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iRun because the wall is meant to be broken Jonathan Bird, Ontario

iRun because it’s in meMichael Foley, Stittsville, ON

iRun because running is like breathing to Stephanie McEvoy, Ontario

iRun iRun away from the abyss Charlene Thomas, Ontario

iRun because it’s like flying, only lower Glenn Johnson, Ontario

iRun because I get foot rubs afterward Kate Howerton, British Columbia

iRun iRun because I love the sense of accomplishment Amber Moase, Nova Scotia

iRun iRun because endorphins are free Cassandra Chouinard, Ontario

iRun iRun to maintain a strong physical and mental state Tammy Rainville, Ontario

iRun for relaxation and to motivate my two sonsKeith Bradbury, Newfoundland

iRun iRun because it's better than almost everything else Nathan Carey, Ontario

iRun because people around me inspire mePina Bevilacqua, Caledon, ON

iRun because I want to qualify for Boston and raise money for charities near and dear to my heartChristine Gracel, Calgary, AB

iRun iRun to feel great Kathryn Rachar, Saskatchewan

iRun because it’s a great way to see the world Sherry Mahoney, British Columbia

iRun iRun to inspire my children! Wendy Bowen, Manitoba

iRun because not everyone can Olivia Harvey, New Brunswick

iRun because it makes me feel good, allows me to spend time with my friends and gives me a feeling of accomplishmentHelen Kolodziejzyk, Calgary, AB

iRun iRun because iEat Sherry Maligaspe, British Columbia

iRun because I want to live to be 100! Colette DeJean, Ontario

iRun because it makes me whole Denis Ladouceur, Quebec

iRun because otherwise I’m grumpy Alexandre Charest, Quebec

iRun because iEat Sherry Maligaspe, British Columbia

iRun because I can’t dance Mario Javier, Ontario

iRun because I am not as clumsy I thought I was Hanna Baer, Quebec

iRun because food tastes better afterwards Patrick Houston, Alberta

iRun iRun to satisfy the irresistible urge Tim Nixon, British Columbia

iRun iRun for the fresh air and adrenalin Charlyn McGregor, Saskatchewan

iRun because it reminds me of how strong I can be Monique Lavoie, Ontario

iRun because it gives my day a boost of energy Sara Campbell, Nova Scotia

iRun iRun because it's cheaper than therapy Leah Boulter, Alberta

iRun to my happy place and some days it’s very Doreen May, Alberta

iRun because it gives me freedom to relax my brainMarie-Claude Gregoire, Nova Scotia

iRun at 50 years old because at 43 I couldn’t Peter Cicalo, Ontario

iRun iRun so that I can live longer and stronger Derek MacPhail, Ontario

iRun to stay ahead of the weight gainMyra Abstreiter, Alberta

iRun iRun all the livelong day Pierre Saint-Laurent, Québec

iRun because it reminds me that I am capable of so much more than I have doneJames Sauve, Ottawa, ON

iRun iRun to eat Maureen Tritscher, Alberta

iRun to challenge myself, physically and mentallyKathleen Keenan, Brampton, ON

iRun to prove to them that iCan Catherine Smith, Manitoba

iRun iRun because it helps me see things more clearly Jennifer Pitts, Ontario

iRun so I don’t say never ever again Linda Klaric, Manitoba

iRun because I’ve lost 80 lbs and running has become fun Cheryl Kelly, Ontario

iRun for the challenge to go faster and farther Steven Matejka, Alberta

iRun iRun to challenge my perceived limitations Cassandra Williams, Ontario

iRun but not enoughMichael Shaw, New Westminister, BC

iRun to prove to myself I canLesley McGougan, Brampton, ON

iRun because I learn more about who I am with every kmSteph Mansell, Quebec

iRun see where my feet will take me todayMegan Dolinskas, New York

iRun because I need it to soothe the soul, keep me in shape and for overall wellbeingBeth Neil, Lombardy, ON

iRun for meKiza Francis, Ottawa,ON

iRun whenever I feel the need to escape Iona Hillis, Ontario

iRun because it’s cheaper than therapy Leah Boulter, Alberta

iRun because it is my tonic and my salvation Georgia Ioannou, British Columbia

iRun for the moment when both feet are off the ground Catherine Anderson, British Columbia

iRun to stay fit and release those running endorphinsLiliana Plava, Calgary, AB

iRun iRun because I like buying running clothes Pamela Blaikie, Ontario

iRun because I never thought I would be able toGary Morris, Winnipeg, MB

iRun because it cleans up my life, because I drink more water, sleep better and eat healthier foodsRobin McIntyre, Ottawa, ON

iRun to be free and enjoy our beautiful countryCheryl Carter, Clearwater , BC

iRun because couch potatoes die young Cathy Andrew, Ontario

iRun for health, iRun for life Pat Cheung, British Columbia

iRun to inspire my kids to tryGlen Johnston, Nunavut

iRun iRun because it is my tonic and my salvation Georgia Ioannou, British Columbia

iRun iRun because it gives me freedom to relax my brain Marie-Claude Gregoire, Nova Scotia

iRun iRun because somebody once told me I couldn't Heidi Abbey-Der, Saskatchewan

iRun because pecan pie, french fries and beer are chasing meTeresa Sterling, Ottawa , ON

iRun iRun because couch potatoes die young Cathy Andrew, Ontario

iRun for the cool t-shirts! Pina Bevilacqua, Ontario

iRun because of the peace and strength it brings meMichelle Jordan, Ottawa, ON

iRun iRun to correct years of sedentary living! Mike Scott, Ontario

iRun because it’s better than almost everything else Nathan Carey, Ontario

iRun iRun because I learn more about who I am with every km Steph Mansell, Quebec

iRun iRun to challenge my mind, body and soul Sonia Mendes, Ontario

iRun because it makes me feel powerfulCarlene Paquette, Carp, ON

iRun because all the ladies are chasing my sexy runner’s bodyChris Baker, Etobicoke, ON

iRun iRun because it sure beats the bus Robin Robbins, Alberta

iRun to unleash my inner athleteAdelle Densham, Avonmore, ON

iRun because iLoves my man Beverly Huang, Alberta

iRun therefore I amDuncan Walsh, Nottingham, UK

iRun because I want to be a role model for our six kids Catherine Empey, British Columbia

iRun because it makes me feel powerful Sarah Kallaghan, Alberta

iRun iRun for my heart, so it runs for me! Cathy Brzoza, British Columbia

iRun because somebody once told me I couldn’t Heidi Abbey-Der, Saskatchewan

iRun so my daughters know that they can, too Shelley Kirkpatrick, New Brunswick

iRun and run, and run, and run, and nobody can stop me Andrei Lucaciu, Ontario

iRun away from the negative and towards the positive Teri Lepard, Alberta

iRun iRun slowly! Jason Hoffman, Manitoba

iRun iRun for the challenge and to remember to fully live Pascale Synnott, Québec

iRun iRun to eat more, especially sweet potatoe fries Joanna Skomra, Ontario

iRun to someday win the race Lindy Dunlop, Yukon

iRun because there is no finish line Claire Kilgour, Ontario

iRun so I can eat ice cream Sandy Bolan, Ontario

iRun because I cannot say no to a second slice of chocolate cakeEmily Shandruk, Vancouver, BC

iRun to get to know myself, my strength and my spirit Lisa Groulx, Ontario

iRun iRun because i love to Mirella Petriello, Ontario

iRun iRun to kickstart my day Sharon Strueby, Saskatchewan

iRun iRun because I like to be healthy Melanie Oickle, New Brunswick

iRun because it’s fun when it’s done Sue Matte, Ontario

iRun because it gets my husband out there Tricia LaLonde, Alberta

iRun because it makes me a better person, a better wife, a better mother and a better friendNathalie Joncas-Caissie, St-Antoine, NB

iRun iRun for me! Judi Wearing, Saskatchewan

iRun because it has saved my life John Marshall, Alberta

iRun for overall wellbeingTrish McCourt, Halifax, NS

iRun iRun because it's a great stress release Brooke McKenzie, Yukon

iRun because I like buying running clothes Pamela Blaikie, Ontario

iRun because I liveGeorges Schneller, Laval, QC

iRun because I love the solitude Janene Tailleur, British Columbia

iRun because when I run I feel most aliveMeghan Lynch, Ottawa, ON

iRun iRun because walking is too slow Barry Knapp, Ontario

iRun iRun for relaxation and to motivate my two sons Keith Bradbury, Newfoundland

iRun because my heart tells me to William Martin, Manitoba

iRun iRun at 50 years old because at 43 I couldn't Peter Cicalo, Ontario

iRun because I can and I’m gratefulTerry SanCartier, Gatineau, QC

iRun iRun for the individual pursuit Robert Pelletier, New Brunswick

iRun slowly!Jason Hoffman, Manitoba

iRun because endorphins are freeCassandra Chouinard, Ontario


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Athletics Canada: The Fast Lane

Canada's Middle-Distance Depth

In the late eighties and nineties Canada was known internationally as a sprinting power with names like Bailey, Surin, Gilbert, McKoy and Esmie. Canada's current depth now lies in middle-distance events with names like Nate Brannen, Reid Coolsaet, Kevin Sullivan, Gary Reed, Diane Cummins, Carmen Douma-Hussar, Hilary Stellingwerff and Megan Metcalfe.

Martin Goulet, Athletics Canada Chief High Performance Officer, feels the depth is representative of strong middle-distance coaching and expertise in Canada, "Our middle-distance strength is a reflection of the quality and expertise of our coaches and the training groups they have been able to institute." Goulet mentions, "Strong training groups, such as the ones established in Victoria and Guelph, and the newly formed group in Toronto, play a large factor in bringing together our athletic talent with equally talented coaches who can bring these athletes to the next level. For example, the University of Toronto project is bringing together a group of coaches and athletes under the mentorship of coach Hugh Cameron, a world-renowned distance running expert. These coaches used to be working in separate groups - the synergy of working as one larger group and sharing knowledge and ideas is already making a difference. We caught up with a few of these athletes and their coaches as they prepare for Beijing.


Hilary Stellingwerff

Name: Hilary Stellingwerff
Event: 1500 metres
Coach: Dave Scott-Thomas
Recent accomplishments: Member of 2007 World Championships team & 2008 World Indoor Championships team

Hilary Stellingwerff

Hilary on her Olympic plans

In terms of Olympic preparation, I plan on having strong training for the next two months using the strength I've gained from the indoor season, and then I'll start racing in May in order to obtain the (1500 metres) Olympic standard. We are aiming for a few good races in late-May and June. I plan to have fulfilled all of the Olympic criteria before the Trials in Windsor, allowing me to just focus on defending my national 1500-metre title. Hilary on how she feels.

I feel pretty fit from the hard training I've done over the past few months. We really tried to focus on good base and endurance because the long summer season means you need a good base to be fit until the end. Of course, I'm not in peak shape now (and would be worried if I was since it's five months to Beijing!). I'm confident that I'm going in the right direction. As my coach Dave Scott-Thomas said, my workouts have been great and everything indicates that I'm on my way to another good summer with personal best times and the Olympic Games as the main focus.

Hilary's coach on Hilary

Hilary's coming off the best summer season of her life. With each year she gets stronger and faster and her progress so far this season indicates that the trend will continue. Her workouts so far this year have been excellent, and we have yet to move into really specific track sessions. Her strength is good, speed is good, overall fitness and balance is good. I'm excited to get into the competitive season.

To follow Hilary's quest for Beijing

www.runhilaryrun.ca


Megan Metcalfe

Name: Megan Metcalfe
Event: 5000 metres
Coach: Sean Cleary
Recent accomplishments: Gold medal at the 2007 Pan American Games, set new Canadian record at 2008 World Indoors

Megan Metcalfe

Megan's coach on Megan

We're very excited with Megan's preparations for this summer. Her winter build up could not have gone better. This is the fittest that she's emerged from winter preparations. We are confident that she will have her best spring and summer season of her career. The Olympics are obviously the goal. Not only qualifying for the Olympics but securing a spot in the final has been the goal for the past years.

Megan on how she feels

I feel that after Valencia (2008 World Indoor Championships), I am on track for good things this summer. I feel that my performance in the heats of the 3000m (8:48, new Canadian Indoor Record) shows that I am capable of both running fast times and racing with the best in the world. My performance in the final, which was not very good, taught me that it is going to be a battle and I need to be in top form to compete with the best.

Megan's plans for the outdoor season

I am still working on finalizing my race schedule, my plan is to run a 5000 metres race in the middle of April in California to try and achieve the 'A' standard of 15:09. In preparation for this I am keeping things simple, working hard and keeping training consistent. After that it will back to the track for some good quality, hard workouts before a mini European tour at the end of May and early June. My goals for these races will be first to hit the selection criteria to qualify for the Olympic Team, and secondly to be able to race 5000m against the best in the world with a few days rest.

Hopefully I will have succeeded in both of these tasks and be able to fly back to my home training base happy, relaxed and excited going into the Canadian Championships with confidence that I will be selected to the team. That will give me a good training block before we depart for Beijing. Since the conditions there are expected to be challenging, I will do a lot of workouts in the heat of the day and as uncomfortably as possible to prepare.

A lot of the small detail will likely change over the next three months, but my basic plan is to get faster, stronger, tougher and more experienced. I am pretty confident that I am on the right track, I just need to put it all together and prove it.

To follow Megan's quest for Beijing

www.megontherun.com


Gary Reed

Name: Gary Reed
Event: 800 metres
Coach: Wynn Gmitroski
Recent accomplishments: Silver medal at the 2007 World Championships

Gary Reed

Wynn Gmitroski, Gary Reed's coach on Gary's preparation

We are 160 days (at time of interview) from the 800 metre heats in Beijing. In my opinion Gary is right where I would like to see him at this point of the season. How he got to this point has been a little different this year in preparation, but all that matters right now is we are both relaxed about his current fitness and health. Gary will stay in North America and will likely run in New York, Prefontaine, the Harry Jerome and one more meet to be determined.

Wynn on Gary being a chasee rather than a chaser

We spend more time talking about things and making sure we are both realistic with what we are doing. The key is with the success he has had; only slight modifications need to be included into his training. When things have gone well, it's not the time to make major changes to the program. The only time we would look at that is if something unforeseen comes up - then we would just deal with it. Gary is well aware that his success has put him in a new position, as a target, but he is ready for that, it is all part of the process.

Wynn on the silver medal at Worlds

We talked about that and reviewed the pictures of the finish (Gary was leading with 50 metres to go but was edged out at the line by Alfred Kirwa Yego) in reality he didn't let up. Maybe he timed the finish line too early, but not having seen all the pictures previously gave me the wrong impression. Further review showed he did do almost everything he could have. He was in the optimal performance state where he hardly even remembers the race, he was on automatic pilot. There are a few little things we added to his training to work on the last 50 metres of the race and improve the finish but I don't want to make that public right now.


 

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