The Running Whys – Tracy Beaulieu
The Running Whys – Tracy Beaulieu
For Tracy Beaulieu, the 2014 Emera Marathon By The Sea is significant for a number of reasons that contribute to her desire to sign up for the half marathon on August 10.
First, it is a homecoming for Tracy, who grew up in Hammond River, attended Lakefield Elementary School in Quispamsis and to this day, remains sentimental about the Greater Saint John area. Her husband is in the Canadian Forces and they left in the 1990’s but they get back when they can.
Second, her sister-in-law participated in MBTS approximately four years ago (after losing 80 pounds) and her performance inspired many in the family, including Tracy.
Third, Tracy picked up running at age 40 and while she calls Quebec home these days, she loves the atmosphere associated with the Maritime races, particularly when she can meet up with her old friends from the Greenwood Running Company, which she joined when her family was stationed at Canadian Forces Greenwood in the Annapolis Valley region for about 10 years.
And that leads to the fourth reason for her inspiration for MBTS – running in the memory of a Greenwood Running Company friend Elizabeth, whose sudden passing shocked Tracy and all of her running mates.
“She ran like a gazelle and died way too young,” says Tracy. “It was very unexpected. Our running company was devastated at her loss.”
To celebrate Elizabeth’s life, Tracy and a few of the GRC members were inspired to honour her with a special run, ultimately selecting Saint John as their destination.
“My friend Karen plans to run the entire distance with me as my own personal race bunny,” says Tracy. “That’s a true running friend!”
For Tracy, the sure-to-be-emotional 21.1 km journey in the Port City is the latest chapter of her own story, one that’s produce new clubs and lasting friendships.
“I can’t wait,” she said. “I’m excited! I’m scared to death! I’m proud!”
Her story really got started when she turned 40 and in a gift to herself to mark the significant milestone, she took a brave step and made a bold commitment.
Tracy Beaulieu, centre, celebrates with members of the Greenwood Running Company after completing the 2013 Blue Nose Marathon 10k in Halifax. Also pictured, from left are Michelle Darrell, David Stoddart, Tracy, Dallas Stoddart and June Wilson.
“I joined a learn to run 5K program with about 25 other people – people I didn’t even know. Week by week, the numbers dwindled but I toughed it out. It was the hardest thing I had ever done in my life other than being a parent.”
As she progressed, other benefits arose, including stronger confidence, enhanced friendships and an improved sense of belonging.
“As our ‘graduation’ run approached, a few of us decided to participate in our first running event – Salvation Army’s Santa Shuffle,” she said. “It was so much fun but who knew Dartmouth could be so hilly! We all donned our Santa hats, elf ears, and Santa suits and we were off. It was a pretty emotional day really and it wasn’t even a timed run.
“The impossible – running 5 kilometres – was now a reality.”
And for Tracy, it was just the beginning. After that initial goal of running a 5K was accomplished, she joined a local running group – the Greenwood Running Company. The next goal was training for the 2013 Blue Nose Marathon 10K event in Halifax.
Mission accomplished.
“My Blue Nose Marathon medal is one of my most prized possessions and that race still remains as one of my favourites – one I hope I can do again some day in the hopes I can better my time,” she said. “After all, isn’t that what we runners do – try to improve and be stronger?”
Last summer, after spending what she terms as 10 glorious years in the Greenwood area, Tracy, her husband and daughter made another military move from the Maritimes to Quebec, one made so extremely difficult because of their established bond in the running community and the decade worth of roots they had established in their adopted home.
“I was heartbroken to leave my running group in Nova Scotia,” Tracy said. “After all, we’d seen each other through the learning to run programs and we were looking at longer distances. Mostly, it was the friendship and fun I knew that I would miss the most.”
Once the family got settled in Quebec, Tracy surprised herself with what happened next.
“I did what I never imagined I would ever do – create my own running group,” she explained. “I have to say I’m pretty proud of my little group and we’re slowly growing in size and have had two graduates from a learn to run 5K program.”
There are five or six regular members of the group but total membership sits at almost 20.
Eventually, through chats with her old Greenwood clubmates, the focus shifted to Saint John and Marathon By The Sea. Sparked by performance of those acquaintances and the aim of saluting Elizabeth’s memory, the motivational fire was lit.
“I guess you could call it positive peer pressure,” she said. “I want to run a half marathon and I wanted to run a race in memory of Elizabeth. Also, so many of my GRC friends have run their first half marathons over this past year and I wanted to try it too.”
Tracy remains a dedicated member of the GRC – a satellite member – and through various means of communication; they encourage one another with their runs and challenges.
“Someday, I will run with them all again but for now the Saint John hills are calling my name,” she says.
