NEWS - Performance Printing

SPORTSConnected to your communityMore cowbell: Race Weekendbrings runners, city togetherContinued from page 29While I’m not one to enjoy beingyelled at by strangers, the cheers,cowbells and calls of encouragementfrom spectators along the route weretantamount to a triple espresso.Besides, who could possibly considerstopping when these people sodesperately wanted you to keep going?Our feet miraculously continuedto carry us forward.Of course, the best pick-me-upcame with only 400 metres left, whenI was truly starting to believe the finishline would never come.Coming up the side, we could heara group of people screaming and yelling.The cowbells were clanging andwe could hear our names carried onthe chilly wind. They were screamingfor us! Our friends had come, cowbellsin tow, to give us those cheersand high fives we so badly needed.The sight of my smilinghusband and all myfriends there to supportme gave me enough pepto get over that finish linewith energy to spare anda grin on my face.The sight of my smiling husbandand all my friends there to support megave me enough pep to get over thatfinish line with energy to spare and agrin on my face.It was over; they had helped mesurvive.The next day, as the marathon andhalf-marathon passed by my house inHintonburg, I returned the favour.For two hours my friends and Igreeted friends and strangers withchants, cheers and cowbells. We receivedhigh fives, smiles and fistpumps in return. Posts on Twitter andFacebook spoke to how much thecheering crowds helped those admirableendurance runners make it to theend.This weekend I ran a five-kilometrerace, but I also discovered why peoplelove running in Ottawa. It’s not thecity’s beauty, the fast courses or themedals at the end, although that’s partof it.It’s the family that’s born wheneveryone comes together to supporteach other on their personal journeysto the finish line and beyond.The lesson, of course, can be appliedin and out of our sneakers: whenwe come together, we can accomplishanything.I’ve got only one thing to say aboutthat: more cowbell.Run for itBRIER DODGE/METROLANDOttawa resident Cheryl Mason cheers as she runs the OttawaMarathon on Sunday, May 26. Nearly 5,000 runners wound through42 kilometres of Ottawa and Gatineau streets as part of Ottawa RaceWeekend.JILLIAN OSBORNEMetroland reporter Emma Jackson ran her first five kilometre race onSaturday, May 25 as part of Ottawa Race Weekend.R0012129281QUEEN TOURING AND UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP PRESENTSEPTEMBER 3SCOTIABANK PLACEWWW.QUEENEXTRAVAGANZA.COMR0011972970Jason’sLand613-229-9977THE OFFICIAL QUEEN TRIBUTE SHOWHope.1-800-267-WISHwww.childrenswish.caBOOKNOW!LandscapingSpecializing in Retaining Walls and Interlock Patio’s and WalkwaysTop Soil, Garden Soil, Riverstone, Multches, Gravel and FillBob Cat, Mini Excavator, 20 Ton Excavator,D-4 Dozer, Loader, Backhoe and TriAxel RentalsSeptic Systems, Lot Clearing, Tree and Brush RemovalSupply and Install Armour Stone for Retaining Walls15YEARSON SALE TOMORROW AT 10AM!Tickets also at capitaltickets.ca, 613.599.FANS(3267) / 1.877.788.FANS, The Sens Store,Ottawa Sports Experts locations, Les Galeriesde Hull, the Scotiabank Place box office.All dates, acts and ticket prices subject to changewithout notice. Ticket prices subject to applicable fees.NATIONAL POST “…I’m sure Freddie Mercurywas giving them a thumbs up from theheavens as they hit every note bang on,just as he would have.”BILLBOARD.COM “…sounded magnificent…”PLANNED WORKIN YOUR COMMUNITYInvesting today, powering tomorrowHydro Ottawa is committed to delivering the highest levels of customer service and safety. To achievethis goal, Hydro Ottawa regularly evaluates, replaces and upgrades equipment in your area. Investing ininfrastructure is essential to the delivery of reliable electricity service for the future.Project Duration:May to July 2013Affected Area:Gladstone Avenue(Bank St – Elgin St)Over the next several weeks, Hydro Ottawa will be conducting a polereplacement and relocation project in the Gladstone Ave area in conjunctionwith the City of Ottawa’s Gladstone Ave rehabilitation work. This initiative isscheduled to be completed in July 2013.Should a planned power interruption be necessary in order tocomplete this work, you will receive advance notification.Hydro Ottawa will take steps to mitigate any power disruptions, constructionnoise and traffi c or parking concerns. Your patience is appreciated.We apologize for any inconvenience this vital work may cause.hydroottawa.com/plannedworkR0012132266-0530Kanata Kourier-Standard EMC - Thursday, May 30, 2013 31