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

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

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

iRun because endorphins are free – Cassandra 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 brain – Marie-Claude Gregoire , Nova Scotia

iRun because I learn more about who I am with every km – Steph 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 gain – Myra 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 today – Megan 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 try – Glen 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 , Qu�bec

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 , Qu�bec

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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March 2009

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I am Adam Van Koeverden and iRun to paddle faster

Name: Adam van Koeverden
Age: 27
Occupation: Olympic champion kayaker
Birthplace: Oakville, ON
Resides: Toronto, ON

World-record holder Adam van Koeverden has been running long before he ever picked up a paddle and intends to continue long after he’s retired from international competition. And when he runs, he runs hard. And also pretty fast for a guy who, out of necessity, doesn’t exactly have a runner’s build. So if you’re running in Algonquin Park or on the streets of Toronto and you hear approaching footsteps, you just might be on the verge of being passed by a three-time Olympic medallist.

Why do I like running? Because it’s there, I suppose. Because it’s within my grasp. The same reason why I like doing everything that I do that’s active: mountain-biking, kayaking, running, cross-country skiing. Because it’s not going to get done if you don’t do it.

I’ve been a runner longer than I’ve been a kayaker. I ran cross-country in 1994 in elementary school. But I really wasn’t an athlete until I was 13 or 14. I was a pretty lazy kid. At a certain point in my life, I decided I wasn’t being productive and all that time spent in front of the television was a waste and I wanted to change that.

I fell into kayaking. Right away, I recognized that all the good kayakers in the world and all the good canoers at my club and everybody I was training with were running quite a bit. You can’t be on the water all the time as a kayaker with the weather in Canada; running in the winter is a lot easier than breaking the ice to be in your kayak. I became a serious runner the day I became a serious kayaker.

I remember doing runs in the slush with our coach at the time, Larry Cain, who was an Olympic champion in 1984. This guy’s a legend in my sport, both on and off the water. This is the kind of guy who could run a 10k in 33 minutes and then go bench press 225 pounds 50 times. I’m not even exaggerating. The guy was the fittest guy I’d ever met and running was a big part of his life. I learned how to run with him. I learned how to run hard with him.

When I was in high school, I was running three times a week at school, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. And Tuesdays, on my day off from running, I was doing track workouts at another high school. Fridays, I was running 12k in the morning at school and then I was down at the canoe club running with them, another 14 or 15 kilometres at night. And then I would do another one on the weekend because I liked it so much. That’s in addition to all the weight training and kayaking I was doing. Running five times in five days through the week and then a weekend run. Running twice on Fridays was pretty killer, as much as 10k in the morning and 18k at night or something like that.

I’m glad I’m not doing it any more because it’s a lot of kilometres for a guy my weight. But it made me tough. It made me really tough. This was when I was 15 or 16 years old and just plugging away at the kilometres. Racing wasn’t important to me. I would do 5k races just to see how many people I could beat in my age class.

I was touching the 17-minute mark for a 5k. For someone who was 185 pounds, that’s pretty good. I was better at cross-country. I remember lining up in cross-country in high school, looking over and thinking, “These guys are 140.” I was pushing 190.

I still love running and I still run often. I went for a run in Central Park recently when I was in New York for an interview. That was the first time I’d run in Central Park and it was amazing. What a great place to run. I ran for 70 minutes. That’s longer than I usually go but I was looking around and enjoying it.

Whenever I see somebody in front of me, it doesn’t matter how far away they are, I just love chasing them down. I don’t care how fast they are, I want to get in front of them and pass them.

Right now, especially in the fall and winter and spring, it’s part of my training program. But it used to be a bigger part. I’ve isolated that as something that’s probably waned too much in the last couple of seasons. I’m interested in getting it back as a rudimentary part of my program, so I’m not fitting in runs when I can. That’s generally what I’ve been doing for the past few years.

It’s the best aerobic training and the most accessible aerobic training. It might be six 1k efforts, or 10 400 metre efforts or a steady 60 minutes or running on a hill. We do all sorts of stuff. I used to do a lot of track workouts, one or two a week during the off-season. We couple that with all sorts of different kinds of training. It’s always variable. A hard workout’s a hard workout. Anytime your lungs are burning and you’re sweating, you’re going to see a benefit.

I finished the race season in August. We were only running once or twice a week. When I was off training somewhere, I’d run more often because I don’t have other things to do. When I’m in Sweden for three weeks, why not go for a run because I have the time, and there’s a ski hill I saw on the drive in that I’d really like to see how long it takes to get up.

My new favourite place to run is down mountains on scree. But they’re not really that available. Scree running is so cool. You run down the face, it’s like a 45-degree incline. It’s just the accumulated debris from the mountain eroding. So it’s just like pebbles or like parking lot stones. It’s like a metre and a half or two metres deep. You run down the mountain full blast. As long as you’re hitting heel first, you don’t fall on your face. It’s so steep you can’t even walk back up. You bomb down. You get like a thousand vertical feet in five minutes.

I like to run anywhere. Algonquin Park is awesome. Central Park is one of my new favourites. Anywhere in the woods. I went running once in Beijing, it was like 4k. It was like five or six days away from my first race. I just wanted to make sure my legs were still in good shape.

Having the opportunity to run with guys like Simon Whitfield and other triathletes, that’s cool. Just to be able to share that with somebody who’s so good at it. I’m not as fast as him, obviously. But we can run together and catch up.

I will always be a runner. Even if I go a year without training in my kayak, at some point in my life. Running is just so accessible, I’ll always do it. It doesn’t matter where I go, I pack a pair of running shoes. Even if I’m going somewhere for a night, well what if I wake up and want to go for a run? I can’t leave these behind. I’ll always enjoy it and I’ll always live somewhere close to trails and I can always just get on to the trail and give ’er in the trees for a few minutes.

The fastest half-marathon I did was a sub-1:18 and I wanted to die afterward. I love being able to tell people I did a 1:18 half-marathon, but it didn’t feel good. It friggin’ hurt.

I don’t want to do a marathon until I’m sure I can crack three hours. I just don’t want to run for three-and-a-half hours. I’d much rather run fast and be dead. But I’ll have to lose some weight. Towards the end of a half-marathon, it’s starting to hurt a lot in my joints. A 2:45 marathon would be awesome. I’d love to be able to run 2:50. I think that’s within my grasp if I get down to like 170 to 175 weight category. But right now, I’m pushing 200 and it’s not happening. Every step is just too much.

My avidness for running waxes and wanes throughout the year depending on what my other priorities are. But it’s always there. And I always look forward to my next run. I could go on at length about the feeling you get after a run and the high that you feel and the sense of accomplishment that you get for days after. Even if you just did a short one, you just have something to reassure yourself that you’re doing what you should be doing and getting the most out of your day.

I’m a big believer in maximizing one’s day and making sure that from dawn to dusk, you are being productive. I can’t think of anything more productive than exercise. In terms of your health and overall enjoyment of life, I don’t think there’s a better investment.

I look at all of these problems in the financial markets right now, and it sounds like everybody feels it’s a total catastrophe and it’s the worst thing that’s ever happened. From my perspective, the things that are worth enjoying are free. Running shoes aren’t free, but it doesn’t cost anything to get out there and go for a run.