iRun ISSUE04 2016

SPECIAL ISSUE 100 RUNNERS A CELEBRATION OF THE SOUL OF OUR SPORT

iRun.ca ISSUE 04 2016

Canada’s biggest running weekend is about to get even bigger.

Thanks to all the runners, volunteers, spectators, and sponsors who made 2016 such a special year.

See you in 2017 as we run together to celebrate Canada’s 150th.

MAY

2 7–28

2017

Run Through Everything like It’s Nothing.

BY ROBYN BALDWIN

16 REASONS YOU SHOULD RUN A TOUGH MUDDER IN 2016 16 You know exactly

© 2016 Wolverine Outdoors, Inc.

the face people make after going through Arctic Enema. Have you ever jumped into a cold lake, had an ice bath, or waited for public transport in -40 degree weather? Then you know this face but imagine it 10x better after sliding or jumping into an ice bath during the event. Perfect for a hot summer day to cool the body off!

15 Because at what

The All Out Crush WITH M SELECT™ GRIP THAT CLEANS UP THE MOST MUDDY AND RUGGED TERRAIN WITH A SMOOTH RIDE.

other event can you say you climbed Everest with your team? Everest is a renowned obstacle that is a warped wall, kind of like a quarter pipe. What’s great about this obstacle is the teamwork required to conquer the event. Once a Mudder is successful at getting to the top, they turn around and give a helping hand to their fellow Mudders.

14 You understand

the infamous feeling of Electroshock Therapy.

The last obstacle at many Tough Mudders is a field of hanging live wires charged with over 10,000 volts of electricity.

Whether you come alone or with a team, this obstacle is best faced together. Grab your fellow Mudders and run towards the finish line together.

13 Because who doesn’t want to crawl through a Birth Canal as an adult? This obstacle is a crawl with a plastic tarp containing water with red food colouring so (as you guessed) it mimics a birth canal.

12 Because Walking

the Plank will cure you of your fear of heights.

A 15ft jump into water can be terrifying, yet so rewarding.

11 Because you meet

the best people along the course.

10 Because taking

snapchats of your bruises or war wounds the next day is what all the cool kids are doing.

9 Those sexy muddy –

post-event shots. Enough said.

8 Because carrying a

teammate in the wounded warrior carry creates more laughs and fun than any other obstacle.

Piggybacks with friends are just plain fun.

7 After Mud Mile you find mud in places it never should be.

6 Because working with

teammates to scale the Berlin Walls feels so good.

5 Because get-

ting through mental challenges teaches you confidence and

mental grit. The first time I tackled a cage crawl (which involved lowering myself into a tunnel of water and having just a few inches for my face with a cage above it) challenged me mentally but was actually super simple to slide through and makes you feel so proud to make it through.

4 You have an excuse to jump into mud puddles.

3 Because you get a free beer after the challenge.

You earned it.

2 You get to wear an

orange headband to work on Monday after the event. #HeadbandMonday, anyone?

1 Because you can now call yourself a Tough Mudder, and now you’re part of the community of over two million Mudders.

YOUR ADVENTURE AWAITS Tough Mudder Alberta: August 6 & 7 GET 20% OFF WITH CODE: IRUNMUD Expires July 18, 2016

TEAM UP AT TOUGHMUDDER.COM #itsallbeentraining

LACE AND GO Whether you’re chasing down personal bests, golden hour or your ritual espresso, find everything you need to lace and go at MEC.

MEC.CA/run Fahim Kassam

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CONTENTS FOUNDER Mark Sutcliffe mark@marksutcliffe.com GENERAL MANAGER Ben Kaplan ben@iRun.ca ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Sabrina Young sabrina@iRun.ca MANAGING EDITOR Anna Lee Boschetto annalee@iRun.ca EDITOR AT LARGE Karen Kwan RUNNER IN CHIEF Ray Zahab ASSISTANT EDITOR Priya Ramanujam COMMUNITY MANAGER Megan Black STAFF WRITER Celeste Botton CONTRIBUTORS Robyn Baldwin, Jean-Paul Bedard, Andrew Chak, Stefan Danis, Krista DuChene, Rick Hellard, Karen Karnis, Patience Lister, Joanne Richard, Erin Valois CREATIVE DIRECTOR & DESIGN Geneviève Biloski, Becky Guthrie CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER Darren Calabrese ILLUSTRATOR Chloe Cushman STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Joe Elliott, Zoom Photo iRun is a publication of Sportstats World CEO Marc Roy Canada Post Publications PM42950018 Sportstats 155 Colonnade Rd. #18 Ottawa, ON K2E 7K1 (Canada) 613.260.0994

SPECIAL ISSUE 100 RUNNERS A CELEBRATION OF THE SOUL OF OUR SPORT

iRun.ca ISSUE 04 2016

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100

RUNNERS Who are we? Why do we run? What makes us the most vibrant, growing community of activists, athletes and artists who show up in record numbers at races and charity runs across the country?

In this unprecedented special issue, iRun turns our cameras over to our readers — the heart and soul of the sport that are changing the world as we change ourselves with every kilometre we conquer. Whether you're a 5K walker in the Yukon or a marathon mom in Montreal, we share your stories of triumph and adventure. Because in every story we tell, it's one more chance to dream and inspire. This is your community. These are our lives. Enjoy.

iRun for happiness. For others who cannot. For myself. — Zwena Gray, Detroit, Michigan

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VICKY LIBBY 44, Montreal

Running is my joy, running is my strength, running gives me hope to conquer the difficult stages that life brings to me in my daily routine.

Well, two years ago, when they announced to me that I had Lymphoma Cancer and required chemo and radiation, the first thing I thought about was, would I still be able to run?

My family and friends know that my joy of running is what makes me happy at home and at work. Now, if I can t run, will everything crumble? I was afraid for my family, my career, and of course how will I be able to fit in my running. How will I get the strength? The doctors and nurses knew this passion that I had. I told them I was a marathoner. I ran the Marathon of Boston, the Marathon of Ottawa, the Marathon of Montreal...

The doctors told me I had to slow down.

Guess what. Every day, I ran. Every day, I was running 10 to 15K a day...except on the chemo days, but I was running even during my 31 days of radiation. I knew that if I stopped running, my life would crumble.

Knowing that I could still run made me think that I was okay, and that having cancer was just something I needed to get cured for and that it would go away. I participated in races and more races. One week after finishing my radiation, I did my first duathlon and came in FIRST in the women’s division and received a plaque. Running gave me the strength I needed to help me with everything that was going on. I was going to my doctors appointment and showing the doctors and nurses my medals.

The doctors knew now that as long as I was running my health was okay. So every appointment at the doctor started like this, “Well, Ms. Libbi, how much did you run today?”

Today, exactly two years later, I’m ready to run Ottawa and Montreal and hopefully qualify for BOSTON again. So this shows you that running can bring you far in life. It can give you the energy, it gives you the vibe, it gives you the strength to fight and be a stronger person. And that’s what I’ve become, a stronger person. Running saved my life.

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iRun because it’s peaceful. — Shauna Switzer, Ontario

2 CAROLE AND LINDA LEVESQUE 50 and 52, Ottawa 5 FALON MILLIGAN ON PAULA MILLIGAN 50, Ottawa 6 PHIL BARNES 44, Cornwall » Our local Run to end» My thyroid levels were high. I thought it was because » Running a marathon before turning 50 has been on MS was considering adding a marathon. “They should of working so much, but I was diagnosed with Hypothyroidism. When my levels became more stable I started feeling more energized. Then I started running, at the same time my sister Linda also started running. Now we’re planning on doing a marathon.

my mother’s bucket list since she ran her first half in 2006. In 2008, at 42, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. The experience taught our family never to take a day for granted. She’s brave, and in Ottawa, 2016, we ran the marathon — together.

do this, they should do that.” Everyone had ideas. I took a leap and got involved – and we made it a success. Next time you say, “They should do this,” challenge yourself: “Be the change you wish to see.”

7 MARCIA MORRIS 54, Toronto » Running has been my companion for 40 years. Along the way, in partnership with my non-running husband David, we have raised our 3 children, Connor, Shannon and Nia, to be runners. We don’t win races and grace magazine covers, but running is so ‘us,’ and has created an incredible family bond.

3 PAUL JOHN CHARON ON JOHN STANTON 68, Edmonton » John’s a great public servant and helps Canadians be more productive. He gives out medals at his stores, even for the 3K. John helps people reach a new level — and they do. I run better because of his insights and wisdom and still running at 70. Thanks, John.

4 CAROLYN PLEASANCE ON LORI CHRISTOPHER 42, Hamilton » In the past few years she lost her mom; trained for a marathon, broke her foot halfway, ran another 5 miles; been diagnosed with Leukemia; had her spleen removed; and learned to swim. Through it all, she’s worked full time and raised three daughters.

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11 SERGIO CALDERONE ON CARRI CARLYLE 35, Toronto » Carri has been running for the past five years. She is a hard working single mother that loves running and has experienced freedom, happiness and joy though her running journey. Carri has been through so much as a young woman (age 35) and battled adversity too many times to count.

12 RACHEL WATTS 20, Labrador » Without a coach Rachel placed top five in the Newfoundland and Labra8 LUKE CAMERON 36, Ottawa » 2012, I was dealing with a failed engagement. I had nothing to focus on to deal with the pain. I learned of CIM Winter Slipstream, a weekend retreat where there’s only other Type 1 diabetes adults.

Someone recommended a race. I signed up for the 10K. It’s amazing what we can do.

dor school system when she was in grade eleven, and led her cross country team to the provincial gold medal in her last year of high school. Rachel currently runs for Acadia University and is in her third year of a bachelor of kinesiology.

9 JIM RANKIN 69, Hamilton » I’ve run five mara10 RANDY MCELLIGOTT 59, Ottawa » October 13 GERRY RABY ON JODY RABY 60, Calgary » She thons in the last twelve weeks and am targeting nine 20, 2015, I received a bone marrow transplant. My qualified to run Boston then two weeks before race more before year-end. I have a gallery of nine running tattoos, including a two-foot tattoo on my back of me running. I get a sense of freedom and exhilaration as soon as I step out the door.

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immune system was wiped out. My blood levels were low. I was hospitalized. When I got home, I told my wife I wanted to start training. I want to keep moving!

I will complete the marathon.

day, disaster struck. Jody struck a dog on our bike path, landing on her right shoulder. Her dream had been shattered. Jody is more determined than ever to re-qualify, conquer adversity and achieve her dream of running in the Boston Marathon.

iRun because I’m fat. — Willem Tam, Ontario

14 TRISSY WHITE 45, Toronto

In January, 2016, I completed my very first marathon at the Goofy Challenge at Disney. I was invited to run with a family I met through WhoIRun4. This family has a son, Garrett, 10, who suffers from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

When we met in April, I was only running for the bling and not with any significant purpose. Garrett’s mom suggested I join their team Garrett’s Heroes, as part of the larger team Run for Our Sons, to help fundraise for Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD). Money raised through Run for Our Sons helps to fund PPMD’s work to continue research, educate the community and fight for the care of all young men living with this fatal disease. After getting to know Garrett, how could I decline? Instead of running just the half with Garrett’s parents and grandfather, I decided on the Goofy Challenge — 39.3 miles over two days. I fought through fundraising challenges and running injury during training to get to that moment I will never forget. I crossed the finish line in tears yet energized and in disbelief that I had done it. Seeing Garrett and his fam-

iRun to lorem ipsum something goes here tktktktk. — Name Name, Province

ily at the finish line as I crossed was extremely rewarding because I did all this for them. Garrett’s family asked how I was feeling and if I thought that they could run a marathon for Garrett. My response was that they could do anything with Garrett in their heart! So, in January 2017, we’re going back! This time, we’ll be running the Dopey Challenge: all 4 races over 4 days. 5K, 10K, half marathon and full marathon = 48.6 miles. I have a higher fundraising goal of $2,500, which scares me more than the running. But I’m determined. After all, I am inspired by Garrett — a little boy who doesn’t let Duchenne’s stop him from being a happy boy with a big heart and big dreams to be a preacher when he grows up. I have created a GoFundMe Page to assist with my fundraising in the months to come. Last year I was just a small part of helping Run for our Sons raise more than $300,000 to help PPMD fund critical research. I run, because they can’t. I may not be able to save the world, but I can run trying to save a group. You will be amazed just how much more pep it puts in your step!

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RYAN KLEIN ON JONNY WOOKEY AND TEAM WOOKEY, Toronto

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For a year after Jonny Wookey’s death, close friend Mike Ricci kept a yellow sticky note on his bathroom mirror that said, “Live like Jonny would.” The note’s message struck two chords that were felt well beyond Upper Canada College friends, faculty and family, far across the ocean to the University of St. Andrews in Fife, Scotland, where Jonny had recently graduated. It was an aching, chronic sense of loss that such a remarkable man could be taken so soon. A near-zealous need emerged, felt even by strangers, to carry on in Jonny’s footsteps.

Jonny (or fondly, J-Wooks) created this highly admired path wearing, for the most part, a pair of well-used runners.

“Jonny loved the outdoors and he loved to run,” says Ricci.

One could also ask how many kids start an annual charity in Grade 3 to send an underprivileged kid to camp?

“He had an unbridled enthusiasm that was just magic to any environment he entered,” says Derek Poon, Intermediate Division head and Jonny’s UCC tennis coach. “I’ve been teaching here for 32 years and I can’t tell you how rare is that kind of positive presence and ability to connect with people.

Jonny has no equal.”

And today, every year since his death in 2012, Jonny’s closest friends huddle together at the start of the Sporting Life 10K, wearing Team Wookey T-shirts, and recite that anthem. There we were this past run, arms locked, surrounded by people who came out for him. There were people who didn’t even know Jonny. People who walked because they couldn’t run. And that’s what Jonny was all about.

Getting behind a cause and pushing your limits. Word about Team Wookey is spreading, and so, it would seem, is Jonny’s magic. This past year more than 150 people showed up to run in his name, and over $65,202 has been raised by Team Wookey for Camp Oochigeas, a cause that links back to Jonny’s own fundraising in his youth.

“Jonny changed people lives,” says Poon. “He made me more community-service oriented than I ever was.”

I channel Jonny’s work ethic, and want to carry on Jonny’s insatiable call of adventure. And for Ricci, that mantra “Live like Jonny would,” had a far bigger impact than even he imagined. “I quit my job and went back to school to pursue my dream of being in theatre. I wouldn’t have done that without Jonny,” he says. “To live with no regrets. To achieve your goals with hard work. That was him.”

iRun so I can eat, and eat, and eat, and ... — Linda Lawrence, Ontario

16 DENNIS JACKSON 47, Ottawa » My son

20 MARK EDWARDS 60, Kanata » I was having trouble catching my breath due to chemotherapy. A

was five when he was diagnosed with leukemia in 2011. I took up running in 2012 because I hated it and it represented me going through something like my son. Now I’m here aiming for a BQ, all because my kid got (and beat) leukemia.

friend mentioned the Army run. I signed up with the Running Room and was hooked. I’m alive, a cancer survivor, and just qualified for Boston. I run because I can, because I like what running brings me — peace, strength and harmony.

22 NAN MAUNG ON HER FATHER DR. TUN ZAN MAUNG 59, Vancouver » My father, Dr. Tun Zan Maung, started running in 2013 to get into shape and motivate his diabetic patients to incorporate daily exercise. He adopted an “If I can do it, you can too” attitude and what began as us doing short jogs around the school track turned into taking on full marathons around the world!

17 CHANTAL DAGOSTINO 40, Sudbury » I’m a driven woman who wants to make a difference for students by motivating them to become active and pursue their full potential. I’ve fundraised and started a run for women in Sudbury. So far, I’ve run seven marathons, including Boston, and I’m currently training for my eighth one.

23 VIDA BARKER 55, Toronto » My group and I are women in our forties and fifties with families and jobs, but we proved to be true runners. We joke that if someone saw us without our running gear and was asked what we have in common, no one would guess that we’re marathoners! It is such a diverse group of runners yet everyone is supportive and enjoys the camaraderie of the long runs.

21 FRANCE PERRAS ON TINA BOILEAU 36, Ottawa 24 KRISTA DUCHENE ON GINGER HURLBURT » Tina Boileau, mother of Jonathan Pitre (Butterfly 18 GLENN SIMMONS ON DEREK MYKE, 37, Grimsby » Some of the people Derek works with have never gone 10K. But Derek builds us into runners. His compassion takes away from his training. However, he’s always there with a smile to get us over another hill. I can’t wait to have a beer with Derek and hear about his 2016 Boston run.

Child) participated in Ottawa Race Weekend to bring awareness and hope to all children with EB (Epidermolysis Bullosa). Tina races by her son’s side as he did them in his wheelchair. She is the face of courage, hope and love. The face of every mother supporting her child in every step he/she takes and never giving up.

AND SUE SPENCE 44 and 46, Brantford » Coming from larger families, my husband and I desired to have multiple children. I felt strongly about staying physically active during pregnancy and afterward. And it was these two women who inspired me to do that. Each of them had four children and maintained their commitment to being physically active. Thank you, Ginger and Sue!

19 YVES DESROSIERS ON

25 RACHEL HANNAH ON GREG

SYLVAIN SÉNÉCHAL 51, Gatineau » I convinced him to run his first MARATHON. I also think I scared the beejezuss out of him.

I am not a real trainer and we are shift workers, I have been guiding his training and filling his time off with reading materials on running a full-fledge marathon.

Guess what? He did it!

LEHMAN 42, Toronto » He’s traveling the world teaching a course on reconciling biomechanics with pain science. He’s always looking for ways to help runners reduce their risk of injury and challenges the science and has three young daughters who he encourages to be active and run.

iRun for fun. — Madeline Bongers, Ontario

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SPONSORED CONTENT

C

lif Bar was founded in Northern California by a baker and the company has a rock climbing wall in its office. Praised by Al Gore for their environmental practices and Forbes magazine for their profit margin, it’s a company that started small, grew big and has made incredible inroads in Canada, launching new products here every season. Kevin Cleary, an Ironman 50-year-old father of three, is the Clif Bar CEO, and he fuels his lifestyle with his products.

“Nothing gives me the exhilarating feeling that running does,” says Cleary, who has detailed Excel spreadsheets of all of his workouts dating back 17 years. “I’ll pop something in my head and go out and run and I just feel like, when I get back, I’m ready for whatever the day’s going to bring. I couldn’t do my life without runs.”

Companies that peddle sports products are eager to tout their CEO’s split times, but, in the case of Cleary, this is no marketing ploy.

Two years ago, he ran Boston, last year, he competed in Spartan and this year, he’s training for Ironman Kona, and every six months he tests himself on a starting line.

“I’ve been in that place where I didn’t set goals and all of the sudden, I’m 30 pounds heavier because I’m still eating the way I did when I trained,” says Cleary, whose rules for life are simple: eat salad, drink water and run.

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FUELING the SPIRIT

Kevin Cleary, CEO of Clif Bar, races and fuels with his own products

By Ben Kaplan “I train now because I found my motivation: If I don’t train, I know the work to getting that weight off will be brutal.”

As CEO of a company that makes nutrition products, Cleary personally tests every food he promotes. He eats a CLIF Bar before a workout, CLIF Bloks Energy Chews and CLIF Shot Energy Gels during a ride or a long run, and a high protein recovery drink after he’s done.

“I’ve tried everything, believe me, and I can vouch for our products — they work,” says Cleary, adding that he’s dedicated to supporting Canadian athletes, making CLIF Bar available at events like the Ottawa Marathon, the Whistler Half Marathon and the Spartan Race Quebec. “Canada is a great market for us and always has been and it means a lot to us —

and to me personally — to see how well we’ve been received.”

Cleary readily admits he’s no longer the athlete he once was, back when he was dominating at track and football in his wily teens. However, with the loss of some of his flexibility and raw talent, comes an accrued wisdom an athlete only gains as he matures. Once, Cleary would battle through any injury. Today, he knows slow and steady wins the race. “I can’t put the miles in like I could at 31, my body will break down, but I can be smart about my workouts and fuel,” he says. “There’s a wisdom in knowing what you’re doing and doing that something well.”

For a company that began in 1992, Cleary keeps the innovation moving like a runner approaching the finish line. He says Clif Bar has exciting new products slated to launch in Canada early next year.

“We’re always creating new products — for our athletes and for the everyday snacking occasion, like our organic CLIF Nut Butter Filled Bar launching in early 2017, which I’ll eat after we get off the phone,” he says, with a laugh. “As a company, as a father, and as a business executive, we believe that if you give people the tools they need around nutrition, as well as a tool in your toolkit about running, nutrition and exercise, you will change people’s lives.”

iRun because I love to hear the birds sing! — Liz Spellen, Ontario

100 30 CARON ADDERLEY ON HER MOM, SHARON 65, Richmond » My mom and I needed to change. It wasn’t easy, but no one said it would be. Together we crossed the finish line and the first thing I did was turn to my mom and give her a hug. She was tired. She was sore.

She was a half marathoner. I couldn’t be more proud.

26 DAVID MALINOWICZ 32, Toronto » My wife Chloe has made fitness a big part of her life. She motivated me to pursue running, along with other life style changes. I don’t associate or relate running with endurance, determination, or the ferocity of a race. I associate it with love. The best motivation anyone can have.

28 LAURA WOOLDRIDGE 57, Ottawa » Every year I participate in a 5K run, except for this year as this year is extra special. My granddaughter Lily, 5, and my grandson Kieran, 7, are entering into the 2K race. This is my grandchildren’s first race. It’s so important to promote physical fitness and a healthy lifestyle especially at a young age.

32 KAREN MCCULLOUGH ON ALISA BROZINSKY 51, Vancouver » When Alisa was 32, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She had a double mastectomy, chemotherapy and reconstruction surgery. She’s now been over 16 years cancer-free. Alisa has an 11-year-old daughter, Sophie, who is following in her mother’s footsteps. Sophie completed her first 15K. Alisa is an inspiration to me and to many.

33 HEIDI SCOTT 41, South River » 2007, I ran my first half marathon.

I’ve since completed ten.

Training has been up and down with work, home and personal issues. I don’t run fast, but I run. My legs hurt, but I feel better. Sometimes I perform better, sometimes not. It’s about what the body is capable of.

27 VELLO MIJAL ON GRAEME BARBER 72, Ottawa » He’s a top vascular surgeon who won his age category at the Ottawa Sporting Life 10K. He’s a seven-time Ironman athlete who competed in the World championships in Kona. He also has 28 grandchildren who try to best him from time to time and works as a volunteer for the Shepherds of Good Hope.

runners

31 CATHERINE LERIT-REINHARDT 47, Guelph » Last year, my brother and I ran my first marathon in Niagara. I’m there just wanting to say I crossed the finish line under my own steam, but if my brother wants to try another marathon, I’m likely to forget how hard the training was and say, ‘Sure let’s do it,’ and train again.

34

PHIL TROYER 35, Grand Prairie » A week into training, a co-worker gave me a running watch. This kept me motivated! On Monday, our house was broke into and my watch was stolen. (I hope the thief is using it to train). Now I get to buy me a new watch—that will keep me training hard for 2017.

29 KEVIN RUTHERFORD 44, London

35 DAMIEN ROSE 29, Toronto » I participated

“I’d like to unseat Gatorade,” says the CEO of nuun, found at Ottawa Marathon, Army Run and SeaWheeze. He also wants to run Boston. In 2014, he qualified then had to miss due to injury. “I’d love to make Boston in Canada—now that nuun is on course, I know the hydration will be great!

in the RBC Run. I have bipolar disorder and the run was to raise money for youth mental illness.

This event set a fire emotionally that inspired me to grab a new pair of sneakers. Completing the run filled me with a sense of accomplishment and pride.

iRun because of how terrific I feel afterwards. — Jackie Poole, Ontario

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36 JANE WILLIAMSON 35, Toronto

My full marathon started as a personal challenge and a test of my endurance. I’d run three half marathons and had much discussion with my husband before I decided to take it on. My best friend was so excited, she signed up on the spot. She’d be training towards a Boston qualifying time.

We planned to motivate each other through training. We compared our training schedules, types of running shoes, cross training and the best flavours of Gatorade.

We talked every day, multiple times a day. One morning I couldn’t get a hold of her. After anxiously waiting for a response I was notified she had died. She was depressed and had committed suicide. My world crashed down around me.

At the funeral her friend/running partner and I decided that we would still run the race. It would no longer be about personal goals, it was about honouring her.

The training was nothing like I’d planned. I struggled to eat, drink and sleep. I was weak and weary. I spent many runs crying. The marathon had taken on its own life. Somehow I trained to36K. Often I thought of quitting or laying down and never getting up, but friends came without fail to drag me out for runs. They listened to me debate the meaning of my life. The morning of the run I stood in my assigned corral wearing a pair of her running tights and a shirt with her artwork on the back. I reflected about how differently my journey to this place had turned out. Instead of my best friend, there were six companions standing in various corrals, all wearing the same shirt as I, all there for the purpose of love and support. I felt strangely calm and ready, more so than any other race I had done. Over the next four hours and 50 minutes I traveled 42.2 km. I went through every emotion possible and by the time I crossed the line I was exhausted and sobbing. My friends and family held me while I cried on their shoulders. The marathon brought me through intense grief by giving me a reason to keep going, one foot in front of the other. It kept me bonded to my best friend who I miss every day. It gave me closure on that period of mourning. It’s an experience I won’t soon forget.

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iRun because I like to grow and be with my family and friends. — Andrew Ozjam, British Columbia

40 SANDY WATSON 58, Toronto 2009: run a hot 3-mile race and suffer! Reality check!

2012: attempt to BQ on first attempt in Philadelphia, miss by 10 minutes. 2015: finally get a BQ. 3:23! Longterm goal: run a sub 3-hour marathon before my 60th birthday. Aim high. No shame in failing lofty goals.

41 TRACY LOVETT ON CARYN NAGGE 56, Halifax » Caryn didn’t start training until her 40s. She’s now 37 JULIAN LEBOWITZ ON DUFF MCLAREN 67, Toronto » I had a head on collision in 1993. Doctors said I’d limp the rest of my life and have trouble walking. I spent two months in traction. In 2014 I finished my first half marathon in under 2 hours. I was inspired by the legendary runner and person: Duff McLaren. May he live till 120 and inspire others.

completed 10 Ironmans. Despite her fitness, she trains and runs with people of all fitness levels. Caryn provides encouragement, support and motivation. Her energy is contagious. She does this because she loves to see others achieve their goals and never asks for anything in return.

38 JOCELYN SYMBORSKY 30, Calgary » I run because it makes me feel alive. I run to both escape

39 LAETIITA SABOURIN 50, Gatineau » My goal: 42 VIKTORIA BROWN 40, Uxbridge » I started run the Boston Marathon. Not original. But the uniquerunning after my second was born to lose the baby

reality and be brought back to it. I run because it makes me feel fearless. I run because no matter what’s going on in my life, it always brings me back to me.

ness is my height: 5 feet or less (I don’t want to know if I’m less). My stride is short and I’ll have to make double the effort to run Boston. I will.

iRun to save myself. — Jeanette Nicholson, Ontario

weight. Then I found out I was pregnant again so I had to stop. I won’t break any records, but I am already back to after-2nd-baby weight and by the time my triathlon is scheduled I might be closer to pre-baby weight. I love it!

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43 KYLA FITZPATRICK ON DEZ BOGDANYI 58, 46 TRACY SHOULDICE ON BRENT SMYTH 49, 47 MARIA YOUNG 60, Mississauga » If you think Montreal » I assumed Dez was always fit and since I had Ottawa » What makes Brent Smyth inspiring? His drive being in health care has made me careful with my own so much weight of my own to lose and felt bad about myself I never approached him for help. He was kind enough to run with the slow group all summer to keep me company and to give me tips. He made a runner out of me!

to make the world a better place by helping others through running and triathlons and his boundless energy, enthusiasm and passion. His big heart and talent for making everyone feel special and important.

health, I can assure you this was not the case. Each day that I got out was a victory. My race goal was finish in the upright position, with a smile on my face, wanting to do this again. Goal met—see you next year!

48 JULIE MURDOCK 40, Ottawa » When I look back to “old life Julie,” on a Sunday morning I’d be strung out, trying to recover from the substances I put in my body ... running saved my life. It completes me as a person.

Running has inspired me and in turn I pay it forward by inspiring as many people along the way as I can.

44 SHERRY MEEHAN 56, Mississauga » I saw my oncologist and showed her my picture from the Mississauga half marathon. She’s never had a patient complete a half in the middle of the most aggressive breast cancer chemotherapy. Any encouragement given to women with breast cancer to be active will help them feel better as long as they work within their own limits.

45 SARA-LOUISE DRURY 29, Montreal » When I was a kid, I did gymnastics. I dreamed about the Olympics. As I got older, my body no longer conformed to the physical ideal so I quit. What I love about running is its versatility; all you need is shoes to run anywhere, anytime, after your own goals.

iRun to feel good about myself and the world I live in. — Mathieu Lalonde, Ontario

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49 KYLE McNAMARA 45, Toronto

The Scotiabank Charity Challenge connects runners to local charities at running events sponsored by Scotiabank. In 2015, the Challenge helped runners raise over $8 million nationally. Currently integrated into the six Scotiabank races across the country — Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Halifax and Calgary — the game-changing focus is embodied by Kyle McNamara, a marathoner and Scotiabank Executive VP. “We’ve made a commitment to it, and for me personally, I’m extremely proud to encourage people to get out there and get involved,” says McNamara, after a run. “I’m proud to combine my work life with my personal passion and I’m proud that my work emphasizes being a good community citizen.”

A father of two, McNamara began running after watching his wife Terry complete the Washington Marathon. Now, raising money for several charities including the Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa, McNamara narrowly missed breaking three hours in the heat of the Scotiabank Ottawa Marathon.

“Running keeps me healthy and I enjoy the peace and the thinking time, but I’m also competitive and I want to reach this goal,” says McNamara, who gets his long runs in on the weekend and sometimes augments his workouts with quick treadmill runs after work.

“I just hope he doesn’t break himself,” says his daughter Quinn, a budding rowing enthusiast herself. “He runs every race really hard.”

McNamara is seriously motivated by much more than his finishing time when connecting his work life with his avocation. In addition to setting an example for his children and employees, he finds that running for charity connects him personally to his community. “You’re out there running through these different neighbourhoods and you feel like you’re part of something special,” he says. “You’re making a contribution to the world and that’s important to Scotiabank and that’s important to me — it’s real.”

This year, the Scotiabank Charity Challenge runners will take the fundraising total over the $50-million mark, since its inception in 2003. A proud achievement for the bank. McNamara is likewise confident that he will achieve his ambitious goal of a three-hour marathon.

“As we all know, running on its own makes us feel awesome,” he says, “but when you can combine that with making a difference where you live, it takes the entire experience to a whole new level. The Challenge lets every runner in our races accomplish that.”

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iRun because lorem ipsum something goes here tktk. — Name Name, Province

50 WENDY MATTHEWS 52, Dundas »

54 KELLI McROBERT 50, Kingston » Four years ago I decided to change my lifestyle after my mother

I did some running in high school. Then decided in my 40s to start again. My daughter joined me and liked it, she continued. I took a tumble and lost my nerve. I wasn’t hurt, just my pride. Then I turned 50 and my daughter said, ‘Mom, why not run with me?’ So I did.

passed away from breast cancer. I went from couch potato to walker to speed walker. In June 2012, I vowed to complete 50 races by my 50th birthday. I had four years. Last month I turned 50. I’ve completed 91 races.

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51 LOUISE LEWIS 50, Toronto » I told my

TIFFANY CLICHE 38, Mulmur » I run with so many amazing people. We share stories of how running has changed our life as well as how it has brought us to meet many incredible people. We are a family. We encourage each other, believe in each other, listen to each other and support each other. I am blessed!

trainer that I can’t run as my ankles are weak. We signed up for a 5K. My family laughed. Later, I signed up for the GoodLife half. It was such an accomplishment and amazing feeling physically and emotionally to complete my challenge. In one year I went from zero to 21.1K.

57 BIANCA COLDREY 41, Manotick » Three 55 ALIX CÔTÉ-TREMBLAY 31, Shefford » Running pregnant was my salvation getting through the horrible nausea of the first trimester. The marathon seemed like a natural fit for my pregnant body, building on the miles as my belly was gradually growing bigger. I gave birth to a healthy little girl, weighing 7lbs at 41 weeks (and ran a 10K the day of!).

generations of the Coldrey family are starting to run together. My husband, Mike, my son, Connor, 7, and his grandfather, Rick, all run together. It’s a great way for us to stay healthy, have fun and spend time together, all while trying to be first Coldrey across the finish line.

58 FRANCOIS LANTIN 33, Gaspe » I’ve 52 RICHARD NADLER 44, Montreal » I loved

running so much, that it actually ended up being my one true love and my therapist at the same time.

They say don’t sleep with your therapist, but I believe I wanted to sleep with my shoes many a night, I loved them so, so, so, much.

always been the underdog, the guy who always fought: to live, to get equal treatment with a small disability, to overcome bullying, and on. I don’t need to be a front runner to be happy — I just need to finish the race.

53 ZACHARY RANDLE 23,

59 MARIE-EVE LESSARD 33, Valcartier »

St. Catherines » I lost my way countless times but one thing stayed constant: my desire to run. After being knocked around from place to place I lost motivation to train until I heard Niagara College would be forming a team. I started running again: not for a title, but for memories to last a lifetime.

Working at Valcartier military base, I went to the gym, doing some elliptic.

Then, a soldier returning from Afghanistan came in, and started to run with his prosthetic leg! Wait! If he can do it, I can too. The thing I’m most proud of is my sons running their 1K with a smile.

iRun because I couldn’t and I wanted to prove to myself that I could. Guess what? I CAN!. — Gabriella Visciano, Ontario

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60 FILSAN ABDIAMAN 28, Toronto

I’m a runner (marathoner now since completing the Scotiabank Waterfront Marathon last year). I am also a certified personal trainer. I have been running for almost three years now, completing two half marathons and a marathon. Like many runners I know, I use running as a way to reach my full potential and overcome difficulties in my everyday life.

A few years ago I fell in love with running while doing walk and jog intervals around a track in my backyard. The main reason I started doing this was after a bad break up.

At the time, I was heartbroken and devastated. Depressed and suffering from anxiety attacks, I lost all hope and gave up on my health and myself. But one day, after a health scare (I was told by my doctor I was borderline diabetic and had high cholesterol), I chose to get active instead of seek therapy (which, my doctor suggested). Running became an outlet for me—a means to uplift me and help me get over my anxiety attacks. The outcome was I consequently fell in love with running. And if I was completely honest, running has brought me so much joy and success. Early this year I became a Reebok ambassador as a result of sharing my story in their campaign.

I am no athlete, or elite runner. My marathon and half marathon times are not outstanding. My pace is average. But to me, all of that is secondary. If anything, running has taught me to be content with life as it is. Running has helped me achieve greatness I once thought was impossible and it has helped me inspire and motivate others around me. I have learned a lot as a runner.

It has taught me how to be patient with myself and also how to truly love myself after years of not doing so.

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runners 67 ANDREW 65 RONNIE HAGGERTY 57, Belleville » After JOHNSTON 48, Nepean » smoking for 28 years I quit at the age of 45 in 2005. I have recently moved up to 10Ks and did my first half this year. I don’t win any races, but I never give up.

The day I started was April 16, 2008 — one of the most important in my life.

61 PATRICIA HOOBIN 69, Kingston » I believe running changes the face of aging. It gives

68 ANNE BOUCHER 44, Saint-Martin » Having

seniors the gift of saying: Yes I can. Running is life giving. After a diagnosis of breast cancer and a subsequent double mastectomy 30 years ago, running has been my lifeline. It made me feel alive, gave me purpose, gave me hope and saved my spirit. Yes I can!

been overweight most of my life, I lost over 100 pounds three years ago.

Maintaining that weight loss is my challenge. In an effort to keep the weight off, sports are now an integral part of my life.

This lifestyle has opened the door to potential I didn’t know I had.

62 CLAIRE BOONE 35, Georgetown » I love running and I love me. I’m not going to sugar-coat it, getting healthy was HARD. I often got left out of any outings that involved food.

I trudged on knowing that one day they would see my success. Sure enough, two years later I was happier, healthier, and 106 pounds lighter!

63 GUY GILBERT ON SERGE PELLETIER 54, Montréal » Serge has been in my club De Course les Pelican for four years now and he’s like Forest Gump — he never stops. He’s always in for a new d’aventure and the only guy I know who goes to Gaspasia and does three marathons on the trip. Serge is something else.

64 VIOLET HOLMES 80, Burnaby » In 2001 I ran my first full marathon at the age of 65 and raised funds for The Arthritis Society, motivated by a daughter’s severe Rheumatoid Arthritis. Fifteen marathons later I am still at it and working towards number 16, at 80!

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Blame it on Ottawa race weekend. It started with the kid’s marathon. We entered our boys and they had a blast. From there — 5K for the three of them and the half for me. Two years ago, I decided to start running marathons and my eldest tried the 10K. We really are a running family.

66 DANIEL RHÉAUME 47, Quebec City » In 2012 I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis; I was 43 and a part-time runner. Learning that I’d have to live with that disease gave me the motivation to remain active. I completed two 10Ks last year and a half marathon. I am now training for my first marathon.

69 DON WHITING 43, Halifax » After losing 160 pounds, I was looking for new challenges. At a conference, a speaker talked about setting life goals and used the example of running a marathon. With never having run further than from first to second base in a softball game, I pledged to run a half marathon. Five years later, I’ve kept the weight off and am about to run my fifteenth half marathon!

70 JANET FORANGONEAU ON GARRY CARL 60, Belleville » His running was interrupted by a terrible car accident and he was told that he would never walk again. Well, he was determined and is walking and running quite well.

This guy just never stops trying. He trains hard and is a teammate of mine — and a very special one.

iRun to keep in good health. — Eleanor Hastings, Ontario

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KATHRYN STRILCHUK 49, Okotoks

In August 1996, a psychic told me I would save a life. I signed up for a CPR course. In September of that same year, my brother Michael was diagnosed with Leukemia. I remember sleeping on the hospital floor during his first round of chemotherapy like it was yesterday.

Remember that I said I was going to save a life? I was confident that Michael would be fine, and that we would be a match for bone-marrow donation. It was true. We were a perfect 6/6 match.

I hit a bump in the road a couple of years after Michael’s transplant. Depression hit me hard. It was the kids at school, my strong friend group and running that got me through it all.

Running helped ease my feelings of hurt. It brought me peace and a strong group of peers. I joined clubs; I ran races. I ran. One day I discovered a Team in Training pamphlet. This was something I could do! My first event was the Vancouver Half Marathon in 2000.

Since then I have run San Diego, San Francisco, the inaugural Disney Princess and Disneyland more times that I can count! With each event came new connections, new friends, new challenges and new goals.

Two of my last three events were not without their challenges. I’ve run with Bell’s palsy and a concussion and the important thing is that I did it. I watched my brother and others I’ve run for never quit. I couldn’t quit.

This year’s Disney Star Wars Half Marathon brought more excitement than challenge. As the only Canadian member of TNT at this event, I was embraced, once again, by “family” I hadn’t met.

Not only did I run a great race, but I had an extra special chEAR team with me. My husband, Joe, who has run three TNT events by my side, joined me as support on and off the course. My 12-year-old son, Jamison, who has had many “fund raising” birthday parties and donated all his money to TNT, travelled with us. For the first time, Michael was there. I was so excited to share this experience with him. He could finally see, first hand, the love, dedication and commitment of TNT participants from across the land.

I always say that I run because I can, and I continue to give because I can.

I am lucky!

iRun to eat anything and everything, and I guess I’m good at it too. — Brendan Hancock, Ontario

BEAT BLOOD CANCERS TO THE FINISH LINE IN VEGAS

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75 NICOLAS ET NICOLAS GUAYASAMIN 32 et 11, Terrebonne » Les heures passées ensemble dans une trail, parce qu’il s’agit bien d’heures plus que de minutes, le sentiment de fierté partagé entre un père et son fils aillant accompli la même activité est enivrante.

C’est le «runner’s high» à l’exponentiel.

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GENEVIÈVE BRULE 21, Montréal » La course, c’est une noble méditation. Avec pour seuls mantras le souffle et le rythme des pas foulant le sol, le coureur flotte dans une bulle qui ne se soucie de rien d’autre hormis l’instant présent. C’est pourquoi c’est si grisant courir.

72 OLIVIER BOLULLO 39, Montréal » Courir, c’est du temps que je me consacre à moi, et moi seul.

77 SANDRA MCLEAN 41, Mont-Tremblant » Sandra Mclean pharmacienne , mère de Chloé et Roxanne âgées 74 KARINE LEGER ON MARLENE COUTURE 43, 73 GENEVIÈVE SAMSON 47, Montréal » Je cours depuis maintenant 16 ans. Je suis tombée dedans parce Longueuil » Passionnée de course à pied, tant sur que j’avais vu que les finissants du Festival de la santé (ancien marathon de Montréal) recevaient une médaille en 1998. J’étais une enfant des Olympiques de Montréal alors ça a fait son chemin dans mon imagination. Au fil des ans j’ai réalisé qu’il faut se garder inspirée pour continuer à courir.

la route, que dans la trail. De la fille de la bibliothèque» à l’école secondaire, à ultramarathonienne à 40ans… je suis «The Girl Next Door»… je partage mes bonnes et mes moins bonnes journées… je veux montrer que tout est possible, il suffit d’y croire et de mettre les efforts!

iRun for fun, and to stay healthy. — Valerie LaFramboise, Quebec

de 2 ans et 5 ans respectivement. Passionnée de la course à pied, elle la décrit comme un excellent moyen d’équilibrer le bien-être mental et physique. La course a une place importante de sa vie. Chloé est née avec quelques problèmes du système digestif; son œsophage n’étant pas connecté à son estomac, sa condition a exigé plusieurs opérations chirurgicales importantes.

Toutefois, Roxanne et Chloé feront la course des enfants 1 km à Mont-Tremblant le 14 août prochain. Sandra, elle, prendra le départ du Demi-marathon Mont-Tremblant, “son Boston des demi-marathon” affirme-t-elle.

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78 JACQUES AUBIN 52, Montréal

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Pourquoi je cours? Il m’est complètement impossible de dissocier qui j’étais de qui je suis devenu pour pouvoir bien vous raconter pourquoi je cours. Retour en octobre 2009, lorsque j’ai pris l’importante décision de changer ma vie et de me reprendre en main. J’étais en ce temps là un obèse morbide de 415 livres, menant une vie profondement sédentaire, au premier regard, on aurait dit une cause perdue.

Vous comprendrez alors ce qui suit en rapport avec mon histoire ave la course à pied. En tant que jeune enfant j’étais un très bon coureur et sportif. À Montréal, je participais déjà avidemment à plusieurs courses de style “Cross Country” organisées dans le cadre scolaire. En temps de vacances estivales je courrais en forêt en compagnie de mes cousins, au grand air de la campagne. Déjà, à ce jeune âge, la forêt avait complètement conquis mon cœur. Scout depuis le tendre âge de 11 ans et militaire cadet à 13 ans, le pistage animal en forêt était ce qui m’intéressait le plus lors des formations.

Aujourd’hui, je me retrouve de retour dans un corps de 190 livres, et alors que la course à pied est revenue dans ma vie,

j’éprouve le même sentiment, le même regard, les mêmes émotions, la même passion vis à vis de cette discipline.

Courir sur le bitûme me satisfait en partie, mais c’est surtout en forêt que je suis en extase. Au sein de ces lieux mystiques, où l’animal règne, je me sens à nouveau vivre comme un garçon curieux de 5 ans. J’ai le sentiment de faire un avec le règne animal et la forêt, comme si il y avait un animal en moi qui vibrait de bonheur dans ce milieu. Le vent sur ma peau, le son de ma propre respiration, les odeurs de la forêt, les bruits mystérieux et la mélodie du ruissèlement des rivières me procurent un plaisir immense et une paix corporelle et spirituelle énorme que parfois j’ai l’impression de comprendre de quoi est fait le bonheur des animaux vivants à ces endroits. La course à pied me procure un sentiment de liberté tellement grand que j’ai l’impression de flotter. Ayant été prisonnier d’un corps dont je ne voulais pas et limité dans mes actions pendant trop longtemps, je sens que courir me comble tellement, que parfois j’ai vraiment l’impression que je rêve. SVP, prière de ne pas me réveiller!

iRun to relieve stress and be happy. — Kathy Thomas, Ontario

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THE MORE WE’LL SEE THESE LIGHTS.

iRun— Name Name, Province

THE LESS WE SEE THESE LIGHTS,

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MYRIAM CYR ON MICHEL BOSSE 7, LaSalle

Michel was diagnosed with autism around the age of four, which came as no surprise to us as we had observed unusual mannerisms and severely delayed speech development since he was very young.

Now, at seven years old, he attends school and his language development has improved, although he is still behind for his age. One of the characteristics of autism spectrum disorders is a poor grasp of the subtleties of language.

When Michel began to understand the word “win,” a new problem developed for our family. He became obsessed with winning.

He had to be first at everything! First in line, first to finish, first to eat, first to answer, first out the door. Many tantrums ensued, as you can imagine.

Michel would not even try something that he was not sure to win.

We had to work with behavioral specialists as well as his teachers to try to help him get over his fear of not winning.

One of the tools we used was races.

Michel did not want to participate at first, since he wasn’t sure he would win, that is, until I told him about a very special race. I told him that at this race, all you had to do to win was to pass the finish line. If you came in first, you were a winner. He heartily agreed. I told him if you came in second you would also win. He began to look puzzled. I told him if he finished fourth, tenth or very last, he would still win.

Now he began to laugh. I then explained to him that the only way you could possibly lose this race was to give up before you were done.

When asked if he wanted to participate, we got a resounding “Yes!” Michel finished his race, got his medal, and slowly began to understand that there were other ways to be a winner than coming in first.

Participating in race events has become a great source of joy for our family.

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80 MARNIE FOSSIT ON JULIE FOSSIT

84 MIMMI THOMPSON ON KERSTIN HELEN 52, Barrie » My mother is the strongest, most conscien-

40, Kingston » Julie is my inspiration, encouraging me when I don’t feel motivated to get out for a run and supporting me to stay positive when an injury has sidelined my goals. I’ve seen the effect she has had on others, including her children. I’m proud to say that I’m her mom.

tious, grounded woman I know, who is full of grit! I have her to thank for pushing me to pursue long-distance running, which has allowed me to set goals and challenge myself in both mental and physical pursuits.

Thanks mom!

86 FRANÇOIS CHAPLEAU 60, Ottawa » I jog along the most beautiful training facility of the world, the Rideau Canal. I jog for fun and to keep myself healthy. I have never done a marathon in less than four hours because training associated with better times is too demanding with my work schedule. But watch out when I retire.

81 ERNEST FORSTER ON CRAIG BAUMAN 50, Waterloo » Craig had a pituitary tumour that resulted in reduced athletic performance starting at 43. When he ran 5K race over two minutes slower despite more training, he saw his doctor. They discovered a pituitary tumour. He had surgery and is back running with our group again.

87 MARIA LEVY 66, Montréal » My motivation comes from my grandchildren. They’re proud of me, my accomplishments and anxiously await my visit after each race so they can see my medal.

Whatever your motivation, be it health, people or for your own pride, running’s a fantastic sport with so many benefits. Just do it!

85 BETH ARMSTRONG 61, Calgary » iRan in 88 REBECCA Kandahar (where I worked as a military contractor) to WEMYSS 33, Ottawa » I 82 PATRICIA KMET ON DARCIA KMET 48, Orleans » Darcia lived a sedentary lifestyle, as did I. Then — running. To date she’s completed 20 half marathons, 20 marathons, 7 half Ironman and 7 Ironman events. Oh, and she never starts a race without putting on lipstick.

“It’s all about the look,” she says. She always ends a race looking like she ONLY ran around the block.

83 GEORGETTE HOULE 61, Ottawa » I’ve been a runner all my life, not fast — I’m the slow and steady runner at the back of the pack. I ran my first half marathon at 51 (2:16) and my first marathon for my 60th birthday (5:12). I plan on doing many more.

iRun 4 my life! — Shawn Butt, Nova Scotia

develop my mental and physical strength needed to endure working long hours at the back of a war zone. iRun now to recapture that strength after recovering from a lengthy/annoying injury. My first goal is running the Kilt Run June 25.

teach at Cairine Wilson SS in Ottawa. When I first started, I heard everyone talking about Race Weekend and I signed up for my first 5K. Every other year I run the half and therefore just cheer at the 10K — it’s so much fun cheering on all the students who run in the races!

89 TAMICA McBRIDE 30, Belmont » I’ve completed my first marathon and it was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. I ran once in the two months prior to race day and had less than four hours sleep – I didn’t want to run and it was a mental challenge. It’s amazing what a person can accomplish.

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runners 96 EMIDIO 94 COLIN HICKMAN 27, Yukon » While I’d like to SANTRONI 36, Hamilton say I run to stay fit, Yukon is known for its wilderness and I run to enjoy what the Yukon has to offer: the outdoors. It also helps me relieve stress and think. It also introduced me to my running partners: Juggie and Oreo.

90 FORUZAN VELJI 47, Toronto » This past February my father passed away. A devastating experience, I was hibernating from everyone. My emotions were overwhelming. Two girlfriends convinced me to run the Chilly Half: these girls stayed with me from start to finish. Connie Mellart and Donna Gallant — thanks for the friendship, support and running therapy sessions.

97 ALVIN CHOW 48, Vancouver » 2016 has been a great year for me in terms of PBs: St. Patrick’s Day 5K, Sun Run and Vancouver Marathon 8K. Highlight of the Sun Run? I got hit by bird poop at the 5K mark and my highest achievement was at the 8K where I came third in my age category.

91 MOURAD BELHOCINE 45, Montréal » Running for me is essential. Sometimes I run twice a day, seven days a week. While running, I make decision of my life.

My youngest son is eight and suffers from epileptic seizure, autism and Developmental coordination disorder (DCD) or dispraxia.

I run for him, for sick kids in general.

92 STEPHANIE MAGGS 49, Orangeville » I’ve been a member of Team Diabetes for eight years and I am on a quest to run a marathon on all seven continents while raising $100,000 for the Canadian Diabetes Association.

Oh, and I run because I love to eat!

» Before I started running I was in a dark place, my son was diagnosed with autism, I was depressed, and weighed 242 lbs.

However the night is darkest just before the dawn. I started running because every time I look at my son I see the extraordinary in the ordinary things he does every day.

95 CATHIE NUSS “40ish,” Oakville » I run for so many reasons: physical fitness, mental health, love of the outdoors; to maintain a busy lifestyle; for the challenge; to run off a bad day; to celebrate a great day; to share the miles with friends; to commiserate; to laugh and for the stories about the races/medals.

98 LEIGH COUTURE 40, Half Moon Bay » I live in a small community and we have a great running club put together by two wonderful ladies. The Half Moon Bay running group has grown to 160 members who communicate their running experiences, look for company, and encourage each other. Thanks to our volunteer leaders Heather and Janine.

93 GARY BANKS 59, Stittsville » Most fun was

99 KELLY CAMPBELL ON ANNA

doing the 5K, 10K, half and marathon on four consecutive days with four different daughters, all in costumes. We also ran the Dumbo Double Dare, and crossed the finish line of the 10K as gender-reversed Snow White and four Dwarfs.

I could not have been prouder!

FERREIRA 32, Toronto » I applaud her perseverance. I cannot state how difficult this has been and how much admiration I have for her. It’s easy to stick to something that comes easy, that you’re good at without trying, but the character of a person is defined by what they do when faced with adversity. Anna fights on.

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iRun to inspire my son, Emile. — Eric Hardy, Quebec

Skyler Tibbits is a fighter. At age 23, in the time of her life when her friends were going out and enjoying young adulthood, Skyler lived a very different reality. On March 11, 2015, Skyler was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Her diagnosis also came soon after her grandmother whom she was very close with passed away from lung and breast cancer.

“During treatment, hundreds of people will tell you what you will go through. My instinct told me to listen to my body and do what feels right,” she says. “Certainly, listen to you doctors. I’m saying there were days I felt fine, and there were days I didn’t want to get out of bed. Don’t let other people tell you your limitations.”

During her recovery is also when Skyler partnered with Cigna vocational coach, Victoria Baker, who is providing additional resources and encouragement to support Skyler’s comeback. In addition to other resources Cigna offers, the Cigna Achilles Customer Referral Program provides disability customers the resources and support needed to

iRun because WOMEN’S HEALTH MATTERS!! — Viola Hoo, Ontario

achieve their health and personal goals. Through the program, Victoria introduced Skyler to an Achilles personal trainer who provided additional rehabilitation resources.

Skyler’s determination and dedication to her health also led Victoria to invite Skyler to participate in the Toronto Achilles 5K Run/Walk on March 13th as an Achilles athlete on Team Cigna. Achilles International is a non-profit organization which aims to help people with different types of disabilities achieve their goals through participating in mainstream sporting events.

“My grandmother is my biggest inspiration, and has been throughout my health journey,” she says. “When I cross the finish line in Toronto, I will be thinking of her and how far I’ve come.” Walking with Skyler at the 5K will be her friend and colleague Beverly Franklin.

A little less than one year since her diagnosis, Skyler is cancer-free. After completing her 5K, she is looking forward to achieving new health goals including working up to participating in a Tough Mudder.

100 SKYLER TIBBITS 23, Toronto

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SEPTEMBER 18, 2016

OTTAWA CANADA

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EXPERIENCE THIS UNIQUE EVENT! ¡ CADPAT technical shirt ¡ FREE race photos

¡ Scenic route including grounds of Rideau Hall ¡ Dog-tag finisher’s medals

¡ BMO Kids’ Zone ¡ Pasta Dinner served military field-kitchen style

¡ Military equipment display

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SATURDAY, JUNE 11 Abbotsford Police Challenge Abbotsford, B.C. abbypd.ca/challenge-run SUNDAY, JUNE 12 Edge to Edge Marathon Ucluelet, B.C. edgetoedgemarathon. com SUNDAY, JUNE 19 Deep Summer Solstice Run Dawson Creek, B.C. deepphysio. com/#!DEEP-SUMMERSOLSTICE-RUN-2016 SUNDAY, JULY 10 Mount Thompson Challenge Creston, B.C. mtthompsonchallenge. yolasite.com SATURDAY, JULY 16 Totem to Totem Marathon Vancouver, B.C. totemtototem.com SATURDAY, JULY 23 Vancouver Pride Run and Walk Vancouver, B.C. vancouverpride.ca/ content/event/priderun-walk SUNDAY, JULY 21 Squamish Days 8K Squamish, B.C. lmrrs.com/races.htm SATURDAY, AUGUST 6 Annual Loop the Lake Invermere, B.C. loopthelake.bc.ca

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 Mount Robson Marathon Valemount, B.C. mountrobsonmarathon.ca FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 Pure Protein Night Race Vancouver, B.C. nightrace.ca/what-is-it-s13853 SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 Blue Heron Half Marathon Creston, B.C. blueheronhalfathon.ca SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8 BMO Okanagan Marathon Kelowna, B.C. okanaganmarathon.ca SATURDAY, OCTOBER 15 Kokanee Run Kelowna, B.C. missioncreekfriends. ca/education/kokaneefun-run SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6 Live it Up 8K Parksville, B.C. liveituprun.com SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3 Santa Shuffle Vancouver, B.C. santashuffle.ca SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31 Annual Resolution Run Victoria, B.C. resolutionrun.ca [ PRAIRIES ]

SUNDAY, AUGUST 28 VanRace 15-30K Vancouver, B.C. vanrace.ca

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SATURDAY, JUNE 11 Storm the Fort Obstacle Course Race

iRun to show my kids that I can and that they should too! — Kim Murray, Ontario

RACECALENDAR Fort Saskatchewan, Alta. stormthefort.ca SATURDAY, JUNE 11 Farmers Filthy 5K Stenen, Sask. farmersfilthy5.com SUNDAY, JUNE 12 Peace Rive Heritage Run Peace River, Alta. peaceriver.ca/event/annualheritage-run/ SATURDAY, JUNE 18 Millarville Run to the Farmers Market Half Marathon Millarville, Alta. millarvillehalfmarathon.com SATURDAY, JUNE 18 Honey Festival Run/Walk Falher, Alta. thehoneyfestival.ca SUNDAY, JUNE 19 Mudd Sweat and Tears 5K Edmonton, Alta. muddsweatandtears.com/ events/ FRIDAY, JULY 1 High River Half Marathon High River, Alta. highriverhalf.com SUNDAY, JULY 3 Great White North Triathalon St. Albert, Alta. gwntriathlon.com SATURDAY, JULY 16 Multiple Miles for Myeloma Edmonton, Alta. southernalbertamyeloma.org SUNDAY, AUGUST 14 Moose Mountain Marathon Saskairie, Sask. moosetrailraces.com SATURDAY, AUGUST 20 Edmonton Marathon Edmonton, Alta. edmontonmarathon.ca

SATURDAY, AUGUST 27 Snake Hill Slam Sundre, Alta. snakehillslam.com SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 Edmonton Gorilla Run Edmonton, Alta. edmontongorillarun.ca SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 Saskatoon Heartbeat Run Saskatoon, Sask. heartbeatrun.ca/events/ saskatoon SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1 Bills Trail Run Lacombe, Alta. billstrailrun.com SUNDAY, OCTOBER 2 The Operun Battleford, Sask. theoperun.com SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22 Spruce Meadows Oktoberfest Run Calgary, Alta. sprucemeadows.com/ runseries/ SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3 Santa Shuffle Regina, Sask. santashuffle.ca SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3 Santa Shuffle Calgary and Edmonton, Alta. santashuffle.ca [ ONTARIO & QUEBEC ]

SUNDAY, JUNE 12 Spring Fling 15K, 10K, 5K Toronto, Ont. springflingtoronto.com/ raceinfo/ SUNDAY, JUNE 12 2016 Toronto Challenge Toronto, Ont. www1.toronto.ca/wps/portal/ contentonly?vgnextoid=897a 3293dc3ef310VgnVCM100000

iRun to prove there’s a life after a stroke. — Barbara-Anne Kearney, Quebec

71d60f89RCRD SATURDAY, JUNE 25 Toronto Waterfront 10 Toronto, Ont. canadarunningseries.com/ toronto10k/ TUESDAY, JUNE 28 Tim Hortons Peachbud 10K, 5K and 1K Grimsby, Ont. niagararunningseries.com/ races/peachbud/ SUNDAY, JULY 17 Massey Marathon Massey, Ont. masseymarathon.com FRIDAY, JULY 22 Angus Glen Five Miler Markham, Ont. angusglenrunningseries.com SATURDAY, JULY 23 Durham Quarter Marathon Oshawa, Ont. thedqm.ca SUNDAY, JULY 31 Muskoka Rocks Road Races Minett, Ont. muskokarocks.ca

Half Marathon Toronto, Ont. torontotenmiler.ca SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 Island Girl Half Marathon, Relay and 5K Toronto, Ont. islandgirlrunning.com SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 Oakville Half Marathon Oakville, Ont. oakvillehalfmarathon.com SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 Run for the Grapes Half Marathon St. Catherines, Ont. niagararunningseries.com/ races/grapes/ SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22 Toronto Women’s 8K-5K Toronto, Ont. towomensruns.com SUNDAY, OCTOBER 30 Niagara Falls International Marathon Niagara Falls, Ont. niagarafallsmarathon.com

SATURDAY, AUGUST 13 Pure Protein Night Race Ottawa, Ont. nightrace.ca

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 12 Tim Hortons Casablanca Classic 8K & 3K Grimsby, Ont. niagararunningseries.com/ races/casablanca/

SATURDAY, AUGUST 27 Toronto Women’s 10K-5K Toronto, Ont. towomensruns.com

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 13 Downsview Airport 8K & 5K Toronto, Ont. downsviewrunning.com

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 Pure Protein Night Race Toronto, Ont. nightrace.ca

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3 Santa Shuffle Barrie, Hamilton, Mississauga, Kingston, Oakville, Ottawa, Toronto santashuffle.ca

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 Pure Protein Night Race Montréal nightrace.ca SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 Toronto 10-Miler 5K and

runnb.ca/Calendar/viewevent.php?id=1153 SATURDAY, JUNE 26 Miramichi Rock N Run Miramichi, N.B. runmiramichi.ca SATURDAY, JULY 2 Salmon Festival Waterfront Race Campbellton, N.B. www.facebook.com/SalmonFestival-Waterfront-RoadRace SUNDAY, JULY 10 Run St. Andrews 10K and 5K St. Andrews, N.B. raceroster.com/ events/2015/4866/run-standrews-10k-5k SATURDAY, JUNE 11 Points East Lighthouse Run-Relay Souris, PEI cysticfibrosis.ca/atlanticcanada/events/points-eastlighthouse-run-relay SUNDAY, JULY 24 Georgetown 5K and 10K Charlottetown, PEI peiroadrunners. pbworks.com/w/ page/105460656/2016%20 Race%20Schedule SUNDAY, JULY 31 Fredericton Wine Run Fredericton, N.B. raceroster.com/ events/2016/6151/frederictonwine-run-2016-nb-dayrunning-weekend FRIDAY, AUGUST 12 Marathon By The Sea Race Weekend Saint John, N.B. marathonbythesea.com

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SATURDAY, JUNE 26 5K Salmon Run Fredericton, N.B.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 28 The BS Run Fredericton, N.B. thebsrun.weebly.com

iRun.ca

37

SPONSORED BY

WHY I RUN MARK SUTCLIFFE, COLUMNIST

IN PRAISE OF 100 RUNNERS The origin of iRun is to celebrate every single member of our growing, inspiring community

W

hen I first started running, I thought of it as an individual sport. My early attempts at travelling 5K felt protracted and lonely. Before long, however, I started training and talking with others and I quickly began to discover how genuinely welcoming and supportive a community is the nation of runners.

So much of sports – indeed, so much of life – is a competition, a zero sum game. Only one team can win the Stanley Cup. Only one competitor can capture the title at the Masters or Wimbledon.

Even at an amateur level, you and your friend can’t both triumph in the game of squash or checkers or Monopoly that you play against each other. Only one candidate gets the job, only one family wins the bidding war for the house. Everyone can have a chance at the lottery, or becoming prime minister, but only one person has the

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2016 ISSUE 04

winning ticket. In so many elements of our daily life, success is absolutely finite.

If you get it, I don’t.

But with the extreme exception of the elite runners at the very front of the pack, in whose company most of us will never travel, in running everyone can accomplish their goals on the same day. At the start line of a major race are tens of thousands of runners. It’s not that every single one of them has a chance to be the one who is happy with the outcome. It’s that there’s a chance every single one of them will be happy, at the same time.

And while all of them will travel the same path to the finish, each took a different but equally compelling route to the start.

Before other competitions, you can wish another athlete luck in a gesture of sportsmanship. May the best person win, you might even say. But in your heart,

you know that one of you must fail and you hope it’s not you. In running, the good wishes at the start line are genuine. There is no reason to hope that anyone else stumble. There is no limit to the number of athletes who can run the race of their lives.

A thousand runners can achieve their personal best, all in the same race.

I can cross the finish line and be both happy with my performance and thrilled to hear that my friend met her goal as well. You can high-five a stranger or your training partner at the finish line because you both did what you set out to do. We can all celebrate together because my suc-

cess does not come at the expense of yours.

And running, of course, is not just about the race-day experience.

The journey of training for an event, or even running without ever racing, has countless rewards. You can feel healthier, both mentally and physically. You can outrun the demons, or the chocolate chip cookies, that are chasing you. You can get fitter or faster. You can lose weight. And you can draw on the support of others, and offer yours to them, as you both pursue your goals and dreams.

Indeed, one person’s success is not only distinct from another’s, it can help to inspire it. It’s in that spirit

that we launched iRun more than eight years ago. I was amazed by the number of stories of runners supporting, encouraging, motivating and challenging other runners and I felt they must be shared.

We’ve profiled a lot of amazing athletes over the years, some of whom have broken the tape and even records at the finish line, a few of whom have earned the right to compete at the Olympics. But iRun has always been about the extraordinary experience of the ordinary runner and the remarkable benefits of sharing the journey.

It’s what drives us and it’s what we are determined to continue doing.

Mark Sutcliffe is the founder of iRun and the author of Why I Run: The Remarkable Journey of the Ordinary Runner.

DOWNLOAD the iRun Podcasts: iRun.ca LISTEN to iRun | The Running Show: TSN1200.ca FOLLOW him on Twitter: @_marksutcliffe SEE excerpts of his book: WhyIRun.ca

iRun because I want to and I love it. — Merced Cote, Quebec

OUT OF THE LAB AND READY TO RUN.

THE RIDE 9 Breakthrough Cushioning

WITH CONTINUOUS CUSHIONING

Breakthrough Construction

See the film at saucony.com/ride *Results reflect EVERUN material compared to traditional EVA. For comparative, testing and product information please visit saucony.com/EVERUN

83% Energy Return*