The Running Whys – Samantha MacAlpine
As the final countdown for the 20th edition of the Emera Marathon by the Sea approaches, many runners are nearing the late stages of their preparations for one of the region’s biggest races.
That includes Samantha MacAlpine of Saint John, who will use this year’s MBTS as another stepping stone in the progression toward her first full marathon in October.
But there is another more significant, more emotional reason this year’s race will touch her heart, undoubtedly in a moment prior to her first steps in the half marathon, when she pauses to reflect on the passing of her grandfather, news she received moments before her race started last August.
“Early that morning, as I was getting race ready, I got a call that my Grampy had passed away,” said Samantha, who was born in Saint John, grew up in Riverview and returned to the Port City when she enrolled at UNBSJ in 1995.
“A thousand emotions ran through me, but I knew I had to race as he was very proud of me and my running accomplishments. I ran proud and strong and finished under my goal time, knowing he was with me the entire time.”
It was that half marathon performance, completed under heart-wrenching circumstances, that convinced Samantha of her inner strength and later, helped her decide to tackle the marathon, a quintessential checkmark for many distance athletes.
“He lived in Gagetown, N.B., he was a proud man and very proud of my running achievements and goals,” Samantha said of her grandfather. “Shortly before he passed, we chatted about my plan to run another half marathon (MBTS 2013).
“He smiled and said, ‘Go get ’em’. Little did I know that would be one of the last things he would say to me. I miss him dearly and carry one of his dogtags with me during my races as a good luck charm.”
Next month’s MBTS represents her 11th half marathon and is a tune-up to gauge where her training stands in relation to her commitment for the Legs for Literacy full marathon in Moncton.
It is her latest quest in a running career that started in 2006. The sport provides a release for Samantha, who says her experiences have made her laugh, cry, earn lasting friendships and gain unique and powerful personal insight she never dreamed possible.
“I had lost a significant amount of weight, my mom and cousin had both been diagnosed with breast cancer and I was looking for an outlet for the emotion and to challenge myself,” she said of those early steps. “I eventually got up the confidence to join a 10k training clinic with our local Running Room. Then in 2009, I completed my first half marathon at MBTS.”
In that race, she recalls preparing supporters to meet her near the finish line at a designated time, based on a 2:30 clocking.
“Funny thing, I recruited my fiancé and mother to be my cheering squad that morning,” she said. “They got up and ready early, and even helped out at the Running Room water station that day.
“The plan was when I ran past that water stop, they would go back to the finish line to cheer me through. Well, as it turns out, I ran a bit faster than expected (finishing in 2:05), and they actually didn’t make it in time to see me come in! I was so proud….then realized there was no one there! LOL! I look back and laugh now, but at the time I was upset!!”
For every runner, especially those like Samantha who have almost a decade of experience on the roads, there are various ups and downs associated with training, racing and life in general. She is no exception, acknowledging the difficulty of returning to form after the birth of her son, 3.5 years ago.
“I struggled mentally with being slower and heavier, and there were times I wanted to give up,” she admits.
She points to important support and kind guidance from many in the area for keeping her interest.
Samantha MacAlpine of Saint John runs in the 2009 Marathon by the Sea, finishing her first-ever half marathon. She will compete in her 11th half marathon this August in Saint John in the 20th anniversary of the Emera Marathon by the Sea.
“Saint John has a small, but mighty running community,” she said. “Regardless of ability or fitness level, everyone is eager to help and they are full of support and encouragement. I could not have made it this far without my running family.”
This year, Samantha’s son will also take part, and is excited for the ‘bling’ that comes as a reward for the 200-metre kids race during MBTS weekend, his first race.
It is a similar excitement that Samantha feels about her half marathon and the subsequent 42.2 km distance later on.
She recently signed up for a Running Room training program to assist in her quest to complete the marathon, one of the great endurance tests. After fighting through some nagging injuries, including a foot problem she suffered at the Blue Nose half marathon in the spring, she is getting back to normal – for the most part.
“We are into week 3 of training, and some days, I doubt my ability,” she says. “I have to think back to how far I’ve come over the years and focus on doing this for me. I am anxious, nervous, excited – like a kid at Christmas!! My goal is to make it across the finish line – upright and smiling!”
The reaction from her family and friends is characterized by great support, although, Samantha admits they raise their eyebrows from time to time.
“In a nutshell, they think I’m crazy,” she said. “I take that as a compliment (as most runners do!) To be honest, I think I’m crazy some days. Running through snow, sleet, hail, heat, humidity, rain, thunder; gosh, I should become a postman.”
