My Story, let's go a little deeper

I wasn't always a runner. I never considered myself athletic. In gym class, I was always the last one picked for teams, and running around the block felt impossible, let alone completing a marathon.

After finishing university and starting my career in HR, I was single, bored, and looking for something new. One day, I decided to try running. My first attempt? A single lap around the block. The next day, I did it again - and added half a block more. 

Slowly but surely, I began to see progress. My stamina improved, the distances grew longer, and running turned into something I looked forward to: my escape, my reflection time, and my proof that I could do hard things.

Eventually, I wanted more than casual runs. I signed up for my first 10k race at the Ottawa Marathon weekend. Armed with a generic training plan I had found online and a lot of determination, I spent 12 weeks preparing. Standing there on the starting line, surrounded by hundreds of runners, I felt anxious, excited, and completely alive. I was ready. That race turned out to be more than a simple race - it was the beginning of something life-changing.

Over the years, I kept running - 5Ks, 10Ks, half marathons. I was hooked. Each finish line gave me a sense of pride I never thought possible. But the idea of running a full marathon started making an appearance, along with doubts. Was I really capable? Wasn't I just a non-athlete pretending to be a runner?

It wasn't until I let go of the idea of "perfection" that I went all-in with the challenge. With a clear plan, consistency, and support from my running coach, I crossed the line of my first marathon on October 3, 2022. I'll never forget the feeling of screaming to the cheering crowd: "I am about to become a marathoner!" No one will ever take that feeling away from me.

Now, as a working mom of two with a full-time HR career, I understand how overwhelming it can feel to make time for yourself. That's why I'm passionate about helping other women - especially beginners - discover the joy and freedom that running can bring.

Through my Dream, Plan, Run framework, I give you the tools to:

• Dream big: believe that running is possible for you.
• Plan smart: build a routine that fits into your life.
• Run confidently: move at your pace and feel proud of your progress.

You don't need to be fast, fit, or fearless to start running. You just need to take that first step - and I'll be here to cheer you on every step of the way.