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Meet the Staff: Victoria
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 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
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. Almost 30 now, he has opened a new store in downtown Victoria, called Freedom.
He loves doing shoe fits and helping you with your running. His attention to detail and unflagging confidence in his team are the key ingredients to
his continued success.
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 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
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 2140
Favourite Race: Gunner Shaw
Myke Labelle
Myke is one of the weird guys. You know? Those guys who run all day, then all night, then all the next day. He is our resident ultra
runner and Marathon clinic coach. He took the BC ultra scene by storm this summer by placing 2nd at the Elk/Beaver 50k and winning the Scorched Sole
50k with a course record. He hopes to run races in the near future which include the Western States 100, Hardrock 100 and the Badwater Ultramarathon.
Myke can answer all questions running related, be it 5k or 50k+. Read Myke's blog
Favourite Shoe: Brooks Cascadia
Favourite Race: Scorched Sole 50k
Jason White
Jason has moved to Victoria from the Mainland and will be able to help you with all your shoe fitting needs. He loves Yoga so if you
need directions to the nearest studio let him know.
Favourite Shoe: Asics Nimbus
Favourite Race: The RVM Marathon
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
Justine Johnson
Bio coming soon
Eric Kiauka
From the North Shore of Vancouver, Eric made his way to Victoria to continue his goal towards the next Olympics. He came up a little
short in 2008 but the future is bright with this one. He has now been spending most of his time doing construction. Eric has turned into a developer,
and his drive to know all the aspects of the business is going to help him in the future. His hobbies include golf, sports, and watching movies.
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
More staff photos
Click images to enlarge
Julia knows her stuff
The 4 amigos
Michael S
Party time!
Dave hard at work