Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Getting Back Outside



Every year our university indoor track season becomes more and more fun.  My first year I did not care to run around a boring oval but now I look forward to watching my times drop race by race before University Nationals.  Since my start at TWU in 2011, my 3000m time has dropped 10-20sec every year.  If I keep this up next year I will run 9:22, then 9:10 and sub 9:00 (9:10 wins races and rolls the dough – although rolling the dough means working at the pizzeria alongside a sponsorship or bits of invitational race money).
1st lap of 15 - Nationals 3000m
This year the field of female distance runners in Canada was deep.  The top 12 girls were hitting standard times and on paper the races looked really close.  This is so exciting for Canadian athletics!  It is also exciting that I am in that top range of runners.  For the second year in a row I have qualified for CIS Nationals in the 1500m, 3000m, and 4x800m relay.  For the second year in a row I am the CanWest 3000m Champion!  I thank God for translating my training into running fast times.


The week before CanWest Championships I injured my foot and had to alter workouts prior to Nationals.  This affected my racing by not allowing me to be race sharp for Nationals.  No PB’s at Nationals, but I am happy with how I ran and the experience to race against fierce competition.

But now, with the indoor season over, we can move outside and onto the trails – my first love.  This year moving back  onto the trails was more important because I had two weeks to prepare for FISU cross country World Championships, that is World University Championships in Entebbe, Uganda.  I had a few workouts where I ran hills in a sweater in the 18 degree sun (prepare for a hot climate).  Tuesday I would throw my things onto the first of 4 flights to fly Abbotsford-Calgary, Calgary-Toronto, Toronto-Amsterdam, and Amsterdam-Entebbe

TWU girls winning the banner at CanWest

TWU Ladies taking home the CanWest Championship trophy


And then on the way home we threw in some airport doubles yoga :)


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Saturday, January 25, 2014

Indoor Weekend 1 - 3000m

For the CIS Track & Field athlete, it is indoor season (which means running around tight ovals in a dry building).  Last weekend we were lucky enough to run on the 307m indoor track at the University of Washington (307m? Ya, we don't know why either).

Most of my teammates would agree that the first meet of the season is terrifying.  Will I best my PR (personal record)?  Did I remember my spikes? What pins should I use? 
Should I take a nap?
Did I eat too much breakfast?  Do I remember how to race?????  Yes, I thought these things before my season opener 3000m.  I was happy to get to run in the fastest heat of the weekend with my teammates Sarah and Regan as we were all going for the auto qualifying time to make Nationals.  Sarah took it out hard with the pros.  I ran even paced right on target, pulling Regan along all the way.  It felt steady and controlled (ha! I do remember how to race!)

Sarah got the auto.  I got the auto and Regan was less than a second off...except...then the times were converted from the 307m track to a 200m track and that put me off the auto by a second. (*sad face).  We were so close though and since I ran so controlled I'm looking forward to running 15sec faster than THAT next time! (At least THE coach thinks so!)  So thankful for team, and athletics, and sweating and TWU and God's grace!

Next up......Seattle Feb.1 - The Mile
(watch on flotrack.com) <---but you might need an account

Also don't forget about my trip to Uganda to race for Team Canada at the World University Cross-Country Championships!  I'm in need of some help to get there and I am raising $$ support through the CIS Adopt-an-Athlete program.  Check out my last blog for details on how to donate for a taxable receipt!!

Thanks All!

Saturday, January 11, 2014

En Route to run in Entebbe, Uganda

I am very excited to announce that I was named to the Canadian National team going to race in Entebbe, Uganda in March!

Ah ha!  I bet some of you thought I was trying to run TO Africa but actually I am hoping to fly to Africa and then run the World University Cross-country Championships.  What a tremendous blessing and opportunity I have to be fast enough to run for Canada in a World Championship as such.  I am the only athlete from Western Canada (on the girl's side) and will be the one to represent Trinity Western on this Canadian team.  I so look forward to sharing faith and hope with my teammates and spread joy throughout the team.  I do not know any of the other team members besides their name, school and 6K run time so I look forward to making some friends.

Another exciting thing about Uganda, is that a family from my Church is moving to Uganda at the end of January so I will get to be their first visitor!  AND they are all going to come cheer our Canadian team on to victory!!! (I mean...we hope for a victory).



Now, as a student and athlete, I am committed to studying and training. While the Universiade / World University Championships are a tremendous opportunity to compete at an international sporting event and to meet and influence athletes from other countries, unfortunately, they also create a huge financial burden. I am looking for help to fund my trip that will cost about $3,500 (which includes travel costs, accommodation, food & team fees).   This financial commitment is unrealistic to achieve unless financial support is found. This is the reason for my post today.

If my story somehow inspires you or excites you, I ask that you would adopt me!  A donation as little as $25 to the CIS Adopt-an-Athlete program in my name will get you a taxable receipt!  Just follow the instructions listed below before February 12th to collect the tax-break benefit.


Adopt-an-Athlete Overview

  The Adopt-an-Athlete Program was developed with two objectives in mind:

  •      To aid Canadian post-secondary student athletes in finding financial assistance to enable compete in international sporting events.
  •      To provide a means by which individuals and/or the corporate sector can "invest" in Canada’s student athletes.
     Why Donate?

  Financial constraint is one of the main reasons an athlete leaves national or international sport. It is incredibly time consuming for the majority of student athletes to attend university/college and to train for and compete in sporting events. Thus, after studying and training, there is little time or opportunity to earn or save money.

  Many post-secondary student athletes are of such a high athletic caliber that they are able to represent Canada at international sporting events such as the Commonwealth and Olympic Games. However, to do this, outside support and financial assistance is required.

  Once they retire from competitive sport, many athletes take up careers in the sporting arena. Attending international events gives these athletes the opportunities to make more contacts to aid in their job search.


     Your Donation

  Your donation will assist CIS international programs by contributing to the following expenses:

  • Accommodation and meal costs
  • Transportation fees (to/from and during the Games)  
  • Administrative and entry fees and team fees
     Procedure for Donating

  In order to obtain a tax receipt, the following procedure must be followed:

1.    Make your cheque payable to Canadian Interuniversity Sport.

2.    Attach a covering letter for the unconditional donation with your cheque. The attached letter/form must be used.

3.    Forward cheques, along with the covering letter, to:

CIS International Programs Office

 Adopt-an-Athlete Program

801 King Edward Ave., Suite N205

Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 6N5

Attention: International Programs Services

Any questions or concerns can be directed at the athlete requesting sponsorship or CIS International Programs Services – (613) 562-5670 or canada@universitysport.ca.


The official cover letter to attach with your cheque payable to the CIS Office:
CIS International Programs Office
Adopt-an-Athlete Program
801 ave. King Edward Ave., Suite N205
Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 6N5
Attention: International Programs Services

Dear Sir/Madam:
We are pleased to provide support for CIS International Programs Services Adopt-An-Athlete Program. Enclosed, you will find a cheque in the amount of
$_________________. This donation is made unconditionally, and without any right, privileges, or personal benefit to me, and/or my organization, and/or my immediate family.
Without limiting the unconditional nature of my donation, I would suggest that support be provided to __Canadian University Cross-Country Team________ (sport).

Sincerely,
  
______________________________
Signature
______________________________
Printed Name
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
Address
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This request for donation was made by ______Alison Jackson_______________________
(Athlete/Club)
 


Monday, December 02, 2013

Canadian XC Club Nationals - 2013

Picture by Rita Ivanauskas...Do I need to circle my face?
Ze last and final race of the 2013 cross-country calendar: Canadian Nationals at wet, muddy Jericho Beach!

We have had the most amazing fall here in the Lower Mainland this year because there has been only a handful of miserably wet and rainy days.  However one of those wet, rainy, windy, cold days was this past Saturday for the races.  No person (not even spectators) left that course without mud coated shoes and a soaked jacket.  At least us runners got to run and keep warm compared to spectators...but at least the spectators could wear clothes and have umbrellas to keep somewhat dry and warm.

We were looking for a strong and steady performance by me and that is what we got.  Nothing too exciting or spectacular out of me but nothing less than expected: 14th place is an improvement from last year's 22nd.  I was running a bit stiff and flat (I couldn't get my upper body to relax), while I did good not to get stressed out by the lack of footing because of the mud.  I had a bit left over in the tank as we came around the final straight-away suggesting that I could have moved up a few spots if I kicked earlier.  Anyway, I was stoked to be running for Team BC this year (my first time), and as a team we took second as a regional team. <<insert> pat-on-the-back>  Of course on my team were the the 1st and 2nd place winners!  At the awards it was fun to mingle with the other races, pass out congratulations and giggle at everyone's excitement for the after party :)

Finally my hubby came to watch a race which was wonderful!  Nothing like a muddy, wet, cold race to encourage your family to become regular race spectators...err, yeah.

I can't thank TWU and Coach Bomba enough for the opportunity given to me to learn and run and run well and to be believed in as a person pursing education, high-level athletics, and being a kind, peaceful, loving person.  I pray it may all continue for looooong time.

Complete Results here

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

2013 CIS/CANWEST Cross-Country Championships

Early September, I remember Coach Bomba saying, "This year is about team."  Then fall practices began in the outdoor sun and fresh air with teammates cheering and egging each other on to run more, train consistently, and attend the ice baths rigidly.  We had a team vibe going on.  The new vibe this year was due to old steady beats and fresh new sounds both local and from 'round the world.

As the season progressed our race stats amplified our team excitement.  Our boys were consistent and strong and our women's team never left a race without a medal.  My individual season race stats were 4th at Seattle Sundodger meet (season opener), 2nd at WWU Lake Padden, and 3rd at B.C. Championships in Abbotsford (which put me on Team B.C. for Canadian Club Nationals 7K race coming up Nov.30 in Vancouver).  I had a grrrrREAT! race at B.C. Championships pulling out a killer final half of the race to negative split and bridge gaps between me and the leaders.  Two weeks after this race we were in London, Ontario for our CIS Championship meet (CANWEST Champions would be awarded at this event also).

Coach Bomba detailed what 'taper' would look like for us, and although I have tendencies to continue all my triathlete activities I did slim down my volume 'un peu' (a little) according to his plan and tried hard to stick to that plan.  I had to keep reminding myself that Bomba knows best (when it comes to running, that is!).

Anyway, the taper, the mental attitude, the confidence in my training and ability and tactics, AND God's blessing for it all to come together at the right moment lead me into finishing 5th spot nation-wide (CIS) and  CanWest Champion!!!  Is that exciting? Yes, but there is more!  Our women's' team made history by bringing home the CanWest Championship banner!! Remember...."This year is about team!" AND...that 5th spot over-all nabbed me a spot on the Canadian University team going to compete at the World University Games (FISU) in Uganda in March!!!!!

The thing is, I couldn't be more proud of our ladies and men.  Our women's team was 13th last year and moved to 4th this year in the nation, and our men's team climbed from 14th to 7th!  This weekend held a lot of celebrations for me and when I celebrate my successes I always think of the people in my life that encouraged me, believed in me, and made sporting opportunities possible.  My family (especially my number One fan Momma Farkash and major sponsor Pa Farkash) and my new family (especially a bus driver hubby), my Quest leaders, TWU Spartan athletics, Wentings Cycle & Mountain Shop, Phoenix Velo Cycling Club members, Coach Bomba, my training buddies that push me to run and run and run...  I can look back a few days to many years and piece together a journey of people that raised me up, God has shown me His goodness in this way.  Thank you!


Here are a few links to race results and news articles from the weekend:
TWU Spartan Article
CIS Championship Results
Race VIDEO

Alison Jackson - 5th CIS, 1st CanWest - 21:25.1

Looking forward to Canadian Nationals Nov.30, long winter cycling rides, Christmas, indoor track w/TWU and running in Uganda!!

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

3 X Summer Swim Weekends

Throughout the summer I am lucky enough to have the opportunity to train one-on-one with Denise Totman, a lovely coach with the Lloydminster Rebels swim club.  Once I expressed my interest in doing some swim races in efforts to reach TriathlonBC and TriathlonCanada's swim standards`for elite funding and Provincial/National triathlon teams, she promptly had me registered!

In combination with my existing race schedule, we had me entered in 3 back-to-back-to-back weekends of in the pool swim races.  With a goal in mind pool training took on a freshness to train hard, which came at just the right time! 

Dreaming, setting goals and making a plan to get there is always a huge motivating factor for me.

I got to swim a few different races that included the 50 FLY and the 200 IM along with many FREESTYLE races :)  It was a confidence booster for me to see that with every weekend, and each bit of tweaking of skills came faster times and renewed my hope that IT IS POSSIBLE!  I'm still behind but Praise God! I see that I am getting faster!

100 FR: 1:12.64/1:10.0 (2.64sec) ----> I had a previous best time of 1:14
1500 FR: 22:03.20/20:00 (2:03min) ----> First time for a 1500m pool swim

We are really trying to work on getting my arms to move faster and finishing my stroke.  Here is an example of a 3000m speed workout taken from Dave Salo a swim coach from the states:

WU: 1000m+
MS: 10 x [6x25m SPRINT! w/ or w/o fins in :45; 
                150m broken no fins (:10) on 200m race pace in 3:00]
CD: 200m+

How many can you do?