#2018GOALS What’s your 2018 goal?
We asked four local runners to test our the newest cold weather gear during a group training run, as they work towards their big 2018 running goals
Dani Brown, 32
STARTED RUNNING IN Grade School I’m a dog walker and rescuer, board sport enthusiast, vegan and big Toronto Maple Leafs fan. I’ve dabbled in running since public school, on and off for many years.
Why did you start running?
I was always a sprinter so longer distances became a way to enjoy the outdoors. I love running on trails and in forests. It’s a nice way to see nature.
Biggest running accomplishment Shooting photos with Canadian Running was pretty cool! What’s your 2018 goal?
I’m just training for myself and for my growing dog-walking business. It’s a great way to stay in shape for that.
Richard Kuchinsky, 40
STARTED RUNNING IN 2014 I’m a shoe designer and run – no pun intended – a design consultancy in Toronto. As a co-captain of RunTOBeer, I have been known to happily run 80-kilometres from Toronto to Hamilton for a fresh pint.
I was designing running shoes long before I was running in them. I saw how much enjoyment runners got in shoes I created and decided to try running to further fuel my creative energy and improve my knowledge as a footwear designer. A 30K long run is a great time to problem-solve and only a runner can really know how a pair of shoes feels after 42.2K.
Biggest running accomplishment
In 2016, I completed a year-long run streak, and 15 different races, including six Marathons in four different countries. I also ran from Toronto to Hamilton, just for fun, in July.
What’s your 2018 goal?
I would like to qualify for the Boston Marathon. I mostly run for distance and fun, but I hope to focus on improving my speed and testing my ability to follow a more rigid training program. I also have plans for a 100K Ultra.
Jean-Philippe Gregorio, 39
STARTED RUNNING IN 2008 I’m currently working as registered nurse. When not training for my next race, you can find me doing yoga, bouldering, crossfit or Muay Thai. I take my cross-training very seriously.
Why did you start running?
A couple of friends and I challenged ourselves to complete a try-a-tri, and six years ago I joined the Parkdale Roadrunners, that is when running really became part of my life.
Biggest running accomplishment
I am now six marathons deep with a sub 3:30 PR, a far cry from when I did my first marathon in over six hours.
What’s your 2018 goal?
In 2018, I will run my first ultramarathon, the 89-kilometre Comrades Marathon in South Africa. I am also still trying to qualify for that little- known marathon in Boston.
Mary Lemon, 26
STARTED RUNNING IN Grade School I’m a registered nurse, freelance model and student trying to juggle time between work, school, being a mom of two cute doggies all while trying to lead a healthy lifestyle.
Why did you start running?
I started running track in grade school but last year I started to run track again and a few road runs here and there.
I started running again because I wanted to maintain fitness and focus on a healthy lifestyle. I’ve joined a few runs in the city and that motivated me to challenge myself to focus on longer distances and faster paces.
Biggest running accomplishment
I’ve completed a MudHero, an obstacle course race. Although not your typical run, it involves a combination of trail, road and cross-country running which I’m proud to have completed with a few of my friends with big smiles on our faces. My goal is to train and complete my first 10K run this year.