I’ve been running for forever. In grade school I played almost every sport but cross country… endurance was something that felt natural. I was on the cross country team for my 4 years of high school and then shifted to solo running throughout university. I ran my first full marathon in 2022 at the Toronto Marathon where I first met Marvin. Marvin introduced me to another side of the sport I didn’t know I needed…. Community. It was shortly after that he started to introduce me others; people that would change my life. In 2023 Circle K sponsored the Toronto Marathon… the first race I was hoping to BQ at. As Marketing Manager for Circle K I hosted 3 shakeout runs leading up to race day. These events opened my eyes to what I was missing all those years of running alone. It showed me what the running community is all about and how special it is. After this I was locked into the run club community… more specifically the Running Waters community.

I couldn’t stand the thought of missing out on a Saturday run. Not even for the run itself but for the people, my people. Friends that became family and inspire me and motivate me everyday. I wouldn’t be where I am, or accomplished what I have without them.

My first BQ was at Georgina in September of 2023 with a 20 second buffer I was not accepted. I was filled with rage and ready to work harder than I ever have for a 10 minute buffer that I finally got back in Georgina a year later… easily the most important race of life so far. My dreams of running Boston came true in April of 2025 and I enjoyed every second of it. I’m proud of what I have personally accomplished in my sport but more than anything I’m proud to be a part of a community that is kind, and inclusive, and hard working, and united.

My advice to new runners; stop running alone. Find a run club and show up. I promise it’ll be the best decision you’ll make in your running journey. My favourite running route is wherever my friends are.