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When & Why did you get into running?

I got into running, I think, just over 14 years ago.  Inspired by my younger sister, always the pioneer, who ran her first half before I ran mine, I loved her stories from the race.  So, I signed up for a half myself. Soon it was onto the full marathon- which for me was the Calgary marathon! What started as an athletic goal and a way to maintain fitness has evolved into something that I simply can’t live without.  Running, for me, allows me to be my best version of myself. It supports my mindfulness practice and there isn’t anything I love more than a great long, sweaty Saturday run through Edmonton’s river valley with my friends.

How do you fit running into your busy lifestyle?

I think for me to manage my busy lifestyle, I have to be running.  Running brings me focus and clarity of thought, energizes me for long days and is often a time where my most creative ideas are born!  Running is a priority- it goes into my calendar and that is time I don’t exchange for anything. This way I am committed and it will happen.

What was the impetus to start working Mile2Marathon?

I’ve known and admired my coach Kate as a runner and a human for a very long time.  When she joined M2M, it made sense to start working with M2M as well. I had never before ran with a coach and wanted to experience what it was like to work with someone who could guide me through a training plan that was adapted to what was happening my life- my whole life- running and otherwise.  I like the idea of a community of runners that exists beyond my neighbourhood and my city under the M2M banner. For me- running is about the village! M2M offers another layer of community which I think is so unique.

Where to next/What’s your big goal currently?

I’ve been working on mindfulness and running.  For me, this has meant becoming aware of my personal narrative when I’m training and running, acknowledging when it is incredibly harsh and negative and then changing that narrative to something that supports my running with love and kindness.  Biggest picture, is to always feel joy- every single step. AND- because I know most people want to know about races and times, I have 2. The WFPS half in Winnipeg in October and California International marathon in December. I like to think I have a sub 1:30 in me for the half and a 3:10 or better in the full…but as long as I run for joy, I believe the results will come.  At the end of the day, the time isn’t that important to me.

Person that inspires you in running or life?

Just one?  But there are so many incredible runners, athletes and humans who inspire me to get out there and put one foot in front of the other.  My run crew @runcollective and fellow coaches are an endless source of inspiration- they train hard, they crush races, but most importantly are in the real conversation about running, which is often a parallel conversation about life.  I feel grateful to be a part of such an incredible team.

Fav quote (running related or non-running)?

Non- running…but actually everything can be tied to running because running is, truly, the greatest metaphor for life.   My favourite author is Richard Wagamese, an indigenous author who was from a reserve quite close to where I grew up in Kenora, Ontario.  I take his quotes with me on the run. Here is one of my favourites:

“ All we have are moments.  So live them as though not one of them can be wasted.  Inhabit them, fill them with the light of your best good intention, honour them with your full presence, find the joy, the calm, the assuredness that allows the hours and the days to take care of themselves.  If we can do that, we will have lived.”