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Embracing the running community
Courtesy: Jennifer Matthews

Embracing the running community

LONDON, Ontario — I am sure we have all seen them—those runners who, regardless of weather, terrain, day, or time, are out pounding the streets, getting their miles in with unbelievable consistency. For me, it’s the ones who do it with what seems like little effort, that glide along the streets and paths, chatting, laughing, and encouraging others who are the most impressive, and London runner Brian Murphy is definitely the ideal example of this kind of runner.

Courtesy: Jennifer Matthews

Brian had been a runner throughout high school and university, but like so many of us, as life got busy, the running dropped off. It wasn’t until 2008 that he decided to return to the sport and train for the local Mother’s Day marathon. With a running program downloaded, he was ready to do the work and hit the road. However, an unfortunate skiing accident in March of 2008 put him out of commission for many months. “I had a brain injury, 12 broken ribs, both collarbones broken, it was awful.” Running was, of course, off the table while he worked to heal and overcome his injuries. In discussions with his neurologist, Brian found that a running comeback was possible if he started slowly, on a treadmill, and with people around to monitor his safety. Gently easing his way back into a running routine, he found the activity quite helpful in terms of circulation and mental recovery. The next spring, he made the commitment to train for and run the local marathon, and in May of 2009, completed his first one. “I was coming up to the finish line, and I could see John Ferguson, a local running coach and enthusiast, and he was yelling at me, ‘you got your BQ! (Boston Qualifying time)’ but of course in that moment I felt like crap!” Since then, Brian has continued to pursue his love for running races of all distances, both at home and around the world. He has now completed 28 marathons, 15 half marathons, and 11 Around the Bay races. Before shut down, the last race he completed was the Chilly Half Marathon in Burlington in 2020, however, he also completed the only two socially-distanced yet in-person Canadian marathons last year–that Dam Hill and the Muskoka Marathon, set just two weeks apart!

For Brian, running is so much more than just logging miles at a certain pace. “It is my outlet,” he explains, “my hobby, my social activity, and it is absolutely something that sustains me.”  If, by chance, he is unable to run due to an injury, he confesses to getting into a real “funk” and becomes bored, while also missing the social interaction with other runners. Unlike his first foray into marathon training where Brian trained on his own, he has since embraced being a member of the growing running population in London. “I love to get out and run with other people. We chat constantly while we run, and it has been a great way to develop new friendships.” He also notes that in addition to a number of strong, competitive runners coming out of this city of the past few years, he sees first-hand the rapid growth of the local running community. “There is this dynamic group of social runners that has developed in London. When I’m out on the paths for my run, I always see people I know, as well as new runners, and find myself saying hi to each one as they pass by.”

Being such a strong consistent runner, isn’t something that Brian keeps to himself. His attitude and spirit exude both humility and generosity. “After having run with one of the local running-store based groups a number times, I was given the opportunity to help lead their half marathon group,” he says. “The group had a great vibe, and when the store owner approached me, I was happy to help out.” He’s cautious in having others refer to himself as a coach, however, noting that there is a difference between qualifications and experience. “I share with others what has worked for me, be it a routine, or a specific approach to running, but I let them know it may not work for them in the same way.”

When asked how he will feel when there comes a day he can no longer run, Brian responds, “I hope that is a long way off! I can’t imagine a day when I won’t be able to run, to be honest. I am fortunate that I can still run with those much younger than I am, and I’m sure that will change someday, but for now I’m happy to continue to develop and share such a great activity with so many wonderful people.”

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