, chairs, tables, food, extra clothes, air mattresses, and skate supplies, and being sure we all had our Flomax, denture creams, glasses, hearing aids, Depends and other personal supplies; we had our strategy meeting. The race was to begin at PM and we decided that each skater would skate one lap (3 miles), and then hand the baton off to the next skater and continue like that until 10pm when we would split into two teams of 5 and let one team sleep from 10pm-2am and then switch with the others who could then sleep from 2am-6am and then we would all regroup to finish from 6am til the finish of the race at PM.

The course was a 3 mile circuit with numerous turns, one very gradual up hill, a long gradual down hill and a hairpin right turn that led into a 1 mile straight away that finished in front of the paddocks where everyone had to pass off there baton to the next skater. Many teams had many different strategies as to how to best do this for 24 hours. There were no rules about how many laps anyone had to skate in a row or in total. The excitement was growing while the music was blaring and the announcer was yapping and yapping about who knows what, because most of it was in French. Everyone was in high spirits, full of energy and ready to go.

All 800 skaters, together, did a slow skate around the circuit while the official stopped us at certain places to say something in French and then in some form of English that was impossible to understand. Finally the countdown began 5..4..3..2..1.....And each teams first skater was off. Alan Marcossan was our first skater with me being second. The first few hours were nothing but fun with everyone sharing their lap stories and talking about the laps to come.

We had a few problems with some of the passes, a few dropped batons, but we got it down pretty good. We were at the end of the hand off lanes which were only wide enough for two skaters to be side by side. It was often hard to see your teammate through the maze of skaters, so getting started on each lap could be quite an adventure. Alan and I were doing laps in the 8min 35-45 sec level and our teammates were in the 9 to 10 minute time frame unless you were lucky enough to be able to draft with someone who was a little better than you, which was rare. I was lucky enough to have jumped on a pro team and had our fastest lap (just under 8 min).

All was going pretty well until about 6 PM when, wouldn't you know it, the forecasted scattered showers began scattering on us, and the wind started howling. The track got slippery, the times got slower, the rain stopped, things dried up, the rain came back, things dried up, and back it came again. It was getting pretty ugly trying to keep the wheels rolling, dealing with being soaked constantly, putting on saturated skates and then it got dark.

To say the least, visibility was terrible. They had some portable spotlights out in a few areas of the track, but it was just barely enough to see where you were skating. Lots of people wore head lights on their headlights, but I decided that it wasn't worth the hassle. Because it was so dark at the hand off area, many skaters wore blinking lights, so the person they were handing off to could tell it was their teammate as they came in to hand off. There were so many different types of blinking lights, ropes, flashers, on bodies, skates, helmets etc, that it seemed like Christmas in July.

Finally the rain stopped around 10pm. We were running in third place, 2 laps behind a french Canadian racing club team when 10pm rolled around and it was time for the first group to sleep. I was in the first group and I tried, really I tried, but after a 45 minute kind of half conscious nap in a chair, it was hopeless. The adrenaline, red bull, gels, sport drinks and Snickers were too much to overcome, so I announced that since I was skating some of the fastest lap times and I felt good, there was no reason for me to not continue. I would replace one of our team and wake him up after 4 hours if I needed to sleep.

So now I was skating every 5th lap starting around 11:30pm. Of course as soon as I started, the real rain began. For the rest of the night, it rained steadily and as the laps piled up, the uphill got steeper, the downhill got shorter and the wind, which blew right in your face as you rounded the hairpin turn for the 1 mile home, blew harder. Fatigue began to settled in and the old guys bones were creeping, but we kept up the pace.

For some reason, as the night ground on, I actually began feeling better and better and when it was time to wake up the other 5 guys, we only woke up 1 and I just kept on skating. From 11:30pm til 6am, I skated every 5th lap. By 6am when everyone was up again, we had moved up to 2nd place only a lap and a half down from the "Rapid Lap Dogs" (How's that for a name).

Now you haven't lived until you see bunch of exhausted old guys wake up after not enough sleep and have to get it together to skate as hard as they can. The creaking bones, gas noises, various smells, moaning and groaning were an experience I wouldn't wish on anyone but us. Our spirits were high, however, and after a little while, we were excited, and the adrenalin was doing its thing. I had however had no sleep and was starting to feel the effects, however I'd be damned if I was going to admit it. I figured that as long as I did not sit down for long, I could keep going.

The rain had stopped and the course dried up and the sun came out and I almost broke out in a song. We all kept hammering as hard as we could, we kept our lap times up as high as we had, and we were closing in on the Lap Dogs. As the 1pm finishing time got closer, the spirit at the race was electric. All the pain, all the struggles, all the effort was coming to an end. Everyone cheered for every skater as the finished their last laps.

The air was alive with good feelings, camaraderie, sense of accomplishment, joy, and friendly competition. There was no controversy, no arguments, everyone helped each other, and the compliments were many. No one left the starting line until every skater finished their last lap.

We could not catch up and we finished 2nd, but it didn't matter as we gave it everything we had and really put a scare into a much younger group of quality skaters. They were thrilled with the competition and admitted that we had them seriously worried and forced them to push themselves as hard as possible. The Canadian team that we passed congratulated us in broken English and hugged us and it truly was a Hallmark moment.

I know that this has been long, but so was the race. I could go on forever about each lap I did. I have never pushed myself any harder, or skated any better than at this event. The experience was something that I hope to do again and would challenge any of you to participate in. There were skaters of every conceivable level who all had one common goal. There were even skaters who did the entire 24 hours ALONE.....Unbelievable.

Thanks to my teammates Alan Marcosson, Larry Griffin, Peter Moynihan, Ken Huss, Ed Duncan, Bob Harwell, Robert Stroud, John Altwater, and Stephen Fisher (our Captain who had the idea...thanks for calling me). The accomplishment was exhilarating and my teammates and I have a bond that will never disappear, even when we race against each other................Cale "Team Rainbo and a Flying Fossil too" Carvell.

Stephen Fisher provided the following editorial comments on Cale's report:

The "Canadian" team he mistakenly refers to is in fact French, the Cannes Rollers, last year's fitness/advanced winners. Pic is taken by my phone. The team that beat us had been in elite last year. This year there were 3 elite teams, including members of the Olympic speedskating team, so keeping up with them was unobtainable. Including the elite and everyone else, we finished 5th out of 76 teams, 2nd in our division about 10 minutes back. I was pretty happy...

MASTERS RECORDS UPDATE

Speed Skating Canada has recently updated statistics viewable at Canadian Records.

Congratulations to the following masters who set new records as follows:

CANADIAN LONG TRACK OLYMPIC STYLE

Women - Masters 2

Jo-Ann Johnson, AB: 500m - 46.71, 1000m - 1:31.29

Diane Silzer, BC: 1500m - 2:21.27, 3000m - 4:58.35

Women - Masters 3

Lyse Fournier, QC: 500m - 52.08, 1000m - 1:45.32, 1500m - 2:40.65

Women - Masters 5

Agatha van der Starre, BC: 1500m - 3:50.26

Men - Masters 1

Jeff Bakal, AB: 1500m - 1:54.52, 3000m - 4:06.76, 5000m - 7:09.04

Men - Masters 2

Patrick Kelly, ON: 500m - 37.71

Benoit Lamarche, QC: 1500m - 1:53.85, 3000m - 4:06.76, 5000m - 7:11.38

Men - Masters 3

Bob Laurence, ON: 500m - 41.34, 3000m - 4:23.56, 5000m - 7:33.92

Bob Irvine, AB: 1000m - 1:22.70 - Calgary 3/16/2007

Bill Hoyne, AB: 1500m - 2:03.70

Men - Masters 4

Ron Johnston, AB: 1000m - 1:28.88 - Calgary 3/17/2007, 5000m - 8:23.74

Men - Masters 5

Maurice Gagne, QC: 500m - 49.33

It's worthy of note that all Canadian Olympic Style Long Track records, except for 2 indicated, were set on Calgary's Olympic Oval at the 16th International Masters Speed Skating Games during February 22 to 25, 2007.

CANADIAN LONG TRACK MASS START - OUTDOOR OVALS

Men - Masters 3

Bob Irvine, Calgary AB: 1000m - 1:27.87 - Red Deer 1/20/2007, 1500m - 2:14.51 - Red Deer 1/20/2007

Brett Arnason, Winnipeg MB: 3000m - 5:03.07 - Roseville 12/10/2006

CANADIAN LONG TRACK MASS START - COVERED OVALS

Women - Masters 2

Jo-Ann Johnson, Calgary AB: 500m - 47.42 - Calgary 1/14/2007, 1000m - 1:35.13 - Calgary 1/14/2007, 1500m - 2:26.60 - Calgary 1/13/2007, 3000m - 5:17.98 - Calgary 1/14/2007

Men - Masters 1

Rejean Lavoie, Calgary AB: 1000m - 1:23.08 - Calgary 1/14/2007

Marco LeBrasseur, Calgary AB: 3000m - 4:32.74 - Calgary 1/14/2007

Men - Masters 3

Bob Irvine, Calgary AB: 500m - 42.38 - Calgary 1/13/2007

Mickey Kupchyk, Regina SKU: 1000m - 1:24.02 - Calgary 1/14/2007, 3000m - 4:30.86 - Calgary 1/14/2007

Men - Masters 4

Ron Johnston, AB: 500m - 43.89 - Calgary 1/14/2007, 1000m - 1:28.92 - Calgary 1/14/2007, 1500m - 2:14.21 - Calgary 1/13/2007, 3000m - 4:49.04 - Calgary 1/14/2007

NORTH AMERICAN LONG TRACK MASS START - OUTDOOR OVALS

Women - Masters 1

Leela Braun, MB: 1000m - 1:44.23 - Winnipeg 2/3/2007

Women - Masters 2

Jo-Ann Johnson, AB: 500m - 50.49 - Winnipeg 2/3/2007, 1000m - 1:43.99 - Winnipeg 2/3/2007

Women - Masters 3

Jan Zurcher, US: 1000m - 1:26.80 - Winnipeg 2/3/2007

Men - Masters 3

Mickey Kupchyk, SK: 1000m - 1:19.81 - Winnipeg 2/3/2007

CANADIAN SHORT TRACK

Men - Masters 2

Tim Cooney, Lethbridge AB: 500m - 47.96, 1500m - 2:35.50
Note: Both of Tim's times were set at the 1st Annual Masters Ice Racing Challenge in Canmore AB during December 29 to 30, 2006.

Reg van Drecht, Fredricton NB: 1000m - 1:46.86 - Fredricton 1/27/2007

MASTERS SUMMER CAMPS - UPDATE

The Cambridge Speed Skating Club’s website indicates that 14 masters have now registered for the Ontario Summer Speed Skating Camp during August 20 to 22, 2007. There's still room for more, but the July 1, 2007 deadline is approaching fast.

Graeme Koelwyn, camp coordinator, had advised that only 17 skaters have registered so far for the Calgary Olympic Oval Masters Camp during July 23 to 28, 2007. Graeme has extended the registration deadline until July 6, 2007.

There also appears to be only 10 spots remaining for the Ellis Edge Masters Camp being run in Saint John, NB during July 26 to 29, 2007.

For some international masters camps opportunities, see Masters Speed Skating Italia.

MASTERS ICE RACING CHALLENGE 2007

Ian Mellors, President of the Banff/Canmore Speed Skating Club, sent the following message today:

On the longest day of the year, it is time to turn our attention to all things cold and fast.

Attached you find the announcement for the 2nd Annual Masters Ice Racing Challenge, to be held in Canmore, Alberta, December 14th and 15th. The inaugural race in 2006 was a great success, with plenty of close racing and new friends.

The order of racing will be the same as last year, the 1000m will be run on Friday December 14th, and the other three distances run on Saturday December 15th during the annual ability meet hosted by the Banff/Canmore Speed Skating Club. Masters will skate first after floods on Saturday.

There has been interest from some Lady Masters skaters, at this time please indicate if you would like to attend, once we have some idea of numbers we can start a discussion of format for the races, i.e. Ladies skate separately or in with the Men.

By indicating your intent to attend, it will help the organizing committee to start planning the event. Registration forms will be sent out in November, and will be due two weeks prior to the event. This is an Speed Skating Canada sanctioned event.

Please feel free to send the announcement to anyone you feel may be interested that does not appear on the mailing list. If you have any questions please drop me a line.

Sincerely,

Ian Mellors

President - Banff/Canmore Speed Skating Club

For a report on last year's edition of the Masters Ice Racing Challenge, see the January 28th post in the MSS News January 2007 Archive.

ONTARIO SPEED SKATING SUMMER CAMP - MASTERS UPDATE

Bob Laurence recently provided an update regarding the Masters Component of the Ontario Speed Skating Summer Camp being held August 20 to 22, 2007 at Cambridge's Hespeler Arena.

According to Bob, the 3 half-day format will include: 2 hours of ice each ½ day, dry land, pilates, bosu ball program, cycling if you want, running if you want, a stretching program and possibly slide board instruction.

If you are still considering signing up, the camp organizers have moved the registration deadline up to July 1st, in order to allow more efficient scheduling of the programs.

If there is a specific topic or program that interests you, let Blake Morrison or Bob Laurence or Rose Schmidt know ASAP.

Also according to Bob, only 6 masters have registered so far whereas a minimum of 15 are required to run the camp.

Registration forms and further information are available from the Cambridge Speed Skating Club or the Ontario Speed Skating Association.

CALGARY SPEED SKATING ASSOCIATION - MASTERS AWARDS

This may be old news to skaters in the Calgary area but, to the rest of us in the country, it was nice to read in its May 2007 Newsletter that the CSSA recognized the following top masters members at its April 21, 2007 wrap-up party and awards:

Master 1 - Rejean Lavoie

Master 2 - Jo-Ann Johnson

Master 3 - Bob Irvine

Master 4 - Laurits Skjolingstad

Master 5 - Roy Whitney

Master Skater of the Year - Ronald Johnston

Congratulations to these skaters and thanks to the Calgary Speed Skating Association for acknowledging its best masters.

MS BIKE TOUR - HELIA TEAM

Many masters may have seen the very inspirational story on Speed Skating Canada's website about Crystal Phillip’s courageous struggle with multiple sclerosis and her Helia Team's goal to raise $65,000 in this year's 2-day 180 km MS Bike Tour from Airdrie to Olds, Alberta and back.

Joining Crystal and her potentially 100 rider team, including national team skater and Olympian Denny Morrison, will be Calgary master speed skater Brian Sulzer.

If you'd like to help Brian help Crystal to reach her goal on June 9 to 10, you could contribute here.

2008 NORTH AMERICAN MARATHON CHAMPIONSHIP CONFIRMED FOR EDMONTON

Brian Johnston, Director of Edmonton's Silver Skate Festival, has confirmed that the Festival has been awarded the North American Marathon Championships scheduled for February 16 - 17, 2008. The competition will include both 25km and 50km events.

2007-08 UPDATED PRELIMINARY INTERNATIONAL SCHEDULE

The International Masters Speed Skating Group (IMSSG) has posted an updated preliminary Competition Calendar for the upcoming 2007-08 season.

The revised schedule indicates even better opportunities for masters skaters in North America through the addition of a 3rd event - the 1st Masters International Open American Sprint competition tentatively scheduled for January 4 - 5, 2008 in Milwaukee's Pettit Center.

In addition, a preliminary date of February 9 - 10, 2008 has now been set for the 1st International Open Canadian Championship at the Olympic Oval in Calgary.

A specific date is not yet available for the 11th Masters International Open American Championships at the Pettit Center in Milwaukee.

ONTARIO SUMMER SPEED SKATING CAMP

Information and a registration form for the 2007 edition of the Ontario Speed Skating Association’s Summer Camp is now available here.

This short-track camp is being hosted by the Cambridge Speed Skating Club on olympic-size ice at Hespeler Arena during August 20 to 24 and includes a masters component of 3 half-days for a cost of $150.

A minimum of 15 masters participants are required to run the camp and there is space for a maximum of 30 skaters. The registration deadline is July 20, 2007.

Blake Morrison, camp organizer, has clarified that the half days will be Monday 08:00 - 12:30, Tuesday 08:00 - 13:00 and Wednesday 08:00 - 14:00. Each day there will be 2 one hour ice sessions with the remaining time being dry land or workshops. Both the dry land and the workshop topics are still to be decided.

Initial ideas also include consideration of an opportunity to participate in a non-camp activity at the end of the day such as a trail run, bike ride, wings and beers at a local bar or possibly to join the coaches of the main camp program and help out for the remainder of the day and then Thursday and Friday. As more details and firm program activities become available, these will be made known. Questions and suggestions for activities masters would like to see can be sent to Blake Morrison or Bob Laurence or Rose Schmidt.

FEDERAL FUNDING FOR ONTARIO OVAL PROJECT

The government of Canada has announced $1.2M in funding for the Ontario Oval project. See this Press Release.

Additional information about the project can be seen here.

NORTH AMERICAN MARATHON CHAMPIONSHIP 2008

Master speed skater, Brian Johnston, who is also Director of Edmonton's Silver Skate Festival, wrote to say the Festival is hoping to have the North American Marathon Championships on the 3rd week of February in Edmonton. That would be the 16th and 17th of February 2008 for a 25 and 50km marathon event.

OLYMPIC OVAL MASTERS CAMPS

Two versions of the annual summer camp at Calgary's Olympic Oval appear to be available this year.

For parents with children participating in the July 9 to 14, 2007 Summer Speed Camp, there will be a separate masters category.

There will also be a Masters Speed Skating Camp during July 23 to 28, 2007.

Thanks to Ross Knudson of Mackenzie BC for bringing this to our attention.

2007-08 PRELIMINARY CANADIAN SCHEDULE

On April 17, Speed Skating Canada posted its Draft Competition Schedule for the 2007-08 season.

The calendar includes a long track event titled "Canadian Open Masters" scheduled for February 9 to 10, 2008 in Calgary.

Thanks to Ross Knudson of Mackenzie BC for bringing this to our attention.

2007-08 PRELIMINARY INTERNATIONAL SCHEDULE

The International Masters Speed Skating Group (IMSSG) has posted a preliminary Competition Calendar for the upcoming 2007-08 season.

Although specific dates are not yet available, the schedule includes 2 events in North America including the 11th Masters International Open American Championships at the Pettit Center in Milwaukee and the 1st International Open Canadian Championship at the Olympic Oval in Calgary.

ONTARIO MASTERS SHORT TRACK CHAMPIONSHIP

Thirty-six competitors took part in the Ontario Masters Short Track Championship held March 31 to April 1, 2007. Organized by the Kitchener-Waterloo Cobras Speed Skating Club, the event titled "Celeblade" was combined with OSSA's Regional Ability Championship. Waterloo's Memorial Recreation Centre provided an excellent venue featuring fast olympic-size ice and an indoor running track (perfect for warm-up) with exterior views surrounding the 3,000 seat spectator area.

Nine woman and twenty-seven men raced in 3 ability-based groups based on 500m seed-times resulting in mixed gender and age-category racing. Although the official points-based outcome is not yet known, some preliminary conclusions can be made from the meet protocol.

Racing in the Bravo and Charlie groups, women were only represented in Masters 2 (40-49) with Sheila McGinn (Ottawa) as the sole competitor and victor in the Masters 3 (50-59) age class. Based on relative time results, it would appear that Sandy Kramer (Kitchener-Waterloo) was 1st in Masters 2.

Of 5 Master 1 males racing in both Alpha and Bravo, Kevin Frost (Gloucester) appears to have prevailed based on relative time results. Spread out over all 3 ability groups, the top Masters 2 male skater would seem to be Cameron Boyd (London) who won 3 of 4 events in the Alpha group. Racing in the Alpha group, Ross Hanham (Dofasco-Hamilton) was the lone Masters 3 male competitor. Gary Whitney (Markham) was the sole participant and winner in Masters 4 (60-69) men.

The competition was characterized by tough-friendly competition with some very exciting races best represented by the Alpha 500m secondary final where a photo finish for 2nd (Charles Gower - NOL), 3rd (Don Noble - TO) and 4th (John MacDonald - KW) places resulted in a spread of only 0.26 seconds.

Most Ontario clubs were well-represented with skaters from Ottawa, Gloucester, Quinte (Belleville), Niagara-On-The-Lake, Kitchener-Waterloo, Toronto, Kawartha (Peterborough), Clarington, Dofasco (Hamilton), Oakville, Sudbury, Markham and Thunder Bay. Competitors raced distances over 7 events for which provincial records are maintained including 500m, 777m, 1000m and 1500m. Subject to OSSA verification, Sheila McGinn may have established all new Masters 3 women records as follows:

- 500m - 1:10.51

- 777m - 1:50.62

- 1000m - 2:26.58

- 1500m - 3:41.70

A mixed ability relay was also provided for some masters participants.

This event concluded the 2006-07 racing season in Ontario.

ELLIS EDGE MASTERS CAMP

Ellis Edge Masters Camp - Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada - July 26 - 29, 2007.

Visit historic Saint John and the beautiful coastline while enjoying your skating.

The camp has two ice times per day and two off ice sessions. Focus is on technique, plus learn tracks, strategy and tactics.

All levels of masters welcome form beginner to expert!

Instruction by Sue Ellis, 2002 Olympic coach.

Visit www.ellisedge.com for more info.

PINK/ORANGE SKINSUITS ORDER

Back by popular demand, Anika Bédard is going to make a spring order of the colourful skinsuits. The price will be $240 (tax included) + delivery charges. If you're interested or have questions, please send an e-mail to Anika and she'll send you the complete information to order. Deadline is April 15, 2007.

TRIBUTE TO MASTERS

In his March 13, 2007 open letter to the members, Graham Wilkins, President of the Ontario Speed Skating Association, included the following tribute to Ontario masters who recently competed in the 16th Masters International Speed Skating Games last month.

All of us 'more mature skaters' can also look to the skaters who participated in Calgary and recognize that athletic dedication and accomplishment is never limited by age.

The complete letter, which also recognized OSSA's athletes at the recent Canada Winter Games, can be seen here.

STATS

Thanks to Mickey Kupchyk, of Regina, who recently pointed out that many masters may find some of their race results published, amongst those of 9,828 other skaters, here.

Enter your name and see what happens!

Another interesting source which includes results from previous Masters International Speed Skating Games can be found on the DESG website here.

INTERNATIONAL MASTERS SHORT TRACK

Following discussions during the 16th Masters International Masters Speed Skating Games held last month in Calgary, an International Masters Short Track Committee has been formed. See further details here. The report says that one or more international masters short track competitions may possibly be offered for the 2007-08 season.

As noted, Ian Mellors has been proposed as the Canadian representative to this Committee.

Ian, who is the President of the Banff/Canmore Speed Skating Club, was also the meet coordinator for the 1st Annual Masters Ice Racing Challenge held December 29 - 30, 2006 in Canmore Alberta. Canadian masters, interested in short track racing, can contact Ian by e-mail.

CAMBRIDGE MASTERS SUMMER CAMP

This year's version of the annual Ontario Speed Skating Association summer camp is being held in Cambridge on olympic-size ice at Hespeler Arena. Camp organizers are considering a Masters component in conjunction with the camp and are trying to assess how many masters would be interested.

Organizers would also like to hear what topics or activities would be of interest to masters including the amount of ice time needed and preferences regarding any other related activities such as cycling, inline skating, running, etc.

The camp is scheduled for Monday August 20th through to Friday the 24th.

If you're interested, want more information or have suggestions as to the masters camp format and content -

- contact Bob Laurence by e-mail.

BEHIND THE SCENES

In the aftermath of the World Masters Championship in Calgary, much has been said and written about the accomplishments of the competitors - results, times and records. There are many others, however - both skaters and non-skaters, who are working behind the scenes for the advancement of masters speed skating in Canada and elsewhere. As we reflect back on the season which is winding down, I'd like to mention a few of these people.

ANIKA BEDARD - pictured at right with her Ste-Foy friend and training partner Genevieve Provencher. In addition to being an accomplished speed skater, Anika maintains La page des patineurs de vitesse maîtres which provides information to french-speaking masters speed skaters in Canada. She has spent endless hours translating most of the posts which appear in english on this page. Anika has also been instrumental in the creation of the newly-formed Canadian Masters Speed Skating Committee and initiated the creation of the alternate masters skinsuit which many competitors were wearing in Calgary.

Photo by Rene Therrien

BOB LAURENCE - In 2003, Bob initiated the creation of the first Canadian masters skinsuit which most competitors were wearing in Calgary and which was first seen in Inzell GER in 2004 in the 13th Masters International Speed Skating Games. Bob has also single-handedly facilitated the creation of Canadian masters baseball hats and toques which many masters can be seen wearing. Bob is pictured here in Calgary last month sporting the one-and-only original skinsuit prototype #1 - still wearing well 3 years after its creation.

Photo by Tim Reilly

LARRY MAGLOIRE - When he's not speed skating, Larry's a professional graphic designer. Many of the Canadians wearing the masters skinsuit in Calgary may not realize that Larry designed it, and the logo on it, back in 2004. Three years later in Calgary, Larry finally got to wear a prototype suit #3 for the first time in the 16th World Masters Games. Larry's dedication to speed skating extends to many many hours coaching young skaters in the Brampton Ontario club.

Photo by Tim Reilly

REG VAN DRECHT - Reg was the lone master from Atlantic Canada at the Calgary competition and previously represented Canada at the 13th International Games in Inzell GER. His Fredricton NB company, Valley Graphics, has done all the printing of the logos and lettering on the Canadian skinsuits.

TIM REILLY - As recently profiled on Zen and the Art of Speed Skating, Tim Reilly took over 1,700 photographs of the Calgary Games while, at the same time, providing encouragement to his skater-wife Kathie Zapatocki and others. Tim's photos were shown on the large video screens at Cowboys during the closing ceremonies of the Games.

Photo by Ann Hanham

MIKE RIVET - Mike has been working with a large group of masters speed skaters from the Ottawa area, preparing them since last summer for the Calgary Games. His coaching program through the late fall and early winter included trips to Lake Placid and Ste-Foy for marathon races and training sessions while waiting for the brief appearance of Ottawa's Brewer Park natural ice oval in late January - February. Pictured below (8th from left) with his team wearing their new masters skinsuits, Mike cheerfully extended his expertise and guidance to many additional skaters in Calgary including those from other provinces and countries. As a former Canadian national team member, Mike's advice was not to be taken lightly and assisted a great number of competitors, including myself, to exceed their personal goals. By my observations, Mike may have spent about 50 to 60 hours on the ice in his skates during the training sessions and races of the Calgary Games.

Photo by Tim Reilly

TAWNYA YARD - Tawnya is the program coordinator / head coach for the Calgary Speed Skating Association. Similar to Mike, she started working on initiatives to get local masters keen for the Calgary Games almost a year before the actual competition. Her hard work paid off as 14 CSSA masters became keen enough to order masters skinsuits for the competition. Tawnya was also seen putting in long hours on the ice throughout the preceding training sessions and the actual competition.

ALICIA WEISS - Alicia is a key promotor of masters speed skating in the Ottawa area where she reports the Pacers Club masters group has 40 current members and 60 past members/interested people. Alicia is also a keen photographer of masters speed skating - particularly marathon racing. Her pictures can be seen at A Leesh’s photos.

BRETT ARNASON - In 2005 while competing at the 14th Games in Baselga de Pine, Brett took it upon himself to attend the International Masters Speed Skating Committee meeting which was also being held. Since that time, Brett has represented Canada to the IMSSC and was also recently voted spokesperson for the newly-formed Canadian Masters Speed Skating Committee. In addition, Brett is active in local speed skating in the Winnipeg MAN area, where he helped to raise funds for the North American Speed Skating Championships recently held there.

MARY O'DONNELL - Mary served as the USA representative to the IMSSC for more years than I know and only recently stepped down. It was great to see Mary skating in Calgary in the penultimate competition of the masters organization she has helped to build.

Photo by Tim Reilly

ANDREW LOVE - Andrew is not so much behind the scenes as some others - as his avidly-followed blog Zen and the Art of Speed Skating is well known to most master skaters. Andrew's site is one of the best on-line chronicles of speed skating and is helping enormously to build masters speed skating both internationally and in North America. Perhaps less known is Andrew's recent agreement to take over from Mary as the USA representative to the IMSSC.

Photo by Tim Reilly

DR. STEPHEN GUNTHER & HARRY DINGLE - These two USA masters, who both competed in the recent Calgary Games, have been largely responsible for organizing the only annual international masters speed skating event in North America held each year at Milwaukee's Pettit Center. Through this event, Steve and Harry are building interest and organization in masters speed skating in the USA.

I'm sure there are many many other builders and promoters who are, or have been, working behind the the scenes. To those who I may have overlooked, or am unaware - I apologize and extend thanks from all masters speed skaters for the great work you're doing.

My sense is that masters speed skating is at an all-time high in Canada and the USA - a phenomena that I hope is more than the result of the International Games being held in Calgary's Olympic Oval. Perhaps there is a momentum created on which we can continue to build.

SYLVAN LAKE MARATHON

Trevor Nelson of Prince George BC sent the following report:

On Saturday March 3rd, about 100 skaters participated in the 5th annual 100 km Spitz Sylvan Lake Ice Marathon. There were other categories as well such as the Junior 25 km event and the touring event where skaters could complete up to 50 km if they chose. Altogether, hundreds of skater took part in this wonderful event on a perfect day for skating.

The day of the marathon it was just below freezing with the ice in the best condition in the years we have been participating. This year the loop was shortened to five km which made it possible for the ice-making crew to spend a bit more time filling the cracks that often proved quite deadly in years past.

This year Prince George, B.C. was well represented by four skaters (all masters) in the 100 km event. We also had our coach Matt deNys ready to provide track-side support in the form of energy foods, drinks, race information, and encouragement. We were all raring to go when the horn went a few minutes after 9:00 a.m.

The pace at the start of the race was set at a high tempo by three young Dutch skaters who had very recently been skating on the European marathon circuit. It was a race of attrition as one after the other skaters dropped off the back, unable to maintain the pace of lap after lap of sub 9:00 minute 5 km circuits. Finally only five skaters remained at the front of the pack -- two sets of Dutch brothers (the Van Benthams and the Van Blaaderens) and one lone Canadian master.

The Van Bentham brothers, Merein and Rolf, are the sons of Evert Van Bentham, former Eleven Cities race winner in '85 and '86. The family now lives in the Red Deer area and operates a dairy farm.

The fast pace of the race continued until there were only three skaters remaining in the lead group. At around 70 kilometeres the two young skaters finally got away from the lone Canadian master after he fatally tried to sprint away just prior to their more definite attack. First place went to Cor Van Blaaderen in a time of 2:58:43 with Merein Van Bentham 2nd in a time of 2:58:53 and third place went to Trevor Nelson (the author of this report) in a time of 3:00:05.

Other masters from Prince George: Lyle Dickieson, 9th place in 3:16:07, Brad Kreitz in 11th place, 3:22:30, and Kris Yip in 15th place in 3:30:37. Kris had a rough day with a bad burr on one blade right off the start which forced him to change skates. After that he broke springs on both skates and limped across the line on halfspring power.

For full results see here.

All in all a great event. I hope more masters skaters will consider attending this event next year as the organizers are in doubt as to the future of the Spitz Sylvan Lake Marathon.

Many thanks go out to all the volunteers and to the main organizers Evert and Jeannette Van Bentham and Dirk and Elizabeth Appel.

Any errors in fact or events are the fault of the author.

I have attached a few pictures: one of the Prince George team, and two that tell the story of the end of the skating season.

Thanks for keeping Masters skaters in touch Ross. I enjoyed reading all the information that came through your website.

CANADIAN MASTERS SPEED SKATING COMMITTEE FORMED

On Saturday February 24, 2007, twenty-four Canadian masters skaters from 6 provinces took time away from watching the ongoing World Cup time trials and Olympic Oval Stampede Breakfast to meet in one of the University of Calgary's Kinesiology lecture halls.

45 minutes later, the Canadian Masters Speed Skating Committee had been formed with Brett Aranason of Winnipeg elected as its interim spokesperson and a draft letter to Speed Skating Canada regarding masters competitions had been reviewed and accepted.

See the Meeting Minutes

See the letter sent to Speed Skating Canada by e-mail.

Even if you weren't able to voice your support for this organization or the letter, you can still do so by e-mail to Brett Arnason or to your provincial representative -

British Columbia - Gary Link

Alberta - Brian Sulzer

Saskatchewan - Mickey Kupchyk

Manitoba - Jean-Francois Godbout

Ontario - Sheila McGinn

Quebec - Anika Bedard

New Brunswick - Reg van Drecht

MORE REFLECTIONS ON THE CALGARY GAMES

Mickey Kupchyk of Regina sent his perspective on the 16th Masters International Speed Skating Games held in Calgary's Olympic Oval during February 22 - 25, 2007.

Do you remember the first time you did it? Well last week was the first time for a number of us. For some of the lucky ones they’ve done it multiple times, but I’m sure they’ll all admit that the first time was still the best. It’s easy to tell who the first timers are, just look for the people with that goofy contented smile on their face. So what is “it” exactly – skating in your first World Masters competition of course.

To capture the entire essence of the event in one word I’ll have to plagiarize that sage poet Eric Cartman from South Park, “Sweeeeet”!

It would take pages to list all of the accomplishments that were skated at The Olympic Oval last week (besides Ross did that already). Suffice it to say, records were dropping faster then a January thermometer in Winnipeg. Everyone I talked to over the week had at least one PB. So rather then talking about individual accomplishments I’d like to try and capture some of the general feel of the event.

Probably the thing I’ll remember the most is how all the skaters dumped the tank on absolutely every race. The exhaustion and determination on each skater’s face gasping for air as they dug down deep to find the last ounce of energy to finish the final lap. Watching smooth silent powerful strides transform into wobbly scrapping uneven steps as high tech speed skates turned into boots of cement.

Seeing “Brothers of the Wind” standing around the track yelling encouragement, willing their comrades on to the finish, feeling their pain as lactic tolerance thresholds went over the redline, and finally sharing in the joy of personal accomplishment.

Doing a 3 second personal best in the 1500m only to be humbled by a Dutch demigod as he sets a new world record and crushes your best time by 12 seconds. Drawing an American “flyer” for the 3000m right after he sets a new world record in the 500m.

Skating the killer 5000m and making the mistake of looking at the lap counter thinking you only had about 2 laps to go then seeing the number 5 still on the board. Swearing an oath to every deity you can think of if only you’d be granted enough strength to finish the race.
So what else happened all week?

First off we need to thank the Games organizers, everything ran like clockwork. It was a class act from start to finish. Nice bag of goodies and awesome T-shirts. The best part - we didn’t have to skate before noon each day – now that’s what I call knowing the demographics of your clientele. And what about the ice – unbelievably FAST! I actually saw them melt down a piece of ice, take it to the doping center and run tests on it to see if it was juiced. I’m not joking, if you don’t believe me just ask me. Heck even a dead man could have done a PB on that ice.

After the second day of racing Brain Sulzer invited a number of us over to his place for lasagna and beer. Great lasagna and even better salad. I think late in the evening we solved a number of world problems including global warming and hunger but I don’t think anyone took any notes. I guess we’ll have to go back to his place again some time and see if we can reconstruct the solutions. Can you say more beer at Brian’s?

Saturday morning they held a good old fashion pancake breakfast with sausages and frozen juice. Alright so it was a little cold outside in the tents but nobody was complaining. Too bad Bob Irvine was the only one who got the memo to dress like a cowboy.

Saturday night Rejean Lavoie invited us over for spaghetti and beer. Turns out Rejean and Jules went to high school in Gravelbourg Saskatchewan. Aha! Just like I thought, everyone has roots back to Saskatchewan even if they don’t want to admit it. Just a little aside, did you know that the first airport in Canada was opened in 1920 in Regina of all places? Bad news is that they still use the same straw bales to sit on in the waiting lounge.

The wind-up party was at Cowboys, a bar where they play both kinds of music: country and western. It’s the first time I’ve been in a place like that in a long time. The last time I was in a nightclub, a beautiful 20 year old women walked up to me and looked me right in the eyes, wet her lips and said, “excuse me sir, my mom would like to dance with you”. I’ve been in therapy ever since.

As the awards were being handed out that night I turned to my buddy Lyle Dickieson from B.C. and said, “One day it’ll be us up there getting the awards”. A lady overheard us and said, “Those are some pretty awesome skaters”. I had to agree with her but pointed out, “They’re only human like us and you just have to want it more”.

It’s hard to believe that I’ve only been speed skating for 2 years yet I’ve met enough great people to fill a lifetime and still I met more at these Games. It’s ironic that the Academy Awards are on TV as I write this. The band leader would definitely have to play me off the stage if I tried to list all of the wonderful people that I’ve met over the past 2 years. Oh hell I’ll try, there’s Anika, Ann, Bernie, Bob, Bob, Bob, Brett, Brian, Brian, Bruce, Cheryl, Cliff, Dave, Eugene, Lynn, Jean-Francois, Jo-Ann, John, Jules, Karla, Larry, Leela, Lyle, Marco, Mitch, per Grunnar, Randy, Reg, Rejean, Richard, Ron, Ross, Tim, and I’d like to specially thank my coaches Dave, Doug, Brad, Mark, and Bill back in Regina for teaching me how to skate, and Corr Zwaal from The Netherlands for teaching me how to race, and……..hold it, hold it, hold it – my wife Sharon and our two kids….damn it stop the music.

As I sit here in the airport waiting for my plane reminiscing about the week I’m happy to be going home but at the same time I’m sad knowing that it is all over. Looking back I realize that like so many others I spent the better part of a year preparing for my “first time”. I remember some of those summer days when I felt too tired to work out but then I’d say, “What do you think Victor van den Hoff is doing right now?” So I’d slap on the in-lines and do a few km.

Was it all worth it? I think the goofy contented smile on my face says it all. Pity there’ll never be another “first time”. Wait a minute, I could always try another new sport……..

REFLECTIONS ON THE CALGARY GAMES

Anika Bédard sent her following impressions of the 16th Masters International Speed Skating Games - the original of which is posted in French on her own website along with photos.

As I was sitting on the plane to go home to Québec City, I had many hours to reflect on the Calgary Games. Some very good memories, personal accomplishments and also some disappointments. I concluded that, most importantly, I had FUN and that the Calgary oval held its reputation as the fastest ice on earth!!!

328 skaters, 13 different counties with incredibly 100 skaters from Canada, 4 very long days of competitions during which so many international and national records and personal bests were broken. Ross did a good job at sorting out previous and new records (see his previous report). I have participated in a few games and these games were the biggest in many ways and the most competitive.

I am sure that you all went home with your own memories, easy to share with fellow skaters but sometimes difficult to share with someone who does not get it why we work out so hard at this sport! So I am sharing them with you. Here are some things I heard, saw or were reported to me:

- feeling joy and pride after a incredible 500m, feeling young again

- "sh… I forgot to change corridor (lanes)"…

- winking and waving to the crowd from a young 75 year old skater during the 1500m

- "the most important thing is, whatever happens, DON’T PANIC!"

- swallow down vomit during the 1500m … and still finish with a good time…

- see old friends and meet new ones…

- trying to learn the difficult western line dance - a difficult task for some agile skaters

- suitcases that never arrived and had to buy new skates…

- realize that you can skate for ever - or almost- when you see Joe MacDOnald at 85 still competing, cheered by the crowd: "Here cooomes JOOOE Mac DOOOOONALD!!!"…

- crashing just in front of the finish line and jumping on her bum trying to get her skate over the line…

- stolen skates

- seeing an Autobahn of skaters- at rush hour - on the oval…

- "let’s try one last start" and cutting himself on the ankle…

- having a cold on the most important competition of the year…

- learn that some skaters will never compete again…

- being with the cutest pink skaters in the world… (I have to say here that this comment does not come from me! I would like to add that the guys in the bright orange suits don’t look too bad also!)

- long talks with former Olympians

See you next year!

- Anika

WORLD MASTERS - FINAL DAY

Record-breaking performances continued throughout the 4th and final day of the 16th Masters International Speed Skating Games at Calgary's Olympic Oval.

New IMSSC world records may have been set in the following events:

1000m -

Ladies 30-34: Although two NOR skaters, including Renate Jeppson, were faster than the current time of 1:25.33, Nina Bjornbeth came out on top at 1:23.33.

Ladies 40-44: Three NED competitors surpassed the existing standard of 1:26.93 including Lijnie Boele and Janine Sloostra with Anja Bollaart setting the new time of 1:21.38.

Ladies 45-49: Although Ans Oudejans (NED) also beat the current time of 1:31.50, the fastest race belonged to Marja Smies (NED) at 1:29.93.

1500m -

Men 60-64: The existing record of 2:10.82 was exceeded by 3 skaters including Knut Nesse (NOR) and Jan van der Meulen (NED) with Kees Verdouw (NED) establishing a new time of 2:04.95.

Men 65-69: Four competitors including Ron Johnston (CAN), Gus Swagemakers (NED) and Peter Reimann (SWI) outskated the standing record of 2:17.59 with Frans Rietveld (NED) clocking 2:14.10 for the win.

3000m -

Ladies 30-35: The current mark of 4:59.39 fell to 6 skaters including Renate Jeppson (NOR), Svetlana Konstantinova (UKR), Claire Scanlon (NED), Nina Bjornbeth (NOR) and Maria Ufkes (NED) but Genevieve Provencher (CAN) prevailed in a time of 4:23.08.

Ladies 35-39: Five competitors bettered the current record of 4:55.45 including Grit Mertens (GER), Irma Woud (NED), Monique Vergeer (NED) and Regula Bergin (SWI) with Nicole Slot (CAN) fastest at 4:34.88.

Ladies 40-45: The existing standard of 4:43.85 was improved by 3 NED skaters including Anja Bollaart and Lijnie Boele with Janine Sloostra posting a new mark of 4:38.24.

Ladies 45-49: Ans Oudejans (NED) - 4:43.47

Ladies 50-54: Three competitors including Ute Zillman (GER) and Noor van der Ster (NED exceeded the current record of 4:56.41 with Galina Petrova (RUS) setting the new standard of 4:38.47.

Ladies 55-59: Ria Slikker (NED) - 4:56.48

Ladies 60-64: Thea Kroontje (NED) re-wrote her own record with a time of 4:48.14.

Ladies 65-69: Mary Lou Dinicola (USA) outskated the current time of 5:53.27, but Liasma Kauniste (LAT) was fastest in 5:27.38.

Men 70-74: Although Ludwig Meijering (NED) was faster than the old mark of 5:02.04, Arne Kjell (NOR) clocked a new time of 4:54.57.

Men 75-79: Three skaters exceed the existing time of 6:05.88 including Gerritt Bos (CAN) and Eugene Kurmey (CAN) with the fastest performance of 5:06 99 clocked by Jaap Bitter (NED).

Men 85-89: Joe McDonald (USA) re-wrote his own record with a new time of 7:38.04.

5000m -

Men 60-64: Although two NED competitors surpassed the current record of 7:51.17 including Kees Verdouw, the best time of 7:32.47 belonged to Jan van der Meulen.

Men 65-69: Four skaters broke the existing record of 8:19.72 including Guus Swagemakers (NED), Peter Reimann (SWI) and Toon Kooymans (NED) with Frans Rietveld (NED) clocking a new standard of 8:07.19.

Canadian records were also broken as follows:

1500m -

Ladies 75-79: Agatha van de Starre may have established a national record of 3:50.26.

3000m -

Ladies 40-49: Five skaters exceed the current standard of 5:56.85 including Sandy Falco, Suzanne Dionne, Anika Bedard and Jo-Ann Johnson with Diane Silzer setting a new time of 4:58.35.

5000m -

Men 60-69: Ron Johnston may have established a national record time of 8:23.74.

All times and records noted here are unofficial until confirmed by IMSSC and Speed Skating Canada.

See complete Results

Congratulations to all competitors including the many who achieved new personal best times. Next year's Masters International Speed Skating Games will be held in Erfurt Germany.