My name is Mary and I’ve been running for almost 3 years, all on the beautiful  Sunshine Coast of British Columbia, Canada, where I moved over 4 years ago.
Previous to “the west”, I ran, off-and-on, while in my 20’s, (back in Ontario) and then life detoured my efforts. But life has strange ways of calling us back to action. For me, this came in the form of promptings from my son.

My son gave up south western Ontario life at age 17 for university on the West Coast – and everything else west coast life has to offer.
A few years later, feeling “prompted” by an empty nest, I moved west, as well.

While in the process of adapting to my new west coast life style, I was again prompted, this time by my son and my daughter…. “get a life, mom”….  I must admit, it took me a long time to “get” what they meant.  Understanding is first; putting it into action comes next (thank goodness for my daughter’s ongoing promptings here).

Then one day, almost 3 years ago, I was again prompted by my son.  This time I made a life-altering decision – I embraced running in my life.  My son was a big fan of my running and all the events I entered, right up until the day he died in 2010. (My daughter still is).   Life is so short for some – all lost in the blink of an eye.  Everything fine at the start of a fun weekend; nothing ever the same just a few days later….. I know some of you can relate to what I “mean”.

I have a passion so strong, that I’ll never quit running as long as I can put one foot in front of the other.  I “feel” what my son embraced and lived for the 9 years he spent on the west coast:  “live life to the fullest”.  And I, like so-o- many of his friends and colleagues, choose to do the same.

Running is helping me live my life more fully.  Starting this blog and sharing with you,  also helps.  Cobbling together a “new normal” in my life without my son is more possible because I enjoy engaging in that which is rooted in a deep connection with my son.

Through running, I can help bring life out of his death; I have raised money for his memorial scholarship fund, (stay tuned).  Through running, I am able to motivate others to run, and, when I get to know folks well enough, help them “match” their dreams and desires in life with the reality they live. I have always been able to do this. .. Helping others live more fully is a fitting tribute to my son who taught ME to live my life to the fullest.  And running became a happy medium to help me do this.

I hope you enjoy this journey through running and life, both the good and the bad.  Hope you find something beyond the simple act of running in what we do here together.  If what I share and do this helps YOU live your life even just a tiny bit more fully, then my efforts are all worthwhile.  I extend friendship to you, along our journey of running – and life.

Mary