What We Talk About When We Talk About Terry Fox

By

-

September 14, 2022

If ever you’re looking for an antidote to the day’s bad news, it’s hard to beat asking runners what they think about when they think about Terry Fox. In the most popular Facebook post at iRun in months, we asked our readers what Terry means to them, just over a week out from the annual Terry Fox run.

“A Canadian hero, hometown hero who exhibited strength, resilience, perseverance and an ability to unite a nation—the world—in the search for a cure for cancer,” one reader wrote.

“I think about this Sunday in Montreal when I run my forty-second straight year and raise money for Cancer Research which was what Terry was all about. I’m a stage 4 cancer-survivor, going on eleven years,” said another.

“Terry was persistence personified. Absolute courage. Total selflessness. The best of what we can strive to be,” a runner said.

That last message in particular struck me as important, especially as my kids gear up for the Terry Fox run on September 18. I love the idea that we’re not fixed in our identities. That we can morph and change and improve, not just in our running, obviously, but in how we treat each other and greet the world. What is Terry Fox’s teachable lesson? What should our kids see in Terry Fox, in, hopefully, at least a little bit, in us? I looked at more notes from our readers on what Terry Fox means to them.

“His motivation and determination changed cancer research forever,” a reader said.

“I admire how he fought through his pain because the cause was so important,” said another runner.

“When I think of Terry Fox, I think of strength, resilience, honour, commitment, and a gentle soul that was selfless,” read one note.

Selflessness is perhaps the characteristic I feel like is most needed in our modern times. While everyone looks out for themselves—their race times, ambitions, and needs—it’s that rare person who actually puts other people first. Terry Fox changed the world on one leg and a rusty prosthetic and in the course of his dedicated journey has raised nearly a billion-dollars for cancer research. As we approach the annual Terry Fox run, which will reach more than 650 communities across the country—uniting us all in the way no politician can—it’s a good opportunity to think about our own role in the world.

What will your legacy be? How will you measure up against Terry Fox?

“When I think of Terry Fox, I envision his perseverance to leave an example to others opposed to surrendering to fate, and that’s inspiring,” wrote a reader.

“I think about how one person can change a nation,” said someone else.

“I was 19-years-old and saw Terry when he came through Ottawa and did the ceremonial kick off at a Rough Rider game,” wrote David Daze, a great friend of iRun and a well-known runner in the community. “The inspirational aspect of the Marathon of Hope had a profound effect on me, to the point where I kept a picture of Terry in my classroom for all thirty-four years of my teaching career.“

The Terry Fox Run is next week and it’s a great teaching moment and a great moment to take stock of our own lives. We all know what Terry Fox did and how he lived and how he’s remembered. The question is: what will each of us do in our own lives? It’s never too late to begin.

Thinking About Ed

By

Ben Kaplan

-

September 7, 2022

As the Waterfront Marathon approaches, and violence in Saskatchewan dominates the news, I find myself missing and thinking about Ed. Ed, as runners in the community well know, is of course Ed Whitlock, the gentlemanly king of endurance running who rewrote the record book, and our preconceived notions, of what can be accomplished as we age.

Whitlock broke three hours in the marathon at age 74 and then he broke four hours at age 85, and he even broke the mile record at age 86, just a few months before succumbing to cancer. It’s not just that Ed was a supernatural athlete. What I find myself missing most is his grace. Decked out in his suit at the Waterfront Marathon, smiling with strangers and taking pictures, steering clear from sponsorships or attention and simply running his famous, endless three-hours loops by the cemetery near his home in Milton (“I like running in the cemetery because, compared to everyone else there, you look really good”), Ed taught us not only how to age, but how to live.

Courteous, gracious, fastidious, witty; focussed, generous, patient, tough as nails: Ed Whitlock was one of a kind, but that doesn’t mean we can’t aspire to some of his learned lessons. And here’s the thing about Ed: he looked like he was having fun! He loved the Waterfront Marathon. Loved Alan Brookes. Loved the Expos and run crews and racers visiting Toronto from all over the world. Ed was curious and humble; powerful and low key: it’s safe to say that Ed never ran in carbon-plated shoes.

Today my kids went back to school and soon enough I’ll be running my fall marathon. Time keeps on moving quickly and there’s ups and downs and seemingly a new tragedy occurring every day. Today I want to think about Ed Whitlock. We all face decisions as we face the world, racing. Ed Whitlock enjoyed the moment, and I wish the very same thing for you.

Photographs by Darren Calabrese.

When Will Violence Against Women Stop?

By

Sabrina Young

-

September 7, 2022

“Make sure to have your Strava beacon on.”

“Text me when you are back home.”

“Carry a sharp object in your hand for safety.”

“If you aren’t back in 30 minutes, I am calling the police.”

Sound familiar? How often have you said these things? Every woman should have the right to run without fear.

In June of this year, a local Toronto running group called ChixRunthe6ix held a group run. The significance of this group run rings LOUD and CLEAR today and AGAIN, as Memphis police identify a body of woman who was abducted and killed on Friday, September 2nd. Eliza “Liza” Fletcher was out for a run at 4 a.m. last Friday. She was a runner, a teacher, a mother of two children, a friend and a wife.

This has to stop.

The event organized and hosted by ChixRunthe6ix was to call attention to the issue of unsafe public spaces and to talk about how we can contribute to moving the dial on women’s running safety.

When founding members Kim, Shazia, Amanda and Chantal created ChixRunthe6ix two years ago, it was with the objective of starting a run group that created a space that was approachable, motivational and inclusive for women to come together to run, walk, and move—with no one left behind.

They expected women to become members—to meet new faces, find their place and pace, and cheer each other on. They were so incredibly proud of everyone who had joined them on this journey and those who have contributed in our efforts to make things a little bit better for others.

What they did NOT expect is to have these same women share their personal stories about harassment while running. They have countless stories of members in their community who have been the recipient of sexist and degrading remarks, offensive and rude catcalls and wolf whistles, and worse, including sexual and physical harassment.

In a recent survey of 2,000 runners (sponsored by Runner’s World and Women’s Health), only 8% of women said they were OK to run outside, no matter how dark it is. JUST 8%!!

Moreover, 25% of women experience sexual harassment on a run REGULARLY.

On December 1st, 2021, co-founder Amanda Richardson, on her 40th birthday, had a man physically assault her on the Riverdale park track, leaving her with physical, mental and emotional trauma.

The group quickly came together and “took back the track” at a special event where several supporters, runners, and allies—male and female—came together in solidarity to show their support for bringing women’s safety to the forefront.

An anonymous Chix member was so affected by what occurred, she reached out asking how she could help. She decided that she could help move the dial by purchasing one hundred safety alarms for our members. There was no special discount, no sponsorship or promotion, no benefit or tax receipt. This donor simply wanted to do something.

The issue is enormous and far-reaching and not unique to North America. Policy change needs to continue until sexual harassment stops.

Elizabeth King, a journalist at Complex, said it best when she said: “Street harassment is a dangerous public issue: Publicly and repeatedly objectifying women creates an unsafe environment, which can and does turn violent. It’s not uncommon for women to be harassed or stalked in public by men who later commit violence against them, including rape and murder.”

The group believes that catcalling is like the gateway drug. It’s a “small” (yet big) action that can lead to bigger, more harmful behaviour and further, dire consequences. Moving this “dial” requires all of us and our goal is big.

We want cat calling to be illegal in Canada.

How can the run community help? Make your voice heard for the safety and protection of runners everywhere. This simple effort can make a world of a difference today and for our young runners of tomorrow who will grow up running our same roads and trails and deserve to do so with confidence and security.

You can start to make change on this issue by contacting your local MPP and telling them why this is important. And please, let’s all have the conversation with the males in your life and invite them as allies. Males needs to be having conversations with other males about their harmful behaviour.

Otherwise, When Will It Stop?

An Awesome Update from Marathon Beneva Quebec

By

Ben Kaplan

-

August 31, 2022

Chicoutimi Sagueneens v Quebec Remparts — QUEBEC CITY, QC - OCTOBER 11: during their QMJHL hockey game at the Videotron Center on October 11, 2019 in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada. (Photo by Mathieu Belanger/Getty Images) *** Local Caption ***

The Marathon Beneva Quebec—A Healthy Invitation from Brunet, is rapidly approaching which means one of Canada’s greatest road running races is happening soon. The event kicks off September 30 and runs through October 2 and the price increase will take place on September 6th at 11:59 p.m., so grab one of the few remaining bibs and join the thousands of participants already registered for this twenty-third edition of the Quebec City Marathon.

With one month to go, the countdown is on and the enthusiasm is high for runners, volunteers and organizers. In exactly thirty days, more than 8,000 runners are expected to be at the starting line and experience a singular event unmatched by any other race in the country.

iRun will be at the event and we’re encouraging everyone to check out the expo, which is stacked with conferences, workshops, demonstrations and all sorts of excellent exhibitors from across the country and centred in Quebec. The expo, which kicks off September 30 at 12 p.m. at Hall du Centre Vidéotron, located at 250 Wilfrid-Hamel Boulevard, is not to be missed.

Race day is happening and it’s something you won’t want to miss, so consider this your invitation to get in at a discount. It’s sure to be the racing party of the year. There is absolutely nothing on earth like race weekend in Quebec City, so get your bib and make your reservations today.

Lanni Marchant: “CBD changed my life.”

By

Ben Kaplan

-

August 31, 2022

Before the Ottawa Marathon, when Lanni Marchant was racing just weeks after the Vancouver Marathon at 38-years-old, Lanni and I hosted the Ottawa City Run Club at Superette, arguably the country’s trendiest cannabis shop, where athletes in Canada need to purchase CBD.

CBD is the non-psychoactive component of the cannabis flower and, in America, it can be purchased at WholeFoods and on Amazon and is sold differently than old-school weed. In Canada, the two products are treated equally, though they do radically different things and most industry watchers predict our law will change soon. (CBD companies are allowed to sponsor athletes in America and Lanni says most big US runners have CBD sponsors).

At any rate, the event—hosted by iRun and MediPharm Labs, Canada’s leading CBD manufacturer—was eye-opening, to say the least.

“Since 2019, if I want to feel calm or dialled in during a workout, I’ve been using CBD,” says Marchant, who signed autographs and answered questions during the revelatory day. “I now realize how much of an anxious person I’ve been—or was—until I started using CBD.”

MediPharm Labs makes formulated oils that work for different need states. As the editor of iRun, there is a product I wholly endorse by the brand called CBN 1:2, which is a nighttime formula that also contains THC and seriously assisted me during a difficult bout of getting absolutely no sleep. Lanni would never touch THC, but says she takes CBD, which was recommended to her by her naturopath and counsellor, after her workouts—but also as she navigates her everyday life.

“Like any athlete, I can’t have any pot products so of course, with cannabis, I said, ‘no, no, no, no,’ but CBD is different,” Marchant told the crowd of runners, who actually didn’t look that different than the other Superette customers. “I use CBD in recovery drinks after a workout and for pain relief and it also helps me stave off, or at least lessen the effects, of migraines.”

To see the runners’ eyes pop open at the design of Superette and to watch them take in Lanni’s words felt like the dawn of something special. Looking more like an Apple store then a pot shop, Superette, like Lanni, goes a long way toward ending the stigma surrounding cannabis. MediPharm Labs can’t make any medical claims about their CBD products and more research is absolutely needed to better understand exactly what CBD does—and does not—do.

However, Lanni Marchant is inarguably one of Canada’s all-time greatest runners and her CBD endorsement garnered everyone’s attention. “At the start, I had to keep it on the DL—the down low—but in the states, elite runners are constantly giving out CBD promo codes and eventually I’m sure we’ll be there in Canada,” said Marchant. “It’s never easy being a trailblazer, I know that, but I think everybody should try CBD. It changed my life.”

For more information on MediPharm Labs, see medipharmlabs.com.

A Letter to a Friend Before his First Marathon

By

Ben Kaplan

-

August 31, 2022

How far you’ve come is astounding. In case you forget, I want to remind you: you look great and your journey hasn’t only impacted you. Everyone around you is inspired. This is why we run: to redefine who we are and what we’re capable of and, while it isn’t easy and it isn’t over—the finish line in Berlin is still weeks, however quickly decreasing, away—the journey you’ve been on is already a success.

By taking the first step, you’ve already won.

We’ve all taken so much from you. And I wish I could go back in time and fill your virgin shoes: the nerves, the anticipation, the butterflies. . . the long nights of what ifs. What if I cramp out at thirty? What if my stomach acts up or my training wasn’t for long enough? What if I wear the wrong shoes? And what about the weather, the wind, the chafing? What if the course is marked incorrectly or I miss a water station and what if I oversleep or don’t sleep at all or what if there’s no getting over the Wall?

All of those things could happen. Run long enough and you’ll experience all of that, plus tons more. But here’s the thing and let me remind you: you will do this again, so relax.

This isn’t the Olympics or the World Series and you don’t have to do anything that you’re not ready for. You’ll wake up in the morning and put on your sneakers and you’ll show up at your race and you’ll run. Then, before you know it, the kilometres will gradually diminish and each step you take will bring you closer to your finish line—which you will cross, and you will be done.

You can do this and you are ready for this and this is for everyone—for all of us—for the elites competing for prize money and world records and the back of the pack crew just trying to finish before the course is closed. All of us are on our own journeys, and this is what makes our sport so great. So enduring.

The training, the lifestyle, the friendships, the healthy patterns; what we used to do that we didn’t like about ourselves before we ran: that’s the prize of finishing any race. It isn’t the medal or the T-shirt or the time: it’s the experience of working towards something, and seeing it through.

My friend, what you’ve done, before you even start racing, has been awesome. And every time someone new gets into our sport it inspires someone else to do the same. Who is a runner? What makes an athlete? What body type, gender, nationality; who deserves the right to say that they run? I think we all do, and that everyone has it in them—whatever ‘it’ tends to be.

Desire, dedication, a supportive community: in your case, I know you have a partner who already radiates, from your accomplishment, even before you start racing, magnificent pride.

The marathon is hard. As is work, relationships, parenting, life. But running is something different. Something separate. Something you get to own just for yourself. And all that you have to do on race day is just remember how far you’ve travelled. The kilometres you’ve run and the people you’ve touched. Soon enough, you’ll find yourself on that course and then, sometime later, it will all be over.

You’ll have a medal around your neck and, eventually, a beer in your hand. You’ll have done something very few people ever attempt in their life. A bucket list thing, accomplished.

Then, my friend, you will do it again.

Mind-Body Connection: Visualization, and Deja Vu

By

Ben Kaplan

-

August 24, 2022

Howdy! I’m Diane Chesla and am Co-Race Director of the Niagara Falls International Marathon (NFIM), exploring the mind-body connection of running and how lessons learned can be applied to life.

In my last article I explored pure enjoyment as a key in experiencing runner’s high. I’m going to venture far off the beaten path for this article and explore something that isn’t written about in all the literature on runner’s high or states of flow. Maybe it’s relevant—or maybe I’m truly off my rocker.

While I’ve shared the story of how I went VERY deep into one of these “alternative” states of mind while running, the truth is that I’ve experienced this phenomenon many times over since I was young. I’m exposing myself here, but maybe some readers will be able to relate or maybe it will help others get into these elusive states of mind and improve either their athletic performance or their lives outside of running.

What I’m referring to has to do with visualization. It really started as far back as when I was 13 and decided to “imagine” that I was going to ace my moves in my first soccer tournament. And I did by envisioning these “moves” en route to my games in the backseat of my family’s blue Cutlass. I have used this technique over and over again ever since. Let me give you an example of how I’ve used visualization that I believe has helped me experience runner’s high.

I love running—or should I say pounding a downhill on a run. The steeper and more technical the better. There must have been a starting point where I experienced a bit of downhill that fuelled my love of the terrain, but I can’t recall it. I also love running in the heat and humidity. No idea why. What I have daydreamed about over and over again in life is letting loose on a mountainous descent while the thickness of the air seems to “hold” me in place and my legs spin in perfect stride, much like those of a professional runners.

I recall one actual experience, among many that I easily slipped into this state where time completely stood still and my perception was that it was just me, the terrain, the thick air and an acute awareness of approaching feet. It was like I was floating in this heavenly space of silence. I often think it’s a space where animals can perceive their prey or communicate with sounds to each other. For the record, two of these mirror experiences were in California, which I often fantasized about growing up from my indulgence in great movies that painted a picture in my mind of a hip, laid back utopia.

What I can tell you is that every time I have one of these experiences running I have this sense of deja vu. When I stopped one day to ponder why I felt this way, I realized that I was experiencing ideas I had fantasized about in my mind. Here’s what I think is really key and what makes visualization a potential tool to experience runner’s high—the ability to trigger your senses while visualizing.

Can this sensory visualization technique help us “perform” in life outside of running? Absolutely. More weirdness stories from my life: When I started putting together a concrete plan to produce my first race I imagined it first. I imagined and “felt” what the atmosphere of the race would actually be like in the midst of my own 50k race in the beating sun of the June-based Niagara Ultra.

It’s been nearly 20 years and I’m still directing races.

Again, for my next article I truly have no idea yet what angle I’ll explore because I’m super into experiencing flow/runners high again and too much thinking is counter-productive for these states of mind. At this point, I’m wondering how I can help people live better lives by tapping into alternative states of mind, as I have. I would love to hear readers’ experiences with intense, sensory-based visualization exercises in running and in “real” life.

Shoe Review: ON Cloudmonster

By

Ben Kaplan

-

August 24, 2022

The springy, foamy elastic lift off on the ON Cloudmonster is unlike any shoe I’ve ever run in, and I’ve been reviewing sneakers for the last fifteen years. With a heel-to-toe drop of 6mm and a weight of 275 grams, the ON Cloudmonster—originally produced in Zurich by three friends, including multiple Ironman winner Olivier Bernhard—provides a unique run experience at a time when many road rides have become homogenized. There’s a reason why the brand has experienced unprecedented growth: it creates a snug, slippery feel, but one augmented by rocket springs.

ON Cloudmonster costs $199.99 and is available at most shoes stores across Canada, and of course at the brand’s own site. They’re the brand worn by Ben Flanagan, pictured above, who recently broke the 10K Canadian road record and followed that by winning the Falmouth Road Race last weekend.

Flanagan wants to rewrite the entire Canadian record book and says ON are his favourite shoes. He wears the carbon-plated Cloudboom Echo, whose third iteration, will be out next year.

“They just feel differently than anything else,” he told iRun. “I couldn’t be happier with my shoes.“

Technology behind the ON shoes say that their exclusive IP helps lower pulse rate and blood lactate levels and it does feel like there’s energy being conserved with the Cloudmonster. At first, the shoes feel strange. Like strapping into a super shoe for the first time, the sneaker feels odd when standing still. However, on propulsion, you understand there are unique mechanics at work on your body: each lift off felt turbocharged and the responsiveness was impressive. It’s like an aerodynamic pogo stick has been flattened out on the soles of your shoes, clutch for when exhaustion begins settling in.

The Wall Street Journal called the ON technology “revolutionary,” and the brand has grown from their Zurich headquarters, with global offices now run in Portland and Japan. There are currently more than fifteen different lines of ON shoes at different price ranges and for different need states. With a 2016 launch into apparel, the shoe line designed with an assist from tennis great Roger Federer, does things differently than anyone else in the shoe game. For anyone looking to change things up for their fall races, we suggest experimenting with ON.

It’s a sneaker you won’t find anywhere else, which is a rush.

How to Keep Up with Your Running When the Kids Go Back to School

By

Ben Kaplan

-

August 24, 2022

As an elementary school teacher, September brings great excitement starting off a new teaching year. It’s also a time of transition, where life becomes significantly busier for my family and I.

I currently train with the Newmarket Huskies, and am a part of the Brooks Run Happy team. I train twice a week with my team, and for the remainder of my training week I train alone.

Keeping to my training schedule at times can be difficult. Between work, marking, coaching and fitting in family time—the majority of my “easy” runs are done past 9 p.m. Nothing too easy about that.

Here are my tips to staying on track with your training as the business of fall sets in:

Find Your Support System: My coach, Sue Dieghan, is someone who I’ll often check in with. Especially if I’m feeling run down at any point. I always plan out a goal each season, and she is amazing at keeping me on track. My teammates also keep me accountable, and motivated during workouts. It’s hard to do life, and running, on your own.
Be Flexible: With me, flexibility has been so important. Four out of seven days of my training consist of “easy runs.” I always give myself a range on those days. I aim for anywhere between seven to eleven kilometres. On days I’m feeling run down, I will just focus on slowing down the pace and hitting 7K for the day. The important thing is to remain consistent, keep running!!
Switch Up Your Training: When I’m lacking motivation, I’ll swap locations for my easy runs for a change of scenery. I’ll even swap easy runs for cross training to switch it up. Keep yourself interested and stay involved with your training—remember, this should be fun!!
Down Week: I cycle my training with three weeks at my normal mileage, and one down week where my overall mileage is significantly lower. My workouts will remain the same, but I will lower my easy day runs or take an additional day off all together if needed. Combat burnout, both professionally and with your running and, most importantly, listen to your body and listen to your feelings!!

Some days can definitely be difficult to get out the door. I always try to listen to my body and reflect on the strong workouts I’ve had, goals I’ve accomplished and amazing people I’ve met to help boost confidence and keep me going. Waves of motivation will come and go. Don’t be afraid to adjust your training based on your needs. Continue to challenge yourself and enjoy the journey. You’ll surprise yourself, with your family and in your running, with all the new finish lines you will find.

Trail Shoe Review: Salomon Ultra Guide, by Reid Coolsaet

By

Ben Kaplan

-

August 17, 2022

My favourite trail shoe is the Salomon Ultra Glide, from my sponsor, and it’s what I’ve used in all of my trail races so far this year and most of my trail running.

For me, it’s the most versatile trail shoe as it has lots of cushion (38mm stack height of responsive EVA) and yet is still lightweight (260g). Coming from the roads I need a shoe that is stable and protective and I feel comfortable on technical terrain in the Ultra Glide.

The toe bumper helps protect from rocks and roots, as long as you’re in the right size. I learned that the hard way when I ran an ultra with the same size shoe as I would on the roads, I now run in half a size larger and my toes are happy (even when I stub a rock).

The outsole is made of Contagrip with 4mm lugs (pictured above), and they are good in mud and fantastic on dry trails. I often run on the roads to get to the trails and the Ultra Glide feels smooth on all surfaces.

As with many shoes, I glue the insole into the shoe if I know I’m going to encounter both wet and steep conditions. Ultra Glides come with Salomon’s Quicklace system that allows you not to worry about your laces the entirety of a 100 miler. These shoes do a remarkable job of breathing well and keeping debris out, which is key on long adventures. The Ultra Glide differs from mainstay Salomon trail shoes with a slightly larger toe box and softer cushioning.

I recommend the Ultra Glide for any trail runner—especially those who are new to trail running.