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Meet the Staff: Victoria
David Milne — owner / operator
This UBC grad and former Canadian Champion in the steeplechase is the proud owner/operator
of this location of Peninsula Runners. He still has hopes to represent Canada in International
races but his right knee has not been co-operating.
His attention to detail and unflagging confidence in his team are the key ingredients to his
continued success.
Favourite Shoe: It doesn't matter... my knees don't like running.
Favourite Race: Ironman. Because you can get a full day's work in and still have time to kill
before the leaders come in!
Michelle Payne
Ambitious and full of pride, this UVIC kinesiology student has been with the Victoria store
from the beginning. She's our Liz Claiborne and can help you find the right shirt or shoes to
make that next run fly by!
Favourite Shoe: Mizuno Wave Mustang
Favourite Race: The first leg of the Oak Bay KOOL Half Marathon's Asics Ekiden Relay. She
runs for the "Womens Pen Run Team".
Eric Kiauka
From the North Shore of Vancouver, Eric made his way to Victoria to continue his goal towards
the next Olympics. His goals are to become one of Canada's top runners and if the result at
this year's National Cross Country Championship is any indication, Eric might be a dominating
force this track season. His hobbies include golf, watching movies and playing Risk (he
always uses the grey troops).
Favourite Shoe: Mizuno Wave Precision and the Rider. He's a Mizuno guy.
Favourite Race: Victoria International Track Classic and he loves racing at Stanford
Michael Shewchuk
Michael is a seasoned veteran in the world of running shoes, having spent time managing at
stores in Eastern Ontario. The west coast had long been calling his name (Michael! Michael!)
and in 2004 he packed his bags and headed out to our fair city. This theatre arts / business law
student looks forward to sizing you up for your next pair of shoes.
Favourite Shoe: the Reebok Road KFS but he is waiting for the new Gel 3000!
Favourite Race: Hatley Castle 8km
Julia Griffin
Julia has developed into a starting pitcher on the Peninsula Runners team. She brings knowledge,
understanding, patience and the best smile in town! The little shop in Gordon Head is so much better because of Julia.
Julia can assist you with shoes or clothing. She is an expert in both and now does all the clothing ordering for the
store. She has grown into one of the veterans! We are proud to have Julia and hope you get the chance to deal with her!
Favourite Shoe: Mizuno Wave Rider
Favourite Race: The second leg of the Oak Bay KOOL Half Marathon's Asics Ekiden Relay. She
runs for the "Womens Pen Run Team".
Randy L'Heureux
Randy was one of the first customers of Peninsula Runners and ensured the daily sales quota was
met by purchasing a pair of socks from Michelle. Randy's PB for the marathon is 3:26 at the
RVM. His ability to finish in the middle of the pack gives him the insight to work with the
marathon group during the clinics. Randy is currently waiting for his ambulance career to end
so he can devote his time to the store. His immediate goal is to get back to running
Ultramarathons.
Favourite Shoe: New Balance 906
Favourite Race: Keremeos Kruncher
Ashley Porter
After training in the run clinic for two years, Ashley has joined the rest of the staff at
Peninsula Runners. She is a recent grad of massage therapy and hopes to work with and treat
athletes. When you don't find Ashley fitting shoes you'll find her kicking butt on the soccer
field.
Favourite Shoe: Mizuno Inspire
Favourite Race: Disneyland Half Marathon
Heather Hollman
Heather joins the Peninsula Runners crew during her stint at UVIC. She is currently
studying Kinesiology and is in her 3rd year. She moved to Victoria 3 years ago from Nelson
and says she is NEVER going back! She loves it here and we love her. She found the Victoria
store via her experiences with the White Rock store.
Favourite Shoe: Asics 2120
Favourite Race: Cyswog'n Fun Triathlon (we have pamphlets here! it's in Nelson)
Myke Labelle
Hailing from sunny Penticton where he honed his shoe-fitting skills at Peach
City Runners, Myke professes to forgo sleeping, eating and studying in favour of running
(though we think it has more to do with escaping the house full of girls he lives with).
Possessing a wealth of experience at ultra-distance running beyond his meagre years, Myke is
your man for all your trail and 50K-plus questions.
Favourite Shoe: Brooks Adrenaline
Favourite Race: Peach City Half Marathon (it's on the Ironman Canada run course) and
the Bike Barn 12K in Penticton (tough and hilly)
Heather Bretschneider
Heather joins the Pen Run team after participating in numerous clinics herself.
She is a graduate of the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition and is always keen to answer
questions (food related or not!). Heather has found a love for the half marathon distance and
looks forward to helping others reach their goals.
Favourite Shoe: Mizuno Creation
Favourite Race: Gunner Shaw (the wettest, muddiest trail race around!)
Adam O'Meara
In 2005 Adam moved to North Vancouver from Ontario, then in January made the shift to Victoria to train
more seriously as a long-course triathlete; already enjoying the sunnier (or less rainy…) weather for training,
he is glad he came. Adam has a passion for healthy living with training and diet at its centre. Wanna talk triathlon?
Come find Adam, and the run portion is his favourite!
Favourite Shoe: Asics Gel Nimbus
Favourite Race: Desert Half Iron (Osoyoos — so it's stinkin' hot)
Staff at Royal Victoria Marathon
October 7, 2007
Heather Bretschneider and Heather Hollman before RVM '07
Staff at Times Colonist 10k
April 30, 2006
Eric Kiauka, 30:48 / 3rd
Photo by Teresa Nightingale
Staff racing in 2005 BCA Cross Country Champs, Oct. 22, South Surrey
Senior Men's race (10k):
David Milne, 31:06 / 3rd
Photo © David Dolsen
Eric Kiauka, 32:04 / 9th
Photo by Julia Griffin
Race start: click to enlarge
Photo by Julia Griffin