10/22/2021
I’ve been asked twice this week if my name is really Corky Corkum. 🤣 The short answer: No. My parents aren’t that cruel. So if you know me purely from the running community, you probably only know me as Corky - so here’s a quick debrief.
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Back in 2014, when I was establishing my own coaching company and LLC, I was tossing ideas out there for what to call my business. I wanted a name that was unique and memorable, approachable, fun and me. With the last name Corkum, my dad and myself have been been called Corky as a nickname by people in our lives - him by his in-laws and me by a few friends from the film industry. Though admittedly, I was overwhelming referred to by my given name far more than Corky at the time. So I tossed out the idea “Coach Corky Runs,” and it sounded perfect.
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From establishing my LLC, and as the sole coach/company member, I began introducing myself as Corky. Fast-forward seven years, and it’s safe to say I’m rarely known in the running circle as anything but Corky. And honestly, I’d say my life is now divided by “those who call me Corky” and “those who knew me before.” I sometimes pause when introducing myself to search for which name to use - though this only happens now in non-running encounters. In fact, I’d say my life is made up of 75% “Corky” and 25% not at this point.
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And “Corky Corkum” honestly never occurred to me. I just used Corky - like Madonna, or Cher, or McLovin. But when joining the and worlds, I was suddenly listed as Corky Corkum for the first time. At first it made me cringe. I mean, it’s just funny. You absolutely have my blessing to giggle when you read it. 😂
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But also, come run with me.