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UNPLUGGED: Runcouver is the City's Newest Running Community

THE ONLY THING MORE BEAUTIFUL than Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­in the sun is Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­in the rain. And there's no better way to celebrate our rainy, beautiful city than to go for a run in it.
Amber Turnau

THE ONLY THING MORE BEAUTIFUL than Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­in the sun is Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­in the rain. And there's no better way to celebrate our rainy, beautiful city than to go for a run in it. This week, I'm introducing you to Vancouver's newest online running community and training crew: Runcouver. PLACE: Wherever you can run your heart out LOCATION: Vancouver.  Have suggestions for UNPLUGGED this fall? Tweet me .

Jillian Walker self portrait

Running is a like a life transfusion. The gentle sounds of your breathe and running shoes hitting the pavement or forest floor. The pitter pattering of rain on your waterproof jacket. The silence and focus that allows you to calm your mind and just be in the moment. Now, Vancouver's running community will have place to gather online to share this passion. Meet : an online community for local runners. The motto: "The only requirement is that you gotta love our city to the moon and back. "

I'm always amazed by go-getters. They have so much motivation and energy and they live with their hearts on their sleeves. Jillian Walker, an HR professional and outdoors enthusiast, is one of those people. You might know her as on Twitter.  She founded Runcouver with the goal of bringing like-minded Vancouver-loving, run crushing people together to build the community.

Crowning glory

Since January, Jillian has completed 14 races in both Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­and Victoria, including her first half marathon. But, it hasn't always been that way for her.

"I was always stick skinny and used that as an excuse not to be active," says Jillian. "Over the last 10 years, I have learned a lot about healthy body, healthy mind."

Jillian has only been running for a year, but it's changed her life.

"Everyday I am out there I am grateful for my health (Scoliosis included) and that I live in this beautiful city," Jillian muses. "It is absolutely motivating and inspiring to be pounding the pavement or frolicking through the trails. Running has taught me to be way more patient -- both personally and professionally."

Foggy February Fourth on False Creek

Now, Jillian is sharing her passion for pounding the pavement and Vancouver. Not only does Runcouver have a fast-growing and community, but will be updating the blog and newsletter frequently with race info, running tips and more. Jillian is also taking on a 2012/2013 . These 10 enthusiastic women will work towards their half-marathon goal as a troupe; learning the importance of mental and physical strength and building body awareness.  The crew is already seeing interest from sponsors and the run goal will be Lululemon's SeaWheeze race in August 2013.

"For the first time in my life, I feel strong. Strength is an incredible feeling. Your mind becomes clear and you feel ready to conquer to the world," adds Jillian. "I look forward to working with the "Run Crew" in achieving their run goals and challenging the status quo. They are all incredible young women and I feel blessed to have the opportunity to coach them to success."

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