We all need running superheroes

As some of you may know I have not been running as often or as much as I would like to due to a cranky hip flexor injury. This has given me more time to think on running, my running heroes and the inspiring and motivating stories of people I have profiled over the years.

All of us runners have dreams, whether or not they’re realistic. Dreams of completing a 5K or marathon, or crossing the finish line with a personal best, beating a rival on the track or the lofty goal of setting a national calibre time or running at the Olympics. All dreams.

My running superheroes

Growing up in the 1980s, I would dig through every library I could find for books on running or dive into a second-hand bookstore on a rare trip into the city. After finding and being hooked on running, I couldn’t read enough about track and running stars from history. Black and white photos of runners from the past, gritting their teeth, set my imagination on fire.

I dreamed of being the clock-like Paavo Nurmi, being the local hero like Boston marathon champ Johnny Miles or the take-no-prisoners, run-from-the-front rebel that was Steve Prefontaine. As I have grown older, reality set in. I still trained and hoped for PBs but the dreams and heroes influenced me less. I also looked owards Canadian running heroes. I am much older than my 12-year-old self but I still dream of running fast.

The recent success of Eric Gillis and Reid Coolsaet has ignited Canadian running dreams. Some are pure fiction but some still make me go out and train hard.

Real heroes from the Canadian running crowds

There are dreams and then there is the inspiring and motivating stories that make me realize you do not need Olympic medals to be a hero. Here is a list of amazing Canadian runners from my years of profiling people. Click on a few and it’ll amaze you what people can do.

Sometimes amazing runners come in the shape of lean international calibre athletes. Other times, it’s the grit and determination from someone at the back of a race who has a story to share.

Jacqueline Gareau – one of Canada’s greatest marathoners

Making Room for Running

Man with a mission at Mont Blanc Ultramarathon

Running is just part of the story Running superheroes: The Good Guys Tri

Heartfelt plans for running Outrunning anxiety

Find more running stories on my blog page archives.

Thank-you to the runners from my childhood for fueling my fire. Thanks to Eric and Reid for being present-day running figures I look up to and thanks to all the inspiring, motivating and great Canadian runners who have allowed me to share their stories.

Do you have a running story to share?

runningwriter@hotmail.com

You can also reach my via Twitter @NoelPaine or on my personal blog.