Training basket: Nick Paulet

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 14/03/2015 (4208 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Nick Paulet saw a void 11 years ago and decided to fill it.

The veteran Winnipeg police officer and avid runner felt there was something missing in Winnipeg’s running scene: a good, quality half-marathon that was popular.

“The recipe in my mind was always if we put on a good event it would make a lot of money for the charity and that has really worked out,” Paulet said. “A good event means a lot of participation and a lot of money for the charity.”

Mission accomplished for Paulet and his dedicated team of volunteers who celebrated the 10th anniversary of the event last year with 2,900 other runners. The WPS Half Marathon raises money for the Manitoba division of the Canadian Cancer Society each year.

The marathon is more than just a pet project for Paulet. Sure, he’s the race director, but he also lives a runner’s lifestyle and has a resumé to go along with it. He is a veteran of nine Ironman triathlons and 30 marathons, among a host of other running events.

Paulet is proud the event is all-inclusive. Whether you’re a career marathon runner or are strolling around a newborn baby, anyone, he says, is welcome — and anyone who crosses the finish line gets a medal.

Paulet’s background as a race director has allowed him to help mentor others to hold similar style races in their communities, including assisting in getting the Winnipeg Fire and Paramedic Service Half Marathon up and running. That event is held in the fall.

The WPS Half Marathon is introducing a 5K race this year, which comes with all the same goodies runners have come to expect, including a shirt, medal, chip timing, a pancake breakfast and, as Paulet notes, the ever popular secret finisher gift.

For more information on the WPS Half Marathon, including how to register or volunteer, visit: wpshalfmarathon.ca.

Favourite workout?

One that ends with a Coke? Nah, my favourite workout is when my schedule aligns and I can run with a group of running buddies. When you run with friends, you’re talking and it flies by fast.

 

Favourite workout song?

I’m 50/50 listening to music, which is my policing world coming out. I like to hear what is going on around me. If I am listening to music, it is usually musical scores from different movies.

 

Fitness tip?

I am learning this one as I get older: let your body dictate what it is capable of doing. Don’t let others push you to thresholds you are not ready for.

What’s in your fridge?

Depends on the day. Right now there is bacon because we always have bacon on Sundays. Chicken wings from last night. There’s also spinach, and tomatoes because I am intent on having salads all week at work and, of course, Cherry Coke.

 

What’s your guilty pleasure?

A Cherry Coke after a workout.

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