This year, I’m back at Ottawa Race Weekend — though dialing it back a bit...

Instead of more heroic distances, I’ll be running the 2km alongside my almost-8-year-old (who, at her current trajectory, will be dropping me before the finish line), and then I’ll run the 5km myself immediately after. So 7km with some logistics in the midst…

Frankly, I hadn’t really planned on running this year. Life’s been full, and running has taken a back seat. But when she told me she wanted to do Race Weekend again, and asked if we could run it together, how could I say no?

In part, it’s my complete lack of training, but this one feels a little different. My father passed away earlier this year. Running was always a big part of his life. He loved marathons, long weeknight runs in the farm, midday in the heat of summer along the Parkway, and had a running shoe collection like no other. He loved hearing about my races, my training (or lack thereof), and anything that got me out moving. It connected him back to something he cared about deeply, especially when the years were tough. So this year, I’m running for Dad.

I’m also raising funds for The Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre, an organization that has been part of my life and community for as long as I can remember. They provided important care for my dad over the years, and I know many others who have been supported there as well. The Royal is a lifeline for so many families. Mental health care is something that touches more families than we often talk about, and The Royal plays a critical role in providing that support here in Ottawa and Eastern Ontario.

If you’re able to contribute, I’d really appreciate it. And if not, I’ll still be out there, trying to keep up with a very determined 7-year-old over 2km, and then seeing what’s left in the tank for the 5km.