Stories from the run commute: “Following deer footprints in the snow is the best way to unwind”

As told to Sinead Mulhern

I started running back in 1976. I was 13 and inspired by the Montreal Olympics. It became one of my staple activities and four decades later, I still love it. I’m generally an active person and although I’m also a cyclist, triathlete and cross-country skier, my runs allow me to explore new trails and cities when away from home. These days, I run two to four times a week anywhere from six to 12K. I also have taken to run commuting home at the end of the workday. I work at Jasper Place High School where I teach chemistry and science. I also happen to coach their cross-country and track teams. 

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Like many other run-commuters, I started running home after work as a way to squeeze in a workout despite having a limited amount of time in my day. Even though the school day ends at 3:20 p.m., many students stick around for after school help. I rarely leave work before 5:00 p.m. Because of that, I welcome to opportunity to have an hour to myself to get the run in before I arrive at home for the evening. Oftentimes, my evenings fill up with marking and rehearsals for the community bands I am part of (I play trombone). Life gets busy and run commuting is the best way to make sure that running stays a part of my routine. 

I take the bus in the morning and bring with me everything I need for the evening run home. Run-commuting really pays off however it does require a lot of organization. I pack as light as possible and invest in quality gear– like the prescription sport sunglasses I invested in a few years ago. 

When I wrap up the work day, I use the male staff locker room to change. Then, I head off running towards the North Saskatchewan River Valley. For anyone who has not yet visited Edmonton, I will say this: our river valley is quite the gem. Runners here are spoiled in having this valley and its one-hundred kilometres and paved and dirt paths and we recently got two footpaths so I can run across the river as part of my route if I want to. 

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Once you get into the ravine beside the river, you instantly forget you’re even in the city. As I continue towards home, I run up and down hills hidden in thickly forested sections. I am a firm believer in the value of connecting with nature every day and heading out into the river valley is my way to do that. Sometimes when I run, I can hear coyotes yipping or I follow the footprints left by deer in the fresh snow. Even when it’s dark, there is so much to experience along the trails. As I get closer to home, I pass Snow Valley Ski Club which is a gorgeous place to run in the middle of winter. It’s the last section of my run. And that’s it! Then I’m home to enjoy my evening. 

Overall, the best perk is to have some time to myself after the day is over. Teaching is incredibly rewarding but every day, from the moment you arrive until the moment you leave, students require your full attention. It’s rewarding but it also drains your energy. Heading out for a run is invigorating and gives me the boost that I need.