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Why I'm happy and honoured to support JP's Team

8/30/2016

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Photo by: Inge Johnson, Canada Running Series
In 2014 Jean-Paul Bédard ran the esteemed Boston Marathon twice in one day. In 2015, he ran the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon three times back-to-back. 2016? You guessed it! JP will be running #STWM four times in a row! And before you get your calculator out to multiply 42.2 x 4, I’ll tell you…it's 168.8km.

At this point, I’m sure the most likely question JP gets asked is, “why?”

As a survivor of childhood sexual abuse himself, Jean-Paul felt that by doing something extremely challenging, he’d raise awareness, support and funds for his fellow survivors. JP’s life has already been extremely challenging. It’s how he battled, survived and shared these challenges that inspires anyone who hears his story. In preparation for his ‘Toronto Quadruple’ marathon October 15-16, 2016, he launched JP’s Team which he describes as, “a community of athletes and altruists working together to raise funds and awareness for survivors of childhood sexual abuse.” The fundraising side of JP’s Team supports two Canadian charities. The Gatehouse, “provides support services for people whose lives have been affected by childhood abuse. They offer a safe place for children to disclose abuse to police, as well as services that address the needs of adult survivors of abuse.” Little Warriors, which supports Be Brave Ranch, is “a treatment centre focused solely to help children who have been sexually abused, as well as their families.” These two charities aren't huge, so every dollar makes a huge difference in the life of someone suffering.

I was so honoured that Jean-Paul asked me to create the JP’s Team logo and to assist in coordinating fun events for the Team this past year. Membership has continued to grow, and Team singlets are appearing in race photos across the country. It’s been amazing to see how JP’s idea has grown.

For 2016’s running of the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon, Canada Running Series added a special requirement to the roles of their Digital Champions. In addition to the usual race support, each would also act as a cheerleader for a chosen charity. It was a no-brainer that I apply and support JP’s Team. JP has set some fundraising goals for the two team charities, but I'm hoping is that together we can hit those fundraising targets--and surpass them. Please consider donating towards those goals, and towards helping a survivor of sexual abuse get the help they need.

Follow the link to my fundraising page, which all goes towards JP's goal.

​And when you see JP out running his quadruple marathon on October 15-16, please be sure cheer him on!

This article first appeared in iRun on September 2, 2016
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Top 15 Reasons for Running in the Rain

8/16/2016

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Top reasons for running in the rain
  1. No sunscreen required. 
  2. There's no one else on the track, including the summer camp kids who usually kick soccer balls at you. 
  3. Any change from multiple days of extreme heat is a relief.  
  4. No one knows how much you're sweating because you're completely soaked. 
  5. You get to preview what  your hands will look like all wrinkled, but have them go back to normal once they're dry.
  6. The weight of the water soaking your clothes and water on the track add resistance to your workout.
  7. You don't have to worry about avoiding puddles when the entire track is a puddle. 
  8. It's refreshing.
  9. Less water is required for your washing machine as all your clothes are pre-soaked.
  10. Your post-run shower and dry clothes feel way better than usual.
  11. Clean shoes.
  12. When your Nuun tablet fizzes up from your water bottle and sprays you it doesn't matter.
  13. Your're wet shirt shows off your abs (if you have any).
  14. It's actually really fun to fling water, splash through water and wring water out of your clothes. 
  15. When people look at you they think you must be a bad-ass runner.
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2016 STWM medal reveal

8/2/2016

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On a sunny, warm evening in July, a couple hundred runners gathered to run either 10K, 5K or 3K routes around the streets of High Park. The final stretch of the route ironically revealed our destination of Henderson Brewing looming at the side of the rail path. The event was jointly arranged by Henderson Brewing, Canada Running Series and Run to Beer. As runners finished in front of the brewery, they formed a high-five tunnel cheering each and every runner in. I love this tradition.

We gathered for a very refreshing pint of Henderson beer, some photos, chatting and then the moment we'd all been waiting for...the reveal of the 2016 Scotia Toronto Waterfront medal! Leading up to the event there'd been lots of guesses as to what would grace the front of the medal for 2016. I'd thought perhaps St. Lawrence Market, the Distillery or Casa Loma. Before I left for the event my husband had said, "I bet it's the Toronto sign."

Alas, I should have listened!

​This year's medal is the first ever in colour--and features the iconic colourful Toronto sign with Nathan Phillips Square in the background. The largest gold medal will go to runners of the marathon, the silver to the half-marathoners and smaller but still hefty bronze medal to those running the 5K race. In my opinion, this is best possible medal design for STWM. Nathan Phillips Square signifies meeting spot of friends and family on the chilly morning of race day. It also signifies the finish, reconnecting with those same family and friends, getting refueled, taking photos and celebrating our accomplishments. The Toronto sign is a reminder that this is a world class city and world class race. I can only imagine the number of photos this sign is going to be in on October 16th!

Great job Canada Running Series! I can't wait till race day to earn mine. 
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Photo: Inge Johnson, Canada Running Series
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Photo: Inge Johnson, Canada Running Series
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Photo: Inge Johnson, Canada Running Series
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Photo: Inge Johnson, Canada Running Series
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Photo: Inge Johnson, Canada Running Series
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Photo: Inge Johnson, Canada Running Series
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Photo: Canada Running Series
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    Cathy V

    Running. Design.  Family. Dogs. Gardening. Food. Crochet. Canadian. 
    ​Order varies. 


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