Help Valerie raise money

How I got into running:

I ran for the first time (in my life) at the tail end of winter 2023, after some dreadful months of winter blues. I barely made it to 3 km continuously. But, I had a work charity race coming up in the spring and had to make it to 10 km, so I kept going despite the inevitable learning curve that comes with learning a new skill. 

Step after step, week after week, and a case of jumper's knee (tendonitis) later - I gradually trained my body to learn how to run. Or rather, I trained my mind to learn how to NOT stop running. 

Where I'm at now:

6 months after my first neighbourhood run, I will be running a half-marathon on September 24, in Montreal. My first goal is to cross the finish line. My second goal, while allowing my body some grace, is to run the entire 21.1 km without walking intervals. I don't have any pace goals - your girl's just trying to make it through.

I'm grateful for the happy and hard moments running has provided me. Mental resilience, competing against myself, consistency, comfort in discomfort, fresh air, me time and... If you know me, you know that giving back to community is one of the things that fill my cup.

Running for a good cause:

For this reason, I'll be running the half-marathon in support of Fondation Pinel (Institut national de psychiatrie légale Philippe-Pinel). L'INPLPP is a teaching hospital affiliated with l'Université de Montréal with a unique mandate in forensic mental health. Its mission is fueled by four pillars: care, teaching, research and violence prevention. It makes a difference in the lives of people with mental health challenges and behavioural disorders by supporting treatment and community reintegration and by supporting their families. In addition to its role in educating and raising awareness about mental health, justice and safety, the Foundation works to ensure public safety, advance research and train the next generation of practitioners, clinicians and researchers.

I'd be so grateful for your support!

If you want to support l'Institut national de psychiatrie légale Philippe-Pinel's work and show me support in my training and race - please consider donating any amount.