1) What inspired you to start running?

“I only planned on walking on the treadmill, eating cookies and watching tv.”

My parents dabbled in endurance sports when I was growing up. They both cycled and my mom trained and ran the Toronto Marathon when she turned 40. I always thought it was incredible, but I was definitely not a runner. I am not sporty at all actually. I tried a few 5k training programs during my 20s and 30s but it never stuck for more than a few weeks at a time. Then in December 2022, I was in a place of deep grief and knew movement would help. I had my husband move my mom's treadmill from her basement to our basement so I could walk on it while eating cookies and watching tv. That was my entire plan. It very quickly turned into a couch to 5k treadmill running plan. I felt the emotional benefits of running and it very quickly took over my entire identity. I absolutely loved how it would quiet my mind, give me time away from being a mom first, and the runners high helped in all aspects of my life. 

2) What lead you to join/ a Run group and what are you most proud of?

I join ParkRun Whitby most weeks. It has become a non-negotiable for our family. It's a great way to stay part of the running community, see friendly faces, and is welcoming to all paces. Which has been important to me over the past year. 

Occasionally I will join the Whitby Running Room, Darlington Run Club or the Newcastle Maniacs for some time with running friends. I prefer to run alone, and mid-morning while the kids are at school. So I don't make it out as often as I would like too.

3) Anything unique about your running journey? 

I feel like a lot of my running story is unique and about overcoming hard times and building mental toughness. I am not the fastest (ha!) But mentally I am very strong. From starting running from grief, to a neck nerve injury, calf tear and breast cancer - I have had so many reasons to quit in the past 3 years. I keep showing back up starting from zero over and over. 

Before my first marathon (Ottawa 2024) I ended up on the couch for over a month from a severely pinched nerve in my neck. Then I had a quick training block to prepare for the marathon. Ended up running it on a torn calf muscle in 5:45 with a huge smile on my face. Immediately I signed up for the Toronto Waterfront Marathon and was diagnosed with breast cancer in September before the race. I was diagnosed on a Friday and on the Sunday, spur of the moment, ran a marathon alone around my town of Newcastle (with an epic PB 5:39!). Being “marathon strong” mentally was what brought me through chemo, surgery and recovery with a positive attitude. I am so thankful for running to teach me how to stay strong and focused even in the hardest moment.

Now coming back to running from zero again, my focus is different. It is about having fun, being able to run alongside my kids. [Even if they always beat me to the finish line!] Pace is something I was so focused on before, now I just am so happy to enjoy being out there and moving. I do wonder what is possible with a full training block without illness or injury. But I have time to figure that out, instead of rushing to finish a marathon to cross it off my bucket list. I have some big goals, but will reach them more slowly over the next few years.

4) What advice would you give those beginner and intermediate level runners?

• I promise no one is looking at you and judging. They are either not looking, or looking with a sense of pride for you.

• ”Slow” runners are just as impressive as the fast ones. Find a group that encourages all paces.

• Cookies or donuts are always a good reward for running. Also, running just to have snacks on the run is a valid reason to get into longer distances.

• Have fun!! Sing, laugh, enjoy nature. 

 5) what’s your favourite route that you have run a) in Durham and b) anywhere in the world

Great question!! I have put a lot of thought into this over my last season of not running. So many roads hold different memories!! 3 come to mind as long run options:

• Newcastle to Port Hope loop. Bonus points if you do it in the freezing rain.

• Ajax Waterfront trail out and back. It is beautiful, rolling hills and fast.

• Newcastle to Whitby (one direction). Any time you can run from one town to another feels like a huge accomplishment that non-runners will be amazed by.