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Meet the Owner & Staff: Victoria

Michael Shewchuk

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. (click photo to see why Mike's not smiling in this one)
Favourite Shoe: the Reebok Road KFS but he is waiting for the new Gel 3000!
Favourite Race: Hatley Castle 8km

Julia Griffin

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".

David Milne — owner / operator

David Milne

Dave opened the Victoria location in May 2004. Once a competitive runner, and now a has-been, Dave came up short on making the Olympics. His 8:32 in the 3000 metres still remains his best result, and has solidified him as one of the better steeplechasers to come from Canada. Dave has now returned to playing hockey with buddies and growing up. Now in his 30's, he has new inspiration for life. Dave and his wife, Jillian had a baby girl on August 9th, 2011. Penelope Violet Milne was born just after midnight. She brings a high level of pronation to a family that already pronates lots. In 2010, Dave opened the 2nd Peninsula Runners in downtown Victoria. It is located on Lower Yates.
Favourite Shoe: I like a few shoes. The Vomero and Nimbus seem to be my current favourites.
Favourite Race When Not Racing: Ironman. Because you can get a full day's work in and still have time to kill before the leaders come in!
Favourite Race When Racing: Anything at Stanford. The track in Palo Alto seemed to be my place. I was hard to beat on that track for some reason. It may have been that Anna Kournikova was watching?

Adam O'Meara

Adam O'Meara

Adam moved to Victoria in January 2008 and spent the year focusing on his goal of making it to the Ironman World Championships. He accomplished this and had a Personal Best time in Kona with a 9:28:26. Beginning in 2009 he will be competing in the Professional ranks. He loves getting people into a shoe that helps them enjoy running and being active. He has a passion for healthy living, with sport and nutrition being at the heart of it. Read Adam's blog
Favourite Shoe: Newtons — Gravity and Distantia
Favourite Race: Ironman World Championships, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Sarah Riddell

Sarah Riddell

Sarah joined Peninsula Runners after moving to Victoria from Seattle, Washington. She is a fourth year English student at UVic and hopes to continue with graduate school in Secondary Education. She specializes in the 5k and hopes to continue her cross country career with the Vikes in upcoming years.
Favourite Shoe: Brooks Glycerin
Favourite Race: Carnation Run for the Pies 5k in Seattle on the 4th of July

Jon Siewertsen

Bio coming soon.

Jason Ball

Jason started running about 9 years ago. Coming from a football background, long distance running was not his thing but he decided to do the TC10K with some friends. The race almost killed him, but he fell in love with running and wanted to keep challenging himself. Besides running, Jason's other passion is triathlon. Since that TC10K Jason has completed over 25 half marathons, 15 marathons, and several triathlons from sprint distance to Ironman. He just completed his 4th Ironman in Louisville, Kentucky. Jason's dedication to both sports comes through when he is dealing with customers. From people just getting started in the sport to veteran runners, Jason is always there to help and lend advice.
Favourite shoe: Saucony Mirage
Favourite Race: Wildflower Half Ironman in California

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More staff photos:

Click images to enlarge

Julia Griffin
Julia knows her stuff

staff: Julia, Myke, Michael, Dave
The 4 amigos

Michael Shewchuk
Michael S

Victoria staff
Party time!

Dave Milne
Dave hard at work