Ichi-go ichi-e  "one encounter, one opportunity."

Each of our runs is dedicated to someone special to the people who have supported our run. We will update this page after each run. Please return to "My story..." to read their stories. 

Our runs will all be done on Mt. Hiei, Kyoto where the Tendai Buddhist monks ran their kaihōgyō (“the practice of circling the mountain”). Today, we are welcomed on Mt. Hiei by the silence of the forest and cheered on by a fox, a few deer, and a bunch of monkeys. 

Last hike for 100k that makes it 200k plus! from Kyoto to Ohara

Last hike for 100k that makes it 200k plus! from Kyoto to OharaToday was not about the race, but about a moment ("Ichi-go ichi-e") that we will cherish and wanted to share with you all. As we walked, we thanked the forest for a warm welcome and for protecting us during the OneRun campaign. We expressed our gratitude for the life that surrounds and motivates us. In the same way, we are grateful to all of those who contributed so generously to our cause and who have supported us through challenging times. But today, I thought about my love, my amazing friend, my husband, Steve, who is constantly teaching me that there are no limits to what I can do! Love you and thank you! 

This hike was exactly a snippet of life. First, we started out on some very familiar paths. Then, we explored some new paths and were excited and amazed by them, the vegetation, and the lives we encounter along the way. But then, as in life, we got ourselves into some serious troubles during this hike and had to count on each other and hope for strength to get us out of there. To all of those that are still on this path now we wish the strength! Gambatte!

Notre course à la mémoire de Jeannot:

Jeannot et Agnès

Mon cher Jeannot, 

Merci pour me faire connaitre la vraie France, celle de la générosité, de la convivialité, et de l’accueille sans pair. Grâce à vous, votre langue est devenue la mienne et donc une partie de moi restera à jamais avec vous. Nos chemins se sont croisés une fois, je reste donc confiante qu’ils se croiseront encore. 

En attendant ce moment, je te fais la bise. 

Agnès

A  Morning Run for Peter McLay:

Peter

Peter has faced many challenges fighting cancer. But despite everything, his will to live, finish his education, and carry on with life is stronger than ever and he continues to take life one step at a time. For some reason, today's run was a hard one, but we arrived at the end one step at a time. So this run was for Peter and his battle, for his moving on with life, one day at a time.  

Our run in memory of Françoise Bartelous:

Françoise Bartelous

Ma chère Françoise, on a eu encore tant à se dire. Je ne serais jamais te dire assez MERCI! 

De tout coeur,  Agnieszka

Our run today celebrates the incredible Misha Gottesman:

The Incredible Misha

Diagnosed with B Cell Leukemia in early September 2020, Misha began the long term maintenance phase of treatment in May 2021. He will be 3 in July. A loving and happy little boy, Misha is most excited about construction crews, lawn care tools, and playing with his older sister Sybil. 

Misha's smile inspired our fastest run on Mt. Hiei.

Our run in memory of Darlene Teslak-Chan:

Darlene & her son, Landon

Black Belt in Karate and teacher of women's self-defense classes, Blue Jays super-fan, lover of music, a dear friend of many, a loving wife, and a devoted mother, Darlene loved life and lived it to the fullest. Everyone who ever met Darlene felt like they were the centre of her world. Her love and energy light-up the lives of everyone who knew her.  

We miss you so much. 

Our run in memory of Connie Jack:

Connie Jack

Connie was far more than just a best friend, wife, and mother. There was a magic about her that drew me to her the first time I saw her. It continued throughout our time together and I would often try to explain it to her. She had a special way of doing things, I called it her Connie-ness. Connie was a great Mom to our 2 kids, a caring friend, and an incredibly special lady to me. April 24th was 2 years since she passed away and I miss her tremendously, but I realize how amazingly lucky I was to have her in my life.  

Her friend and husband, 

Stew

Our run in memory of Elena Pulcini:

Elena Pulcini 

Elena was Professor of Social Philosophy at the Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales in Paris and then the University of Florence. Her area of research focused on the philosophy of the ecological crisis and the ethics of care in a Global age. Elena passed away from covid while recovering from her treatment for cancer in Florence on 9 April 2021.

Our run in memory of Maria Ferreira:

Maria Mendes da Mota Ferreira

Maria Ferreira passed away as she had lived, surrounded by her family. She was a strong, smart, loving, and beautiful person who loved her family with all her being. Always there for others with her beautiful smile and infectious laugh which are greatly missed. Maria was a wonderful mother to her children (Simone, Zidra and Bruno), a loving grandmother, and the soulmate of her husband (Arlindo). Her life lessons and courage continue to support her family even today.

Our run in memory of Yolanda:

Yolanda Camiletti

Yolanda’s life was dedicated to caring for others, both in her private and in professionally life. In her 35-year career in the health sector, Yolanda touched the lives and served the needs of thousands. She worked as an emergency room nurse at St. Joseph’s Hospital, as a public health nurse and clinical nursing specialist with the Middlesex-London Health Unit, as a coordinator of critical and palliative care at Parkwood Hospital, and a coordinator of the birthing center at St. Joseph’s Hospital. Four months before passing away she was the successful applicant for the position of Manager of the London Regional Cancer Centre. She entered that facility as a patient on August 4, 2010, on what should have been her start date as Manager. She passed away on September 14, 2010, at the age of 57.