These three track bibs trace the beginning of my running journey—each one marking a moment where I chose to keep going. The first is from 8th grade, my first-ever track meet, where I ran the 1500m and placed 7th in the entire city. I was proud, surprised, and completely hooked on the feeling of pushing myself. I didn’t know if I would keep running in high school, but that race made the decision for me: I wanted more. The second bib represents my first high school meet, where I ran the 1500m again and attempted the 3000m steeplechase for the first—and last—time. I didn’t place, but the adrenaline, the atmosphere, and the excitement of competing made me certain I was exactly where I wanted to be.

The third bib is from NOSSA, one of the biggest meets in Northern Ontario, where only qualifying athletes compete. Earning a spot there felt like stepping into a new level of the sport, one I had admired from afar when I first started. I was nervous lining up at the starting line, but I pushed through and competed with everything I had. Even though I didn’t place, I was proud—proud of the progress, the miles, and the courage it took to get there. Together, these bibs aren’t just race numbers; they’re milestones marking my growth, determination, and the love for running that’s stayed with me ever since