Aldo Furlan is a 58-year old kindergarten teacher, avid runner, and all-around awesome human who gives back tirelessly to his running community in Winnipeg. In addition to coaching middle school track and cross country, he is heavily involved with the Manitoba Runners’ Association, Teds Run for Literacy, the Winnipeg 10&10 and the Manitoba Marathon.In this episode Aldo tells us about being “crippled by a 4-year old” many years ago and how his journey through rehab and back to running inspired him to write one heck of a poem titled Ode to My Lateral Meniscus. More recently while dealing with an assortment of common running niggles, he put pen to paper once again with Bag of Pain.Two of the most fun ways Aldo gives back is through his weekend pop-ups all summer long throughout Winnipeg, as well as the Polar Bare run every January 1st in Assiniboine Park. Be sure to listen to the very end when he tells us about the Not Since Moses race in Nova Scotia every August. Ode to my Lateral Meniscus There’s a lexicon of terms out there and they’re not hard to findA few of them are great to use when meniscus come to to mind For you can call it healthy or you can call it fineLike the beautiful aroma of a nine once glass of wineYou can say that it’s dependable, just like a St.BernardWho chases away vandals trespassing in your yard. You can say that it’s pristine as a freshly poured draft beerA welcomed cold libation when the finish line is near. You can say that it’s as mighty as a herd of elephants With all the durability of brand new denim pants.You can say that it’s delightful like a steeping pot of tea, This most integral part of an articulating knee.You can say it is hearty or you can say that it is soundJust like the wisdom of a friend you like to have around.You can tell me that it’s sturdy or you can say that it is tough There are not limits to what you say but the right word is enough. You can say “spectacular”or you can say “Robust”But for you to use the proper term is definitely a must. So choose your words quite carefully my friends as you now know what I meanFor to call it “unremarkable” is really quite obscene!Bag of PainLast month my calf was pulling me, I think I had a strainI’ve come to the conclusion I’m a big old bag of painTwo weeks ago it was my foot that left me feeling lameI’d start a run and then I’d have to pull out of the gameFor years my torn meniscus left me in the walking laneWhile one was “unremarkable”the other feeling shameThough recent years I’ve come along to join the run againI just can’t shake this feeling I’m a big old bag of pain! What’s going to happen this time? Is it going to be my toe? My back? My hip? My shin bone? I just don’t want to know! I warm up well and stretching seems to help to keep to me moving But the sounds my body makes some days are never very soothing Whatever place the pain comes from, my strive to run remains Even though my body is a big old bag of pain.Resources we discussed in this episode:We love hearing from you! Connect with us on Instagram @inspiredsolescast or email guest ideas to inspiredsolescast@gmail.com. If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend, subscribe or leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts.