Tuesday, September 30, 2025 – Running shoes & family ties (by Aryn Gatto)
Hi Everyone!
The great fall weather continues! Hope the tapering marathoners are really enjoying it. I will say, it’s perfect for runners at all stages – even those coming back from injury. Run/walk in minus 20 degrees is just too complicated to dress for (If you know you know).
Below is a guest post by Aryn Gatto – who hasn’t been out in a while because she gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. I have a feeling the family running ties she writes about will be continued through her.
Running Shoes & Family Ties – Aryn Gatto
You never really know who’s watching when you lace up, and the ripple effect that you can have on others in your life 👟.
For me, that ripple effect started at home. My dad is a runner and – although he is on a bit of a running hiatus at the moment – he will forever be my inspiration for running and so many other things in my life. He is the one who first showed me the ropes and what was possible when you put one foot in front of the other, long before I ever called myself a runner.
He’s been there for every milestone – both in life and in running. He was by my side when I raced my first 10K, was a pace bunny when I ran a half marathon and even joined me for a leg of my first Ragnar. He’s also shown me how to keep running fun. This guy’s run in a hazmat suit and rocked a pink dress running with his buddies through downtown Toronto; he’s guided blind runners across finish lines; he ran a marathon as his way of celebrating his 60th birthday. In all that he does, he’s taught me the value of putting one foot in front of the other and the joy follows, whether that be in the form of lifelong friendships, weekly rituals, or adventures gallivanting around the world.
He’s a constant reminder for me that every time you head out for a run, race, or jog around the neighbourhood, you might be inspiring someone else without even knowing it – someone who’ll join an ambitious crew of wickedly fast, welcoming, kind-hearted runners (that’s you, Lower East Siders🏃♀️💨) or someone who simply needs proof that they can run that 5k.
So keep lacing up – you never know whose story you’re quietly shaping 📖
On to tomorrow’s workout! Back to Lakeshore and Leslie – 6:05 drills, 6:15 GO!
800’s! 6-8 of them with 1:45. This is a good check in and pep-builder for marathoners. Don’t overdo it if you’re tired – remember, this isn’t where to prove fitness – that is the race. You’re all fit and the work is done. Maintain inner confidence and resist the urge to overdo it at this stage.
People tapering for the Women’s 5K: 2 x 800 @ 10K pace, 4 x 400 @ 5K pace w 1:15-1:30.
That is all – see you in the am!
xo
Seanna