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For the past 13 years, Canada Army Run has taken place every September on the streets of Ottawa. This year, it’s virtual and taking place everywhere runners want to participate.
We have three guests to talk about this: Col Nickolas Roby, Director, Canadian Army Personnel Management; Sgt Amélie Eldaoud, Canadian Army Sergeant Major’s Military Assistant; who are both in Ottawa, and in Sainte-Catherine-de-la-Jacques-Cartier, Quebec, MCpl (Ret) Étienne Aubé, representing Soldier On.
This podcast is for and about soldiers of the Canadian Army.
Its primary goal is to provide them with useful information through thoughtful and open discussions that reflect their mutual interests and concerns.
Though soldiers are our primary audience, the topics covered on this podcast should be relevant to anyone who supports our soldiers or who has an interest in Canadian military matters.
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Colonel Nick Roby: As a parent of a special needs child, I had to gain access to respite care for my special needs child. Myself and my family actually leveraged one of the organizations that the Canada Army Run supports.
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Lieutenant Adam Orton: Hi! This is Lieutenant Adam Orton with the Canadian Army Podcast, and today we are going to be talking about the Canada Army Run. Every September since 2008, thousands of people have gathered in Ottawa to participate in the Canada Army Run to help raise money for Support Our Troops and Soldier On. This event has gotten pretty big, and it’s an entire race weekend, with military vehicles on display from all over the place. They have activities for kids, bands playing music, lots of good family fun. The supporters are out in the streets cheering on the troops and the other runners. This year, because of COVID, the Canada Army Run is kind of moving to a different format. And, it’s going to be virtual—so here to talk to us about that is Colonel Nick Roby and Sergeant Amélie Eldaoud. Hi sir, Sergeant. Welcome to the podcast.
Col Roby: Salut Adam. Comment ça va?
Lt Orton: Ca va super bien—but this is the English podcast, so.
Col Roby: Okay, sorry about that.
Lt Orton: Try not to get too confused here.
Col Roby: Right on. Adam, how are you?
Lt Orton: Great. Sergeant?
Sergeant Amélie Eldaoud: Hey Adam. How are you?
Lt Orton: Great. So, sir, how did you get into this?
Col Roby: Hey, so Adam, I am the new Canadian Army G1. I’ve been here for about three months on the ground. And, one of the key files that I deal with is the Canada Army Run. And, hence, why I am here to provide a bit of an overview of what the run is going to look like. And, I’m really looking forward to having this chat with yourself and Sergeant Eldaoud.
Lt Orton: And tell us a little bit about your background. Where do you come from?
Col Roby: I’m a military brat. My father was in the Forces so I’ve kind of travelled the world in Canada as a young child. I decided to join the military. I’m actually an Artillery Officer, as a background, and I’m coming in from the minister’s office—that was my last posting. And I’m here now, very pumped to be at the Canadian Army Headquarters.
Lt Orton: So, very climatized to the Ottawa environment.
Col Roby: Absolutely.
Lt Orton: Sergeant, tell us about yourself.
Sgt Eldaoud: I’m Infantry by trade. I’m a reservist. I’ve been in since 2014, and working at the Army Headquarters for about 4 months. Before then, I was just working with my unit in random taskings around that.
Lt Orton: Which unit is that?
Sgt Eldaoud: The Governor General’s Foot Guards.
Lt Orton: Cool. So, let’s talk about the Army Run a little bit. Sergeant, have you ever done the Army Run before?
Sgt Eldaoud: I’ve done it with my mother three years ago. And, I’m doing it again this year, so I’m really excited for it.
Lt Orton: Oh yeah, we were just talking before the show and you said you had just signed up today.
Sgt Eldaoud: I did. I did a lot of research about the Army Run. And I figured there’s no excuse not to do it this year. So, I signed up and I’m really excited for it.
Lt Orton: Right on. How about yourself sir?
Col Roby: Yeah so, I’ve had the opportunity to run the Army Run in 2014 with my spouse. And this year myself and my wife are registered, along with our four kids. So, we’re going to run it in Carleton Place, Ontario, this year. And, we’ve actually recruited a number of our neighbours. Some of which, funny enough, are veterans. So, we are really looking forward to the virtual Canada Army Run this year.
Lt Orton: I also think it’s pretty interesting the virtual format kind of mixes it up, because, for those not in the know, at Army Headquarters, usually, everybody gets pulled out of their cubicles to volunteer, participate, help—sometimes ‘voluntold’—but, you know, we are all working out there. And, a lot of people still sign up even though they can’t participate. And then they’ll either run the course the day before or the day afterwards. Like, last year, I just ran it afterwards for fun. Tell us a little bit about the virtual set up and what that’s going to look like.
Col Roby: As you alluded to at the beginning of this podcast, we talked about COVID-19. And just based on the various restrictions, public health measures that are in place throughout Canada at this point. The Army Commander decided that we would not cancel, but actually run the Canada Army Run in a virtual format. Meaning, from the 12th-20th of September, this year, folks from across Canada and across the world quite honestly, can register and then run their race within that window that I just mentioned (12th-20th of September).
Sgt Eldaoud: It’s awesome too because you can bring your kids with you. They don’t have to be running—they can use their bikes if they want. Anyone can walk it, they can run, it’s really on your own time. And, you can login in your scores at the end, or, you can use the apps to do that as you’re running the course.
Col Roby: So, one of the things Amélie just mentioned was the reach. So, the Canada Army Run this year, just based on its virtual format, will allow us to, for the Canadian Army, to reach out to more than we have perhaps done so in the past. So, in the past, people have had to travel to Ottawa to conduct the Canada Army Run. But, this year, people can sign up, conduct it in their various locations that they’re at right now. So, we would expect military members and civilians, our civilian community members to sign up from coast-to-coast-to-coast. So, it’s a bit of an opportunity this year quite honestly.
Capt Orton: And you know, especially with COVID, but even before that, a lot of different events have had kind of their own shadow formats where different bases and different locations kind of conduct their own thing anyways. So, it seems like a logical progression to enable a greater reach to the actual event itself. Because, coming to Ottawa isn’t easy for everybody, especially if you look at the location of the military bases throughout Canada, Ottawa is not known as the most accessible place.
Col Roby: Right. So, as I mentioned earlier, I’ve only ever had the opportunity to run the Canada Army Run once since its inception about 13 years ago now. And that’s because I was just never posted in Ottawa and just couldn’t travel here with a young family. So, this year, there are no excuses—hashtag no excuse. Everybody sign up, register, and conduct, run the Canada Army Run wherever you’re at.
Sgt Eldaoud: It’s great also. Our deployed members can run it wherever they are deployed. So, we have those shadowruns for them, so again, everyone can do it.
Col Roby: That’s a great point, it just reminded me of something, Adam. So, Amélie talked about shadowruns. So, you know, we would expect, and we know that for example, Task Force Latvia has registered some of its members. So, we would expect Canadian Army and CAF members-wide would sign up. You know, from Iraq, from Latvia, we would also, you know, expect that some of our allies throughout the States, for example the United States of America, and some of our other NATO allies will also take the opportunity to sign up. So, this is quite the opportunity this year.
Lt Orton: So, Sergeant you mentioned earlier on about the use of an app. Is something being developed or being put out there that racers can use for this event?
Sgt Eldaoud: Yes. They are going to make an announcement soon enough. But they are going to come out with a Canada Army Run app where people can use it to find their packages and log in their information. There is also the racer app where you can upload your information as you’re running, so you don’t have to do it manually.
Col Roby: So, as the old guy in the room, I’m wondering what you guys are referring to as an app. We aren’t talking about appetizers here right?
Lt Orton: I think that’s also something that you guys are working on? Delivery appetizers?
Sgt Eldaoud: You can have it on your phone, you can have it on your smart watch, any device you’re using really.
Lt Orton: Alright, so, let’s talk about—you know, a physical run that usually involves a lot of logistics and planning and moving vehicles and all that stuff, and getting it set up. You know, whether it’s the Army Run or otherwise, it’s a lot of work. And, also, you get a lot out of it when you’re there. You know, you get to be a part of that whole event and stuff like that. Some people are probably wondering why would I want to be interested in a virtual run when I can just go run outside and just do my own thing? What would you say to those people?
Col Roby: We already talked a little bit about the fact that the virtual series of the Canada Army Run this year gives you an opportunity to do so in your community or amongst your family members. There’s also the Canada Army Run team who is going to put out a number of tools or resources available to different folks. And, you’ll receive your race package to your home, or wherever you’ve decided to get it delivered to, which will include a number of pieces that are traditionally associated with the Canada Army Run— the physical Canada Army Run. So, we’re talking about run swag, the finishers medallion or coin, as we like to refer to it in the Canadian Army. And, also a number of other products that will allow you to maybe relive some of the traditional physical Army Run moments.
Sgt Eldaoud: Also, what’s important to note is the reason why the Canada Army run was set up in the first place was to fundraise. Right? So we’re doing this to raise money for Support Our Troops and Soldier On. So, the reason why I chose to register, and not run on my own is so that I can donate that money to a good cause.
Col Roby: Hey, so Amélie mentions the Soldier On and Support Our Troops charitable organization. So, I just want to share a bit of a personal story. A number of years ago, as a parent of a special needs child, I actually had to leverage the Support Our troops fund—whereby posted in a remote location, I had to gain access to respite care for my special needs child. And at the time, there was no provincial funding available in that specific province. So, myself and my family actually leveraged one of the organizations that the Canada Army Run supports. So, great organizations.
Also, as an aside, the Soldier On, you know all three of us in this room have no doubt, know, some of our colleagues and teammates that have been injured in various operational settings that leverage and have access to various resources that the Soldier On organization provides.
Lt Orton: That’s a really good point. And I know that, as mentioned before, people at HQ don’t have the opportunity to run and they will still sign up to support that charity. And, it’s interesting, my first time running the Army Run, a friend of mine who is in the PPCLI, who’s injured—I’m going to say his name; it’s Matt Daigle—he was injured in Afghanistan, had a shattered femur. They didn’t even think he was going to walk again, and he actually came to Ottawa and ran as an injured soldier. And, that’s what motivated me to sign up and do it as well. Like, it blew me away that, you know, I’m an able-bodied soldier. I should be relatively fit. And the only thing that made me think ‘yeah, I should do this’ is that a guy who they said was never going to walk again did it. And I was like, well I guess I am just basically human garbage if I don’t participate when my buddy can do it after surgery and having his leg rebuilt.
Col Roby: Yeah. If there’s nothing else that can motivate you than seeing an ill or injured member, who has paid the price in one form or another and has set the way, and commence the race in front of you, and you are trying to reach him or her. And my understanding is actually we are going to have on a Soldier On ambassador, Master Corporal Étienne Aubé, who will be here later to talk with us Adam.
Lt Orton: Yeah, absolutely. And we’re going to get some of his comments on that in particular. Alright, is there anything else you guys want to add before we move onto Master Corporal Aubé?
Col Roby: Actually, Adam there is one final point. Amélie and I should really highlight some of the race swag that our virtual runners will receive this year. So, I mentioned a few minutes ago, one of the advantages, actually, of conducting the race virtually, is the fact that members don’t have to wait in a line up to receive their race kit. The race kit will be delivered to your home or whenever you have decided to get it delivered at. Specifically, we have a race kit that will meet all of your running needs.
Sgt Eldaoud: So, you’ll get a shirt or a hat depending on which race you’re doing. So, if you’re doing a straight distance you are getting either a hat or a shirt. And, if you’re doing one of the challenges, you get both. So, it’s an incentive to do a challenge—it’s how they got me. And then, you’ll have some Nuun tablets which is what they give, normally, at the pre-COVID race. And, you have a protein bar. You’ll have your finisher certificate, your coin—it’s going to be a box where it says only open after the race—so that’s your one element of surprise; you’ve never seen the coin before, so you’ll be able to receive it after you run it.
Lt Orton: You got to earn the coin.
Sgt Eldaoud: Exactly.
Col Roby: So, if that swag doesn’t motivate you, nothing will.
Lt Orton: Yeah other than supporting the troops, and ill and injured people crushing it out while you sit at home eating potato chips.
Col Roby: Yeah, potato chips are bad.
Sgt Eldaoud: You know what’s great too? Is that you have a virtual package as well. So, the entertainment that was a part of the Canada Army Run before, unfortunately can’t happen this year because everyone is doing it from wherever they are. However, they’re going to send a camera crew to Petawawa so they can take videos inside the vehicles, or videos of the equipment. So, you can still enjoy the vehicles and equipment, but from the comfort of your own home. So, that’s pretty cool—that’s going to happen. And what you have also in the virtual package, is the opportunity to nominate any fallen members to be a part of the virtual remembrance row. So, it has to be a participant that nominates these people, and you have to be proactive about it, you have to nominate them yourself. But you can nominate an Army person, a Navy, or Air Force, it really doesn’t matter, whatever year that person passed away. That person will be memorialized in the remembrance row.
Col Roby: So, a lot of the things that Amélie just mentioned are things or manners in which we are trying to reproduce. Some of the aspects related to the physical traditional Canada Army Run that’s run here in Ottawa every September. I would recommend, all of you, to visit the ‘armyrun.ca’ website where if you haven’t already registered, you can register. And, you can also go and have a good view of the key organizations that we are trying to raise funds for. And, you can get better or more detailed information about those two organizations on our website.
Lt Orton: Alright! Well, check it out: ‘armyrun.ca.’ Thanks sir, thanks Sergeant, for coming on the show talking about the Army Run, and we’ll see you out there.
Sgt Eldaoud: Thanks for having us.
Col Roby: Thanks, Adam.
Lt Orton: So that was Colonel Nick Roby and Sergeant Amélie Eldaoud. Now, we are going to talk a little bit about Soldier On, which is a program that is a part of the Canadian Armed Forces transition group. And it supports veterans and serving members to adapt and overcome permanent physical and mental health injuries or illnesses through physical activity and sport. Joining us from Sainte-Catherine-de-la-Jacques-Cartier near Quebec City is retired Master Corporal Étienne Aubé.
Hi!
MCpl Aubé: Hi.
Lt Orton: How are you today?
MCpl Aubé: I’m pretty good. You?
Lt Orton: I’m great. So tell us a little bit about yourself.
MCpl Aubé: Well, at first, I joined the Force in January 2000. So following basic training I went on my trades course to become a Combat Engineer. Then I was transferred to 5CR in Valcartier. A sense of fraternity and esprit de corps quickly developed with my peers. So, I acquired the values of the Forces such as devotion, solidarity, and respect—and the experience shaped me into the man I am today.
Lt Orton: So, can you tell us a little bit about your injury?
MCpl Aubé: On my second deployment in Afghanistan, 2009, I struck an improvised explosive device during a search in the village of Nakhonay. Following the explosion, I underwent an amputation on my right leg to the knee, two fingers of my left hand, and my left leg was seriously injured. Despite an open fracture of the left tibia and severe nerve damage, the medical specialist managed to save my leg. However, the experience took a great mental toll, and four years later I was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.
Lt Orton: So, how did you become involved with Soldier On from there?
MCpl Aubé: My first contact with Soldier On was in January 2010. Approximately six months after I got my incident. They offered me the opportunity to participate in an adapted triathlon in San Antonio Texas. I wonder if they were aware of the extent of my injuries. I hesitated before responding; I was convinced I was going to fail. So, at the time I had negative thoughts and was going through a severe adjustment period. However, I’m at an age to encourage myself to regain faith in my abilities and I ultimately accepted the challenge. So, for the next five months I focused on mastering the same dedication to the triathlon as I had to my career, to finish and try my best, that’s it. So, I realized, my only limitations are the ones I impose on myself. So, during the San Antonio event I spoke with many injured veterans who had reached acceptance and who had seemed happy and fulfilled. This confidence and self-esteem made them winners. They have inspired me and restored my hope for better days. So, that was the first contact with Soldier On for me.
Lt Orton: You know, like we are doing an interview right now, and I don’t even know what to say to that because, just, you tell me that story, and me thinking about how I would handle that situation, I don’t even know how I would face that and handle that. So, I’m just blown away by your perseverance in the face of that.
MCpl Aubé: Thanks; it was hard.
Lt Orton: So, how did Soldier On kind of help you work through that stuff and get you to where you are today?
MCpl Aubé: One of my first objectives in rehabilitation, in physical rehabilitation, was to play golf again. So, through participating in activities with Soldier On, I discovered a passion for golf. It helped me regain hope and personal confidence. I had to put aside my stubbornness, pride, and anxiety, in many aspects of my life. This program was a turning point in my recovery—and it’s honestly the best program from the Force.
Lt Orton: You know, I never actually asked you, how did the triathlon go?
MCpl Aubé: It was hard. It was hot. It was quite a challenge, but I’m not able to run. Since this day, I did not run yet, so I was walking the part. It was adapted, a small distance, so the swimming was good, the biking was good too, but I walked the last part. So, I don’t know about the score; just to finish it was enough for me.
Lt Orton: Yeah, I mean, listen—I have actually done one triathlon before, and I can’t complain, but I thought that was super hard so I can’t even imagine how hard it was for you. But, yeah, just finishing is a pretty good start for your first one.
MCpl Aubé: Yeah, it was ten months after my injury.
Lt Orton: Wow, that’s such a short time period to go so far.
MCpl Aubé: Yeah.
Lt Orton: Listen, if you don’t mind me asking, we’re talking about Soldier On here, but what else helped you work through that?
MCpl Aubé: Obviously my family. Because, when I was wounded, I got two kids at home, so a little boy of two years old and my daughter was four at the time. I’m still with my wife now. So, the family, and all the support that I got from my military friends and civilian friends helped me a lot through this. But, not only them, but professionals too, like psychologists, and therapy.
Lt Orton: Yeah.
MCpl Aubé: Oh yeah.
Lt Orton: Wow, that’s amazing. So, we’re kind of talking about Army Run right now. Have you ever participated in the Army Run? Or what’s your experience with the Army Run?
MCpl Aubé: I never participated in the Army Run. It will be the first time for me this year.
Lt Orton: Oh okay.
MCpl Aubé: So yeah, I give myself a challenge. Like, I cannot run—I will walk for the first time all eighteen holes of golf. I’ve never done it.
Lt Orton: Wow.
MCpl Aubé: Yeah, I try to push my limits a little bit.
Lt Orton: So you signed up for the virtual run and all that stuff and you’re going to do this? Man, that’s something else. What would you tell people who are participating in the Canada Army Run virtual edition, or people who are on the fence about participating in the Canada Army Run?
MCpl Aubé: For the participants, good luck, enjoy, and thanks for being there. Thanks for making this event happen, even with the pandemic—it’s pretty amazing, I think. And, for those who hesitate, the hardest part for me was to take, I don’t know, maybe my pride away, and try it by myself, like a new beginning, without expectations and just enjoying the day. And, break the isolation and meet some new guys out there.
Lt Orton: Man, that’s awesome. Alright! Well, thanks so much for telling us your story, and talking about some of these challenges. I wish you the best of luck in trying to meet your goals as you go through this. Well, I say try—I know you’re going to do it, like, you made it this far.
MCpl Aubé: I will.
Lt Orton: Yeah, you will. Alright, thanks a lot.
MCpl Aubé: Thank you very much.
Lt Orton: That was retired Master Corporal Étienne Aubé for Soldier On.
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Lt Orton: So, that was a lot more guests then we usually have on the podcast. We had Colonel Roby, Sergeant Eldaoud, retired Master Corporal Aubé. If there’s one take away from all of this, is check out the website ‘armyrun.ca,’ sign up for the virtual run. And, as usual, don’t forget to subscribe and follow us to keep up to date on all the new podcast stuff.
I’m Lieutenant Adam Orton. Stay Frosty.
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