“I remember being a six-year-old boy and waking up every morning and rushing to the TV to see where Terry was that day.”  Steve Nash

GRANT: So, where are you at with the book? I’m at Chapter 4.

VICKY: I’m near the end of Chapter 3. It feels odd to read this book because I feel like I was there yet I obviously wasn’t since I hadn’t even turned 1 when he started his run.

GRANT: Ah Vickster, such a young pup! I’m a bit older than you so I remember Terry and his run. It gives me chills just thinking about it.

VICKY: I wish I was older and could have taken part in his journey in some way. He ran for 143 days from St. John’s, Newfoundland to Thunder Bay, Ontario for a total of 5,373 kilometres. Not only did he run but he spoke to and met thousands of Canadians along the way. I’m so proud of him and what he stands for that it gets a bit overwhelming sometimes when I read this book.

GRANT: Well, you are taking part in his journey. That’s the thing about Terry, no matter when or where, he makes us all feel like we’re a part of his journey because in my opinion, his journey continues. Whether it’s through fundraising, running the Marathon of Hope or simply keeping his legacy alive. That’s what we’re doing right now my friend, we’re spreading the good word by bringing all this information and attention to the man and his cause.

VICKY: You’re right but it’s not like making a documentary about the man. I was watching TSN the other night and I saw a promo for a new documentary about Terry Fox. Guess who’s the filmaker? I’ll give you one clue:  Canadian basketball superstar.

GRANT: Steve Nash?

VICKY: Yup. ESPN presented him with the opportunity to film a sports documentary and apparently he’s a huge Terry Fox fan so, voilà! The film is called “Into the Wind“. Nash says Americans don’t know much about Terry but he hopes to bring his story to their attention and inspire them as well. Check it out on the following networks and times (ET):

• ESPN on September 28 at 8:00 p.m.
• TSN2 on September 29 at 9:00 p.m.
• CTV on September 30 at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

GRANT: Well I’m definitely marking my calendar. I love Steve Nash and I love Terry Fox so I can’t wait to see this film. If any of you are parents out there, don’t forget that this Thursday (September 30) is the Terry Fox National School Run Day.

VICKY: Living a healthy lifestyle and doing a good deed for someone else (or a cause you believe in) are great life lessons that all kids should learn. I hope you’ll encourage your kids to participate in this great event!

GRANT: So, what’s your favourite part of the book so far?

VICKY: I just read about the initial struggles he went through as he started the run and what struck a nerve for me was how much he and his family were adamant about the donations going to the cause. Turn to page 13-14 and you’ll see how his intentions were so pure and good. This is my favourite excerpt so far: “If you give, your gift is pure charity, a gift from the heart, not one that benefits a company. No one was to profit from Terry’s run, ever.”

GRANT: I love that about him. I must admit though, the part about them in St. John’s and then Mayor Dorothy Wyatt was a riot! I laughed out loud when I read that chapter. I could see her running behind Terry and I could just imagine him being so polite and well mannered as she talked his ear off.

VICKY: Oh come on, she’s from back home so she’s harmless! I agree, that was pretty funny. Another part I found interesting was how little money they had to take on this adventure. Before reading this book, I didn’t realize the generosity they relied upon to get through each day. It’s amazing how Canadians just opened their homes to them and provided them with a hot shower and so on. There were so many gestures of goodwill and a wonderful show of patriotism that we rarely see in today’s “Me first” society.

GRANT: I completely agree. Anyone else have any first thoughts on this book? Let us know. Alright Vic, I’m off to read some more. As opposed to our last book, this one is a page turner!

Hey iRun readers – hope everyone had a great summer of racing!  This time of year always brings back memories of cross-country running in high school and university for me.  The crisp autumn air and the changing color of the leaves certainly makes it the ideal time of year to get out and do some trail running.  I figured this would be a great time to go over some differences between trail shoes and regular running shoes and whether or not they’re worth the extra money.

Probably one of the most obvious differences between trail shoes and regular running shoes is their more rugged structure.  Trail shoes often have re-enforced upper materials in order to protect your feet from poking sticks and rocks.  In addition, trail shoes often have a much higher density mid-sole material in order to alleviate bruising from below from rocks and roots.  I would debate that these features don’t necessarily reduce the risk of ankle sprains however these are definitely valuable features to have if you have more sensitive feet that feel bruised after a run on the trails, or if you are looking for something more durable.  

The main downside that I see to trail shoes is their lack of specific support with respect to the various foot types.  Because the majority of trail shoes are neutral, certain foot types may run into problems due to their lack of specific motion control.  In addition, because trail shoes are often heavier and stiffer, they don’t always work so well running on harder surfaces.

My general suggestion to most people asking whether or not to make the switch to trail shoes is to stick with their regular running shoes.  This way you have a familiar, comfortable fit that should work well on the majority of trails.  That being said, for those looking for extra durability or a little more protection from the elements, trail shoes can certainly offer that extra level of protection.

Happy trails!

Isn’t this time of year amazing? Autumn is my favorite season, bar none. The sun is warm, but the air is cool. Every morning when I look out the window, I swear there’s a few more red leaves on that big tree. After the heat of the summer, fall running is so refreshing.

After the half I ran in June, I put running on the back burner. There was the triathlon and I focused on biking and swimming. Then through August, I just kind of let things slide. It was hot and most mornings, I had more fun playing in the shaded backyard or with the hose than I would have on the road.

But now, at the end of September, I’m back to school and my girls are wearing cozy tights under their skirts and woolly sweaters, and it feels like everything has been reinvigorated (which is ironic, since in autumn everything is actually slowly dying).

I’ve been running again, and felt strong enough after a great 11k last week to commit to a half marathon in February. My daydreams continue, and I’m fairly certain I’ll run my second (and maybe last?) full next fall.

What about you? Does autumn kick start your running, or do you hunker down in preparation of winter?

“I don’t feel that this is unfair. That’s the thing about cancer. I’m not the only one, it happens all the time to people. I’m not special. This just intensifies what I did. It gives it more meaning. It’ll inspire more people. I just wish people would realize that anything’s possible if you try; dreams are made possible if you try.” Terry Fox