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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Canada's Top General on Running and ABBA

Name Gen. Rick Hillier
Hometown Campbellton, Newfoundland
Resides Ottawa, Ontario
Age 52
Occupation Chief of the Defence Staff

Peter MacKay isn't the only runner among the top officials at National Defence. The Chief of the Defence Staff, Gen. Rick Hillier, says he runs whenever he can, often with Canadian Forces personnel, and sometimes listening to everything from ABBA to Johnny Cash.

I run every day I possibly can, which is three to four times in a good week, regardless of the season. I usually run during the daytime. If I'm here in Ottawa, we have an early start in the office for operations briefs and the like, and we work long days and most nights. There is usually an evening event I must attend. So it takes some work to find an hour or 90 minutes free to run.

I do listen to music when my son has my MP3 working. I listen to a variety of things actually, including ABBA and Johnny Cash.

"Besides being great for maintaining aerobic physical fitness, I think through some of my toughest decisions while I'm on the run. And work off some frustrations, too."

I most enjoy the runs I have been able to share with our sailors, soldiers, airmen and airwomen, often when I was in Bosnia, and less often in Afghanistan.

In Afghanistan it is usually a game of ball hockey. I rarely now have a chance to put on ice skates - something any teammates would be happy for, as my skills would be as rusty as the skates.

I have gone on runs with our recruits in St. Jean, with our sailors on both coasts, and at as many bases in between as I can. Last June 07 we celebrated Canadian Forces Day with a 5-km "run in red" of virtually all men and women, uniform and civilian serving here in the National Capital Region in honour of those serving in harm's way overseas and in thanks to those who support us. That was indeed a great day.

Physical fitness is an essential pillar of the Canadian Forces. Whether serving in a boarding party climbing into a foreign vessel from our patrol boats in the Arabian Gulf, or hanging suspended from a helicopter in the midst of a search and rescue in treacherous mountains, or in combat against the Taliban in 50 degree temperatures loaded with 100 pounds plus of equipment, our men and women must be practical athletes, and running is one part of that important fitness equation. And we in the Canadian Forces through our annual fitness tests are increasing the level of fitness required year by year, to deal with the physical challenges we face on operations, whether at home or overseas.