May holds three powerful reminders for me: Mental Health Awareness Month, Mother’s Day, and the quiet clarity I find through running.

For many years now, I’ve laced up for the annual Sporting Life 10K in Toronto, with my daughter Meredith (this photo is from 2016), an event to help send kids with cancer to camp.

Camp was a big part of my life.

It’s where I first learned the power of play, connection, and resilience.

It laid the foundation for how I approach health today—with joy, not just discipline.

Cancer has also been a big part of my life, supporting my husband for the past few years.

Running, like parenting, has helped me manage not just my own mental health but also show up for others in my family who struggle.

Because being a support system takes more than love—it takes systems that sustain you.

Movement. Boundaries. Time outside. Community.

And the grace to know you don’t have to do it perfectly.

This month, I’m running for the kids, my family, and anyone who’s ever carried the invisible load of care.

Let’s keep normalizing the conversation about life’s struggles—and supporting each other, one step at a time.

And for all the mothers out there, happiest of mothers’ days to you.

Play on!

Coach Jan xo