Discover the Drive That Transforms Dreams into Action

Why would you do that?! For anyone who's ever run a marathon, or 42km, I'm sure this question is familiar to you. And for anyone pursuing their version of greatness—whether it's riding a Fondo, launching a business, or making a bold career change— a strong reason why is the foundation as you embark upon your journey to turning your dreaming into doing, and ideas into execution. Your why will anchor you through setbacks: when the weather’s lousy, you’re injured, or you’re exhausted after a long day. But here’s the truth: your why can’t come from your coach, boss, peers, or even your partner. It has to come from within.

When I set out to run my first marathon—just months after crashing my road bike on Cypress Mountain and permanently damaging my upper body—I needed a very clear why to guide me through the gruelling training days and the 42-kilometer race. Without it, I wouldn’t have made it to the finish line.

A Lifetime of Sport, Reinvented

I don’t remember earning x-country skiing - legend has it my parents strapped skis to my feet from the moment I could walk. From the time I was about six until my Varsity time at Western, training and competing were a big part of my life. As the years went on, the weekends were spent training on the local trails, or travelling to nordic ski races. I loved my teammates and meeting other athletes from all over Ontario. This wasn’t the only sport I participated at but it was one I excelled at and gained recognition. My parents loved watching me thrive in sport and I liked it, for the most part. But as I got older, I craved autonomy and wanted to be more of a decision maker, not just a do-er.

By the time I finished University the intensity of weekly competitions left me burnt out and disconnected from the joy of sport. I had chronic stomach aches. At various stages, I felt like I was doing all of this to make my parents happy. So I stepped away from athletic competition, exploring different facets of my personality – working in fashion, living in urban centres like Toronto and New York, building a career, and then raising a family. It wasn’t until two decades later, that I felt ready to return.

This time, I took pause. I wanted to redefine what it meant to move, train, and compete. It was important for me to do this on my terms. I started small, trying new sports like cycling, long-distance running and golf. For the first time, it wasn’t about the pressure to be fast or win, but about using movement as medicine for my mind and body.

Redefining Success

During this time, physical activity became my anchor. I was using it to rebuild confidence, strength and self esteem. I started with a daily run. Just twenty minutes. And I remained focused on focusing on flow state, gratitude, and breath rather than chasing time or  rankings. For my first half-marathon, I even set a goal to thank every volunteer along the route. If I could accomplish that, it would be the sign of a good run.

I read books like Let Your Mind Run by Deena Kastor and listened to podcasts featuring athletes like Keira D’Amato—who returned to marathon running while single parenting. I surrounded myself with athletes who liked to have fun. I joined a cycling club based on the fact that the founder had this crazy idea to race Mobi bikes around Stanley Park. All these things helped reshape my perspective. These stories reminded me that sport could be fun, freeing, and deeply fulfilling.

I also discovered joy in the community—making new friends, laughing more, stressing less, and embracing the camaraderie of cycling groups like @thelastdrop and @diversionwomen. Surrounding myself with people who inspired me brought balance and joy to my journey. And a funny thing happened, the more I let go, the more I connected with myself, and the more my performance increased. With a relaxed nervous system and less pressure, I excelled even more than before.

Passion on My Terms

Today, my passion for performance is as strong as ever. I still love crushing goals, becoming more efficient, and pushing my limits. But now, it’s on my terms—driven by what makes me feel whole, not by anxiety or external expectations. Even heading into the Boston Marathon, my goal was to learn the story of everyone else's "why". This is what lifted me as I headed to the start line.

How to Deepen Your Why

Your why is your compass, grounding you when challenges arise. To uncover or refine it, try these three strategies:

1. Journaling for Clarity
   Take time to reflect on your goals and experiences through journaling. Ask yourself questions like:
• What makes me feel most alive?
• What do I want to create, change, or experience in my life?
• What do I want my life to look like in 6 months? What am I willing to give up to make this change? What am I willing to take on to make this change?
  
  
2. Values Assessment
   Identify what matters most to you. Consider core values like physical fitness, connection, achievement, or wealth. When your why aligns with your values, it becomes a source of intrinsic motivation that feels authentic and energizing.
   
   
3. Prioritization and Visualization
   Break your goals into manageable steps and visualize the outcome. Close your eyes and imagine crossing the finish line, signing the deal, or experiencing the joy of what you’re working toward. This practice strengthens your emotional connection to your goals, making the process more meaningful.
   
   

Your Turn: What’s Your Why?

As you set your goals for 2025, I encourage you to look deeply at your why. Whether it’s through mindful running, journaling, or drawing inspiration from your favorite athlete, take the time to connect with what truly drives you.

Your why becomes your anchor and compass, guiding you through obstacles—a deal gone wrong, an injury, bad weather, or cash flow problems.

So, what’s your why? Find it, and you’ll find your how.