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

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

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

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 but not enoughMichael Shaw , New Westminister, BC

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

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

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

iRun therefore I amDuncan Walsh , Nottingham, UK

iRun because I liveGeorges Schneller , Laval, QC

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

iRun for overall wellbeingTrish McCourt , Halifax, NS

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

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

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

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

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

iRun for meKiza Francis , Ottawa,ON

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

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

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

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

iRun to unleash my inner athleteAdelle Densham , Avonmore, ON

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

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

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

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

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

iRun because endorphins are freeCassandra Chouinard , Ontario

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

iRun because couch potatoes die young Cathy Andrew , Ontario

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

iRun because I like buying running clothes Pamela Blaikie , Ontario

iRun slowly!Jason Hoffman , Manitoba

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

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

iRun because iEat Sherry Maligaspe , British Columbia

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

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

iRun because it has saved my life John Marshall , Alberta

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

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

iRun because food tastes better afterwards Patrick Houston , Alberta

iRun because I can’t dance Mario Javier , Ontario

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

iRun because it makes me whole Denis Ladouceur , Quebec

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

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

iRun because running is like breathing to Stephanie McEvoy , Ontario

iRun because I love the solitude Janene Tailleur , British Columbia

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

iRun to someday win the race Lindy Dunlop , Yukon

iRun to stay ahead of the weight gainMyra Abstreiter , Alberta

iRun because otherwise I’m grumpy Alexandre Charest , Quebec

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

iRun because iLoves my man Beverly Huang , Alberta

iRun because not everyone can Olivia Harvey , New Brunswick

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

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

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

iRun because it makes me feel powerful Sarah Kallaghan , Alberta

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

iRun because there is no finish line Claire Kilgour , Ontario

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

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

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

iRun because my heart tells me to William Martin , Manitoba

iRun to prove to them that iCan Catherine Smith , Manitoba

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

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

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

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

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

iRun to inspire my kids to tryGlen Johnston , Nunavut

iRun so I can eat ice cream Sandy Bolan , Ontario

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

iRun iRun because endorphins are free Cassandra Chouinard , Ontario

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

iRun iRun because couch potatoes die young Cathy Andrew , Ontario

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

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

iRun iRun slowly! Jason Hoffman , Manitoba

iRun iRun because iEat Sherry Maligaspe , British Columbia

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

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

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

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

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

iRun iRun to inspire my children! Wendy Bowen , Manitoba

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

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

iRun iRun to kickstart my day Sharon Strueby , Saskatchewan

iRun iRun for me! Judi Wearing , Saskatchewan

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

iRun iRun because i love to Mirella Petriello , Ontario

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

iRun iRun to eat Maureen Tritscher , Alberta

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

iRun iRun away from the abyss Charlene Thomas , Ontario

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

iRun iRun to challenge my perceived limitations Cassandra Williams , Ontario

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

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

iRun iRun to feel great Kathryn Rachar , Saskatchewan

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

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

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

iRun iRun for the individual pursuit Robert Pelletier , New Brunswick

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

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

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

iRun iRun because walking is too slow Barry Knapp , Ontario


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January 2009

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All They Want For Christmas

iRun's Gift Guide for Every Kind of Runner

 

The Purist

Typically the most bedevilling type of runner to buy for, The Purist loves running for its simplicity, so loading him up with high-tech gear and gadgets would be holiday harikari. (“GPS?” he’s been known to sneer, “What’s that stand for? ‘Gonna Play with Satellites’ instead of going for a run?”) Thankfully, The Purist’s hardcore running habits do lend themselves to some low-tech care and feeding, and with a little careful planning you can get him just what he needs:

  • Since he probably doesn’t trust his aching muscles to any old ”registered” massage therapist, a self-massage tool such as The Stick (thestick.com) or a foam roller (check out the 36-long at fitness depot.ca) is just what the doctor ordered;
  • A reflective vest and headlamp, for those die-hard, 4:30a.m. mid-winter, pitch-black runs;
  • Last but not least, a good, old-fashioned paper journal to log his miles. (Because, proud Canadian though he may be, The Purist thinks kilometers are for sissies).

The Pack Rat

Have you opened a closet in your house recently, only to be buried underneath an ungainly avalanche of old medals, race Ts, and crinkled mylar space blankets? Were you then admonished by your runner-significant other for messing with his/her ‘system’? Congratulations, you have a Pack Rat to shop for! “But wait!” you protest, “Isn’t more ‘stuff’ the LAST thing my Pack Rat needs?” Indeed, what a Pack Rat does need is new and exciting ways to organize, prioritize and pare down their stuff. But how to make this fun and gift-like? What about:

A scrapbook that organizes race photos with dates, finish times and relevant race details (ie. Lost three toenails, paced best friend in first half-marathon, finished third in age category, etc.) Looking for something to do with those old mylar blankets? Cut some squares out of the least-tattered ones and use them as shiny backings for the photos!

To give old medals a new sheen, turn them into Christmas tree ornaments. Simply cut off half of the cloth ribbon that typically holds the medal around your neck and tie it, in a festive bow, around the sturdiest tree branches. The Packrat will be happily reminded of their racing accomplishments, plus making the medals do double-duty frees up some closet space when it’s time to pack away the decorations;

Want a thoughtful way to downsize that pile of old race Ts? Why not have them made into a quilt? The result is a patchwork celebration of your loved one’s race history—and a cozy one, at that! (See campusquilt.com for more ideas.)

The Goal-setter

Sure, all runners are goal-setters to some extent, but The Goal Setter is a special breed. Whether she’s training for her first-ever half-marathon, obsessed with setting a new 10k PB or hell-bent on qualifying for Boston, The Goal Setter’s race schedule is planned well over a year in advance, with ‘A,’ ‘B’ and ‘C’- level goals itemized, alphabetized and colourcoded according to their priority level. Thankfully, The Goal Setter’s near-fanatic attention to advance planning makes her one of our easiest specimens to buy for:

  • A year’s worth of race registrations; Hotel reservations for his/her ‘A’ level goal race;
  • Restaurant gift certificates for pre-race carbo-loading;
  • A customized race-t with her goal spelled out for others to yell back at her when the going gets tough (“Boston or bust;” “Sub-4 here I come.” For more ideas, see t-shirts.cafepress.com/running)
  • Pace-band tattoo to keep her on target (visit pacetat.com)

 

The Professor

This friendly, neighbourhood number-cruncher would just as soon give out his V02 max as his business card when meeting people for the first time, and can tell you the proportion of fastto-slow-twitch muscle fibres in every marathon record-holder from the past three decades. The greatest gift you can give The Professor is information, so books about running — and lots of them — are a great place to start!

An absolute must-have: The latest edition of Dr. Tim Noakes’ The Lore of Running, an exhaustive consideration of the science and psychology of running, and how our knowledge of both has evolved over the past century;

Brain Training for Runners by Matt Fitzgerald and Dr. Tim Noakes; Advanced Marathoning by Pete Pfitzinger and Scott Douglas;

Chi Running by Danny Dreyer with Katherine Dreyer; (Note: Given his penchant for number-crunching and detailed training info, The Professor might also like some of the gifts suggested for The Gearhead)

The Gearhead

Sort of the anti-Purist, The Gearhead has been known to gauge the success of his runs based on how successfully his various bits of technology operate, with factoids like ”only lost GPS signal twice” and “footpod might be improperly calibrated” appearing in his training journal as frequently as actual training stats. And yes, he is that guy who, apropos of nothing, announces his resting heartrate to his family intermittently throughout the day. After all, what else did he invest In that heart rate monitor for? So, what do you buy for the Gearhead who seemingly has everything?

  • While The Gearhead may well already have a drawer full of GPS devices, the newly-streamlined Garmin Forerunner 405 (and its myriad of add-on options, including heart rate monitor, footpod for indoor runs – because The Gearhead never trusts the accuracy of a track or treadmill) will probably be at the top of his wish list. “But honey!” he’ll insist, “It syncs wirelessly with my computer! I actually had to plug in the old one. I NEED it!” (See garmin.com for more info.);

    (Note: When buying for the She-Gearhead: Although the 405 is also being marketed for its functionality as a watch, it is still just slightly too big for more delicate wrists.
  • If your Gearhead-buying budget is more in the stocking-stuffer range, why not get them some fun, run-specific add-ons for the gadgets they already have? For example, Runkeeper from Fitness Keeper for iPhone ($9.99 on iTunes) displays running pace, distance and it (nerd alert! nerd alert!) keeps a bar graph of speed over time. After the run, the program automatically uploads the data to runkeeper.com. And after a much-needed shower, The Gearhead can log in there to see a Google map of his route.
 
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