CBC has joined the race and is thrilled to be a new media partner of the 2011 Scotiabank Blue Nose Marathon. And it is inviting everyone to ‘Run with Us’ as part of Team CBC.

CBC’s involvement in the Blue Nose follows the launch of Live Right Now, a national six-month, multi-platform initiative that inspires the nation to get healthy. It encourages and supports Canadians in making small, manageable changes that will improve their health, and the health of this country. By participating in the Blue Nose, these same healthy lifestyle goals can be achieved.

“The Blue Nose Marathon has quickly become a centrepiece event in our community and we're honoured to become sponsor, not only for this year, but for many more to come," says Andrew Cochran, managing director of CBC Maritimes.

When you enter the Blue Nose as part of Team CBC, whether in the 5k, 10k, half or full marathon, you’ll receive a CBC Marathon Race kit. It includes a Team CBC running jersey, a Live Right Now gym bag, training tips and special invitations to exclusive Team CBC events. You’ll also have a chance to win free registration for the Blue Nose.

Beginning in April, CBC News Nova Scotia at 5 will also feature the Young Marathoner of the Day. This segment will profile a local runner participating in a Blue Nose weekend event, including the Doctors Nova Scotia Youth Run. Listen to CBC Radio, watch CBC Television, visit CBC Nova Scotia’s website and the CBC Nova Scotia Facebook page for more details. And become a member of Team CBC today.

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For years, Peter Harrison has been an emcee for the Doctors Nova Scotia Youth Run during the Scotiabank Blue Nose Marathon weekend. But this May, the C100 Breakfast Club co-host is stepping out from behind his microphone to run the 10K with Team Myles.

It’s a welcome development, given that Harrison has sidestepped several invitations to participate from Blue Nose co-founder Gerry Walsh over the years. So what was it that convinced him to lace up?

“I had recently lost 40 pounds and was looking for a way to keep up my journey toward better health,” explains Harrison. “My hesitation was that I had never run before. Once I realized most of the people on Team Myles were starting from the same point, I took the plunge.”

Harrison has made impressive strides since then, having lost another 10 pounds. His focus now is to finish the 10K and do it injury free. So far friends, coworkers and family have been very supportive.

Asked if he has any advice for those who have never run before, Harrison says “challenge yourself. Before I attempted a run with the team, I asked our coach how I should start. He told me to run as far as I could without stopping. That first day, I ran two-and-a-half kilometres before taking a breather. If you don’t challenge yourself, you may never know your potential.”

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How do you build strong kids? You make sure they have opportunities to be healthy and active. That’s the thinking behind the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign. This initiative raises funds so children, teens and families in our community, and across Canada, can participate in YMCA programs and activities. And the Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge is playing a vital role in that effort.

This is the third consecutive year that the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign has been a featured charity during the event. Not only is it the longest-running featured charity, it has the distinction of being the top fundraiser. According to Heather MacDonald, Supervisor of Community Engagement, the YMCA raised $40,000 in its first year, and $42,000 last year.

“This has been a really good fit for us, because we share the same values. We’re both in the community supporting people who want to be active. And we welcome everyone, regardless of age or background.”

Funds raised last year allowed 1,600 young people in our community to participate in YMCA programs. And there is every indication the YMCA will meet or beat last year’s results. Regardless, MacDonald expects the YMCA will always be involved in the marathon in some capacity.

“We had teams raising money in the marathon for five years before the Charity Challenge was added, and we’ve adapted well to that. Whatever is next, we’re up for it.”

For more information on the Charity Challenge, visit the Blue Nose Marathon website.

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Spring has arrived, and not a moment too soon. Sunshine and warmer weather offer the perfect motivation to get out for a run. But if you have been training all winter, your body may be more tired than you realize. To help you ease into the new season without over-exertion, we asked Kris Andrews, the coach for Team Myles, to run down some spring training tips.

• Dress appropriately: Although -2 is much nicer than -22, your body can still get cold, so wear pants or running tights until we move deeper into spring. Layering is still the best approach, such as a lightweight, breathable, water-resistant jacket over a long-sleeve shirt. Also consider a breathable hat and running mitts.
• Select a new route: Less snow means you can get off the main roads and try routes you wouldn’t attempt during the winter months.
• Buy new sneakers. Especially if you’ve been using the same running shoes since last fall. One plan would be to purchase two pairs of your favourite model at the same time and alternate them every few days. You can extend the life of your sneakers, and you might get a better deal buying two pairs at once.
• Protect yourself from the sun. It's never too early to start wearing sunscreen. Spring is a season when the sun can catch up to you quickly, especially if you're out for a long run. Look for sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB, and consider wearing sunglasses.
• Remember daylight savings. With the time change, it is now darker in the morning. So if that’s the time you train, wear reflective running gear. You can never be too safe.

Looking to get a leg up for Blue Nose with other training tips? Join the conversation on our Facebook page. To start on a training program of your own, visit Kris’s website, Push Fitness, or The Running Room.

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Have you made a sprint to the Blue Nose Apparel Online Store? It’s your source for Marathon clothes and gift items that set the pace for stylish.

Best of all, every item is customizable - from the backpacks to the fleece hoodies. Choose the Blue Nose logo screening or embroidery that appeals to you, place your order, and you’ll have your selection within four business days.

Plus your credit card payments are fully encrypted and you can shop anytime 24/7. Because at the Blue Nose Apparel Online Store, we go the distance to satisfy you.

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For more information on the Scotiabank Blue Nose Marathon or to register, visit www.bluenosemarathon.com.