There are moments in one's life that seem insignificant at the time. But when you think back years later, you realize how they detoured your life.
In my case, an article in a free community newspaper led to the creation of a running community.
Note: Photos & videos provided by N. Fortin & M. Carriere

RUN Club
RUN Club began in 2010, but not in the form we know today. It started as a recess and after-school activity at Russell Public School. Tom Huisman, a former university cross-country and track athlete, wanted to share his love of running with his kids and their friends. The program quickly gained attention, and by the fall of 2014, it expanded to include all kids in the community, forming a Saturday morning club through the Russell Community Sports Club.

RUN Club's growth soon outpaced Tom's ability to manage it alone, so he put out a call for volunteers in a local newspaper.
The Newspaper Article
September 2014: I came home from work and grabbed the ad bag flyer from the driveway. I was feeling down after failing to finish my first 100-mile race the previous weekend. As I flipped through the flyers, I came across "Le Reflet," and a small article caught my eye. It was about a new kid's running program starting in the fall in Russell.
I am trying to remember exactly what it said. Many years later, I tried searching for that article and still am. It may have included a bit about Tom, how RUN Club started, and what was planned. The article concluded by encouraging anyone interested to reach out.
Well, it also included a disclaimer that there is nothing for adults, but parents are free to get together and run or set something up themselves. This is a phrase I commonly saw when I took over the Facebook account years later.
Running can be a Selfish Sport.
Running, especially ultrarunning, can be personal, solitary, and often selfish. It's about self-improvement, personal goals, and hours spent alone on the trails. But reading that article sparked something in me. I realized I wanted to give back, to help build a community that had given me so much, namely at races.
So I sat at my computer and emailed Tom. It went something like this:
"I have no coaching experience, but I've been coached for years. I'd be happy to help out with the kids' program, even if it's just cutting oranges for snacks."
I met Tom and another volunteer at the Russell Community Sports Centre a week later. Tom explained the program, and it quickly became clear how important this initiative was to him and the community. As I left, I asked casually, "So, who else is helping?"
"Just us three," he replied.
I was surprised. I thought there would be more volunteers jumping at the chance to help. But running can be a solitary sport, and I imagined that many parents were already stretched thin with weekend activities for their kids. Years later, I realized this is an ongoing obstacle when recruiting help for the Club.

Youth Run Club

Do we create the next track and field or cross-country star? Nope... Well, we have one college cross-country athlete we like to claim as ours. The goal is fun, fitness, and personal bests. Our coaches and assistant coaches love to run and be active and want to share the benefits with others.
A typical session starts with a warm-up jog, dynamic stretches/mobility, and drills. Then, we get into the workout of the day. And it varies—we work on pacing, speed, and endurance. Over the years, we added more skills to make it more interesting. With our new found experience with Jumps and Throws, we sometimes add track and field elements. Our group can do hurdles every week if they have the choice.
VIDEO: Hurdes with the Spring 2022 group
Then, we take the new skill and turn it into a challenge or game. The last 5 to 10 minutes is "kids' choice," where they play whatever game they like. Sometimes, they enjoy the skills of the day and keep going until the parents have to pull them off the field (i.e. hurdles).
Youth running through the years.
Awkwardness Leading to Growth
"Awkward" was how I would describe the first day (actually the first year) of RUN Club. I didn't know where to stand, what to do, or what to say. I was surrounded by 20+ children between the ages of 8 and 13. Did I mention I don't have kids?
That morning, I stood around trying to fit in, trying to interact with these kids, trying to look like I knew what I was doing, and trying to participate in the fast feet drills without feeling like an idiot.
"Anything you'd like to say to the group," Tom said at the conclusion of the day.
I pretty much stood there looking like an idiot. Not knowing what to say, I shyly just shook my head. Cheerleading was not in my skill set. Actually, everything about that morning was not in my skill set.
The following week, the two of us were with the younger group (8-10 years). I had no Tom to fall back on; he was with the older group. I got thrown into the wolves.
I came home that morning with a mixture of joy and discouragement. Joy for the opportunity to be part of an organization. Discouragement because I felt I was not experienced enough and did not have the right personality. But I was determined not to quit or fail.
One of the things I have learned in life is working outside of your comfort zone is where you grow. (Sorry for the cliché phrase) I lack self-confidence, maybe a bit of imposter syndrome. I always have and always will. But it continuously changes. As I expose myself to something new and uncomfortable - I get better at it most of the time, and then I push myself further outside that zone. It's a continuous cycle. I've done it in school, work and life. This was another instance.
VIDEO: Practicing discus in my backyard before Run Jump Throw
Early every Saturday morning, I would open Tom's email, outlining the plan for the day and with links to resource videos from the New York Road Runners. I would watch those videos over and over. Trying to get the skills, drills and activities into my head. I wanted to know exactly what I was to do and what to say to the kids that day.
Did I mention I have an engineering background and a very analytical mind? I like things planned out and ready ahead of time.
Show those kids I knew what I was doing. But kids don't care or know better. I learned that they want to have fun.

I'd stumble through the programs, trying to educate the group and keep them active. Some enjoyed being there, and some were there because their parents made them. The activities kept them engaged for a bit. Then we'd have to go on to the next one, and so on. Many days, I'd constantly look at my watch and pray for 11 AM to arrive soon.
Then we discovered the trails at the Henry J. Tweed Conservation area...thank goodness. We'd let them free to run around that area. Of course, before entering, I'd give them the rules and techniques of trail running. The gang was in my playground. I knew my stuff in the woods.
Every week, when the kids show up at the Track, they first say, "Can we go to the trail?". Some days, I put the plan aside, and we make the trip out for roots, rocks and mud.
I survived the six or eight weeks of RUN Club. We always finish with the Cookie run in the city. The first year, I stood at the start line and watched the group start their race. Then I stood at the finish line, anxiously awaiting their return. I was a bit emotional seeing them cross. Their faces had a mixture of fatigue and pride. I've been at the other end of the finish line many times. This side is just as rewarding and exciting.
I might have been a little lost waking up the following Saturday morning—nothing to do, nowhere to go, no one counting on me, no emails, no kids, no program to look forward to. The selfish runner returned for the winter, spring and summer.

The following Fall, Tom's email showed up in my inbox. He wanted me back again, so I returned and again for 2016 and 2017.

2016 Run Club
2017 Run Club
"Hello Run Club Parents and Kids"
This is how I start the weekly post-event email. It's the first thing I do after I get home from our Youth/Run Jump Throw event. Some parents stick around and watch the events. Others leave to run errands. So, I write an email summing up the day.
It's one of those things that sets us apart and make us the "Russell Run Club"
I am not sure what happens at the end of those emails. Do they get read? Do they get deleted? But I know a few parents read them and really appreciate them—even those who stick around and watch the programs. It gives them some clarity about what we are doing and why.
It's a practice I continued from Tom. He did that post-RUN Club. I have even learned to put my dry analytical writing aside and put it in an energetic, quirky and encouraging tone.
Did you catch that? I have "learned to."
Run Jump Throw

Run Jump Throw targets younger youth and those still working on their endurance. It is a national program developed by Athletics Canada that teaches fundamental movement skills and develops physical literacy using track and field-inspired activities, games, and skill challenges. The program focuses on the fundamentals of running, jumping, and throwing.
Run Jump Throw throughout the years.
It has a format similar to our youth program. We start with a warm-up jog and then do dynamic stretches and drills. Then it's the skill of the week. We alternate between Running, Jumping and Throwing. So the kids will see skills such as shot put, javelin, discus, long jump, high jump and triple jump. Once they have a new skill - it's a game or challenge to finish the day.
VIDEO: Throw!
The Ottawa Lions are Prowling on our Turf
Tom and his family moved to British Columbia in 2018, just before the Russell Run in May. He managed to keep the run going that year—a few others and I helped out while he had to leave for Kelowna that weekend. As he passed on the equipment, he mentioned the future of the Run and RUN Club.
With the new Dome opening that year, the Ottawa Lions were branching into this area. I was already helping them out that Spring with their programs. Tom mentioned the possibility of them taking over the youth program and possibly the Russell Run. I nodded my head to acknowledge it.
But, if I wasn't thinking it, then I was thinking it later on:
"But I can take it over and keep it going.""
RUN Club has taken a place in my heart over the last five years. I was too scared to speak up—again, that lack of confidence was still brewing. Maybe he didn't think I was up to the task.
The Ottawa Lions let me take their "Run Jump Throw" course and invited me to help with their Youth Program at the Russell Township Sports Dome in the Spring. I learned a lot from Richard, the youth coordinator at that time. They ran a tight ship with the drills, skills, and activities. The kids moved quickly through each activity, and water breaks were strictly controlled. But still, the group had fun.
Again, working with a new program and Club was awkward at the start. I was trying to get used to the new activities and skills. I had to add jumping and throwing to my skill set in addition to the A's, B's, and C's.
VIDEO: A's and B's with the Spring 2024 Youth
But to be honest, it was not RUN Club. The kids came in, trained, and went home. There were no snacks at the end. I don't think I talked to any of the parents afterwards. It didn't feel like "Russell."
The Lions tried to get their Fall program running at the Russell High School Track but could not get enough registrants to make the trip worth it. When I found out, I immediately started looking into how I could bring RUN Club back that Fall. But I would have been scrambling for volunteers and insurance.
So I woke up on the second Saturday of September 2018 and went outside to the smell of Fall and the cool morning. Depression and feeling lost overcame me—no RUN Club this Fall.
"I want to bring back RUN Club this fall - are you in?"
I am stubborn - I don't like to give up. Not to say I never do. But I was determined not to let RUN Club nor the Russell Run disappear.
In December 2018, Tom asked about the Ottawa Lions and the Russell Run. Maybe vice versa. I honestly can't remember. But I approached Richard and asked him about their intentions. At that time, a scandal was going on with the Ottawa Lions, giving Richard more responsibilities in the organization. The Russell Run was the last thing on his mind, so I told him I'd take care of it. I breathed a sigh of relief—the Russell Run will still belong to Russell.
With Tom leaving Russell and the Township taking control of the community centre, the Russell Community & Sports Club dissolved. This left no insurance for the Russell Run or even an established organization. A few phone calls led to reaching out to Athletic Ontario. They had a program to provide insurance to community runs. I learnt more about this organization and the other services it offers.
I was able to keep the Russell Run going. But also bring back RUN Club. Actually, create the Russell Run Club- a registered club under Athletics Ontario
I emailed one of the RUN Club parents I have known for a few years. Erika is that person who is game for anything. And she has that outgoing and energetic spirit that I try to create with myself. And Early Childhood Educator at that. Everything I am not.
So, with Erika and a former RUN Club parent, the Youth Running program returned for Fall 2019.
Fall 2019 Youth Running Program
And were returned in Fall 2020. We were one of the few organizations able to hold an organized event. It was a bit stressful. We tried to follow the Ministry of Health and Athletics Ontario/Canada guidelines. We even split the program into two, holding two events back to back to keep the group numbers down. It was exhausting.
But these kids didn't care. They were happy to be together, and the 6-foot rule didn't apply in their world. I lost count of how many times I shouted "Zombie Arms" to spread them out. But when the parents say, "Thank you for doing this," it makes all the trouble worth it.
And I discovered using pool noodles for tag - it's freaking hilarious.
VIDEO: A game of Rocket and Rabbits at the Winter 2021 Run Jump Throw
Becoming "Coach Michelle"
The energetic and enthusiastic person who showed up at the Youth Running/Run Jump Throw events took time to create. The personality of a coach—especially with kids—did not come naturally to me. I am more comfortable in front of a computer, drafting emails and creating lesson plans.
I developed that persona by just showing up each week and pushing myself out of that comfort zone. I'd shout a little louder, flail my arms to be more animated, make quirky comments and jokes, exaggerate my facial expressions, and show the group how excited and happy I was working out with them.
This was also accelerated when you didn't have anyone to lean back on (e.g., Coach Tom's energy). So you have no choice but to be that person. After all these years, it's become natural, and I have fun.
Just show up and put yourself outside of your comfort zone.
Also, it was through training. I took many coaching courses and read lots of books. I learned to check in on the group and ask them how their day was, gauging their energy levels or mood. Something so simple can impact the direction you take that day. You can hear the excitement in their voices when they have someone asking about them and listening to their story. I have heard countless stories about recess, birthday parties, trips, sleepovers and toys.

When instructing, I ask questions and have them try to figure out why we are doing something. Who wants to be told what to do? They go through that at school. Sometimes, they get it right, and other times, they are way off. But I still look at the positive and acknowledge the effort.
Also, I let them give the instructions. If I am teaching a new skill or drill they have seen many times before, let them teach their peers. These little things keep them engaged and show they are valued group members.
I can do this without the Ottawa Lions - the launch of Run Jump Throw.
Richard moved up the ranks, and another person took over the Ottawa Lions Youth program. She could not come to the Dome because OC Transpo didn't go that far. So, two high school volunteers and I ran the program using their plans. In the back of my head, I was thinking, "I can do this without the Ottawa Lions."
The Lions were at the Sports Dome until March 2020. We don't need to discuss what happened after that. However, as Fall 2021 approached, I planned the Youth Program at the track and thought, "What about the younger kids—under 10?"
Fall 2021 Run Jump Throw
I knew the Lions were looking to return, but I asked them as a courtesy. I stated my intention: "If you are not planning to return to the sports dome, the Russell Run Club will hold a Run Jump Throw program this fall and winter." I was not going to step on their toes, especially since they allowed me to work with them.
There were no plans, and it was a go for our first "Run Jump Throw" event.

The age limit for this program was 6 to 10 years of age. Just bringing the age limit down by two years created a whole different dynamic. It sounds different—think about what 24 kids are running around with pool noodles playing tag. You have to explain less and show more, be patient, not push for perfection, and focus on fun. You have to be more animated and energetic. And some days, go with the flow and change plans at the drop of a dime.
VIDEO: A game of Rocket and Rabbits at the Fall 2021 Run Jump Throw
Oh, did I mention the toys? I mean equipment. Over the past few years, I have invested in many colourful projectiles and obstacles—bean bags, shot putts, javelins, discus, hurdles and playground balls. And rubber chickens. I look for any excuse to bring those out. Visiting the Flag House website was dangerous for my credit card.
We got toys. I mean equipment.
We try, We make mistakes, We learn, We evolve.
Over the years, the program has evolved. I've learned to stop being like the Ottawa Lions or Coach Tom. Be the Russell Run Club, be myself, and encompass our values of having fun.
We no longer run 90-minute programs—they are too long for kids and even us coaches. I also focused less on skills and drills. We do them just enough to get to a fun game or activity.
We're bringing back post-run snacks. Not because the kids need to refuel right away, but it's nice to sit with the group over the last few minutes, check in with them, and find out what they liked/disliked and what they want to do next week.
My training plans sent to the volunteers are getting shorter. (Did I mention how analytical and detail-oriented I am?) I constantly review and update them. The next round will hopefully be better with a website with videos.
We always have a backup plan. Some activities and games look great on paper (or YouTube), but with the gang, they become failures. Don't worry; the group is happy to give a thumbs down or shake their heads with a sour face. Our failsafe have been British Bull Dog and Manhunt.
VIDEO: Wait for it. It's a game of Rob the Nest with our Winter 2022 group.
We sometimes have to stand our ground. We are a not-for-profit, but we can't lose money on our program. We have to stick to our fees and not be apologetic. Yes, we just run, but we have insurance, equipment and rentals. When we are at the Dome - I grimace every month when I have to pay for the entire field rental. But if that's what we must do to keep the program and the kids active during the winter, we do it. And the cost of the setup of the Club and the Youth Programs in 2019 and 2020 came out of my pocket. It took years to get that money back with our programs.
However, we are constantly looking for opportunities to lower families' fees. This year, we partnered with Russell Township to reduce the fees. This involved losing some control over administering the program, but they allowed us to run the show our way.
We leveraged their reach and had 40 to 50 kids attend our Run Jump Throw program. It sold out in days when it would have taken us three weeks to have 24 kids register on our own.
The Evolution of the Russell Run Club
The Youth Running program started the Russell Run Club as we know it today. In the last two years, we finally expanded the club to include adults.
Yes, finally.
When I took over the Facebook account, I saw several messages and comments from people looking for group runs or clinics. "No, we are just for Youth," was the reply. Again, looking at that, I needed to take action.
I have touched upon the creation of the clinic and group runs in other blog posts on the Russell Run Club site and my personal site. I think that story deserves its own blog, which will eventually be written.

The Future of the Youth Run Club
Now, as I approach ten years as a Coach in some capacity, I plan for a day when the Youth Program and Russell Run Club can continue without me. I love operating the Club and watching it grow, but it has encroached upon my personal life—with family time, hobbies, and even training being put aside.
As the Club grows in size and offerings, my time to devote to the Club and each program is being stretched thin, which means the quality is at risk of being impacted. The past few years, I have let the kids program go by the wayside to allow me to focus on coaching adults and training for my own races. It's been a few years since we had a fall program or even went outdoors. I want to change that.
The Youth program got the Club going and is the Club's future. We see some of our participants return to our group runs, events, races, parkrun and track workouts. We have watched a few of them grow into adults and strong athletes. I want to see more of them continue with the Club.
And I am 10 years older than when I started. I have much more grey hair and wrinkles and less energy. I am beginning to look more like the kids' grandmother than their mom or aunt.
We regularly recruit high school volunteers to help out. I sit back and watch their interactions with the gang. The kids love them and even challenge them to a race or two. There is a better connection between them. I want to see more of these young leaders join us and move up the ranks to become assistant Coaches and Coaches.
We get help from our past run club participants and children of our members.
We are also lucky to have club members and parents who help with our programs at the drop of a hat. They act as a sounding board for what I am planning, provide enthusiasm and energy, take pictures and videos when I instruct kids, and keep the games and activities going when I have to deal with an unexpected issue.
They are incredibly patient when dealing with me. I roll into the track and dome extremely organized, ensuring everything runs smoothly. But as I explain, my mind tends to go all over the place and digress a lot. I am notorious for mixing up my left and right and colours.


I dream of bringing the youth programs to a fraction of the calibre of the Ottawa Lions or Le club d'athlétisme Les Roadrunners, without losing our identity. We have the facilities and the population to draw from. We need to attract more kids. We aim to have fun, and playing games with just a handful of children is hard.
I know my limitations—one of which is that I never did cross-country or track in high school. I try my best with YouTube videos and practicing in my backyard. I'd like to attract coaches and assistant coaches—those with experience or willing to train or get certified. They must also be enthusiastic and passionate about keeping kids active and the Club. I know they are out there.
As the Club grows, we must add these roles to the team not only to provide quality programs but also to meet our requirements for being a registered club under Athletics Ontario.
What if?
If I hadn't come across that article, would there still be a Russell Run Club? I honestly don't know. One needs to be a particular breed to get it done. I was determined and stubborn. After the first year, I was so passionate about the RUN Club and its impact on my life that I didn't want it to disappear.
I could have easily seen Run Crew or Run Group—runners getting together for weekly runs. There are Facebook and Instagram accounts for groups in the Ottawa area. But you notice I used the term "crew" or "group" for these. After the time and money I have invested to get this organization set up properly with documentation, insurance, police checks, and training, Club is a title we earned. I wanted to do it the right way through Athletics Ontario.
Parkrun would have happened…if not for Megan Clemens, who approached me, but through Yves and Melisandre Carriere, avid parkrunnners in Orleans who moved to our town in 2020. They have also played a key role in building the Club over the past two years, assisting whenever necessary. So, it may have eventually happened in some capacity.

And about that detour….
Yes, that newspaper article was instrumental in creating the Russell Run Club as we know it today. We have not only kids' programs but events and programs for all ages and abilities. We have Group Runs, Running Clinics, Track Workouts, Beer Miles, and Trail Runs, and we are dipping into Ultras. With these events, our membership numbers easily hit 70 to 100 members yearly.
The bigger detour was in my life. I have discussed it in more detail in my personal blog. But to get to the point, it changed me from a selfish runner to being part of a growing and supportive running community. I think it even helped me change careers, migrating from working in the corporate world to working with people to achieve their fitness and personal goals.

For those who have reached the end of this blog, I hope that this is your "newspaper article" that will inspire you to take action. It could be stepping out of your comfortable morning routine to help out with a kids' program, taking a course or certification, joining a group run, timing at our local parkrun, or even cutting up some oranges.
Now for our Run Club cheer to wrap things up.
VIDEO: 1-2-3 Run Club!
If you want to get all the updates in real time, follow us on Social Media or sign up for weekly emails.
Join the Russell Run Club Community Facebook Group to see what’s happening with our Members.
Comentarios