Toronto Running

Whether you’re a brand new runner or a devoted km warrior there are plenty of ways working with a running coach will improve your running and up your 2021 virtual race game to the next level.

Not sure whether a running coach is for you? Here are a few reason why it is – and more details on our Virtual Half Marathon clinic below.

1. Determine Your Proper Volume.
One of the toughest things for any runner (new or old) is determining the proper amount of volume. Too much can have you injured and sidelined before you even hit the virtual start line and too little can have you under prepared and regretting your life choices come virtual race day. Many variables go into this equation (e.g., your goal, experience running, history of injury/health) and your coach will help you decipher them all and on an ongoing basis too.

2. Push Your Pace (or Don’t).
Are your tempo runs to slow? Are your long runs to fast? Do you even know what I’m talking about? Well your run coach will take the guess work out of your workout paces and get you ready for race day based on your current level of fitness and goals for your race. Your pace is always evolving and your coach is here for you, helping you take your workouts to the next level – in a safe and controlled way.

3. It’s More Than Just Running.
Running to race is more than just tying on your shoes and heading out the door. We approach running from a holistic perspective, so not only will your coach help your running performance, but they are here to answer invaluable advice on strength training, your mental game, workout nutrition, and pre- and post- race day procedures, as well as anything else you might need to toe the virtual start line when it comes to running and race day procedures.

Get all the details here

Photo by Patrick Leung – the Ghost Race

Back in May 2017 I was invited to speak at City Hall sharing my perspective on Running Tourism in the City of Toronto. I had previously written for iRun magazine on Running Tourism, researching both the monetary benefits and social benefits for communities including Toronto, NYC, Ottawa, and Vancouver. So my perspective has came from that of a marathon runner in other countries, the research I complied for iRun, and my experiences as a leader in the Toronto run community. I was happy to share what I thought the city could do to support this sport and it’s athletes from near and afar and I was happy to continue the conversation in early 2018 as part of the working group establishing recommendations for the city council’s economic development committee. Some thoughts on that initial conversation were shared here by CBC.

On April 14th, the report that had been developed through the established working group of City Councillors, City employees, and community stake holders was released and the city council’s economic development committee voted to take a closer look at our recommendations.

Some recommendations from the working group included ideas like opening public transit earlier, having various City teams communicate more clearly and easily with race directors, and some welcoming and inviting tasks like displaying race promotional material on bus shelters, street banners, and even at the air port, as many Marathon Majors do welcoming athletes to the city and celebrating the event.

We highlight the financial benefit to the city, including a comparison of Toronto’s two marathons (and yes, only have one major race was brought up) to Marathon Majors including NYC ($36 Million CAD of $415 Million USD).

CBC did a follow up interview which I supported. You can check it out here.

As the city council’s economic development committee will be taking a closer look at these recommendations I am glad the the conversation continues and look forward to Toronto continuing to grow as an epic place to race and live.