Lorraine is semi-retired and living on beautiful Vancouver Island with her husband and their beloved dog, Stormy. She enjoys hiking (especially while organizing Rambles with the Duncan Sole Circle) and playing pickleball. She is also proud to head up our Rambler Care Crew at Sole Sister Ramblers.
In March, 27 Sole Sisters from mid‑Vancouver Island came together for the 15th Annual
Goddess Run in Victoria — and what a day it was. From the moment we arrived, the
atmosphere was buzzing. Tutus, colourful outfits, flashing bunny ears, and our Sole Sister team shirts made us easy to spot and impossible to miss. We were even mentioned as the largest group at the event, which felt like such a proud moment for our community.
Some of our women burst out of the gates for the 10 km. Others walked briskly in pairs and groups, talking and laughing their way around the Elk and Beaver Lake trail. And many took a gentler pace, soaking in the sunshine, the scenery, and the simple pleasure of moving together.
The Goddess Run supports local charities, but it also feels like a celebration — of women, of movement, of connection. And with the event falling on International Women’s Day this year, the whole experience carried an extra layer of meaning.
The Kind of Conversation That Only Happens on a Walk
One of the things I love most about the Goddess Run is how easily conversations unfold when women walk side by side. There’s something about the shared rhythm and fresh air that opens the door to real connection.
At one point, I was walking with Lisa, someone I’ve hiked with before. True to form, I had slipped into my usual fast pace — the old marathon runner in me still focused on the destination rather than the journey. I even mentioned how I often miss the full experience because I’m so intent on getting to the finish.
That’s when Lisa told me about the Glimmer Theory. She explained that glimmers are tiny,
positive moments we often overlook — a burst of laughter, sunlight through the trees, the feeling of being understood, even the sound of footsteps beside your own. When you notice them, your nervous system softens. You feel more grounded, more connected, more present.
And the beauty is simple:
The more you notice glimmers, the more your brain learns to find them.
Hearing this while we were walking felt like its own glimmer — because in that moment, I was enjoying the journey. I was chatting, laughing, taking in the sunshine, and feeling the joy of being part of this incredible community of women. It was a quiet “aha” moment tucked inside an already beautiful day.
What the Day Meant
For me, the Goddess Run wasn’t just about the kilometres. It was about the collective joy of being part of a group of women who show up for themselves and for each other. Women who celebrate, encourage, and lift one another up — whether they’re running fast, walking steady, or taking it all in at their own pace.
We wrapped up the day with a big group lunch, sharing stories, laughter, and that easy sense of belonging that comes from doing something meaningful together. Our legs were tired, but our spirits were full.
It was the kind of day that stays with you — a reminder of the power of community, the beauty of moving together, and the small glimmers that make the journey just as special as the finish line.
Read More > Ramble Logs, Rambler Cafe Blog
Leave a comment