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

iRun to stay fit and release those running endorphins – Liliana Plava , Calgary, AB

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

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

iRun but not enough – Michael Shaw , New Westminister, BC

iRun because I never thought I would be able to – Gary Morris , Winnipeg, MB

iRun to challenge myself, physically and mentally – Kathleen Keenan , Brampton, ON

iRun because people around me inspire me – Pina Bevilacqua , Caledon, ON

iRun therefore I am – Duncan Walsh , Nottingham, UK

iRun because I live – Georges Schneller , Laval, QC

iRun to be free and enjoy our beautiful country – Cheryl Carter , Clearwater , BC

iRun for overall wellbeing – Trish McCourt , Halifax, NS

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

iRun because it makes me feel powerful – Carlene Paquette , Carp, ON

iRun because pecan pie, french fries and beer are chasing me – Teresa Sterling , Ottawa , ON

iRun because it’s in me – Michael Foley , Stittsville, ON

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

iRun for me – Kiza Francis , Ottawa,ON

iRun to prove to myself I can – Lesley McGougan , Brampton, ON

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

iRun because I can and I’m grateful – Terry SanCartier , Gatineau, QC

iRun because when I run I feel most alive – Meghan Lynch , Ottawa, ON

iRun to unleash my inner athlete – Adelle Densham , Avonmore, ON

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

iRun because of the peace and strength it brings me – Michelle Jordan , Ottawa, ON

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

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

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

iRun because endorphins are free – Cassandra Chouinard , Ontario

iRun because somebody once told me I couldn�t – Heidi Abbey-Der , Saskatchewan

iRun because couch potatoes die young – Cathy Andrew , Ontario

iRun because it�s cheaper than therapy – Leah Boulter , Alberta

iRun because I like buying running clothes – Pamela Blaikie , Ontario

iRun slowly! – Jason Hoffman , Manitoba

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

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

iRun because iEat – Sherry Maligaspe , British Columbia

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

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

iRun because it has saved my life – John Marshall , Alberta

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

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

iRun because food tastes better afterwards – Patrick Houston , Alberta

iRun because I can�t dance – Mario Javier , Ontario

iRun so I don�t say never ever again – Linda Klaric , Manitoba

iRun because it makes me whole – Denis Ladouceur , Quebec

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

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

iRun because running is like breathing to – Stephanie McEvoy , Ontario

iRun because I love the solitude – Janene Tailleur , British Columbia

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

iRun to someday win the race – Lindy Dunlop , Yukon

iRun to stay ahead of the weight gain – Myra Abstreiter , Alberta

iRun because otherwise I�m grumpy – Alexandre Charest , Quebec

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

iRun because iLoves my man – Beverly Huang , Alberta

iRun because not everyone can – Olivia Harvey , New Brunswick

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

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

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

iRun because it makes me feel powerful – Sarah Kallaghan , Alberta

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

iRun because there is no finish line – Claire Kilgour , Ontario

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

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

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

iRun because my heart tells me to – William Martin , Manitoba

iRun to prove to them that iCan – Catherine Smith , Manitoba

iRun because it�s fun when it�s done – Sue Matte , Ontario

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

iRun see where my feet will take me today – Megan Dolinskas , New York

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

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

iRun to inspire my kids to try – Glen Johnston , Nunavut

iRun so I can eat ice cream – Sandy Bolan , Ontario

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

iRun for health, iRun for life – Pat Cheung , British Columbia

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

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

iRun at 50 years old because at 43 I couldn�t – Peter Cicalo , Ontario

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

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

iRun iRun because endorphins are free – Cassandra Chouinard , Ontario

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

iRun iRun because couch potatoes die young – Cathy Andrew , Ontario

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

iRun iRun because I like buying running clothes – Pamela Blaikie , Ontario

iRun iRun slowly! – Jason Hoffman , Manitoba

iRun iRun because iEat – Sherry Maligaspe , British Columbia

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

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

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

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

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

iRun iRun to inspire my children! – Wendy Bowen , Manitoba

iRun iRun because it sure beats the bus – Robin Robbins , Alberta

iRun iRun for the challenge and to remember to fully live – Pascale Synnott , Qu�bec

iRun iRun to kickstart my day – Sharon Strueby , Saskatchewan

iRun iRun for me! – Judi Wearing , Saskatchewan

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

iRun iRun because i love to – Mirella Petriello , Ontario

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

iRun iRun to eat – Maureen Tritscher , Alberta

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

iRun iRun away from the abyss – Charlene Thomas , Ontario

iRun iRun all the livelong day – Pierre Saint-Laurent , Qu�bec

iRun iRun to challenge my perceived limitations – Cassandra Williams , Ontario

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

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

iRun iRun to feel great – Kathryn Rachar , Saskatchewan

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

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

iRun iRun for the fresh air and adrenalin – Charlyn McGregor , Saskatchewan

iRun iRun for the individual pursuit – Robert Pelletier , New Brunswick

iRun iRun to satisfy the irresistible urge – Tim Nixon , British Columbia

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

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

iRun iRun because walking is too slow – Barry Knapp , Ontario

CURRENT ISSUE GALLERIES iRunGEAR ARCHIVE BLOGS CONTESTS + CALL OUTS ABOUT ADVERTISE SUBSCRIBE CONTACT

March 2010

Back to Table of Contents

Shoe Stories

It's your turn to share your 'shoe stories' with us!

By Various

BEST INTENTIONS a Shoe story BY Tracie Bull

In the not-so-distant past I tried my hand at retail management for a somewhat well known running store. My very first day started out on time, on schedule and quickly eroded into lost minutes, transit that did not arrive on time, and finally my late arrival to the store. Flustered and extremely apologetic I met my new boss, fellow managers and of course — a few folks from head office. With sweat on my brow I began my first day as a manager, but I felt things were going to be okay. I had picked out the appropriate apparel for the day, proudly showing as many company labels as I could. I worked hard, kept my head down and sorted that sock wall. However, I couldn’t help but notice my new boss kept giving me the once over. What was it? My shirt on backwards? Did I wear the competition name brand by mistake? Something in my teeth? What? Finally, I was approached by my new boss, who had said maybe five words to me during the course of the day. She then leaned over and asked “what is on your feet?” I looked down. I had on one Mizuno and one New Balance shoe. In my defense, they were similar in colour.

I COULDN’T HAVE DONE IT WITHOUT YOU a Shoe story BY Lisa Buck

Although I absolutely love being a new mum, I felt a part of “me” was lost as it wasn’t about me, anymore it was all about my son. After a few months of adjusting, I decided I needed some “me” time and decided to start running. All it took was a pair of shoes. My shoes not only allowed me to run, but they inspired me to keep going. We completed many goals together - 3k went to 5k - then with time it went to 10k and after a lot of bonding time with shoes, we ran a half-marathon together!! I couldn’t have done it without my shoes!

WIGGLE ROOM a Shoe story BY Heather Fuselier

Morning running is exhilarating. The cool air, the quiet streets, the alone time with your thoughts...it can be truly poetic. On this occasion, I went about two blocks before my legs were cramping up and my feet felt like bricks. I stopped and stretched, then started back with the same results. This was not my exhilarating jaunt through the cool morning air. I stopped and looked at my feet expectantly. I shook them out and started down the sidewalk. Three blocks later, I started walking. Run a few steps, walk. I stopped and shook my feet again. I sat down on the wet sidewalk and untied my shoes. Feeling blood return to my limbs, I had to laugh. The irony of not being able to run because my shoes were tied too tight was too much to ignore. I retied my laces, a little more loosely this time, and started down the sidewalk for a final attempt. This time, with a little more wiggle room, I sailed down the sidewalk and over puddles, stretching my stride and pulling myself up the hills. And by the time I returned to my car 30 minutes later, soaked and tired and worn out, I had stopped trying to count the parallels of my too-tight shoes to my too-tight life. Without some wiggle room, it’s hard to get any momentum. Between work travel, and generally having to be a responsible dult, I am lucky to get one good workout a day. But, I’m going to try and take it in stride. I think I got my first preview of what will happen if I don’t.

EUREKA, A WOLF! A Shoe story BY Noel Paine

A cold, dry Arctic wind swirls over the hard packed snow as I stand under an amazingly blue Northern sky, kitbag in hand and running shoes stuffed within. I am a hardcore runner and my running shoes usually travel with me wherever I go. During the early spring of 2009 I had the opportunity to take myself and my shoes to Eureka on Ellesmere Island, Nunavut, 80 degrees north. It was an Arctic adventure and I had running aspirations to try and at least get one run in during my brief stay at the top of the world.

My visit to the mountains and cold snow of Canada’s arctic would only be for about ten days and my work would keep me busy, but I was determined to run, outside.

My best intentions however were thwarted by the ever roaming arctic wolves which made carrying a shotgun necessary when straying too far from any building. Although I saw Arctic hares scamper across the cold snow and an Arctic fox scoot out of sight, I was not to pull out my shoes and hit the snow during my trip. My Arctic adventure was one of a lifetime, but my running aspirations were not to be. I hear there is an Arctic Marathon, maybe I will have to return and fulfill my Arctic running aspirations.

GIVE ME STRENGTH a Shoe story BY Rebecca Shumka

My shoes and I have been on a journey that I have taken with no other being, no other thing. Before I had my daughter I competed in triathlons, 10k’s, 5k’s, and ran frequently, “just for the heck of it.” I ran for the strength that I felt after pounding out a 5k, or for the courage to know that I could and would, or for the simple joy of pushing my body to its max to know what I’m made of. Since having my daughter seven months ago, she and my husband have become my number one and in that, I needed that outlet that running gave me, that strength, that courage. Now, I’ve found running again, and have gained back all the strength that I need to be the best mother and wife. I have the courage to know that I will make mistakes, but that I can overcome them, and the joy of all the simple things in life. When I put my shoes on for a run, my dirty, broken-in shoes, I know that I’m not only doing it for myself anymore, but that I’m taking care of my husband’s wife, and my daughter’s mother.

HOBBIT FEET a Shoe story BY Devin Corey

I have very small feet. So small, that two friends on separate and unrelated occasions called them “hobbit feet.” I’ve got great friends, eh?! Of course, I can’t seem to find shoes in 6 1/2 men’s or even 7 or 7 1/2 men’s so I’ve resorted to buying women’s sized shoes. The last time I was browsing shoes, the sales associate came over and quietly mentioned I was in the women’s section. He was surprised to learn of my troubles. The only other problem is finding somewhat neutrally coloured shoes, without pastel accents!