Running Through Life’s Challenges: Josée’s Experience at the County Marathon

This fall, Josée completed her 34th marathon at the County Marathon in Picton, Ontario.

Reflecting on her journey, she shared her decision to stay close to home for this event, uncertain earlier in the year if she would even be able to participate.

The County Marathon, a small but well-organized event, featured a course that began in Wellington, passed through Bloomfield and Sandbanks, and finished in Picton. Despite the promise of a "relatively flat" route, Josée encountered rolling hills, false flats, and a challenging incline she named "the little cousin of Blair Hill" at the 37 km mark.

For the past two years, Josée has been dedicating herself to caring for her sick husband, and from January to June this year, her role became a full-time job. Unfortunately, her husband passed away in June, which led her to cancel all her triathlons for the season. However, running remained a source of solace, helping her maintain her mental health. Even during her husband’s illness, Josée managed to complete the Boston Marathon in April, with the support of her children who cared for their father during the race.

She continued running post-Boston but didn’t anticipate the elevation challenge of the County Marathon. Complicating her preparation was an unexpected hip injury that affected her left hamstring, sidelining her for 18 days just six weeks before the race. Thankfully, her personal physiotherapist—her daughter—provided consistent treatment, enabling her to reach the starting line.

The final question was whether she could finish the race. Encouragingly, Josée felt confident in the two weeks leading up to the marathon, and the first 29 km went smoothly. However, as fatigue set in at the 32 km mark, she realized she wouldn’t reach her target time. At 36 km, she met her friend Connie, who was also struggling, and they decided to complete the race together.

Despite its small size, the County Marathon provided a supportive environment. The staggered start times for the marathon and half-marathon ensured a steady flow of runners, and water stations were placed frequently along the route. Volunteers were abundant, and the arena even offered showers at the finish line. The only thing missing, Josée noted, was the vibrant fall foliage she had hoped for.

Now, with marathon #34 completed and her 10th consecutive Boston Marathon under her belt, Josée is ready to gradually return to triathlon training after taking a year off. Her story is an inspiring reminder of resilience, and we look forward to seeing her continue to thrive in the years to come.

Julia Aimers
CSEP Clinical Exercise Physiologist
CSEP High-Performance Specialist

Certified Triathlon, Cycling, Yoga and Swimming Coach
USA Cycling Level 2 Coach
Training Peaks Accredited Coach