Emma is a very active runner and positive ambassador for our sport.  Emma is an accomplished marathoner (including last year's Chicago Marathon) who runs occasionally with Running Waters and OC Lululemon. She was kind enough to share her running journey with us....

1) What inspired you to start running?

I ran off and on throughout my university years and used to run cross country in high school but was never consistent with it.  I was truly inspired to be more consistent with running during the pandemic and joined my dad Jeff on his runs.  It was a way to clear my mind after work and to spend time enjoying the outdoors.

2) What led you to join a run group and what are you most proud of?

I joined my first run group in November of 2024, Running Waters in Durham Region.  I was running consistently and was looking to meet new people who were passionate about running like I was.  Being with others who had a similar mindset and who were pushing themselves to complete distances outside their comfort zones inspired me to keep going for my goals. It was also very important for me to be part of an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere. 

I'm most proud of my determination and perseverance when it comes to running. In October 2025 I ran the Chicago Marathon, which is the race I am truly most proud of to date. Trying to build back after a tough groin injury, it was not my fastest time or strongest race, but that's not what mattered. I was so proud of pushing myself that day and throughout the whole block - there was no part of me that was going to give up. Being at the start line was a privilege in itself. I wanted to prove to myself that despite dealing with a challenging obstacle that I could still make it, and I did. My Oma always told me - 'just keep swimming' - keep pushing on, keep persevering.  Despite being nervous about future injuries and the unknowns in running that can scare us all, there is no room or time for fear.  I turned things around shortly after at the Ottawa Marathon in May 2026 (3:17:53), qualified for Boston a second time and completed the Enchilada 50km trail race to prove to my younger self that I can achieve anything I set my mind to.  I sometimes like to say, "she believed she could, so she did".  I've now completed 5 marathons and my first ultra. I can't wait to see what the future holds. 

3) Anything unique about your running journey?  

I was far from a runner for most of my life! I swam when I was younger and enjoyed playing tennis but didn't start running consistently until I was about 27! I learned a lot about running over time and became very passionate about the sport itself - and also everything around it! Fueling, recovery, mobility, strength training, etc.!  I'm in it for the long game. 

4) What advice would you give to beginner runners? 

Try not to be hard on yourself when you're starting out! With social media, I see a lot of comparison and it's easy to feel like you might not be as fast or a 'good runner' if you're not running a certain pace, time, or signing up for a race. My advice would be to find your 'why'.  Ask yourself what do you enjoy most about running?  What does running create more of in your life? I always come back to my 'why' - even in the pain cave depths of a race.  My other piece of advice would be to always take care of yourself - fuel properly, sleep well, stretch, warm up, recover and strength train! All of these things will help you be a stronger and better runner over time. 

5) Favourite running route in Durham: Definitely the Waterfront trail between Bowmanville to Pickering! An amazing route with some great scenic views, and you're very likely to see other runners along the path!

I'd also like to say that running the streets of Ottawa and Chicago was an incredible experience.  I've also done some runs in Edinburgh that were beautiful and so memorable. I ran up Arthur's Seat trail a couple of years ago there and really enjoyed it.