Stay strong, Ottawa

The sun was slowly rescinding, but still added some warmth to a fall late afternoon in Ottawa. I had my running shoes on; running pack strapped to my back as I scooted through a quiet downtown. Minutes later, I would be locked down in a a government building only a five-minute walk from Parliament Hill and the Canadian War Memorial.

On Wednesday October 22, 2014 the regular quiet pace of Canada’s capital city was thrown into another gear and into shock. A Canadian soldier had been shot at the War Memorial. A gunman was in the halls of Canada’s parliament. It was surreal.

Ottawa

Although it’s Canada’s capital, Ottawa doesn’t feel big. For most of us local runners Parliament Hill and the War memorial are part of our everyday route. And because Ottawa is the headquarters for the Canadian Armed Forces, many runners here also serve this country. In Ottawa, everyone has someone close to them that is in the Armed Forces.

Ottawa is a running city with one of Canada’s biggest races (Ottawa Marathon) and the ever-popular Army Run. Running and cycling paths weave their way through the city and over to nearby Gatineau, Que. Running connects many of us together here and in Canada.

Running is like life

As runners we are used to adversity and being challenged. It is not a sport that is easy to take up. It takes motivation, dedication and perseverance. It’s hard at first. Unexpected injuries and challenges frustrate all of us at one time or another. Then when we think we have overcome one thing we find ourselves struggling and mentally battling through a race or run. Running is like life, filled with challenges and the unexpected.

It’s important to stay positive and see the good around us.

When I finally got home yesterday evening, I was grateful to be safe in a warm house and with my family. And I’ll be grateful to go run and be free in the city that I love tomorrow.

Do you have a running story to share?
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You can also catch me on my personal blog or via Twitter @NoelPaine