First Half Preview | Lisa Harvey Q&A

You completed a hat-trick in this event winning in 00’, 01’ and 02’ (amazing by the way). Was there a particular year that stood out to you more than any other? 

Those were the years between my two children. There was a lot of running with the baby jogger on my own and with my husband Paul McCloy (‘88 Olympian). My daughter was on some pretty quick runs with Paul pushing, those quality base runs and oval workouts really boosted my fitness. I hadn’t ran well since ‘95 because of a foot injury so I was super motivated all of those years to go for it!  Won the 10k at Harry Jerome in ‘00, unfortunately just off the Olympic standard, and qualified for carding again. 

The first half is something a lot of athletes mark on their calendars to start the year, what makes the First Half so special? 

This is a special race in Canada because it is a great way to kick-start the year.  For me, it was a chance to race in the warmer weather without the ice and snow to contend with.  The half is slower so it is a good indication of base fitness when you are training for spring track, roads, or World Cross Country. 

You’ve had an illustrious career in athletics, was there anything you wish you knew back then that you know now?

Probably treat the long run as a workout and just do 2 other workouts.  We would do Mon-Wed-Fri workouts and then a quality long run on Sundays.  By Friday, you typically weren’t hitting your pace times because you were dead.  Saturday was the only ‘off’ day and I cross trained with a swim and bike.  I would keep my mileage the same, around 80-85 miles/week for 10k focused training.  Taking the time to let injuries heal so that you weren’t dealing with lingering imbalances for months.  The plated spikes would be nice!!

This year features a new out-and-back course. First, what do you think of the new out and back style, and second, if you had to make a move for the win, where would you make it? 

It looks like less time on the seawall so I think faster times.  It can get slippery and lots of turns making it tough to see the next runner.  I would make my move after half-way when runners are beginning to slow down because they started too quick.

Are there any tips or words of advice for those racing next week? 

My advice for next week. Have fun and enjoy racing with other people!  The fast times will come when you focus on keeping a pace with a group or chasing that next group just ahead.