Aurora, Ontario (March 29, 2009) Aurora, Ontario Triathlete Paolina Allan shook off the winter rust and hit the ground running with an impressive 4th place finish in the historic and prestigious, Around the Bay Road Race in Hamilton, ON, today. Allan, who is one of the top long distance triathletes in Canada, ran a time of 2:05:50 for the 30K distance. The Around The Bay Road Race is the oldest running road race in North America at 115 years old -- just a few years older than the historic Boston Marathon!
In an interesting side story -- this was a journey realized and dream full-filled for Allan. Ten years ago, then many pounds over-weight, new to running and fitness and taking on perhaps too long running race, she ran the Around the Bay Race in well over four hours near the back of the pack. Today, she was amongst the very best runners at the front of the race!
While Allan's focus is still triathlon she has been concentrating more on her run fitness and performance and it paid off today. "I knew that I needed to raise the level of my running this year and the Around the Bay Race was the perfect focus for me over the last few months", said a tired, wet and cold Allan after it was all over. Race conditions were typical for March in Southern Ontario minus 6 degrees Celsius, pouring rain and high winds! Allan pocketed $750 for her efforts.
Allan's main focus for the year will be to get back to the Ironman World Championships in Hawaii. "If I am going to really competitive at the Ironman World Championships, I know that I needed to raise my running game and the race today proved that it's getting there." Allan optimistically added, "I hope that I can carry this running form into the triathlon season"
Next up for Allan will be the Bob Hartwell Half-Marathon on April 26 in her home-town of Aurora, ON. She will attempt to qualify for the Ironman World Championships later on in the year in July at the Ironman USA triathlon in Lake Placid, NY.
Full results at SportStats.ca.
2009 Sponsors -- Cervelo, Nineteen Wetsuits, Enduro Sport, Merrell, TP Therapy, Master Ducks Swim Club, Kiwami
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