Strides Between Us

by Marc Cianfarani

For more than thirty years, I worked advocating for injured workers. I sat across from people whose injuries never fully healed whose pain lingered long after decisions were made and files were closed…

At the same time, I’ve always been a runner. Not an elite one just committed. The kind who keeps showing up…

I’m also a father. When my daughter was younger, we had our daddy–daughter days. Small things. Ordinary things…

And then there’s Dolce, my whippet. Watching her run is watching motion without doubt…

I also spent many years involved in youth sports, from soccer to being part of the coaching group during my son’s minor hockey years…

Somewhere along the way, all of this converged.

The injured workers.
The runner who keeps trying.
The father who understands how love anchors you.
The coach who has seen how mentorship changes young lives.
The dog who reminds me what unburdened motion truly looks like.

Strides Between Us grew out of that intersection.

This story isn’t about winning races. It’s about what happens when motion is taken away and what it costs to find your way back.

294 pages, Paperback

Published April 18, 2026

About the author

Marc Cianfarani is a Canadian writer whose novels explore resilience, hope and the choices that define us when life changes unexpectedly.

His debut novel, Strides Between Us, is an inspirational story of family and redemption through the power of running.

His upcoming novel the day AI left, is a thought-provoking science fiction thriller set in a future where humanity has surrendered nearly ever aspect of life to artificial intelligence until one day it all disappears forcing civilization to rediscover what it means to be human.

When he isn't writing, Marc enjoys running, traveling and spending time with his wife and their whippet, Dolce.

Reviews

[Ovel Merci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strides Between Us is a gut-wrenching, beautifully crafted novel that completely captivated me. Jake Clark's journey from promising runner to a man who vanishes from everyone he loves is raw, painful, and heartbreakingly real. The prose is lean and evocative, and the haunting image of those unsent Father's Day cards will stay with me for a long time. This isn't a typical sports redemption story,it's a honest exploration of failure, fatherhood, and the courage it takes to face the ones you left behind. Marc Cianfarani writes with profound empathy, making you ache for every character. An unforgettable read that I cannot recommend highly enough.