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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Trick or Treat

In honour of Halloween, iRun goes went door- to- door to find the latest on-the-go treats for runners

PLUS:Tricks you'll need to know to enjoy them mess and hassle-free

By Jessica Aldred

With Halloween fast approaching, it's time to 'fess up: Even the most virtuous, tofu-and-sprout-loving running fanatic gets just a little jealous at the sight of their eight-year-old emptying out a pillowcase full of chocolate and candy after a good night of trick-or-treating. But, thanks to a new range of candy-like supplements meant to taste great and boost running performance, even the health nuts among us can have their candy and eat it, too. But are these goodies - most of which are meant to replace or supplement energy gels during longer runs and workouts - really all that different from actual candy? We peel back the wrapper to find out. (Warning: Toothbrush not included.)

Treats

Cliff Shot Blok Electrolyre Chews

What it is: Chewable, fruit-flavoured cubes that come in portable, square pouches of six
Flavours include: Strawberry, Cran-Razz, Lemon-Lime, Black Cherry, Margarita
Closest candy cousin: Probably the jujube, though Shot Bloks are larger and slightly softer. But some nutritional stats are remarkably similar.

Why it's not actually candy: Well, for one thing, their utilitarian block (pardon me, "blok") shape should be a dead giveaway that these squares want to be taken seriously. They're also much easier to chew and force down exertion-constricted gullets than their candy cousins. And when's the last time you ate a jujube chock full of electrolytes? (Electrolytes aid the absorption of water at the cellular level, helping your body stay hydrated and prevent cramping.) Most flavours have seven times the sodium and potassium content of an equal serving of jujubes, while Margarita flavour has a whopping 21 times the sodium to help prevent muscle cramps. Sadly, they possess zero percent of the tequila found in a real margarita, which makes us rather suspicious of the manufacturer's claims that they will help us feel good enough to "fiesta all the way to the finish line."
Running the numbers: Somewhat confusingly, the nutritional information on the back of what appears to be a single-serving package indicates that a three-piece serving has 100 calories, even though each package contains two servings or 200 calories, making it very easy to misjudge your caloric intake if you're not reading the fine print.
Other magical powers: Black cherry and cola flavours have the same amount of caffeine as a can of cola or half a cup of coffee.
Weirdest ingredient: "Real Salt," a brand of sea salt used in the Margarita flavour, extracted from a salt mine near Redmond, Utah. We'd probably be more impressed if that Real Salt was being used to line the Real Rim of a Real Margarita Glass.

Jelly Belly Sport Beans

Slogan: "Portable Power!"
Flavours include: Orange, Lemon Lime, Fruit Punch
Closest candy cousin: Jelly beans, of course, but in a perfect world where all the black ones have been picked out.
Why it's not actually candy: Well, it sure looks like candy. And tastes like it too. And it's made by a major candy manufacturer. But, like Shot Bloks and Sharkies, Sport Beans have been shored up with extra sodium and potassium, as well as Vitamin C, Thiamine, Riboflavin (although the science behind how these vitamins enhance running performance is somewhat unclear.)
Running the numbers: 100 calories per 28g package
Other magical powers: 'Extreme' bean flavours watermelon and cherry are packed with 50mg of caffeine
Weirdest ingredient: Beeswax

Sharkies Organic Energy Fruit Chews

What it is: Small, fruit-flavoured gummy chews that come in packages of about 12-14
Flavours include: Berry Blast, Citrus Squeeze, Watermelon Scream
Closest candy cousin: Gummy bears, which are roughly the same size and consistency, and at a glance are comparable in terms of calories, carbohydrates, and sugars per serving

Why it's not actually candy: Well, for one thing, they're shaped like sharks, which are a far superior symbol of streamlined athletic prowess than a willy, nilly silly old bear. But Sharkies also take a bite out of Gummy bears in the electrolytes department, containing five times the sodium and twenty-five times the potassium (and have an ever-so-slightly salty taste as a result). Also, they use the naturally-occurring sugars in organic grape juice and brown rice syrup as sweeteners instead of the refined stuff.
Running the numbers: 140 calories per 45 g package
Other magical powers: A mix of simple sugars and complex carbohydrates should provide both a quick initial burst as well sustained energy throughout your workout
Weirdest ingredient: Something called "black carrot," a natural dark purple hue derived from turnip juice (yum!) to give Sharkies their colour

Power Bar Triple Threat Energy Bar

Slogan: "Fuels like a PowerBar, tastes like a candy bar"
Flavours include: Caramel Peanut Fusion, Chocolate Toffee Almond, S'mores
Closest candy cousin: Chocolate bars, natch, especially the 'layered' flavours, which take a cue from Snickers, Mars, and Twix
Why it's not actually candy: Lower in fat and sugar, and significantly higher in protein than your average chocolate bar. For example, the Chocolate Caramel Fusion flavour has 8g of fat (vs. 13g in a Mars bar) and 10g of protein (vs. 3g in a Mars bar).
Running the numbers: 225 calories per 53g bar (Chocolate Caramel Fusion flavour)
Other magical powers: As the Power Bar website points out, the Triple Threat also delivers vitamins and minerals not found in most convenient snacks-like a pint of beer or a cold piece of leftover pizza. An energy bar that's better for me than beer and pizza? Stop the presses-where do I get me one of these crazy things!?
Weirdest ingredient: Fractionated palm kernel oil

Honey Stinger Protein Bar

Slogan: "Run, ski, wrestle, fish, bull ride, climb, lift, split wood, ride, sting"
Flavours include: Chocolate Coated Peanut Butta Pro, Dark Chocolate Cherry Almond Pro
Closest candy cousin: At a glance, one would guess chocolate bar. The Dark Chocolate Cherry flavour resembles a gourmand, pumped-up version of a Cherry Blossom.
Why it's not actually candy: Well, the whopping 20 grams of protein found in each bar, for one thing. And, as the name would suggest, the Honey Stinger is sweetened with organic honey rather than refined sugar. Mind you, between the potentially-messy chocolate coating and the higher demands it places on the digestive system, the Honey Stinger is best consumed before or after a run, rather than during one.
Running the numbers: With 390 calories, these bars are more like meal replacements than snacks.
Weirdest ingredient: Ferrous Fumerate. We aren't sure what that is, but it sounds like the name of a rejected Harry Potter character.

Snickers Marathon Energy Bar

Slogan: "Life is exercise, Snickers Marathon is energy."
Flavours include: Chewy Chocolate Peanut, Chewy Peanut Butter, Multi Grain Crunch
Closest candy cousin: The Snickers bar. Actually, since they're made by the same manufacturer, they're less 'cousins' than they are siblings, albeit one quite naughty and the other rather well-behaved.
Why it's actually not candy: The Snickers Marathon bar has half the sugar and twice the protein of a plain, old Snickers bar, as well as 100 per cent of the daily recommended dosage of Vitamin C, Niacin, Riboflavin, Vitamin B 6, Vitamin E, and Folic Acid. Which begs the question- is this an energy bar or a chocolate-coated multivitamin?
Running the numbers: 210 calories per 55g bar (Chewy Peanut Flavour)

Tricks

Want to try a new treat during your next run, but worried you'll make a mess? Try these handy "tricks" to keep things clean and convenient.

Pinch and squeeze:To avoid the sticky fingers that are inevitable when sweaty digits touch sugary surfaces, eliminate the middle man-your hands. Before you begin your run, tear a hole in the packet that's big enough to squeeze out individual pieces of your chosen snack, then pinch the packet to squeeze out a piece or two directly into your mouth as you run.

Pin and Tear:Not enough pockets or pouches in your running gear to store your snacks? Pin them to the waistband of your shorts or tights and tear them off as you need them.

Slice and Dice:To minimize the awkwardness of biting and chewing on the run, cut energy bars up into bite-sized pieces and place in a small Ziploc bag to eat one at a time.

Warm and Serve:Worried your Sport Beans will freeze and turn into little lemon-lime bullets during your mid-winter long runs? Keep them in a spot where you know body heat will keep them from freezing. Where, exactly, is up to you.