Final DHT RWR column

I am at a loss for words.
DHT sports editor Terry Farrell is kicking my musings to the curb… ah… just kidding. Truth be told, this is my final column.
I just can’t run through another bloody winter. (Er… just kidding… again). Actually I snagged a new reporting gig in central Alberta.
While I will no longer call the Swan City home, I will always look back on the last few years quite fondly.
It was the supportive running community in GP which turned me into the celeb/hardcore runner I am today.
Somewhere along the countless and painful runs along the trails of Muskoseepi Park, I discovered I truly love running.
Power couple Karen Pascut and Dan Wong helped me find the courage to begin running. And I found the perseverance to keep at it in Amber Hunter’s half-marathon training clinic. Through my numerous runs with the diverse running partners (Jean Skip, Wendy Morrow, Audrey Cann, Tiffany Curl, Carleigh West, Jen Boyd, Delaine Haugen, Laverna Hards), I no longer felt running was a chore.
I don’t know when it happened but something just clicked.
I overcame my insecurities and self-doubt. At long last, I took heed of those crazy runner types who shout from the top of their soapboxes, ”anyone can run!’
And today I find myself wanting to inspire others to give running a go. From Grande Prairie, I will take the memories of all those who were with me on my various running journeys. I have found inspiration from many. (Please insert your name here).
And for that I am leaving behind a little present for you.
Brace yourself: The 13 Mile and Higher Club will live on under the leadership of Lana Venier Blais, Mr. Ashley Davidson, Tammy Twelvetree and everyone’s favourite man of mystery/leisure. Find the group on Facebook. The gang meets Sunday mornings at 9 at Starbucks on 68th.
I hope to see you there for one last run on Feb.20. (Coffee is on Ashley.)
Keep running, Grande Prairie.
-Published in the Daily Herald Tribune on Feb.18, 2011

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