Running the Toronto Waterfront Marathon for Fragile X research

As told to Tim Huebsch

Why I got into running:

Back in 2007, I was looking for a new challenge and a bit of an escape from life and I thought running might provide it. I always thought the sport looked like it would be fun. It’s an individual challenge – you against yourself, more than anything. That was something that sounded like it would be enjoyable.

I ran a bit on my own, and then was challenged to do the Sporting Life 10K. Training for that hooked me for good.

I run today to stay healthy, to push myself mentally and physically. I still enjoy the escape it provides but I’ve also discovered the positive aspects of group running. I love seeing new runners come into the sport and sharing my experience through clinics and group runs is something I find really satisfying.

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At the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon I’m running to raise money for the Fragile X Research Foundation of Canada. Our oldest daughter has this inherited genetic disorder that is the number one inherited cause of mental impairment in the world today, and also the number one known cause of autism.

It’s not a well understood disorder and doesn’t get a lot of funding, but the number of lives that would benefit from a treatment or cure is enormous. Through the Scotiabank Charity Challenge, the Fragile X Research Foundation has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars over the years which all goes directly to fund research.

What would you say are your defining characteristics as a runner?

James Koole: Consistency. I have a schedule, and I run the schedule. I find that having a strong commitment to running really pays off. When you start making excuses as to why you can’t run on a certain day, then that’s when training suffers. Obviously, sometimes it’s just not possible due to sickness, or other reasons, but in general, that’s how I approach things.

What do you admire most in a runner?

JK: I’m always impressed by the runner who has a “get it done” mentality. Whether it’s a good day, or bad day or a good run, or bad run, these are runners who are out there embracing the challenge.

What is your idea of happiness?

JK: Time spent doing “whatever.” Maybe that’s a long run through a new city, or maybe it’s sitting at the Rogers Centre watching a ball game with my family. Happiness is doing what I want to do at that moment, and not what someone else wants or tells me to do.

Who are your athletic heroes?

JK: I like the underdogs and the athletes who are quietly doing there thing without much fanfare. Rob Watson and Eric Gillis come to mind. I love ballplayers like John MacDonald or Munenori Kawasaki who weren’t stars, but just had a great work ethic and contributed when called upon.

Other than where you are now, where would you like to live?

JK: Easy one: the Gulf Islands in B.C. I’d love to step back from the busy city life and get out in nature more easily.

What is your greatest running-related regret?

JK: Not pushing it just that little bit more on great days when it all seemed easy. And not starting running earlier in life. I didn’t get going until 2008 when I was 37-years-old.

What is your greatest fear?

JK: Losing a family member.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

JK: Maybe to look at the bright side more often. I tend to be a bit of a pessimist (or at very least, a realist). I could probably afford to take a more optimistic approach now and then.

What’s one thing you can’t live without?

JK: The Internet.

What is your motto?

JK: Keep it moving forward. That’s in running, racing and in life. You can’t go straight from here to there. In the race, you have to worry about the next 100m before you worry about the next 10km. In life you need to look at today before you get too fixated on ten years from now.