On this week’s show, Mark speaks with Canadian defence minister Harjit Sajjan about his unconventional training time, after 10pm. Then Natasha Lewis, runner and winner of iRun’s Most Fashionable Runner contents, shares her story of a sudden brain tumour diagnosed. Plus, former politician Jack Miranda shares the benefits the sport has giving him and how he keep running in his 70s.
Spring race season is in full gear, this past weekend with the Scotiabank Calgary Marathon, the Saskatchewan Marathon in Saskatoon and the Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend all taking place. From the cheering crowds to runners of all distances, there’s no questions we are all ready for summer to kick into gear.
In Calgary, a new course record was set by Feyera Dadi (2:16:37), an Ethiopian runner who now lives and trains in Etobicoke, Ontario. In the female marathon, Caroline Kiptoo of Kenya, was the winner, crossing the line at 2:42:37.
Canadian elite runners, and Calgarians had a strong presence in over the weekend. In the men’s Centaur Subaru 21.1K National Championships, Trevor Hofbauer had an emotional win, collapsing at the finish after crossing the line at 1:08:25. In the same race, the women’s winner Toronto’s Sasha Gollish sprinted to the finish at 1:14:19. Both athletes now have the chance to be selected for the Canadian team for the IAAF World Half Marathon Championships next spring.
With it’s rich 40 year history, the Saskatchewan Marathon had an incredible turn out of runners toeing the line. In the women’s marathon, first time marathoner Brooke MacDonald (3:07:57) scored the win. In the men’s marathon, Teresa Fekensa, an Ethiopian living in Toronto, defended his title for the second straight year. In the half marathon events, Ukraine’s Ruslan Kramariuk (1:12:45) won the men’s title for the fourth while Saskatoon’s Kimberly Dav (1:33:58) claimed the women’s half marathon title.
In Ontario, the Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend which includes the Scotiabank Ottawa Marathon experienced ideal weather conditions. Ethiopian’s dominated winning both the men’s and women’s marathon. Yemane Tsegay, won the Scotiabank Ottawa Marathon crossing the line at 2:08:52.
In women’s Gelete Burka now holds the record for the fastest women’s marathon run on Canadian soil with a time of 2:22:17. Thirty-year-old Kait Toohey (2:45:07) lead the way as the fastest Canadian woman’s finisher in Ottawa.
Anna Lee Boschetto charts a path for her daughters in her running shoes.
With the wind whistling in my ears or the sun on my back, each time my feet hit the ground, any negative feels I’ve got are left scattered on the road, trail or where ever I’m running. This sport we love has as been what saved me from disordered eating patterns. You’re not running 42.2K fuelled by crackers and a single hardboiled egg that was my predominant diet in my teens and well into my twenties. Having children in my thirties, I knew I needed to make better choices when it came to nutrition. In a similar way to running a marathon, nine months of pregnancy requires proper, consistent nutrition—it’s not only about you anymore.
For me running plays a dual role, maybe even a three-pronged one: physical, mental, and emotional. The road has gotten me through some challenging times. Life, let alone life for a parent, is stressful. We all love our children, but sometimes we need to get away, if just to clear the air and clear our minds. When these moments happen, I’m grateful I have the opportunity to lace up my shoes and head out the door. It’s a good thing for everyone. Even a quick 30 minutes spent outside will have me coming back to my family calmer, stronger, and able to tackle just about anything.
Studies have shown that it’s important for children to see examples in their parents. Even more so, from parents of the same gender—for me its my daughters—it’s easier for them to relate. Had I seen my mom running 10Ks on a Saturday morning, it would have been my normal routine much earlier on. Both my girls see me as a strong runner, someone who is young because I run, and so they are set on what is (fingers crossed) a solid path. I wasn’t an athletic child. I was pretty awkward. I tried, but I never could get the hang of most team sports that required any amount of hand-eye coordination. But running, that I could do—although it wasn’t until many years later that I realized just how far my own two feet could take me.
I’m a mother, and it’s important for me to build confidence in my daughters. I want them to always keep trying, to take chances, to try new things. To not give up. To endure. Early on, both their dad and I made a joint effort to cultivate an appreciation for athletic endeavours, and, thus far, it seems to be working. Whether I’m training for a marathon or lining up at a race, running is a sport they view as lifelong. As beneficial. They see what it gives me, and, I hope, they want that too. That energy. As with all children, I imagine them finding joy in many sports, some of which may include running. In the years ahead my hope is that they’ll find their own love for the sport that has given me so much.
I look forward to the days, perhaps, when we’ll head to the start line together.
It’s been a busy spring, emotionally and mentally. The kids had hockey tryouts, swimming, spring soccer, other usual extra curricular activities like music and school sports, and I accepted the position of head coach for my daughter’s rep hockey team. The interviews and podcasts to hear about my third place Boston Marathon finish continued to be, and are still, in demand. And public speaking engagements grew even more. I enjoyed Mother’s Day at my 10-year-old’s swim meet, attended our kids’ school regional track and field meet, and continued part time work as Registered Dietitian—all while resuming workouts again.
Last week I travelled back to my Lambton County home roots to do a 2-day speaking tour that would include both my elementary and secondary schools. I thoroughly enjoyed sharing my story, inspiring students with my message, back on home soil where it all began. I stayed with my high school friends, Steve and Lisa, chatting and learning about their joys and challenges of coaching. Steve was a former Lancer track and field teammate of mine who organized the tour, including his son’s and his own school where he teaches physical education. I was entertained by the students’ questions, and reminisced while driving on familiar country roads, seeing the growth and development both in and outside the classrooms. Of particular significance was getting a picture with my Lehrbass relatives at Brooke-Alvinston school, seeing the newly resurfaced LCCVI track and good high school friend Ann in Petrolia; taking a selfie with my kindergarten teacher Mrs. Koncovy; having my childhood BFF Jody and her mom at our elementary school, and last but certainly not least, seeing two very special coaches of mine — Jim McNally (hockey) and Murray Jackson (track). The tour was something Steve and I had talked about several years ago and it was everything I thought and hoped it would be. I left feeling so proud of my green and yellow Bronco, and red and white Lancer beginnings.
We then had a fairly quiet long weekend, consisting of opening our cabin, making a trip for bulk items at Costco, and hosting our church barbecue. Shortly thereafter I was feeling busy again with our spring activities. I was somewhat overwhelmed, already finding myself looking forward to quiet and simple days at our cabin where I’d restfully charge the battery for another busy year, not yet having finished this one. I had the Saskatchewan Marathon weekend up next on my calendar and for the first time found myself packing just hours before leaving. I had a 20K run to do, groceries to fetch, dinner to prep, and a bit of necessary laundry and cleaning before my drive to Pearson Airport that took two hours instead of one (with an added bonus of going to the wrong terminal). I finally boarded my flight and took a deep breath before reviewing my itinerary for the next three days.
Once we landed I was greeted by a very friendly Jan, a Saskatchewan Marathon volunteer who would drive me to my beautiful stay at what the locals would refer to as, “The Bess,” the Bessborough Hotel. It was the start of what would be a weekend of meeting lovely people and hearing inspiring stories in the Saskatoon community that I describe as a big city without a busy city feel.
Friday morning was my first event, which was a lovely breakfast with race weekend staff, volunteers, special guests, and sponsors. Some would go for an easy run, which I opted out of as it was a planned rest day. I shared a few words and was introduced to several wonderful people I would get to know more over the weekend. I took a walk around downtown, including a peek at the Meewasin Trail situated directly behind The Bess. Shad, my contact for the weekend, picked me up to take me to the Marafun Pep Rally at a local school. A record number of kids, 1600 in fact, were planning to run 2.2K on Sunday after weeks of preparation and training. I walked into a dark gym with flashing lights, party music and a crowd of energetic children wearing their green and yellow Marafun t-shirts. I met Tarrant Crosschild who was leading the pep rally with his own kids, and fellow 2016 Olympian, wrestler Jillian Gallays. Jillian and I each shared a short message about our lives as athletes, signed countless autographs, and got the kids tuned up even more.
From there I went for a most delicious lunch with Shad at a funky cafe, “D’Lish by Tish” before heading to the Brainsport running store for Saucony giveaways to those who wanted to drop in to meet me. Store owner and local running legend, Brian Michasiw gave me a tour of the newly renovated building and I got to meet Tarrant’s wife, Celeste. I found an immediate connection with her, not necessarily because of our shared running and faith commonalities, rather our roles as moms. Before I knew it, I was telling her about my spring, continuing to feel less overwhelmed while getting to know another wonderful Saskatoon native. At 5 p.m. I was picked up by Peter Goode to have another delicious meal, this time with some Saskatoon Road Runners Association (SRRA) members at a hidden gem in the middle of the University of Saskatchewan campus. Also joining us at dinner were two lovely 12 year old young ladies who were apparently quite excited to meet me. The food and conversation was again enjoyed and we got some nice pictures together before heading to the volunteer appreciation/training night of a few speeches and the beautiful drum blessing. I delivered a short message, thanking those in attendance for their tremendous efforts and was back in for the night by 9 p.m.
The next morning I finally made my way along the river, down the gorgeous Meewasin trail for an easy 10K run with some strides where I saw Tarrant’s daughter also out for a run. I then had breakfast at the hotel, some time on my computer to catch up on some work, and was picked up by another wonderful volunteer, Theresa, for an appearance at the race expo. I later returned for a short rest at the hotel before heading to the pasta dinner where I would be the guest speaker, my main event for the weekend. Olympic Marathoners, Dylan Wykes and Reid Coolsaet were guest speakers a few years ago. The past dinner was a sold-out event and yet another well-organized race weekend activity with good food and good people. My audience was quiet and captivated as I took them through my journey of recreational to Olympic marathoning with a few broken bones and kids along the way. I shared how I was feeling rejuvenated by my Saskatchewan race weekend experience so far, which hadn’t even yet been 48 hours. The people of Saskatoon were giving more to me than I felt I was giving to them. I was introduced by race weekend sponsors and partners, including CBC’s, Leisha Grebinski, who had previously interviewed me about my Boston Marathon. The hockey connection was explained, including my time playing at the University of Guelph and racing in Boston while Toronto was competing against the Bruins in the NHL playoffs. Those listening to the CBC interview had heard about the heart-felt thoughts and prayers I had for the people of Humboldt while I trained for and raced to my astounding third place finish.
I was a bit emotional at times when sharing my message at the pasta dinner, as earlier that day I had finally watched the message given by the green and yellow Humboldt Broncos team chaplain at the memorial. In the short time I was in Saskatoon I had already heard some of the personal stories about the terrible bus crash that claimed the lives of 16 people. In the team chaplain’s “Where was God?” message, through his own tears, he struggled. In the beginning he said he “walked up on a scene that I never want to see again to sounds I never want to hear again” and explained what the entire country felt, that we hurt with them. Lastly he concluded with, “A scar is something that is healed but still there. This isn’t going to go away. It’s not going to be as raw. Can we heal? Yes. Will the scar be there? Yes.” and he walked away.
I wrapped up my own message with an explanation of my experience in Boston where I again proudly sported green and yellow, the colours for this year’s Saucony race kit. A few more pictures and autographs and I was back in bed again shortly after 9 p.m.
On Sunday morning I packed up my belongings and headed to Diefenbaker Park where I would see many of the runners off, do the start gun for the 1,600 Marafun runners, and race the 5 km myself (17:33) as the middle of a 3-part workout. After the race I continued to have pleasant conversations with my new Saskatoon friends while taking a few additional pictures with fans. I was happy to see Miniota’s Shane Anderson and Birdtail Sioux’s Caleb Saulteaux again after getting to know them at the expo and pasta dinner. It was because of Tarrant’s inspiring program that these two young men trained for, earned money to pay for, and drove 6 hours to participate in races that day. Tarrant, a runner and past Saskatchewan Marathon champion, husband, and father of four overcame addiction, depression, and near suicide through Teen Challenge, a faith-based rehabilitation program. He conducts faith-based running clinics across the province through, “Child of the Cross,” bringing a message of hope and restoration to communities challenged with high suicide rates and mental health struggles among youth in northern Saskatchewan and beyond. A group of 15 runners from Cumberland House would also travel for hours, from Manitoba, to race that day as a result of Tarrant’s program.
I said goodbye to my new friends, stopped back in to D’lish by Tish for a delicious take-out meal, and was dropped off by Shad at the Diefenbaker Airport. I began collecting my thoughts, feeling incredibly grateful for the people who gave me a weekend that left me feeling renewed and refreshed. Thank you, Saskatoon. You were truly amazing.
Photograph by Bob Holtsman.
On this week’s show, it’s all about runners who are going that extra mile. First Troy Thompson, an indigenous chief explains how and why he’s raising money to keep youth in his community active. Then a father and son who have the same illness are also running the half marathon at Ottawa Race Weekend together. Plus, a member of the Ottawa Race Weekend’s Last Mile Crew and why these special runners are so important to this event.
Mark Sutcliffe talks to the honourable Harjit Sajjan about morale, half marathon training plans and what it feels like on a run when a serviceman’s child gives you a high-five.
As he travels around the world as Canada’s minister of national defence, and shuttles regularly back and forth between the capital and his Vancouver riding, Harjit Sajjan says his body sometimes loses track of what time it is. So perhaps it’s not a surprise that you can often find him running at 11:00 p.m. on the recreational pathways of Ottawa.
“I don’t really get settled into one time zone,” Sajjan says. “Sometimes “ instead of going to sleep, I just go for a run. I just have to get out and do it. That’s what works for me.”
Sajjan says he has run as late—or as early—as 2:00 a.m. “For some people, it doesn’t work, but I actually can sleep just fine afterwards. And if I don’t do it at that time, it’s not going to happen. Even if I go at midnight, I just have to get out and keep with my schedule.”
When Sajjan was named to the federal cabinet in November 2015, several media reports portrayed him as the “badass” defence minister, sharing pictures from his past military and police service. Born in the Punjab region of India, Sajjan moved to Canada at the age of five. He served for 11 years in the Vancouver Police Department, including as a detective in the gang crimes unit. During his military career, he was deployed three times to Afghanistan.
Sajjan says he has always tried to live a healthy lifestyle. And like many members of the military, he ran for fitness. He participated in the Vancouver Sun Run and other 10K events. But he didn’t fully embrace running until about five years ago, when members of the regiment he was commanding signed up for the half marathon at the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon and asked if he would join them.
“I always encouraged our members to do more and so since they asked me, I said sure.” Sajjan says he didn’t follow a specific training program, so although he completed the race in just under 1:49, it took a toll. “I was wiped!” he says.
“It was only after, when my kids were laughing at me and I was hurting in muscles where I didn’t even think I had muscles, that I Googled: how do you train for a half marathon?” Sajjan says. “I realized: oh my God, there’s so much science behind it. That’s when I really got smarter about it. I realized I was running way too much and going way too hard.”
Sajjan registered next for the Canada Army Run, followed a training plan to the letter and finished a few minutes faster than in his debut half-marathon. “And I felt really good when I finished,” he says.
Along the way, Sajjan says he learned many lessons about training and the benefits of exer- cise that can be applied to the demanding lives of Canadian soldiers. “In the Armed Forces, we’re getting smarter about how we train people. We’re looking at the science of how you build someone up, what kind of jobs they do and what abilities are needed.”
Naturally, Sajjan is a big supporter of the Army Run and the causes it supports, Soldier On and the Support Our Troops fund. “The first time I ran, it was a tremen- dous experience,” Sajjan says. He remembers a specific soldier who had been injured in “ Afghanistan but ran the entire race pulling a tire behind him. “When you’re talking about the challenges this person faced, it was amazing. You get so much out of it because you’re seeing other people beat the odds.
“For the members [of the Armed Forces] who are there and running, what it demons- trates physically is how appreciative Canadians are to the Armed Forces and the services they provide. It’s a great way to say thank you to their families as well. There are kids of service members high-fiving you and it demonstrates to them that Canada does care. That’s the one message that’s very important to me: to remind them how far Canadians will go out of their way to show the military that they care.”
Sajjan has heard from many civilians who finished the Army Run about how much they were inspired by running alongside injured soldiers. “When you have some difficulty in your job or something else, you have that memory of a soldier in a wheelchair going uphill or someone with an artificial limb from an injury overseas and all those memories come back and you think, ‘If that person can do it, I’m going to keep going in my own life.’”
When he’s not in Canada, Sajjan has run in some interesting places and, like at home, at some unusual times.
“Once I landed in Ethiopia and I ran on a treadmill. I felt really tired and someone came up to me and said, ‘You realize the altitude you’re at?’ And I said, ‘Oh, I guess I’m not that out of shape.’”
Sajjan has also run in Kiev, Rome and on Canadian bases overseas. “Any opportunity when I land, regardless of the time, I get out there and get in a workout and it gets me into a proper rhythm.”
So what does this “badass” former soldier and cop listen to when he’s running? “I’m embarrassed by this,” he jokes, “but my running must is all trance music. It’s a very particular Euro trance with a certain beat. My wife always laughs that it’s the same beat, that it’s the same song over and over again. But that’s the point. I want a certain cadence and I take my mind right out of it and away I go.”
Sajjan says he also listens to audio books, including science fiction. And sometimes he leaves the earphones at home and uses running to clear his mind. “I like to get myself pumped for things,” he says, “to get myself motivated. And also, when you’ve had a tough day or you’re frustrated about something, I run it out of my system. It really clears the mind and gets you more focused, and you’re able to think a lot more about the next day.”
Find more inspiring stories, race updates and so much more in our Spring issue now available!
Tim Hortons Race Rewards
Official Terms
Participants in races timed by Sportstats are required to register for membership with Sportstats.ca. Existing and new members of Sportstats.ca will be automatically entered into the Race Rewards program. During this promotion, members must claim their personal results after completing races timed by Sportstats. Only races held between May 25, 2018 and December 31, 2018 are eligible toward this promotions rewards.
Participants that claim three (3) eligible Sportstats races will receive a $10 TimCard and Tim Hortons stainless steel tumbler.
Participants that claim five (5) eligible Sportstats races will receive either a Box of K-Cups or 12 oz. bag of Tim Hortons ground coffee, stainless steel Tim Hortons tumbler or mug (based on availability) and a $20 TimCard.
Participants that claim ten (10) races will enter the Tim Hortons Sportstats Hall of Fame. Hall of Fame members will be profiled in iRun Magazine and receive recognition on Sportstats.ca. They also become members of an elite club—with additional rewards including future discounts, giveaways and promotional perks including pre-distribution access to iRun Magazine, and more. (Plus a Box of K-Cups or 12 oz. bag of Tim Horton’s ground coffee, stainless steel Tim Hortons tumbler or mug (depending on availability) a $20 TimCard).
During this promotion all physical items (Mugs, Coffee, TimCard, etc.) will be made available to eligible participants during early 2019 at select races and Running Room locations. Participants will be asked to select from 10 Running Room locations to pick up their rewards in eligible cities. Reward pick up may also be available at select Running Room, Sportstats and/or iRun events.
Sportstats Media is the promotion organizer for the Race Rewards program. Organizer retains right to change and/or modify the program at any time. Current promotion details will be available on this page. For questions or additional details on the Race Rewards program and promotion, please contact racerewards@sportstats.ca
This Friday night in Ottawa, Tommy Youngsteen will perform the greatest hits of Tom Petty. Looking for fuel for your fire? Alan Snoddy, formerly of the rock band Stars and currently fronting Youngsteen—known fondly for their covers of Bruce Springsteen and featuring members of Serena Ryder’s band, plus guys from Arkells—lays out the ultimate rock playlist. Tommy Youngsteen plays the Best of Tom Petty on May 25 at the 27 Club in Ottawa. Here’s some tunes Alan selected that you can run to this weekend, wherever you may race.
Born to Run (Bruce Springsteen)
Maybe the the number one running song of all time? “We gotta get out while we’re young, ’cause tramps like us, baby we were born to run.” Getting ahead, goals and getting to where you need to be.
Out in the Street (Bruce Springsteen)
A great sing-along for summer time, being yourself running through a big city is a real trip in itself.
Glory Days (Bruce Springsteen)
Don’t put off ’till tomorrow what you can get done today, no sense looking back one day wondering what you could have a accomplished.
Dancing in the Dark (Bruce Springsteen)
The synthesizer pulse in this one sounds a bit like a heartbeat. Keeps you going on that last mile.
Night (Bruce Springsteen)
The fast hi-hats on this one make me think of the pistons of a train racing down the track.
Run to You (Bryan Adams)
The ticking rim shot on this one lets you know that slow and steady doesn’t always win the race… and it has “Run” in the title, hah!
Rockin in the Free World (Neil Young)
That chugging fuzz guitar sounds like a muscle car just waiting to take of at the beginning of a street race.
Running Down a Dream (Tom Petty)
This one pretty well speaks for itself. Here’s the video (live!) if you want a jolt.
American Girl (Tom Petty)
Petty is great at painting a picture with just a few lines. You could probably see this story unfold running through any small town in North America.
Won’t Back Down (Tom Petty)
Keeping positive through the tough times is what gets you through everything, like Petty says: “There ain’t no easy way out.”
Up Sister! (Sam Roberts Band)
That pounding double-time beat feels like an uphill battle or a sprint.
Kiss Cam (The Arkells)
This great four-on-the-floor beat sets a really great pace.
Stompa (Serena Ryder)
Great medium tempo track to kick off a run and get up to a good pace.
Alan Snoddy is a Canadian singer, songwriter & guitarist from Toronto. Formerly of the Montreal Indie band Stars, Alan is currently working on a follow up to his 2015 solo EP Shot of Rhythm produced by Eric “Roscoe” Ambel (Steve Earle, Joan Jett). Tommy Youngsteen plays the Best of Tom Petty on May 25 at the 27 Club in Ottawa. For complete dates, see TommyYoungsteen.com.
Sara Hall is one of America’s most dynamic marathon runners—both for her accomplishments, and for her personality. An outspoken advocate of her faith, alongside her husband Ryan Hall, Olympian and one of the US’s most dynamic racers, the pair has helped popularized running all over the world. At the Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend, Hall will be competing in the marathon, a distance that she’s gotten quicker at since making her debut in 2015 in Los Angeles. In 2017, she ran 2:27:21, and has hit the Olympic standard in the past. We caught up with Hall from her home in California.
iRun: Your marathon times keep getting quicker. At this stage in your career, would you say that distance is your main focus?
Hall: The half and full marathon are definitely my focus at this point. I am really loving both events and keep seeing a lot of room for growth in my training, and really enjoying the process of preparing for them! I’m enjoying my career the most I ever have at this point, which is kind of surprising, so I plan to keep focusing on the same things!
iRun: What have you learned about running, and yourself, across your storied career?
Hall: I never thought I would still be a professional runner at this point in my life, but my love for the sport, competing and going after big goals in training just keeps increasing. This sport has taught me a lot about resiliency through the many failures in my career. I had to get free from fearing failure and learn my true identity in who God made me to be, apart from being successful in running. That process, which was prompted by my career, is invaluable and is the biggest thing I will take away from my career. When you no longer fear failure, you’re free to go after big things and take big risks, and fully be who you are. Which is probably why I’m enjoying it the most I ever have!
iRun: Why did you choose to race Ottawa?
Hall: I was actually planning to do the Boston Marathon, but I sustained an SI joint injury in March. It was heart-breaking at first, because I had done the best marathon work I’d ever done. But I looked ahead at what options might be available later, and got really excited about Ottawa. I’ve heard only great things about the different races that are a part of the race weekend, and heard that the city is beautiful. Having Ottawa as a goal really helped motivate me to cross train and maintain my fitness so that I could perform well there.
iRun: You’ve been running competitively since high school. Is it fun?
Hall: I love to compete, I’m naturally a competitor and wish I could race every weekend! Maybe at some point near the end of my career I will. I got into the sport also just loving running out in nature and exploring trails, and that’s a big part still of my enjoyment of the sport.
iRun: Tell me about when you first met Ryan.
Hall: I first met Ryan through a mutual friend, but had heard about him as we were both some of the fastest high schoolers in California at the time. We met at the Foot Locker Western Regionals, and he had had a disappointing race, so was kind of in a bad mood. So it wasn’t a great first impression, but we really got to know each other at the pre-season training camp with Stanford in Mammoth Lakes before our freshman year and really hit it off there. We dated all four years of college and got married right after, so it was very linear.
iRun: What’s it like, besides lots of laundry, having two competitive runners in one house?
Hall: It was definitely a balancing act when he was still competing. I wish I was running marathons at the time because our seasons would have been more compatible! But we did a lot of easy runs together as we still do. He was usually pretty blasted from the marathon workouts so actually wanted to run my pace (and sometimes slower), so it worked out well. We spent a lot of time cooking together and traveling together which was really fun. But now with the kids, life is definitely more full and we are pretty much just busting on logistical and administrative stuff outside of training before they come home, and then it’s hanging out with them and helping with homework.
iRun: Both charity work and faith have been important to you both and you’ve been outspoken on both. What do you get back from each part of your life?
Hall: I definitely believe we as humans are body, soul and spirit. We need to be investing in each one, and if one gets neglected, we feel it and can’t thrive as a person. I’ve definitely lived too much in the “physical” at times where I was desperate to get my performances to improve, but I ended up being unhappy and running worse. I’ve always thought that after college I would do international development work and help people living in extreme poverty, so being able to help in those areas through my running and The Hall Steps Foundation has been very important, as that’s a big part of who I am and the impact I feel called to make in the world. My faith in Jesus motivates everything that I do, including running and the charity work, and feeding my spirit is just as important to me as refueling after training. This life is temporary, but life with God is eternal, and I try to always keep that in perspective.
iRun: What advice would you give runners competing at the Ottawa Race weekend, or basically competing in any type of run?
Hall: I like to tell people to turn their nerves into excitement. A sports psychologist once told me he went on a sled dog ride, and when he walked out with the musher the dogs all started going crazy, pulling at their chains with excitement. They all wanted to be the ones picked to run and pull the sled, to do what they were created to do. That’s the same excitement I hope to bring to my competitions — that “put me in, coach!” mentality, rather than the dread that nerves can bring.
iRun: Look down the road and give me a forecast. Will you be running at 65?
Hall: I’m trying to take good care of my body now so that I can be out exploring the trails and doing long, challenging races at that point. I hope so!
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