Music from Home, my running playlist

October 12, 2021

Caroline Marie Brooks (one-third of Good Lovelies) just released her debut solo album, Everything at the Same Time, and it’s an album made during the pandemic, recorded and co-produced with her dear friend Jim Bryson at his Fixed Hinge studio (Stittsville, ON), Dream Date studio (Toronto, ON), and across southern Ontario at many of the featured musicians’ homes. A longtime friend of iRun, Brooks, pictured at the Picton Half Marathon, is a runner and walker and all-around good egg. Here, ahead of her live stream virtual concert on October 17, she picks her ten favourite running tunes from influential Canadian artists in a playlist she calls: Music from Home. “Here are some songs that remind me of home, that give me joy, and help me through the ups and downs—mostly ups!—of running.”

Lido Pimienta, Eso Que Tu Haces

Lido has one of the most beautiful voices on the planet. This is, for me, a perfect warm up song. I’ve been working through some knee issues for the last few years, so I have to start slow and gentle and warm up well before hitting my stride. This tune suits that vibe.

Chiiild, Gone

I have to be careful where I put this on the playlist on a run because guaranteed I’ll change my stride to hit that beat, or even just start dancing mid run! It’s laid back and guaranteed to have me taking in my surroundings with open eyes. I love that feeling.

Charlotte Cornfield, Partner in Crime

“Partner in Crime” is from Charlotte’s upcoming record High in the Minutes. I love the steadiness of this song, it builds gently but keeps this meditative pace.

Tim Baker, All Hands

Tim Baker is known for his work with Hey Rosetta, and his 2019 record Forever Overhead is a total banger. “All Hands” is such a joyful and peppy song. I cannot contain myself from singing along to this while out on runs—I can’t imagine how that sounds to passersby but it’s fun as hell for me!

Jim Bryson & The Weakerthans, Wild Folk

I’ve got SO MUCH LOVE for Jim Bryson. He has been a huge part of my life and career, and when I made my most recent album I knew I’d want him at the helm as co-producer. Back in 2010 he made a gorgeous record with The Weakerthans and I love the pacing of the tune “Wild Folk.”

Liz Stringer, Dangerous

Liz is Australian but spends a lot of her life in Canada. Her album First Time Really Feeling came out mid-pandemic and became the soundtrack to my days. The song “Dangerous” just hits me in the gut and gets me moving fast and hard. Pay close attention to the lyrics…they are masterful.

The Halluci Nation, Tanokumbia (feat. El Dusty & Black Bear)

HIT THAT STRIDE. Such a fun tune, with a killer beat. As someone who often listens to albums in full order, One More Saturday Night would be a killer running record on its own. Full of jams and special guests. Perfect running album.

James Baley, Banishment (feat. Twysted Miyake-Mugler)

I mean the opening lyrics to this song are “Run, Bi*ch, run,” so need I say more? James recently released a collection of songs called A Story. He’s a force of nature, and is taking centre stage. What I like about this song is that it is a good transition into cool down.

July Talk, Champagne (feat. James Baley & Kyla Charter)

This is such a great cool-down song, which I love mostly because of all the beautiful and varied voices that sing on this tune. In particular, I’m really into Kyla Charter’s voice. She’s got big things coming, and I’m looking forward to hearing what she comes up with as a solo artist.

Reid Coolsaet Reviews: ASICS GT-2000 – 10

October 12, 2021

I had the opportunity to test out a handful of ASICS shoes and with iconic names like the GEL Kayano and Cumulus and cool names such as GEL-Kinsei Blast, the last pair I gravitated towards was the GT-2000^®-10. And you guessed it, I liked the GT-2000^® (10) the best.

The GT-2000^® (10) isn’t a flashy shoe, but it’s exactly what I want for my workhorse trainer: enough cushion to keep the legs fresh, but light enough to feel zippy. This is the shoe that I will wear for most of my runs, including long runs.

Once again, I’m really impressed with ASICS’ FLYTEFOAM midsole. It’s responsive and light so I’d have no problems doing intervals or a tempo run in these shoes. Specifically, it weighs 280g (9.9oz) in men’s size 9 and 238g (8.4oz) in women’s size 7. Not as light as your race shoe, but lighter than most daily trainers.

Get your pair online here or at your local running retailer.

It almost goes without saying that the upper is really comfortable. Just about every shoe company has done away with overlays and extra stitching in the past bunch of years. Where some miss is the fit and the GT-2000^® fits nice and snug with enough space in the forefoot. It’s a smooth ride and with an 8mm drop—it’s right in the sweet spot (not steep, not flat).

If you’re looking for that everyday no-fuss running shoe, this is a great option.

Old men, stop giving me unsolicited advice during my runs!

Ben Kaplan

October 12, 2021

The other morning I was running along the MGT and I almost got hit by a bike that cut super close around me (for the record I was on the correct side of the path). Anyhow, the old dude running towards me says: “You shouldn’t run with earbuds in. You are going to get hit because you can’t hear.”

(Which was super ironic since I still had my earbuds in so not sure if he expected me to read lips.) Me: “Dude, I can hear you just fine.”

I would have heard that cyclist, too, if he had rang his bell or said “on your left.” Given that I was running in my Chicago marathon shirt and am in way better shape than he was, he probably should have realized that I’ve been at this awhile. Seriously, dude: Keep your stupid comments to yourself!

Anyhow, I was so miffed that I posted my thoughts on Facebook. Sadly, but not surprisingly, many of my female friends have also had similar experiences.

“I get it, too. Typically from older men,” said one of my friends.

“Maybe we should consider swapping out race shirts with ones that just say: MIND YO BUSINESS.”

“I got mansplained to on my workout this morning,” said one friend. “It made me so mad I ran faster.”

“I feel like in the last few months it just went overboard in frequency,” said another running friend. “We all need to run together more and show ‘em we could kick their butts on the course!!”

Why do men—older men in my case, but apparently men in general do this—think it’s OK to give us unsolicited advice? In addition to the earbud comment I have been told, among other things:

not to run too close to the middle of the path on the MGT,

not to run by myself on trails

and my favourite, run with a light.

The last one, in itself, is solid advice, but did you really think I intentionally set out to run in the dark without a light? Or maybe, just maybe, I misjudged my distance or speed and got caught closer to twilight than I planned (not complete darkness) as did the guy running ahead of me to which I noticed you didn’t offer your “friendly” advice!!!!!!

I don’t think I come off as helpless or clueless. In reality, some of these men aren’t much older than me so I don’t think it’s a “dad” thing, either. Honestly, this is almost as annoying as the guy who rides back and forth by you a few times before he tells you he likes your running skirt. OK, the latter is a little more creepy than annoying, but no less welcome.

I am a strong, smart woman who doesn’t need a man telling me what to do. So please keep your comments to yourself or don’t be surprised when I tell you what to do with them.

“Having a challenge that scares you a few times a year is good for you.”

Ben Kaplan

October 6, 2021

Rick Shaver is a runner famous for his love or travel, marathons and living large. A competitor and advertising executive, from his time as a college athlete into his years as a business exec, running marathons has fed Shaver’s zest for life. This week, Shaver completed the London Marathon and earned his sixth World Major crown. iRun editor Ben Kaplan caught up with Shaver while he was still enjoying his runner’s high.

Ben Kaplan: How long have you wanted to get that last crown?

Rick Shaver: My first Abbott World Marathon Majors star was way back in 2006—New York City. After my Berlin marathon in 2011, I saw the unique six star medal and I knew I had to have it.

BK: What did it feel like to touch down in London?

RS: Relief on several levels. First, my COVID test protocols were almost done. Second, after 24 months since I had been accepted into the London Marathon—finally I knew it was going to happen!

BK: Wow, and so when you crossed that finish line, what did you feel?

RS: Exhilaration! After the excitement of passing Buckingham Palace, through a forrest of Union Jack flags along the mall and 252.6 km of the six world majors, all I could say was: ‘I did it.’

BK: How has the pandemic impacted your running?

RS: Without the live races, I’ve slowed down a bit (or maybe because I am getting older). Like a lot of the running community, I hit the solo solitary world of virtual races. Done with that. Totally appreciate live races even more now.

BK: What is it about racing that you love?

RS: The challenge. The training build. The nervous day of the race. The satisfaction of meeting the challenge.

BK: When did you start running, and why?

RS: Even though I really have no business participating in distance running (as a former 235-pound defensive end at McGill and the University of Alberta), I learned that I had aerobic abilities when we’d run the stairs at McGill Stadium after every practice. Also, when we’d do our ‘day after game’ two mile runs at Alberta, I’d be out front consistently. Even the coaches and trainers thought it was odd. After 14 years of football I was looking for a new challenge. In 1981, I did a bunch of races of different distances and found that I loved running. My first marathon was Vancouver in 1982.

BK: All our years being friends I’d never heard that story. What’s kept you with it all these years?

RS: Camaraderie. My good buddy Jeff and I ran together at 5:30am several times a week for 27 years. Also my running club the Southdown Striders—every Saturday since 2003. Also: weight control so I can enjoy food, drink and the occasional cigar.

BK: Let’s pivot back to the Majors. How are all the majors different, and how are they the same?

RS: The same in terms of the high quality and standards required of a World Majors-sanctioned event. Unbelievable attention to detail, massive logistics, huge number of race participants, fan support and difficulty of getting a spot in any one of them. Also the same—they offer incredible iconic tours of their cities.

BK: Favourite bits of the world’s best races?

RS: Berlin: finish through the Brandenburg Gate; New York: starting on the Verrazano Bridge and finishing in Central Park; Boston: ‘Right on Hereford, left on Boylston.’ Chicago: finishing in Grant Park; Tokyo: touring one of the most amazing cities on the planet. London: Running by Buckingham Palace at the finish.

BK: So cool.

RS: Yet the races are also so different. Boston is the ‘runners race.’ It is the Olympics of our sport. Almost everyone must meet an aggressive qualifying standard. To run there is an honour. On the other hand, London has a much more relaxed vibe. Crazy costumes. Wildly enthusiastic spectators and world-class musicians along the way.

BK: If, for our readers, you had to recommend one, which would it be?

RS: Maybe because London is fresh in my mind, little over a day old….it was so fun and exciting the entire 42.1km. Insane costumes! A never-ending series of loud, hilarious Brits welcoming us to their part of the route. Beer drinking in mid morning. I loved listening to and acknowledging their ‘go Canada’ cheers when they spotted my singlet. My favourite signs were: ‘Run like Boris Johnson runs from accountability’ and ‘Hurry up, the Kenyans are drinking all the beer.’

BK: What have you learned about yourself from the sport?

Not much good happens in life without hard work.

BK: What have you learned about the sport that you can share with others, what are some racing and training tips?

RS: The hardest part about a marathon is getting to the starting line, as the saying goes. Do the work. Do the training and believe it or not, running a marathon can be super fun! Try to always keep some level of fitness. It’s easier to gear up for races when you have a good base. Also: choose a race several weeks into the future as a goal. Have a couple drinks in the evening as a bit of liquid courage, go online and simply sign up for a race. Having a challenge that scares you a few times a year is good for you!

BK: I love that and completely agree. So Rick, what’s next?

RS: Of my 23 marathons, 15 have been international, including places like Budapest, Washington, Buenos Aires, Amsterdam & Reykjavik. I always proudly purchase a new Canada singlet for every race. Thinking about Vancouver next year in recognition of my first marathon there 40 years ago.

Boston Marathon CEO Tom Grilk Shares His Thoughts on Race Day

Ben Kaplan

October 5, 2021

The Boston Marathon returns to in-person racing this Monday for its 125th iteration, an event that the Boston Marathon CEO Tom Grilk calls, “More complicated than any other iteration any of us have ever seen.” Hosting 20,000 runners at a time when the London and Berlin Marathons recently held their own events, but the Tokyo Marathon postponed their fall event to the spring, in-person racing has obviously become … complicated. iRun editor Ben Kaplan spoke with Grilk just five days out from his race.

Ben Kaplan: Let’s open broadly: what’s different about this year’s event and what’s the same?

Tom Grilk: The athletes will run down the same roads they do every year. That’s the only thing that’s the same.

BK: Wow.

TG: Everything else is COVID affected.

BK: Of course.

TG: It would have been easier to say we won’t bother doing this. It’s complicated. It’s hard. We’ll wait until next April, but for us and everyone we work with, we want to do our part in the reopening of society.

BK: Were you able to attract volunteers?

TG: 7,500.

BK: Pretty incredible.

TG: It’s down from 9,500, but we don’t have as many runners. Our return rate exceeds 90%, for everybody.

BK: Just from an economic perspective, obviously hosting the Boston Marathon will help the restaurants, hotels and shops that have been sent reeling from COVID.

TG: People come here and spend a lot of money.

BK: How much?

TG: 30,000 runners exceed $200-million. We won’t be that big this year, but people do come here and spend millions. It’s a great assistance to all manner of hospitality.

BK: Can you talk about the actual event for participants?

TG: For starters, there’s no Athlete’s Village. There will be no mass gatherings at any point, so runners get their number at the Expo and receive a wristband based on their qualifying time and that leads you to a bus. Once you arrive, you roll.

BK: Interesting.

TG: It works out to be 3,500 athletes released every 15 minutes.

BK: Kinda fun. Everyone can chase each other.

TG: The idea is that we’ll have much less density on the roads than usual. We’re using lots of fluent dynamic modelling software.

BK: Not a phrase you usually hear regarding elite competitive marathon racing.

TG: It’s true. I’ve been spending an inordinate amount of time watching dots on a screen going down a road.

BK: And runners at the Expo need to present a proof of vaccine?

TG: Yes, either that or take a Rapid Antigen Test and produce a negative result.

BK: Times are so strange. It’s Wednesday and I feel like by Monday the world beyond running can drastically change.

TG: Things are definitely relentlessly dynamic. The disease keeps changing and if there’s one thing we know—apart from the great human tragedy—is how rapidly things change. It looks better than … whoops … here comes the Delta Variant. Who knows what’s next?

BK: Next for your guys in just another six months is another event. Is there a pent-up demand from runners to race?

TG: For sure, and since we don’t know what the field size will be . . .

BK: This year you’re at 20,000?

TG: Yes, down from 31,500, so if the conditions are the same, we can expect to have a field that is the same size in April. But we don’t know if that will be true or not. Come November, a month after this race, we open entrees for April of 2022.

BK: Stressful.

TG: All we need is someone to give us a perfect prediction of the overall future global environment.

BK: Less difficult but still predictive: On Monday, do you expect the same kind of famous Boston crowd support?

TG: It’s up to the municipalities to determine how they do things. We’re encouraging people to wear a mask when you can’t be socially distanced and I’d be surprised if Wesleyan College is encouraging their students to be quite as emotional. But we’ll see. For generations people have come out for Patriot’s Day and this year it’s in October. Maybe spectators are already committed on Monday to pick apples.

BK: Not likely.

TG: Lots of firsts happening this year.

BK: Another first, and now you’re talking to Canadians, but the land borders are closed between Canada and the US and I know other countries aren’t allowed to fly into America. Do you expect an American field on Monday?

TG: The number of entrants from outside the United States is definitely down. We have about 2,800 runners from outside the US competing and we offered everyone outside the US the opportunity to switch to virtual and said we’d refund the difference. 900 people switched.

BK: Do you feel comfortable in the safety of your event?

TG: We haven’t heard of any event leading to any sort of mass outbreak and the first Abbott World Marathon event was Berlin a few weeks ago and we’re not aware that that led to any public health difficulty.

BK: I haven’t heard anything.

TG: We also surveyed all of our runners a few months ago. We had a 77% return rate and 95% said they were vaccinated or planning to be. People coming have taken the steps to protect themselves and the people around them.

BK: Godspeed, my friend. Have a great race.

TG: What people have wanted for over 18 months is to get out and get together and the Boston Marathon brings people together. People around here take pride in the Boston Marathon.

Photographs courtesy of the Boston Athletic Association.

A Warrior’s Journey: “I told myself I am going to finish this—for me. So off I went and continued to push.”

Ben Kaplan

October 4, 2021

To embark on a lifestyle change that positively impacts your health is no overnight endeavour. One runner’s journey to reclaim his health has taken him from a run around the block to running an ultra-marathon. Read Joel Kennedy’s account of his first ultra-marathon as he returned to his place of birth to participate in the Calgary Marathon.

Finishing my first ultra marathon, something I never knew I was capable of, took me back to October 2015, when I started my journey. I remember the night I went out with the intent to walk for 30 mins, a big goal for me. I found myself not being able to go any longer than 10 minutes, and at the time I was over 150 pounds heavier than I am today. At that moment, on my first walk, I felt defeated. But pushed through, turned around, and made it home.

This would be something I would face throughout my journey.

During my first marathon in Chicago, only three years later, I went in with an injury, but decided to do it anyway. Once again I found myself having to push to finish. But I finished. The seven-hour finish time I felt was nothing to brag about, and in a way I was ashamed of my finish time. Instead, I should have been proud of what I had accomplished, especially what I put myself through in order to finish my first marathon and how far I had come.

Fast forward three years, I completed two more marathons and was now going for my first Ultra Marathon (50K).

It was a tough, hot summer for training, as I am sure many endured. My body didn’t react well as I tried balancing an extensive outdoor remodel at home while putting in mileage. By the time July came around, my body crashed. It had enough. There were many times I felt like calling it quits, but I continued to adapt and continued to make a new plan. Going in, I knew I was under-trained, but felt my body was not beat up so I was confident I could finish within the 6.5 hour cut off time. I chose the Calgary Marathon as it was the city where I was born and haven’t been since I was a year-old. It was meaningful for me to return “home” and attempt such a feat.

I remember touching down in Calgary and my legs felt off. Was it the increase in elevation? Or the fact that it was my first time flying? I couldn’t tell you. But I knew something wasn’t right. Having four days before the event I was confident I would recover and explored the area with my family. Two days before the event I started to wonder if my legs would feel normal. I purchased some calf sleeves, hoping this would help, and got myself to the starting line.

I have to take a moment to say being at the starting line of a large live event again was a great feeling. Something I had not experienced since I was in Chicago, 23 months ago, at my second marathon.

Away we go and I’m on pace to finish within six hours. Around 24K, my legs start feeling weird again and I’m thinking: ‘I am not even halfway.’ I continued to push through just past 26K where the marathoners turned around and headed back to the finish line. I have to say this portion of the course was the most scenic and it was great to see some of the trails Calgary has to offer. My family met me at the 30K mark with some food and drinks to refuel. Something I hoped would give my legs the kick I needed to finish. Once I got going again I started asking the volunteers what the cut off time was. I knew it was going to be close as my legs didn’t want to cooperate. It took me back to my first marathon where I pushed myself beyond my limit and it wasn’t enjoyable. I knew I had not reached that point, and was far from it, so I started to take in the experience. I made sure I enjoyed the rest of the event. At times, some volunteers were confident that they kept the finish line open longer.

I was around 45 kilometres into the course when a race marshal approached me on their bike and handed me a piece of paper. They told me this is the directions to the finish line. I was now an informed pedestrian and the course was closed. I was to move to the sidewalk and obey all pedestrian laws. Everything I was holding onto to become an ultra-marathoner was crushed, at no fault of the marshal who was fulfilling their responsibility. I thanked them and started to battle myself mentally as to whether or not I wanted to finish.

I was informed that I wouldn’t have an official finish time and would have to send an email to arrange receiving a finisher’s medal. It was a hard decision, but I told myself I am going to finish this—for me. So off I went and continued to push. There were times where I didn’t know where I was going as I was following directions on a piece of paper in an unfamiliar city. Sure enough each time I felt lost, a volunteer was still there letting me know I was going the right direction.

My family met me again around the 49K mark and motivated me to push the final kilometre. As I am coming into Stampede Stadium, I hear cheering and I am shocked. The finish line was still up and the volunteers were still there. Everything else was taken down, but I was happy to see the finish line. As I crossed the line the race photographer took my photo. One of the volunteers said, ‘Let’s see if we can find you a medal,’ and we walked 500m to a pile of boxes. Sure enough, they found one and we went back to the finish line where the race photographer snapped a few extra shots. I can’t say enough about the feeling I had from the volunteers at the finish line.

They made me feel like I accomplished something special.

When I connected with my family, they were in tears. They said they saw me finish and I was surprised and asked how. My wife told me she received a notification and saw my finish via the live stream and saw I had an official finish time. I was shocked and couldn’t believe it. I am an ultra-marathoner! After posting to my Instagram, the Calgary Marathon account commented: “Congratulations and well done. The Volunteers were all saying how emotional it was for them when you came in!!”

I am mesmerized by the experience. It’s an emotional milestone that will never be forgotten.

Joel Kennedy is a member of the Oneida Nation of the Thames, is Bear Clan and has embarked on reclaiming his health and wellness since 2015. From running to volleyball, he has inspired others to take control of their health in a holistic manner (physical, mental, emotional and spiritual) and for Joel, it starts with running. He is the Founder of the Indigenous Running Club in London that runs out of the N’Amerind Friendship Centre.

Krista DuChene’s 10 Tips for the Boston Marathon

Ben Kaplan

October 4, 2021

In 2018, Krista DuChene finished third female at the Boston Marathon, thirteen years after first attempting the race as an amateur athlete. Today, DuChene, Olympian, is a registered dietitian and ultramarathon runner preparing for the New York City marathon. In advance of this Monday’s in-person Boston Marathon, DuChene jotted down her ten best tips (and, for everyone not racing Boston but who may be racing sometime soon, lots of these too are applicable). Here’s a Top 10 from the Great Krista DuChene.

10. Respect the downhills as much as the uphills. Your quads will thank you when you need them most – at the end. When training for Boston, I’ve often run steady on the uphills and hard on the downhills to prepare for this.

9. Don’t get carried away with the excitement (and downhill) at the beginning. Control your emotions and pace yourself. I remember running beside Shalane Flanagan in the beginning of 2018, thinking I didn’t belong. The pace was slow and I felt comfortable so I trusted myself.

8. Focus on the Citgo sign. You will get there … but still have a ways to go. I find it helpful to focus on something ahead, or break the race down into sections.

7. Injury or illness affect your training? Just go and enjoy a fun jog!

6. Be prepared for the weather. Remember, Des Linden won in a jacket.

5. The race starts at the hills. The race starts at the hills. The race starts at the hills.

4. Visualize. Have a mantra. Save the thinking for the tough part of the race.

3. Trust yourself. Take a look at your training log to see the good work you’ve accomplished.

2. Have no regrets.

When you get into the shower after you’ve returned to your hotel, what will you tell yourself? This is when I often reflect on the race.

1. Smile and celebrate as you cross the finish line, no matter what. I had no idea I was third in 2018, but celebrated anyway. I’m very glad I did!

Black Runners of the GTA

Ben Kaplan

September 29, 2021

Melanie Murzeau is a mother of three girls, a Black woman, and a runner. After Ahmaud Arbery, a 25-year-old Black man was murdered in Georgia in February 2020, Murzeau did a run for the young man on his birthday. In May, when George Floyd was killed, this time by police, Murzeau was stunned. “I was so upset about everything that black lives simply did not matter in America. Something that is not only in America, but here in Canada in a more covert way,” says Murzeau, who channeled her disappointment in humanity into something constructive and positive. “I wanted to bring my energy into something I love doing, running, but I wanted something more: I wanted people to know the humanity in the running community.”

“I run early in the morning, and you never know what can happen if I could be targeted because I am seen as a threat,” Murzeau says. “It doesn’t have to be this way and I want BIPOC runners from all over to know this: we can be part of running, or any space, that we want to be.”

“I didn’t see a lot of myself in run groups or at races, I’d see the odd person here or there and we’d give a nod, but I never felt like running was something we do, until I saw my brother run marathons,” says Murzeau. Black runners would make the biggest impact in the elite field at international races like STWM and great marathoners like Eliud Kipchoge or sprinters like Andre De Grasse are black. But Murzeau says that when she has an idea of a runner, she would picture a woman with blonde hair. She didn’t see any representation of Black runners as she did at the Olympic Games. Somehow, if she could show more people like herself that running was for everyone, she knew she could bring more Black amateur athletes into the sport. The Black Runners of the GTA combines social justice with a health & wellness campaign.

While spurred on by a love of running, getting people to know about inclusion is the genesis of Black Runners of the GTA. A growing enterprise with national ambitions, Murzeau says Black Runners of the GTA is a long overdue idea. She is an Ambassador for the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon fundraising for Native Child and Family Services of Toronto. She wants to be a positive representation to show the power of fundraising for a community through running.

“I want to create a space for everyone—completely inclusive, featuring Black runners and highlighting the running community. Even if it’s only, for now, online,” says Murzeau, who works in diversity inclusion and has been gathering stories of Black runners to share online. “I want BIPOC people to realize they can do this and be part of the community. I think one way we can do this is by letting more BIPOC individuals see more of ourselves, because representation matters.”

She has also created an online forum, hoping to connect more BIPOC beginner runners with accountability partners to continue running and to spark the joy of running.

Murzeau is running the 10K at STWM on October 17 as part of the hat trick (21k, 10k and 5k). She will also be dreaming of more events that can inclusively invite BIPOC amateur athletes into the running community. It shouldn’t take international tragedies like Ahmaud Arbery or George Floyd to spur action; and yet, dealing with these conditions, Murzeau, through her running, for her community and her daughters, is trying to infuse hope.

Join her at Black Runners of the GTA, wherever, and whoever, you are.

Photographs by Heather Colasuonno.

“We’re excited for the future of running for Indigenous people.”

Ben Kaplan

September 29, 2021

Anita Cardinal-Stewart is a Nêhiyaw (Cree) runner in Edmonton who has been touched by her sport. What started with 5Ks grew into ultra-marathons and she’s found the community welcoming and supportive. Being First Nations and just one generation away from potentially being a student at a Canadian Residential “School,” she felt compelled to host an event for Truth & Reconciliation Day, Thursday, September 30.

“As a runner, I was thinking of ways to give back and be active—put action behind words as we say—and that’s an example of Reconciliation, there must be action behind the words,” says Cardinal-Stewart, who worked with the trail runner Adam Erasmus on the Every Child Matters 2.15km, 5km and 10K run/walk this Thursday in Edmonton’s Kinsmen Park. “Adam and I decided to combine our love of running and do a run/walk, because what better way for us as runners to raise awareness, raise funds, and do something meaningful—like I said, to put action behind our words.”

It was after the unmarked graves of residential school victims were unearthed in Kamloops, British Columbia that Cardinal-Stewart was moved to action. She says Indigenous people always knew the truth about our children who died attending these institutions and of the Unmarked Graves but that, after the discovery, the mainstream Canadian press and society could no longer deny these long-held Indigenous truths any longer. First, she organized a vigil. Then, after thinking about her experiences as a runner—how she’d grown wary of frequently being the only visibly Indigenous runner at running events—she decided to make her voice heard. A third-year law student, she’s committed to being an agent of change.

“We want to make the sport more diverse and inclusive and while there’s a lot of shyness in joining running groups or races from some Indigenous people, it’s something our ancestors did not only for necessity, but it also brought joy and we’re excited to reclaim that,” she says. “There are so many amazing Indigenous runners from across Turtle Island and there’s been this incredible resurgence of runners connecting to the land again in our communities. We’re excited for the future of running for Indigenous people.”

Thursday’s event in Edmonton is sold-out, but Cardinal-Stewart—who can be found on Instagram @runswiththewind, Adam is @trailworship—says there’s an opportunity to run on your own and donate to three Indigenous charities. The charities are IRSSS, Water Warriors YEG and Braver Hills House. Both her and Adam are constantly updating their run details and they’re currently building a website, because Thursday’s event is not a one-off acknowledgment. Running is empowering and healing, says Cardinal-Stewart. And we can come together as a community—to raise money, raise awareness and help bring about meaningful, lasting change.

“Orange Shirt Day is not a holiday, it’s a national day for Truth and Reconciliation,” she says. “Reconciliation is a process not the end goal—and Truth is at its core.”

Get ready to hit the trails this fall!

TheBuzzonGear

September 27, 2021

Get ready to hit the trails this fall!

Fall is one of the most beautiful times of year for running. The air is crisp and the changing leaves offer a beautiful backdrop. Many people go for trail running during this season as the fall colours can be simply breathtaking. It’s also a last chance to get out and enjoy some time out in nature (until ski season that is!). Before heading out for a trail run, you want to be sure you’ve got all the right gear to keep you going. Here’s a quick recap of some of the top items to consider.

Footwear

Trail running shoes offer more grip than your basic road running shoes. Since you’ll be running over uneven terrain, you want shoes that will offer decent support and grip—even when the ground below is damp or wet. Deep lugs (between 5 mm – 7 mm) will provide good traction on earthy terrain, but can make the shoes uncomfortable for running on pavement. When running on groomed trails with hard-packed earth, you may want to opt for a shoe with shorter lugs (2 mm – 4 mm).

Layers

The days are getting shorter and the air is getting cooler. When dressing for your trail run, be sure to have a few layers so that you can stay warm and dry while you run. Running tights may be necessary if it’s a particularly chilly day. Choose a breathable fabric that offers freedom of movement and a snug fit. When it comes to your core, make sure your base layer is made from a sweat-wicking fabric that will pull moisture away from your skin as your body temperature rises. A light windbreaker will help cut any cold winds; and late in the season, you may also want to consider wearing running gloves and a hat or headband to protect your ears.

Hydration

Staying hydrated while you run is always important. When out on the trail, you’ll want to have water conveniently close at hand so you can take a sip whenever you need to. Hydration backpacks are a great solution for transporting a significant amount of water while you run. The bags are designed to evenly distribute the weight of the liquid so that it is comfortable for you to carry as you move.

Once you’ve got all the gear you need, you can happily set out for some beautiful fall trail running. Enjoy!

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