Running brings family and friends together
Behind every runner there is a supporter — or two.
At the Times Colonist 10K the accomplishments of participants might be publicly celebrated, but many would not have been able to get to the start line without people content to support them from the sidelines.
“I’m his biggest cheerleader,” said Paula Kuyper with a smile.
Her husband Charles had just run his personal best race — a time of under 45 minutes — and he also had a smile that conveyed his pleasure at the feat.
“He always had energy and he started to run to burn it off,” said Kuyper, 52.
Charles, 56, went from a pack of cigarillos a day five years ago to running 10 kilometres and cycling another 20 km every day.
“I think he was motivated by the fact his dad died when he was only 55,” she said. They have been married 31 years and have four daughters, one of whom recently gave them their first grandchild.
Jeff Crowe, 32, has always had somebody cheering for him at every race. When he was taking part in marathons, half-marathons and triathlons, his father — a runner himself — would travel anywhere in the world to watch his son compete.
With a recent switch to 10-kilometre races, his wife, Valentina, now waits for him at the finish line with Bran Muffin, their chocolate Labrador retriever.
“I knew what I was getting into when I married into the family,” said Valentina, 27. “The whole family is focused on education and sports. The kids in the family get very little television time.”
Nanaimo resident Shannon Kitchen patient waited on Belleville Street to catch a glimpse of her partner, Aileen Tuck, and their daughter, Sandi Kitchen, before they crossed the finish line.
For her, this is more than just a race, as it is also her family’s “all-together day.”
This year’s race day, Tuck’s third TC 10K, just happened to fall on the eight-year anniversary of the adoption of their daughter, who is now 13. They usually commemorate the occasion with a family get-together.
“Running is something Aileen needs to do — as well as enjoys,” said Kitchen. “It gives us a healthy lifestyle.”
Tuck was part of the Spirit Bears team, Nanaimo-Ladysmith Aboriginal Education — SD68.
Dave and Lori Elder, both 54, started dating when they were involved with track and field in their high school days.
Dave has been running for at least 30 years and this was his 25th TC 10K.
“Dave’s father, a now retired chiropractor, instilled in him the importance of fitness at a young age,” said Lori. “In turn, both our boys are also active, going to the gym almost daily.”
As a captain with the Saanich Fire Department, Dave is also a role model for younger members of the department.
This year he finished with a time of 45 minutes, not his personal best, but a number he is very happy with.