Wrapping Up the 2024 Running Season: Reflecting on Milestones and Looking Ahead
As the final stretch of the 2024 running season approaches, it’s time to reflect on what a transformative year this has been. With close to 1000 kilometers under my belt, I’m primed for my last major race of the year: the Toronto Waterfront Marathon on October 20th. But before that, let’s take a look back at some key highlights.
The Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend: A Risky Yet Rewarding Run
Earlier this year, on May 26th, I kicked off the season by setting an early PR during the Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend. This race came with its own set of challenges, as I was just weeks away from stepping on stage for the first time at the Ottawa Natural Classic—a competition I would go on to win, securing three gold medals and the overall title in Men's Physique.
Running a half marathon while in stage shape was exhilarating, but it required a delicate balance. I had to fuel carefully, making sure I burned exactly what I put in. My coach wasn’t thrilled about me attempting such a distance so close to competition day, so I opted to run it in secrecy. While the run itself felt great and the photos turned out fantastic, I learned that proper fuelling and running at a higher body fat percentage would be more beneficial for the bigger races later in the year.
The 2024 Army Run: New PR
September 22nd marked my first in the Canada Army Run—my first time participating. This year, I had a personal mission: beat my friend’s half-marathon PR, a fellow alumni of the Clarence Demar Marathon. In the seconds before the start, I found myself scrolling through his Strava (the forbidden pre-workout), visualizing the pace I needed.
Clocking in at 1:32:57 with an average pace of 4:20 per kilometer, the run was a success.
One of the keys to this success? Running alongside my client Tyler, an athlete faster than me, kept me on edge throughout the race. For the first half, we pushed each other hard, keeping an intense pace near 4 minutes per kilometer. It’s funny how motivation works—afterward, we both admitted that we thought the other was setting the aggressive pace! Tyler finished in under 1:30:00, and I couldn’t be more proud of him.
Coaching someone who challenges and inspires you is incredibly rewarding. Watching my clients, like Tyler, achieve their best while pushing me to do the same feels like a shared victory. Several of my other clients also ran the Army Run this year, and I’m thrilled to say every single one hit a PR. Congratulations to the team—you crushed it!
Mock Marathon Through Gatineau and Ottawa: A Dress Rehearsal for Toronto
With my training ahead of schedule, I took on a personal challenge—a self-organized, mock marathon through the stunning paths of Gatineau and Ottawa. Two weeks before race day, I tested my endurance with the perfect running conditions: crisp air and golden sunshine. There’s something special about running your own course, with no one else but the road and your thoughts. It was exhilarating and a huge confidence booster heading into the Toronto Waterfront Marathon.
To make things even more interesting, I asked Mark Burger to join me along the way, filming the run at five key locations. We captured some fantastic moments— sharing tips on training, reflecting on my run club, and chatting about how to stay motivated and hit your mileage goals. You can check out the full video below, and get a glimpse into my marathon preparation.
Grateful for the Community
Reflecting on the year, it’s clear that the Ottawa running community has played a massive role in my journey. From race organizers to fellow runners and club hosts, the 2024 season has been filled with positivity, camaraderie, and personal milestones. There truly is a club or event for everyone here, and I’m grateful to be part of a community that celebrates both individual and collective progress.
Here’s to a fantastic 2024 running season and an even more exciting 2025 ahead!
Join Us: Hull Sunday Run Day – Running Through the Winter!
If you’re looking for a free, welcoming run club, come join us at Hull Sunday Run Day. We meet at Bobino Bagel every Sunday at 9AM, and yes, we’ll be running right through the winter! So lace up, embrace the crisp winter air, and let’s keep the momentum going!
