race partners iRunNation.com

iRun to prove to them that iCan Catherine Smith, Manitoba

iRun to prove to myself I canLesley McGougan, Brampton, ON

iRun to eat more, especially sweet potatoe fries Joanna Skomra, Ontario

iRun so my daughters know that they can, too Shelley Kirkpatrick, New Brunswick

iRun because I liveGeorges Schneller, Laval, QC

iRun for the challenge and to remember to fully live Pascale Synnott, Québec

iRun because I cannot say no to a second slice of chocolate cakeEmily Shandruk, Vancouver, BC

iRun because somebody once told me I couldn’t Heidi Abbey-Der, Saskatchewan

iRun therefore I amDuncan Walsh, Nottingham, UK

iRun because couch potatoes die young Cathy Andrew, Ontario

iRun because I am not as clumsy I thought I was Hanna Baer, Quebec

iRun because it gives my day a boost of energy Sara Campbell, Nova Scotia

iRun because of the peace and strength it brings meMichelle Jordan, Ottawa, ON

iRun for the moment when both feet are off the ground Catherine Anderson, British Columbia

iRun because i love to Mirella Petriello, Ontario

iRun because there is no finish line Claire Kilgour, Ontario

iRun to stay fit and release those running endorphinsLiliana Plava, Calgary, AB

iRun because it gets my husband out there Tricia LaLonde, Alberta

iRun and run, and run, and run, and nobody can stop me Andrei Lucaciu, Ontario

iRun because all the ladies are chasing my sexy runner’s bodyChris Baker, Etobicoke, ON

iRun because the wall is meant to be broken Jonathan Bird, Ontario

iRun because it’s cheaper than therapy Leah Boulter, Alberta

iRun because somebody once told me I couldn't Heidi Abbey-Der, Saskatchewan

iRun because it makes me feel good, allows me to spend time with my friends and gives me a feeling of accomplishmentHelen Kolodziejzyk, Calgary, AB

iRun because it’s fun when it’s done Sue Matte, Ontario

iRun for relaxation and to motivate my two sonsKeith Bradbury, Newfoundland

iRun because I’ve lost 80 lbs and running has become fun Cheryl Kelly, Ontario

iRun whenever I feel the need to escape Iona Hillis, Ontario

iRun for my heart, so it runs for me! Cathy Brzoza, British Columbia

iRun to challenge myself, physically and mentallyKathleen Keenan, Brampton, ON

iRun to correct years of sedentary living! Mike Scott, Ontario

iRun at 50 years old because at 43 I couldn't Peter Cicalo, Ontario

iRun because it’s in meMichael Foley, Stittsville, ON

iRun because it's cheaper than therapy Leah Boulter, Alberta

iRun because walking is too slow Barry Knapp, Ontario

iRun to feel great Kathryn Rachar, Saskatchewan

iRun because I can’t dance Mario Javier, Ontario

iRun because it sure beats the bus Robin Robbins, Alberta

iRun because endorphins are free Cassandra Chouinard, Ontario

iRun because it’s a great way to see the world Sherry Mahoney, British Columbia

iRun because it makes me feel powerful Sarah Kallaghan, Alberta

iRun because running is like breathing to Stephanie McEvoy, Ontario

iRun because not everyone can Olivia Harvey, New Brunswick

iRun because I need it to soothe the soul, keep me in shape and for overall wellbeingBeth Neil, Lombardy, ON

iRun away from the negative and towards the positive Teri Lepard, Alberta

iRun because I want to be a role model for our six kids Catherine Empey, British Columbia

iRun because I like to be healthy Melanie Oickle, New Brunswick

iRun to kickstart my day Sharon Strueby, Saskatchewan

iRun to maintain a strong physical and mental state Tammy Rainville, Ontario

iRun because it has saved my life John Marshall, Alberta

iRun because it makes me feel powerfulCarlene Paquette, Carp, ON

iRun to challenge my mind, body and soul Sonia Mendes, Ontario

iRun to challenge my perceived limitations Cassandra Williams, Ontario

iRun to my happy place and some days it’s very Doreen May, Alberta

iRun but not enoughMichael Shaw, New Westminister, BC

iRun because iLoves my man Beverly Huang, Alberta

iRun because I learn more about who I am with every km Steph Mansell, Quebec

iRun because it is my tonic and my salvation Georgia Ioannou, British Columbia

iRun to get to know myself, my strength and my spirit Lisa Groulx, Ontario

iRun away from the abyss Charlene Thomas, Ontario

iRun because I learn more about who I am with every kmSteph Mansell, Quebec

iRun to unleash my inner athleteAdelle Densham, Avonmore, ON

iRun because I never thought I would be able toGary Morris, Winnipeg, MB

iRun because I like buying running clothes Pamela Blaikie, Ontario

iRun because food tastes better afterwards Patrick Houston, Alberta

iRun because it gives me freedom to relax my brain Marie-Claude Gregoire, Nova Scotia

iRun to satisfy the irresistible urge Tim Nixon, British Columbia

iRun because iEat Sherry Maligaspe, British Columbia

iRun because I want to qualify for Boston and raise money for charities near and dear to my heartChristine Gracel, Calgary, AB

iRun for the challenge to go faster and farther Steven Matejka, Alberta

iRun to inspire my kids to tryGlen Johnston, Nunavut

iRun because it is my tonic and my salvation Georgia Ioannou, British Columbia

iRun all the livelong day Pierre Saint-Laurent, Québec

iRun because I want to live to be 100! Colette DeJean, Ontario

iRun because when I run I feel most aliveMeghan Lynch, Ottawa, ON

iRun because it’s better than almost everything else Nathan Carey, Ontario

iRun because my heart tells me to William Martin, Manitoba

iRun because I love the sense of accomplishment Amber Moase, Nova Scotia

iRun because it helps me see things more clearly Jennifer Pitts, Ontario

iRun for meKiza Francis, Ottawa,ON

iRun to eat Maureen Tritscher, Alberta

iRun because I love the solitude Janene Tailleur, British Columbia

iRun so I can eat ice cream Sandy Bolan, Ontario

iRun to someday win the race Lindy Dunlop, Yukon

iRun because I like buying running clothes Pamela Blaikie, Ontario

iRun at 50 years old because at 43 I couldn’t Peter Cicalo, Ontario

iRun for the individual pursuit Robert Pelletier, New Brunswick

iRun because it reminds me of how strong I can be Monique Lavoie, Ontario

iRun slowly! Jason Hoffman, Manitoba

iRun because it's a great stress release Brooke McKenzie, Yukon

iRun because it reminds me that I am capable of so much more than I have doneJames Sauve, Ottawa, ON

iRun so that I can live longer and stronger Derek MacPhail, Ontario

iRun because it makes me a better person, a better wife, a better mother and a better friendNathalie Joncas-Caissie, St-Antoine, NB

iRun because it cleans up my life, because I drink more water, sleep better and eat healthier foodsRobin McIntyre, Ottawa, ON

iRun for overall wellbeingTrish McCourt, Halifax, NS

iRun because endorphins are freeCassandra Chouinard, Ontario

iRun because otherwise I’m grumpy Alexandre Charest, Quebec

iRun for the cool t-shirts! Pina Bevilacqua, Ontario

iRun because people around me inspire mePina Bevilacqua, Caledon, ON

iRun for me! Judi Wearing, Saskatchewan

iRun because it makes me whole Denis Ladouceur, Quebec

iRun slowly!Jason Hoffman, Manitoba

iRun for relaxation and to motivate my two sons Keith Bradbury, Newfoundland

iRun see where my feet will take me todayMegan Dolinskas, New York

iRun because it’s like flying, only lower Glenn Johnson, Ontario

iRun to inspire my children! Wendy Bowen, Manitoba

iRun because it's better than almost everything else Nathan Carey, Ontario

iRun because I can and I’m gratefulTerry SanCartier, Gatineau, QC

iRun because iEat Sherry Maligaspe, British Columbia

iRun because pecan pie, french fries and beer are chasing meTeresa Sterling, Ottawa , ON

iRun so I don’t say never ever again Linda Klaric, Manitoba

iRun because I get foot rubs afterward Kate Howerton, British Columbia

iRun to stay ahead of the weight gainMyra Abstreiter, Alberta

iRun for the fresh air and adrenalin Charlyn McGregor, Saskatchewan

iRun to be free and enjoy our beautiful countryCheryl Carter, Clearwater , BC

iRun because couch potatoes die young Cathy Andrew, Ontario

iRun for health, i Run for life Pat Cheung, British Columbia

iRun because it gives me freedom to relax my brainMarie-Claude Gregoire, Nova Scotia

Cover photo from the current issue of iRun Magazine
Share/Save/Bookmark
Photo of Mark Sutcliffe's new book - Why I Run
 

July 2011

Back to Table of Contents

Race Reports

Barry Morshead

Halifax, NS
Blue Nose Half Marathon

This would be my first time pacing, for a race of any kind. I have run over 15 half marathons and 6 full marathons, but had never tried being a Pace Bunny before. It was time to give back!

I started in the corral with about 1200 people. I had my 2:15 sign, but in no way did I realize how many people were with me, as the crowd was so packed. I chatted with people around me, and dutifully announced the walk breaks. About 8K into the run, we were in Point Pleasant Park. The runners had thinned out a bit, so when we stopped for our walk break, I turned around and asked how many people were with me. About 30 hands shot up. Yikes!!! Now the pressure was really on!!!

I continued at the pace I had been following and announced when we hit the 10.5K and 15.75K marks. There was always a cheer that went up from my group. I played a few games with the gang. We chanted something silly to get us up a hill, and we all let out a “Yee Haw” when I found out there was a girl from Texas running with us. Anything to help while away the time.

I came across the finish line at 2:13:31. Many in my group finished slightly faster, but I don’t think anyone finished in more than 2:15. At the post-run cool-down, I had many people thank me for my efforts. They had many positive things to say about my pacing. It made me feel good to know that I had helped so many people to achieve their goal. I’d do it again in an instant.

Dave Emilio

Toronto, ON
Ottawa Race Weekend Marathon

This was my 6th time pacing a marathon and my 3rd consecutive year pacing for the Ottawa Marathon. I like the 4:00 time slot as that allows me to run at a comfortable pace and it usually gathers a fair size crowd, many whom are attempting to qualify for Boston. I like the pressure of having to get them in on time. This was my 5th marathon of 2011 and I was feeling a bit sluggish so it made the 4 hour duties tougher than I’d hoped. Add to that, all of the fun stuff we do on the Saturday, like the Running Room Friendship Run and watching the 5k and 10k races that the rest of our crew ran, I was pretty wiped out the night before the big day. None the less, I got my gang in right on time, as we made our way around the lovely new route in a time of 3:59:42 and I reveled in the glory of my thankful followers. I can’t wait until the next one!

David Steeves

Dartmouth, NS
Blue Nose 10K

My job as Pace Bunny during the Bluenose 10 kms was incredibly rewarding. I had performed the same duties only two weeks earlier in the Fredericton Half Marathon. I had people search me out in Halifax, after having run with me or around me, in Fredericton. This chain carried on even further when I went to Ottawa one week later for the Ottawa Race Weekend. Although I was running my own race and not filling Pace Bunny duties, I had people recognize me from the two previous races and thanked me yet again for the help. Little do they know, they actually inspire me as much as I inspire them. My Garmin 305 sure got a workout, as I am sure I must have looked at it every ten seconds. Although it is an extremely pressure-filled job, not wanting to let anyone down, It is as rewarding as achieving a new personal Best, and I hope to perform the duties again in the future.

Jill & Jay Pettit

Grimsby, ON
Ottawa Race Weekend Half Marathon

I was pacing the 2:45 Walk and Jay was pacing the 3:30 Walk. It is the first time Walk pace bunnies have ever been utilized at this race and we really wanted to do it right. I felt I would have no trouble as I always pace with a Garmin, but I was worried about Jay .We practiced with Jay wearing a Garmin and pacing me. Repeatedly I would have to remind him to check his Garmin. I would change the pace each time we went out so Jay would be well versed. At the start corrals, Jay was greeted enthusiastically by a large group of women that had been waiting for him to show up. This group of women became known as Jay's Bunnies. They stayed with him right to the end. The finish line photos show Jay and some of his Bunnies crossing 14 seconds shy of his 3:30 pace....and me....well a minute and a half over my 2:45 pace means I might need a practice session with Pace Bunny Jay.

 
Next issue: July 29, 2013
Subscribe to iRun magazine
- or pick it up at a newsstand near you -
Login or Register
Register for our site and newsletteriRun on FacebookFollow Us on TwitteriRun Videos on YouTubeRSS Feed of our Issue ArchivesPintrestOur Google+ Page
Play the latest iRun Podcast now!

Inspiring Info for iRunNation!

ECCO Challenge is back!
Best Superfoods for you! Eat better today!
iRun Gear Test Team tests Skechers
Mizuno Run Club
PEI Marathon Emilie's Run Ottawa

iRunGEAR

   
› Shop for more iRunGEAR
Podcasts on IRun

© 2008 Great River Media, Inc. All rights reserved.