runner likely doesn’t even notice these terrain shifts, but as a guide,
it’s Carolyn’s job to know. Fortunately, there was no mishap and
their races have gone smoothly despite the steep learning curve for
both of them.
Doug recalls his struggle “trying to navigate a 5k start with 100+
kids, all running in strange patterns and slamming on the breaks
after a short distance.” He also notes that when racing, big pacing
groups present a challenge as he tries to navigate around them with
his V I/ B runner attached with a tether and the group so involved in
their own pacing that they don’t notice them trying to make their
way through.
For Maria, daily challenges primarily revolve around co-ordina-
tion and scheduling. She is, after all, a young mom juggling many
responsibilities. She credits her guides with being very accommo-
dating and understanding in helping her surmount these challenges.
But Maria and other V I/ B runners are up against even more serious
challenges out on the road. Carolyn attests to the struggle to find safe
training routes for V I/ B runners as Maria faces the very real risk of
tripping and falling while out on the road – even with a guide.
Maria recounts a serious running fall early in her outdoor running
experience. She ended up in the hospital with facial injuries and
broken teeth. Fortunately, Maria’s father was a dentist. He repaired
her teeth and helped her smile again and Doug got her out running
on the road and reassured her that all would be well. Maria says “the
words of encouragement that I got from my father and from Doug
after this trial was to stay strong, and to keep on going.” This is a
lesson many people have learned through running and guiding
VI/B athletes.
Maria is philosophical about her running experience. For her, the
intangible benefits are most important. “The mental stimulation and
clarity I get,” she says is why she is drawn to going for a run on the
roads. “ The comfort and company of new and familiar friends, the
release of energy with physical relief and strength in return, and the“Getting them through their event, being their
eyes, helping talk them through their barriers,
cheerleading and verbally painting a picture
of what you are running by are all extremely
rewarding. But seeing their expression at the
fi nish is by far the most rewarding.”sense of freedom are why I run.”
Doug says that his favourite aspect of guiding is the friend-
ship that develops from the very first step and the specific
nature of their communicative bond. “ The amount of trust
your athlete places in you is huge,” he points out. “Getting
them through their event, being their eyes, helping talk
them through their barriers, cheerleading and verbally
painting a picture of what you are running by are all extremely
rewarding. But seeing their expression at the finish is by far
the most rewarding.”
For Carolyn, the ability to help someone achieve their goal
who may not otherwise have been able to do so without the
help of a guide is what keeps her going. Carolyn has less than
perfect vision. She’s been wearing corrective eyeglasses sinceLEFT Maria de Guzman and
Carolyn Moore runnnig the
Boston MarathonContinued on p.69Guide Lingo
VI/B RUNNER Visually Impaired or Blind Runner
CUEINGInvolves the guide giving the VI/B runner
information on upcoming changes in terrain, turns,
barriers, etc. Cues can be verbal or physical.
ELBOW GUIDING The guide holds the VI/B runner’s arm
just above the elbow. Not generally recommended
for longer runs, but it has the benefit of immediate
contact and control.
FLEXIBLE TETHERAnything hand-held that is used to
connect the guide and runner together. Doug has
used T-shirts, shoe laces or rubber seals. Carolyn
and Maria often use an exercise band as a tether. The
tether is normally about 45 cm long, but can vary in
length. Usually, less sighted runners will require a
shorter tether.
NO TETHER If a VI/B runner has partial vision, they
may choose to run with a guide, but without a tether.
In this case, the VI/B runner follows closely behind
the guide and follows his or her movements. Verbal
cues are used exclusively.
RIGID TETHER Rigid tethers such as a stick or cane
can be used when the VI/B runner prefers a closer
connection to the guide.
WAIST TETHERA flexible tether that goes around
both the runner and guide’s waists. This allows both
parties full freedom and flexibility in their arm move-
ments while still maintaining a connection.VI/B Websites
For more information about running
and becoming a guide:
ACHILLES CANADAachillescanada.ca
UNITED IN STRIDEunitedinstride.comrunningmagazine.ca Canadian Running 45Marathon Foto