DHT sports editor Terry Farrell is kicking my musings to the curb… ah… just kidding. Truth be told, this is my final column.

I just can’t run through another bloody winter. (Er… just kidding… again). Actually I snagged a new reporting gig in central Alberta.

While I will no longer call the Swan City home, I will always look back on the last few years quite fondly.

It was the supportive running community in GP which turned me into the celeb/hardcore runner I am today.

Somewhere along the countless and painful runs along the trails of Muskoseepi Park, I discovered I truly love running.

Power couple Karen Pascut and Dan Wong helped me find the courage to begin running. And I found the perseverance to keep at it in Amber Hunter’s half-marathon training clinic. Through my numerous runs with the diverse running partners (Jean Skip, Wendy Morrow, Audrey Cann, Tiffany Curl, Carleigh West, Jen Boyd, Delaine Haugen, Laverna Hards), I no longer felt running was a chore.

I don’t know when it happened but something just clicked.

I overcame my insecurities and self-doubt. At long last, I took heed of those crazy runner types who shout from the top of their soapboxes, ”anyone can run!’

And today I find myself wanting to inspire others to give running a go. From Grande Prairie, I will take the memories of all those who were with me on my various running journeys. I have found inspiration from many. (Please insert your name here).

And for that I am leaving behind a little present for you.

I hope to see you there for one last run on Feb.20. (Coffee is on Ashley.)

Keep running, Grande Prairie.

-Published in the Daily Herald Tribune on Feb.18, 2011