“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”

For a relatively young and naive Vince Perdue, the ancient Chinese proverb would be setting the bar far too low. At least back in the summer of 1979, that bar seemed far too low.

The avid local runner and long-time race organizer and volunteer recently achieved a milestone that very few would even contemplate, crossing the 100,000 mile threshold in terms of training runs and races over the course of the past four decades and a bit.

Sure, credit can be given to some family genetics that would lead the now 72 year old to be able to run every single day, without missing even one, for a period of 21 straight years at one point.

But perhaps the real credit goes to a deeply engrained mindset that Purdue would acknowledge almost from the start of this journey. “I am very single-minded and stubborn,” said the retired Inco employee with a laugh. “I always have been.”

It was only a few months after taking up running in earnest when he was still in his late twenties that his personal odometer was beginning to really rack up some miles. “It struck me that the way I was running then, I will probably put up 2000 miles a year,” noted Purdue. “If I did 2000 miles a year, by the time I am eighty, I will get to 100,000.”

“I figured that was very doable.”

The pragmatics would come along later – along with a whole lot more knowledge about proper run training techniques – and a realization of some later year challenges that might not be quite so obvious to a young man who had yet to celebrate his 30th birthday.

“I definitely did not lay a ground plan to get from zero to 100,000 miles; it would happen by itself through a lot of other goals along the way,” suggested Purdue. “I would think it was fair to call it a very soft goal at that time.”

A love of data management certainly helped as the runner logged every single workout, utilizing nothing more complicated than a simple Excel spreadsheet and a series of binders that now number 43 – one for each and every year that Purdue has run.

“I honestly don’t look back at them, but I have them and I love them,” he smiled. “I think that has kept me going at times when life takes turns.”

Make no mistake – Vince Purdue is a goal-setter, by nature. In 2015, he crossed off the bucket list item that required him to complete a marathon in each and every province and territory in the country. He would run the Around the Bay 30 km Road Race for 25 consecutive years.

Also make no mistake that this is definitely not about building up a showcase of trophies and medals and such. “I’ve won only one race in my life (New Liskeard Ten Miler around 2004 or so) – and that was because the guy who was in first place got lost,” he exclaimed.

But even as the impressive 21 year streak came to an end a few years ago – only because he had to spend a few nights in the hospital after being struck by a car while riding his bike – the cast was set for what was now clearly a lifestyle choice. “I was actually not unhappy that streak got broken,” Purdue explained.

“It would have been hard to break away from it otherwise, so it didn’t bother me to have a forced day off. Now, I haven’t taken a day off since December 27th.”

“I just do it; it’s part of me.”

As one might expect, his running has changed. Since 2015 or so, there are fewer races – and absolutely no concerns about pacing. “My shuffling / walk-running is now in the back forty at Laurentian trails and on the Moonlight trails – going slowly and taking photographs.”

“I run well within myself now. There is no need for me to do anaerobic training. I really don’t stress myself very much at all.”

And while he would readily admit that there were times when he ran though the wise choice would have clearly been to reward himself with a day off, Purdue is also very much in tune with his body. “You shouldn’t run in pain but you can run in discomfort – and you have to understand the difference,” said the man who religiously maintains a five day a week practice of doing ten minutes of core strength work, on the side.

“I believe it keeps me going forward more than anything else.”

And go forward he did, until the time came on the morning of (Saturday) February 11th that the stars would align. That is only partially true as the passing of time has seen Purdue bid adieu, in this world at least, to both his very close friend Steve Matusch (in 2020) and his beloved wife Lise nine months later.

Just over two months ago, however, Purdue was one day away from his goal, planning to hit the mark on February 12th. Lise’s best friend, Sylvie Guenette, had come out for a Saturday morning group run only to find out she would be running alone this particular morning.

“As it worked out, we would meet up,” recalled Purdue. “We never run together – except that day. With a mile left to go, I told her: this is going to happen today. That was very rewarding for me.”

Some 43 years after the incredible voyage started, Vince Perdue allowed himself a little time to appreciate the milestone, one which started with a single step.

“When I passed the 100,000 mark, I couldn’t share it with them (Lise or Steve) in person, but over the ether, I definitely did.”

“I miss them so much.”