Victoria's Good Life Marathon a Breeze for local runners

Toni Lucas, Pincher Creek Voice

Karla, Daelan and Dean Breeze
Grandpa Doug Koehn photo

Dean and Carla Breeze of Pincher Creek will go the extra mile for what they believe in.  An extra 13 miles even.  They ran The Good Life Fitness Marathon in Victoria BC on Sunday, October 9.  This race featured a full marathon, a half marathon, an 8 km race, and a kids race.  Over 15,000 people from 50 different countries pitted themselves against the challenge this year.  Carla, a fitness enthusiast, new mother and personal training coach really enjoyed the experience.


"This is the second time we have run the half-marathon (13 miles, or 21 km.).  We do it it challenge ourselves."  Their friends Marylin and Leroy Handford from Calgary encouraged them to go into it with them.  The Handfords have participated regularly for years.

The route took the Breeze's along a picturesque sightseeing path that included downtown, the Legislative Building, the harbour and sea wall. and along the historic Empress Hotel.  "there was always something to look at.  Everything was so alive and blooming."

Everyone who runs is treated to a race package that includes information, coupons, and a running shirt that has a chip in it.  The chip records the time that you cross the start and the finish lines, letting you know exactly how long the course took you.  "Many are not there to compete with anyone but themselves.  It is a neat thing to do with family and friends.  I like that we run together through the race.  It is easier to do with a partner for encouragement.  I think it is one of the coolest things that we have ever done."

Carla has plans to attend again next year, hoping to make it an annual family event.  "I see it as part of a healthy, whole, active lifestyle."   Although 14 month-old son Daelan was watching from the sidelines with his grandparents this year, Carla has involved him in some of her teaching and fitness routines.  "I sometimes teach a Mommy and Baby Fitness course.  I have done it through Parent Link, and I will have a one evening class at the Chinook Adult Educational Consortium up in Ranchland Mall one evening in November.

"Right now, Daelan is the most important part of my life,"  Carla stated emphatically.  In the future, however, Carla plans on starting a fitness center and teaching out of her home, 2 km from Pincher Creek.