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

iRun to stay fit and release those running endorphins – Liliana Plava , Calgary, AB

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

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

iRun but not enough – Michael Shaw , New Westminister, BC

iRun because I never thought I would be able to – Gary Morris , Winnipeg, MB

iRun to challenge myself, physically and mentally – Kathleen Keenan , Brampton, ON

iRun because people around me inspire me – Pina Bevilacqua , Caledon, ON

iRun therefore I am – Duncan Walsh , Nottingham, UK

iRun because I live – Georges Schneller , Laval, QC

iRun to be free and enjoy our beautiful country – Cheryl Carter , Clearwater , BC

iRun for overall wellbeing – Trish McCourt , Halifax, NS

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

iRun because it makes me feel powerful – Carlene Paquette , Carp, ON

iRun because pecan pie, french fries and beer are chasing me – Teresa Sterling , Ottawa , ON

iRun because it’s in me – Michael Foley , Stittsville, ON

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

iRun for me – Kiza Francis , Ottawa,ON

iRun to prove to myself I can – Lesley McGougan , Brampton, ON

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

iRun because I can and I’m grateful – Terry SanCartier , Gatineau, QC

iRun because when I run I feel most alive – Meghan Lynch , Ottawa, ON

iRun to unleash my inner athlete – Adelle Densham , Avonmore, ON

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

iRun because of the peace and strength it brings me – Michelle Jordan , Ottawa, ON

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

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Toronto Marathon
October 19, 2008

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Addicted to running

WEB EXTRA:
Coach Phil Marsh shares the incredible journey of eight recovering drug addicts who discovered the natural high that comes from running a marathon

Addicted to running

Read the profiles of the eight men who ran Ottawa

David Gagnon
I came to Harvest House to change my life. I was going nowhere. I had no education; I owed money; my family had given up on me; most of my doors were closed. Then I heard of Harvest House, a place I could get sober and change my life. When I leave Harvest House, I expect to have my university done and start my career as a police officer.

Running the marathon is a challenge, like being sober for this long. It's something I've never done before, but I'm capable of both.

Josh Hambleton
I was down and out, willing to give up my life- that's when Jesus helped me. Harvest House gave me a second chance at life and I would like to help other addicts find a new way of living.

The marathon is a challenge because I've got very little intrinsic motivation. I committed to it to be part of the group. Teamwork and community are two new concepts which have become foundations in my life. Participating in the marathon is about struggling with the group to overcome, also known as recovery.

Eric Ruhl
I came to Harvest House to stop abusing drugs and alcohol and to start to live a meaningful life. I'm looking forward to working in a career that I am passionate about and living a full and happy life.

The marathon is a challenge because it's something that I never thought possible. I (will) look on it as an accomplishment that I took on and completed.

Brent McRann
I came to Harvest House because drug use made my life unmanageable. I wound up in hospital, jail, and separated from my family.

For me, the marathon is a challenge because I've never completed anything in my life, and this will be the first.

Trevor Struth
I came to Harvest House because I could not live a day to day life without using alcohol or drugs. When I leave, I'm looking forward to becoming an alcohol and drug counsellor. I'm also looking forward to becoming a responsible father to my six year old daughter.

The marathon is a challenge because it's not just running 42k, it's all the kilometres of training that you have to run before the big day. I'm looking forward to starting something and finishing it up.

Peter Bedard
I came to Harvest House to stop repeating the errors of my past, like using drugs, alcohol and people. I want to set my own way. I hope to get a job in the video game industry, have my own place, license and car.

Other than the 42 k, training for the marathon is also about the endurance of training, doing longer and longer runs; not eating what you want, when you want; and having to change my sleeping.

James Reynolds
I started my downward spiral when I was 12, rebelling against a life that I thought was not for me. At 12, I took my first smoke from my parents and stole a mickey from my dad's liquor cabinet. Later on, getting high was all I could think about. It consumed my every thought and took all of my time. I was completely lost- except for my sister, who took it on herself to save her brother's life. She got my ass into Harvest House and 2 years later, I'm a changed person. Scared to commit crime, healthy enough to run a marathon an intelligent enough to build a future around family and education.

I'm planning to start university, continue to manage the Harvest House kitchen, and become senior mentor that residents can look toward for guidance and advice. The torture of the high mileage on my knees have been a nightmare, but this struggle has opened part of me that has not been tested before. I know without a doubt that if I complete this goal, I will be prepared to do anything I put my mind to.

Tom Mekarski
I came to Harvest House because I needed help dealing with my drinking problem, which I wanted to put behind me. When I leave Harvest House, I am looking forward to maintaining a clean and sober life-style - more physical activity, a better relationship with God. I want to be once again a productive member of society and a good example for my boys.

The Marathon is a big challenge for me. In training, I am losing a bit of weight, which will help. My legs are getting stronger and I can run further. My challenge is to keep up with the regular training schedule, and it's been a pleasure to train with the other team members.