SL10K

I ran the Sporting Life 10k this weekend, and I wanted to share with you what an incredible day it was. The sun was shining (I was sweating) and I was so proud to be running (walking) alongside 27,000 other people in support of Camp Ooch!

If you’re not from around here, Camp Oochigeas is an organization that allows kids with cancer to go to camp. The camp itself is free for campers, but it costs $3500 to accommodate 1 child for 2 weeks…the camp has things like chemotherapy and blood transfusions available on site, so it is an incredible operation that needs all the financial support it can get. This year, Sporting Life presented the camp with a cheque for 2 million dollars, with more on the way as final donations trickle in.

While I was running down Yonge Street (again, sweating profusely) and pushing my body to run further, it was easy to forget that the race wasn’t about me. By the end, I was super proud of myself and celebrated with my best friend and the other participants at Coronation Park. I got a medal, I had wobbly legs, and I was so happy to have finished my first face. I mean, I should be proud of myself, as should everyone else who ran this weekend! But that’s not what it was about…

It wasn’t until I watched this video yesterday morning that showed a recap of Sunday’s events that I clued back into what I ran for. 

The short clip shows interviews with those with children who have attended Camp Ooch, and those who were participating on behalf of children who had passed away. There’s a little girl wearing an adorable pink cape because she is a cancer survivor. That reminded me why the Sporting Life 10k is such an incredible event, and that every last penny raised this weekend is something to be proud of.

I had the BEST time running on Sunday, and I highly encourage anyone in the Toronto area (or Ottawa, for CHEO!) to participate in the 2016 race. You don’t have to be a runner (believe me, I’m not) and the route is totally manageable for walking. The energy is infectious, it feels amazing to be outside and doing something physical, and at the end of the day, the cause is more than worthy. Bring your family and friends and make an event out of it…my bestie and I had SO much fun, and I know you will too!

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