Running with the pack

http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/index.cfm?sid=291869&sc=98

Running with the pack

JIM DAY
The Guardian

It seems that one of the Island Girls has brand-new, purple-trim running shoes and enjoying the excitement are, from left, Michelle Campbell, Beth Peters, Ronda Bellefontaine, Shelly Saulnier, Jessica Reeves and Aleatha Pickering. Guardian photo by Nigel Armstrong

Don’t tell these determined women that running is an individual pursuit.
The self-proclaimed Island Girls like to run in a pack that is fueled by a collective positive push.
Shelly Saulnier, 35, of Springfield is one of the 11 women in this group who have been inspired to pound the pavement with greater commitment and results than she would have envisioned to be possible not long ago.
“When I first started, I struggled to run 30 seconds at one time and I never would have thought that I would be where I am now,’’ said Saulnier, who works in human resources at the Summerside Tax Centre.
“If it weren’t for the group, I wouldn’t be running today. I joined the program to get some exercise, but in addition to that, I have found a group of very fun, supportive, encouraging women that I consider myself lucky to be a part of.’’
At one time, Ronda Bellefontaine loathed running.
Lacing up with her friend Lynn Anne Hogan, however, spurred her on.
The pair of runners then began to lead a couple of beginner running clinics and a group — later to be dubbed Island Girls — was formed.
Bellefontaine, 47, of Grahams Road is preparing to run the half- marathon later this month during the 2009 BMO Marathon weekend.
Most of the other 11 also hope to complete that same 21-kilometre trek while a couple plans to tackle the 10-kilometre run.
These Island Girls, the majority with two years or less running under their belt, come from a wide walk of life.
Some are teachers and entrepreneurs. There is also an artist, a development officer, a corporate controller, a public health nurse, an account co-ordinator and a human resource person in the mix.
Co-ordinating the runs is always a challenge for these busy women as they aim to set out five days a week with the longest weekly run always set for Sunday.
Bellefontaine, who provides a host of training to owner/operated businesses, says she would not be training for this upcoming half-marathon if not for the group dynamic of the Island Girls.
“Knowing that other people are showing up, there is chit chat while we run, there is someone to talk you through the rough spots . . . it is such a positive, supporting experience,’’ she said.
“You can’t help but feel good after a run with friends.’’
She says the members each bring different running information to the group, offering some helpful insight into everything from stretching to training and from nutrition to running gear.
Island Girls, though, has turned into much more than just a group of women who enjoy running, says Hogan, 33, of Kensington.
“We have all become very good friends and provide support and advice for all facets of life,’’ said Hogan, a development officer (fundraiser) for the IWK Health Centre
Foundation.
“To keep training fun, we’ve organized pool parties, cottage parties, etc. Although we all lead very different lives (some are married with children, others are single) running and living a healthy active life brings us all together.’’
Hogan says she is so proud of the great strides that the dedicated running group has made.
She describes as a pretty amazing feeling the realization that most of the Island Girls are on the cusp of running a 21-kilometre half-marathon when just over a year ago their outings consisted of three minutes walking followed by 30 seconds running.
Michelle Campbell, 36, of Summerside lauds the leadership of Hogan and Bellefontaine. She says she could not have achieved her running success — she recently completed an 18-kilometre run — without the two leaders of the Island Girls.
“The running club has changed who I am,’’ she said.
“I never considered myself athletic, so the feeling I will have when I cross the finish line at the half (marathon) is really going to be indescribable.’’
Hogan hopes the Island Girls also provide the motivation for others to take up running.
“Everyone can run and our group is a perfect example,’’ she said.
“If you have the support and the knowledge, you can do anything. Sure we are all busy with work, our families and other commitments but it’s about setting your priorities and making sure your own personal well being is being taken care of.’’

Island Girls

Here is a snapshot of the 11 self-named Island Girls set to run later this month as part of the 2009 Prince Edward Island Marathon:

1) Jessica Reeves, 28, Freetown. Kensington Intermediate High School teacher.
Set to run 10-k.
2) Michelle Campbell, 36, Summerside. Corporate controller for Rodd Hotels and Resorts.
Set to run the half-marathon.
3) Ronda Bellefontaine, 47, Grahams Road. Owns and operates Like Nobody’s Business.
Set to run the half-marathon.
4) Aleatha Pickering, 48, Seaview. Public health nurse in Summerside.
Set to run the half-marathon.
5) Beth Peters, 29, Park Corner. Junior high teacher at Gulf Shore Consolidated School.
Set to run the half-marathon
6) Lynn Anne Hogan, 33, Kensington. Development officer (fundraiser) for the IWK Health Centre Foundation
Set to run the half-marathon.
7) Rochelle Sullivan, 28, Grahams Road. Teacher at Three Oaks Senior High School
Set to run the 10 k.
8) Holly Chessman, 23, recently moved from Kensington to Enfield, N.S. Account co-ordinator with an advertising agency called Extreme Group
Set to run half-marathon.
9) Shelly Saulnier, 35, Springfield. Works in human resources at the Summerside Tax Centre. Set to run the half-marathon.
10) Lindsey Bellefontaine, 29, Grahams Road. Artist, crop scout, farm employee.
Set to run the half-marathon.
11) Gwyn Bellefontaine, 42, Grand River. Livestock feed nutrition and sales for ShurGain
Set to run the half-marathon