Renee Cormier runs in the Georgetown 5K race in 2025. This year, she is running in her first full marathon. Photo by Mitch Osmond /Special to The GuardianArticle contentMy running journey started in 2018, after I lost my first 50 pounds. I think what drew me into running the most was how much I enjoyed challenging myself.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentThat fall, I signed up for my first race ever, the 5K at the P.E.I. Marathon weekend. My only goal was super simple, finish with a smile. Since that first race, I have completed distances of 5K to 21.1K multiple times.Article contentArticle contentArticle contentFast forward to 2025, and my goal is still the same, only the distance has gotten just a little longer now with my first full marathon.Article contentI think there’s one thing that can make runners hesitate to share their story, which is their pace. I’ve been a proud back of the pack runner since day one.Article contentI started at a 9:30 min/km pace and now run easily at 8:00 min/km or faster. It’s not always easy. We all have moments where we wish we were faster, more fit, or could run with more ease.Article contentArticle contentI’d be lying if I said I never thought about it. But about a year ago, something shifted for me. I realized that if I could move my body in a way that brought me joy with just enough challenge to keep things interesting, that was enough. Even if my 5K took 40 minutes, 5K was still 5K. I was still showing up, still moving forward, still doing the thing.Article contentThat mindset shift helped me let go of comparing myself to others in my run group.Article contentArticle contentChallengesArticle contentThis past year challenged me in ways I never could have imagined. I’ve navigated grief, celebrated meaningful wins, and learned the importance of giving myself grace.Article contentSome days I questioned my path, and other days I simply had to sit with my feelings before finding the strength to move forward. Yet, with discipline, determination, and grit, I’ve begun to see progress sooner than I ever expected.Article contentThrough the hardest days and the most hopeful moments, running has always been there, gifting me a strength that extends well past any finish line.Article contentOne of my favourite moments as a back of the pack runner happened during the Fredericton half marathon. By the time I hit the final turn, you can see the arch, a pacer passed me and said, “You are doing amazing, give it everything!”Article contentThat moment reminded me that being at the back doesn’t mean being forgotten. In many ways, it really shows you are out there longer to fight for it, to dig deep, and to prove to yourself that you’re stronger than you think.
P.E.I. MARATHON: Running from the back of the pack
