Inspiring stories from BMO Vancouver Marathon

Jody Barber and Paul Crouser are two runners profiled on the BMO Vancouver Marathon’s blog; Jody is an accomplished athlete and competitor, and Paul is a recreational athlete who took up the half-marathon in later life. What they have in common is that both had to overcome serious physical challenges, and how much they appreciate the chance to race this weekend.

RELATED: BMO Vancouver Marathon Preview

Jody Barber

When Jody Barber’s right arm was almost severed in a cycling accident in 2006, doctors told the mother of five, teacher, competitive triathlete, and ultrarunner she would never compete again.

Fourteen months later, she entered her first ski race with one pole. She was elated to be out there competing, even though she came last.

This year Jody, 54, is running Vancouver for the first time.

Barber retired from competition in 2011 after achieving two sixth-place finishes and one fourth-place finish at the 2010 Vancouver Paralympics in paranordic skiing. She is also a World Cup silver medalist and bronze medalist in the world championships in biathlon.

Barber ran the Victoria Marathon in 2003 (before her accident) and 2011 (after), and has also done two ultramarathons (the 125K Canadian Death Race and the 161K Sinister 7). 

Her advice to anyone contemplating their first marathon: “It’s an amazing accomplishment that you will always be proud of and you will learn far more about yourself in the process than you would ever imagine.” 

Paul Crouser

Five years ago, Paul Crouser, 65, was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome after experiencing sudden paralysis. After six weeks in St. Paul’s hospital left him 40 pounds lighter, weak, and unable to walk, he was transferred to the G.F. Strong rehab centre, where he learned to walk again. He went in in a wheelchair, graduated to a walker, and after a few weeks he learned to walk with walking poles.

Hiking with his sons in the mountains near Vancouver, he built up his strength and endurance, and some friends suggested signing up for last year’s BMO Vancouver Half-Marathon. So he did, and it went well, with Crouser beating his best pace per kilometre by over 30 seconds. And he is back for another go-round this year. 

Though he says he’s “not yet a runner,” he claims he was so overcome with joy at reaching the last few metres of the half-marathon that he ran across the finish line. 

As Crouser says on the marathon’s blog, “I still use the poles they gave me back at G.F. Strong. They provide balance, acceleration, deceleration, shock absorption, good posture, an upper body workout, and extra traction. 

“I wouldn’t miss this year’s ‘run’ for the world.”