Running doesn’t cost me time, because without running.”

Running Style, by Coureur Nordique

How do I wear running clothes and still look cool?

ayor Sutcliffe wears many hats. In addition to being a broadcaster, journalist and longtime volunteer, the Mayor also started iRun magazine in 2008, as a publication of his media company, Great River Media, which was launched in 2003. Today, the Mayor still fits daily runs into his busy schedule, and even took some time out to chat with old friends.

iRun: Can you share an anecdote from a day at the office—perhaps when entertaining a visit from close buddies like President Biden or Ryan Reynolds?

Mayor Sutcliffe: We hired a new member of our office a few weeks ago and her first day was when Ryan Reynolds visited. I told Ryan that we were trying to convince her it was a normal day, so when he was introduced to her, he said Beyoncé was going to be visiting the next day.

iRun: Not quite like your days as the publisher of iRun, though we do entertain celebrities like Cam Levins around here. But seriously, is there a connection between the two gigs? MS: Every role I’ve had in my career has been an amazing learning opportunity and I’ve tried to incorporate all of my past experience into this job. Having spent most of my career as a small business owner, the big difference for me is that at city hall I don’t have to do almost everything myself. There’s a great team of people around me and I can rely on their help and experience.

iRun: I’m amazed that you’ve carried on with your running. Everyone complains about being busy but I can’t imagine anyone being as busy as you. Why not give up your sneakers?

lecoureurnordique.ca iRun: What do you get out of your running, and has that changed since becoming Mayor? iRun: Can you talk about the pressure, running the country’s capital, but also the rewards? iRun: Does being a runner help inform your politics, your understanding of your city?

At 45-years-old, I’m not stressed like I once was about my running and I think wearing colourful, bright clothing helps me engage my mind to be happy. When you’re happy, you look cool—no matter what you wear. I’ve tried it the other way, being stressed, but now I think the thing is to enjoy your life before, during, and after the race. Colourful clothing helps me with that. At a race, there’s a sea of runners. You want to stand out. Why not have fun? I think if you feel good in your clothing, you’re cool and that will help you perform. It’s tied into confidence. I like yellows, reds and blues and don’t mind clashing. Stress can have a negative impact on performance so if I wear my socks up high or bright shirts and big sunglasses, it’s fun. That’s cool. Sometimes if I’m wearing something loud, it helps remind me to stay loose. You’re being photographed at races. Wear something that shows the world who you are.

MS:I could never give up running! I’ve run every single day for just over a year, including throughout last year’s election campaign and every day that I’ve been mayor. I believe in making as few decisions as possible, so if you run every day, you can never postpone until tomorrow.

MS: People always wonder how I have time, but if it’s important, you make time. And I get so many benefits from running that I would lose if I didn’t do it. It doesn’t cost me time, because I couldn’t do what I do without running. It keeps me healthy and sane. I get energy from running, and it also gives me the time to think things through and remind myself of principles and priorities. Running teaches me that everything is about the long game.

MS: It’s the best job I’ve ever had. I get to see every part of our amazing city, and witness all the great work that’s being done by residents, volunteers, community leaders, entrepreneurs, and not-for-profit organizations. Any pressure is outweighed by the extraordinary privilege and honour of being the mayor of my hometown.

MS: I try to remember the lesson I tried to share in my TEDx Talk. Picture a marathon, but one in which we don’t all line up at the same start line. In real life, some of us start much farther back because of circumstances, disadvantages, and systemic biases. I was very lucky to be born in Ottawa at a time of safety, opportunity, and prosperity. My parents were immigrants who came to Canada from very different circumstances. I try to remind myself of that every day. iRun: That’s so true. And to pivot a bit, can we talk about Ottawa Race Weekend? What does it mean to the city and how many times have you participated in the event?

MS: Ottawa Race Weekend is one of the biggest and best events in our city. It’s great for the health of our community and it brings a lot of visitors to Ottawa. My guess is that I’ve participated almost 20 times as a runner, volunteer, and broadcaster. The only time I didn’t have a role was in 2009, when my wife was nine months pregnant and I didn’t think it was a good idea to be running a marathon when she might go into labour.

Recovery Tips, by the Running Factory

How do I best recover after my race?

Recovery requires nutrition, hydration, sleep, stress control, and tools from the moment you finish your run to the moment you start your next. Make the time for the things that help you become an old runner, not an ex-runner—it’s worth it in the long run (pun intended)! Think nutrition: fueling properly pre-run, during your run (do your “gu math”) and post-run to replenish and rebuild. Also hydration: drinking enough water pre-run, water and/or hydration mix during your run, and post-run mix to replenish hydration and electrolyte levels. Another key iRun: No wonder you’re the Mayor. That was probably wise. iRun: What are your running plans this year? iRun: I think it’s great for our readers to hear that. That you still have big running goals even though you’re doing the biggest job of your life. iRun: Are you recognized on your runs? Do you see the city through different eyes? MS: I sometimes get recognized, but I think for most people it’s out of context so they aren’t expecting to see the mayor sweating through a run. I’ve always loved the physical beauty and diversity of Ottawa so I relish running throughout the city. My appreciation for my hometown has only grown. runningfactory.com element is sleep. For sure getting recommended hours of sleep to help heal and build your muscles. Be flexible during your week to maximize what you get from your runs and balance the demands of life. There’s also great recovery tools—things like foam rollers, massage guns and hand rollers help keep your muscles loose and encourage best range of motion for optimal running efficiency. Local medical professionals like Physiotherapists, Chiropractors, Massage Therapists, and Sports Nutritionists (among other professions) are a great aid in keeping your muscles and joints on track. Having a team in your corner is always a good thing!

MS: As it turns out, we went to the hospital the night of the marathon and our son Jack was born the next day.

MS: I intend to run the marathon at Ottawa Race Weekend. I’m also hoping to run the Berlin Marathon in September. I originally gained entry in 2019, but I’ve had to postpone a few times because of work and COVID.

MS: I think it’s really important to have personal goals even if you are deeply engaged professionally. The stronger you are physically and mentally, the more effective you will be. The more well-rounded and diverse your life, the better perspective you’ll bring to your work. I’ve often said to my colleagues on city council, quoting the great Canadian rock band Trooper: We’re here for a good time, not a long time. Someday I won’t be mayor, so it’s important for me to cultivate and enrich the other parts of my life, including family, friends, and hobbies.