I haven’t actively run in over 5yrs. I’ve wanted to and I used to often, with friends mostly, when I lived in Toronto. It created a community I had fun being a part of. We would join various runs and set out through the streets of Toronto, jostling through people, almost getting run over in the crazy traffic. We laughed, encouraged each other, and pushed ourselves to try harder. It was a great stress reliever, provided me with the mental break I needed from a busy job and life. I miss it - even though I don’t actually like running. Oops - I forgot to mention that lol. But I loved it for what it offered me at the time. And I miss that.
So here I am, trying to find that community again, in a different town, with different people. And this run was one I had looked at for years. Just never made the time for it - till now.
When signing up, you could choose a charity to support your run. Mental health has been one of those topics that never really gets the attention it deserves. We all suffer in some way, many a lot more than others. Some are obvious, some are just simply quiet. These past years I’ve seen many friends and family members struggle in various ways. Some finding the help and support they need, some still feeling lost. And some taking the path we don’t like to think about.
This, my first run in over 5yrs, will be for all of you who suffer, whether openly or quietly. For those who are looking for a helping hand and for those who gave up the fight. Mental health is never easy, for those who struggle or those who are supporting or trying to support.
Please consider contributing to my cause. Windsor needs your help to continue to provide services to those who need it, to their family and friends and to the community at large.
With love, Jodi xo
