Catherine is a 52-year-old Canadian auto worker and mother of two grown children. She has a deep curiosity about the world, which drives her passion for travel and meeting new people along the way.
I was never athletic. As a kid, I hated running and never played sports. I was always the last one picked for teams because, frankly, I wasn’t very good. While I didn’t enjoy team sports, I did like biking, swimming, hiking, and walking.
As an adult, I struggled to stay active and was prone to gaining weight. I also dealt with body dysmorphia, which made it harder. Over the years, I tried dieting, aerobics, workout videos, and gym memberships—all in the hopes of losing weight—but nothing stuck.
About seven years ago, my boyfriend got a Fitbit, and I decided to join him. I became hooked on the group challenges, which led me to buy a used treadmill to walk at home. The challenges kept me motivated. Then, I learned that a few friends I admired for being fit were runners. That sparked my curiosity and inspired me to try running.
At first, I was discouraged by how little I could run. I’d attempt short spurts on the treadmill but lacked a proper plan. In 2020, a friend completed a Couch to 5K program on an app, so I decided to give it a try. By then, my treadmill had broken, but I was committed to staying active, so I invested in a new one.
This fancy new treadmill came with a program called iFit, which offered video-led workouts with trainers running through beautiful locations worldwide. The treadmill adjusted speed and incline to match the terrain. I was hooked. I couldn’t wait to get up and do the next workout.
Through iFit, I was introduced to the running community and live races. The idea of participating in one intrigued me. When COVID hit, and live races were canceled, I turned to virtual challenges to stay motivated. I joined numerous online races, where I would log my runs, submit my results, and receive medals in the mail. It felt rewarding.
iFit then began offering live 5K races, where a trainer would run with you in real-time. That sparked my desire to try a live race for myself. In October 2021, I ran my first in-person 5K in Bracebridge, Ontario.
By then, I had already built up to running 10Ks on my own. The race was thrilling, but I was already thinking bigger. Two weeks later, I completed my first half marathon in Georgina, Ontario. It was tough, but I was determined.
Though I swore I wouldn’t do another half marathon, a friend convinced me to sign up for the Toronto Half Marathon in May 2022. Although challenging, it was much easier than my first one.
That’s when I decided I wanted to run a full marathon. I spent the next year training for the 2023 Toronto Full Marathon. Balancing work and training was grueling, but I stuck to my plan—running four days a week, cross-training on one, and doing long runs on Sundays, regardless of the weather.
Race day arrived and was the hardest physical challenge I’d ever faced. Crossing the finish line, I cried—not just from the joy of the achievement but from the physical and emotional release. I swore I’d never run another marathon, but life had other plans.
When I learned that the auto plant where I work would be retooling and I’d be laid off for an extended time, I realized I had the opportunity to pursue a new goal: running a World Major Marathon.
I applied for the Chicago Marathon since the Boston one was out of reach due to qualifying requirements. To my surprise, I was accepted! Even better, a friend of mine was also selected. We had nearly a year to train. Despite injuries, I pushed through with physiotherapy and nutrition advice. In October 2024, my friend and I flew to Chicago, and my two brothers and daughter drove in to support me.
Race day didn’t go as planned. I had to stop for a bathroom break early, then overcompensated by trying to make up time too quickly. I ended up walking more than I had intended. At the 30K mark, I was ready to quit, but I kept going.
Around the 35K point, I saw my family cheering me on, and my brother said he could see my face light up when I spotted them. To my surprise, my 27-year-old daughter ran beside me for the last 5-6 kilometers, encouraging me all the way. Her support got me to the finish line.
I wasn’t happy with my time, but I was overjoyed to finish. Once again, I swore I’d never run another marathon—my World Major bucket list was complete! Who knows what’s next?
In the meantime, I’ve already signed up for four races in 2025: a 30K, a Half Marathon, a 5K with my daughter, and a 15-hour trail run—where you do as much as you can in that time. It could even turn into an ultramarathon. We’ll see where the journey takes me next.
Running has become a transformative part of my midlife journey. It’s not just a physical activity—it’s a source of joy that has significantly enhanced both my physical and mental well-being.
As I move forward, the progress I’ve made has sparked a newfound sense of confidence. There’s deep satisfaction in setting goals, pushing my body to new limits, and accomplishing things I never thought possible.
Equally fulfilling has been the sense of belonging I’ve found within the running community. Connecting with other women in midlife who are also setting and crushing their goals has been incredibly supportive and empowering.
I’m also proud to have inspired others, whether by motivating them to run or simply encouraging them to pursue their own fitness goals. Knowing that I can serve as a role model—especially to my daughter—fills me with purpose and gratitude.
READ MORE > Her Story, Rambler Cafe Blog
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