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 , 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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June 2010 Back to Table of Contents New Year, New You?Every December 31, resolutioners around the world make their annual self improvement lists. A new year, a new you. Find a new job. Lose ten pounds. Quit smoking. Eat better. Give to the poor. Sound familiar? It should. Around 75% of us made a New Year’s Resolution. While some people shun date sanctioned goal setting, runners are not immune to the thrill of new goals for a new year. A New Year’s Resolution can serve as a powerful motivator to take on a new challenge. Run more. Run faster. Run longer. Run harder. Run. Most people agree that goal setting is critical to achievement, but the New Year’s Resolution success rate is dismal. Survey statistics tell us that most resolutions do not survive the month’s end. By the six month date, would-be resolutioners are at best back where they started, at worst farther behind. The January crowds at the gym fade, my favourite bike in spin class is once again free for the taking, and the community swim lanes no longer feel like a dangerous mass triathlon start. Runners who rushed to register for sell-out races can be found auctioning their bibs on Craig’s List by mid-February. But there are happy endings too. Some resolutions stick. People start running and twenty years’ later that first step can be traced back to a drunken midnight pledge. Many firsts, from the 5k to the marathon, started as glimmer in a January 1st eye. With summer weather and patio season upon us, the festivities and pledges of New Year’s Eve may be long forgotten. What better time to check in on three runners who set running resolutions for 2010? THE GOOD. You may remember our friend “Melissa” from Can Your Brain Hit the Wall? in the April 2010 issue. Her brain hit the wall, but that didn’t slow her down. Melissa’s entire running career can be traced back to a 2007 New Year’s resolution. Like many, that’s the year she pledged to get in shape and running was her prescription. She joined a local Running Room’s Learn to Run Clinic and 10 weeks later ran a 5k race. A few races and a year later, in January 2008, she resolved to run a half-marathon. That fall she ran the sunny shores of Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Half-Marathon to victory. Building on a successful string of resolutions, the following year she pledged to get faster at the 21.1k distance. The energy from the firemen at the Toronto Women’s Half-Marathon fuelled her to the finish line two minutes ahead of her goal time. The path wasn’t always easy, but through the years she stayed on track through injury, job changes, and moving. This year, in 2010, she was ready to make The Resolution. She vowed to run a marathon. At our midyear check-in Melissa is well on the way to her goal. She had a great race at the Around the Bay 30K in March and riding the high she entered the Nike San Francisco Marathon lottery because she “just had a feeling she’d get in.” She did. With a race entry, a plane ticket, a hotel confirmation, and a Tiffany necklace waiting at the finish line, it seems Melissa will soon be four for four with her running resolutions. THE BAD. Jenn set lofty running goals for 2010. Run the Around the Bay 30K, followed by the Toronto Women’s Half and the Mississauga Marathon, with the goal of setting a half and full marathon PB along the way. 2010 was to be her speed year. No stranger to running, Jenn ran her first half-marathon in 2003 and has since added six half-marathons and two marathons to her list of accomplishments. So her resolutions were ambitious, but not foolish. Then “It” happened at the end of January. A question-popping, diamond-encrusted It. Her boyfriend proposed. She accepted. Suddenly running took a backseat to the madness of dress shopping, cake tasting, and invitation writing. Jenn stayed on track with her shorter weekday runs and butt-kicking circuit classes, but missed a string of long runs. She finds herself cutting long runs short, hilariously referring to these outings as her mullet runs. Fast forward to the Around the Bay 30K in March, where she ran 15 of the 30 kilometres. On the upside, it was a fast 15k. At our midyear check-in Jenn is counting the days until that knot is officially tied. Marathon number three has been put on hold until after the wedding. 2010 will no doubt be one of the most amazing years in Jenn’s life. She’s running through it all, but the big resolutions can wait for 2011. THE (NOT SO) UGLY. In January 2009, Dina set her sights on a spring marathon. Her first. She tested the waters at the Around the Bay 30K. A month later she easily ran the Mississauga Marathon. And she did so while accidentally wearing her pants inside out. Weary from the training commitment of a marathon, Dina took a running break. With a PhD in progress, time was scarce and training runs were no longer a priority. She simply ran every now and then to spend time with her running pals, for stress release, or to enjoy the fine weather. Without a training goal or commitment, however, the mileage dwindled. So in 2010 she resolved to make running a priority once again. Not to run a big race or to get faster, but to run consistently. The timing was right – that PhD still loomed and health was taking a backseat to her professional goals and, if we’re being honest, her social life. The latter weighed more heavily on long run Sundays when her aging body no longer wanted to move after a late night at a local watering hole. But everyone knows, healthy body, healthy mind, so Dina was determined to re-establish a running routine. Her goal was to run three to four times a week. Sometimes the seemingly easiest goals are the hardest to keep. Run a marathon, check. Run four times a week without a goal race as a motivator, uncheck. At our midyear check-in, Dina still hasn’t found her running rhythm. These days she refers to herself as a bandwagon runner. If opportunity presents, like taking over friend’s 10k race bib at the last minute, she’ll do it. If everyone else is running hill repeats, she’ll do it. But the renewed commitment of January 1 hasn’t taken hold. Yet.
CALLING ALL MEMBERS OF iRunNation! DOES YOUR TRAINING PROGRAM NEED AN OVERHAUL TO GET YOU OUT OF A RUT? DO YOU HAVE A GOAL AGAINST WHICH YOU’VE BEEN COMING UP SHORT? AN OBSTACLE YOU’VE BEEN TRYING TO OVERCOME? Is all your running gear out of date, putting you in need of a fresh look? Would the newest technology help give you a boost? In short, do you need an iRun Makeover? What runner doesn’t? If you’re looking to rejuvenate anything from your training to your running gear, let the iRun Makeover take over. Led by former Canadian marathon champion and iRun contributing editor Tania Jones, the iRun Makeover team will revamp your training program, give you valuable advice on everything from nutrition to goal-setting,set you up for your goal event and outfit you in the latest running fashions from head to toe, including the newest technology. Click here for details. |
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