Now to be clear, the "AHHHH" isn't fear - it's my way of exuding the emotions I get when thinking about doing my first ever HALF. MARATHON.

You may be thinking; "Well, you must be a long distance runner", or "Jamie, you've run at least a 10k before, right?". The answer to both, is no :). The truth in all this is that I can't run anything else because I'm unavailable on May 24th, so it was either the Half or Full Marathon.

Okay, why am I doing this? Well, it is my way of giving back to Big Brothers Big Sisters Ottawa (BBBSO) for bringing me in as a placement student in their Events department last year. I was working so hard to pursue a career change by attending Algonquin College, and BBBSO helped provide me with real experience in the world of events. I saw my close friend Jake Naylor (Event Planner for BBBSO) post on his Instagram that BBBSO were looking for runners to support them and their mission by collecting donations and running in the Half Marathon.

All humour and personality aside, this is a group of people and an organization that I am thrilled to be raising money for. They are remarkably selfless, caring, and driven. Importantly, the people you'll be helping most are the kids that desperately need mentorship. Mentorship most of us naturally received in our lives during our upbringing, and hadn't truly realized the privilege we possess in having had mentorship, distinct role models, and genuine guidance in our young impressionable lives.