A Good Day to Run
"Every day is a good day when you run," said a famous nameless poet in a voiceless speech somewhere in a city that doesn’t exist.
This fall, at Centre Multisports, good days came one after another with the launch of a brand-new running club — aptly named after the Centre where it was born. On a bright September evening, seasoned runners, curious first-timers, and devoted walkers stepped through the doors of this regional fitness hub, shoes laced and ready to run. Roughly forty runners from various backgrounds gathered, all united by the same desire: to jog 1, 5, 10 or even 42 kilometers.
To welcome them: three kinesiologists — Sébastien Fournier, Sophie Lalonde-Mathers, Karelle Coté — and running expert Claude David, all supported by the Centre’s world-class facilities, including a 200-meter indoor track. Ready, set, run!
Four Experts, Three Groups
Claude David, founder and longtime coach of the Vaudreuil-Dorion Athletics Club, brings 16 years of experience correcting bad posture and habits. Well known across the region’s running community, Claude — recently retired — now lends his expertise to a broader public: “At first, it’s all about understanding your people,” he says. “Everyone’s happy to be here. We’re four coaches with different personalities, and the chemistry is building. I’m learning too. I’m not some all-knowing being — these people bring something to me as well.”
The club is structured around three running groups, each receiving tailored training, and every member gets personal attention when needed: “No one’s left out,” says Claude. “With four of us, everyone gets the support they need.”
The club’s goal is clear: do things differently to achieve the same result — but in a fun and engaging way.
Conditioning for Running
The training program integrates running plans and physical preparation to strengthen muscles and improve flexibility. Claude leads the run-specific work while the kinesiologists — experts in movement-based injury prevention and performance — handle the complementary physical training.
Post-marathon recovery is also prioritized. When the group launched, many runners had just completed the Montreal Marathon or half-marathon. “Recovery is essential after a major effort,” says Claude. “There’s a kind of emotional drop after an accomplishment — you need patience.”
Each coach has their group: Sophie and Karelle guide beginners and intermediates, while Sébastien works with experienced runners. As a teacher at CÉGEP Gérald-Godin, he knows how to educate: “Some runners are dealing with aches and wonder why. Once you explain the benefit of strength training, they understand the value. It’s new to some, but it’s what works.”
Training includes intervals, strength work, foam rolling, and core training. Every Tuesday and Thursday night, sessions start with warm-ups and end with stretches or targeted work — all aimed at meeting goals, such as running a spring Ottawa Marathon.
Running Solo or in a Group?
The group effect is a powerful motivator. While Claude understands the appeal of solo running — a form of moving meditation — he’s seen how training with others pushes people further:
“Not everyone likes group training, and that’s okay. But when you’re training for something big like a marathon, there will be a moment when you need a push. And that push often comes from the group.”
Carole Marcoux, a recently retired runner in the intermediate group, never imagined she’d enjoy running with others:
“I used to run alone, following a book program. But running in a group is beyond what I expected. The coaches are attentive and available. I’ve already signed up for the next session!”
Sébastien confirms the club’s strength lies in its structure: “We’ve created groups tailored to different levels, each supervised by a kinesiologist — which is rare. We may be one of the only clubs in Quebec to rely solely on kines.”
To date, none of the 40 club members have reported injuries, and all are progressing steadily. Whether their goal is 5 km or a full marathon, they’re supported by a team of experts.
“We have the tools to take people further,” says Claude. “I’ve fallen in love with this group — the motivation is incredible.”
With Quebec’s wild winters, even more runners will likely join in January, seeking refuge on the indoor track — guided by expert advice and uplifted by encouraging peers.