Dr. Carole Smith & her 2025 Running Journey

This past year has been one of the hardest and most transformative of my life. Between navigating a separation, ongoing personal changes, and some health challenges, there were many times I felt unsteady — unsure which way was forward. Through it all, running became my compass. When life felt overwhelming, the simple act of lacing up and heading out the door helped me find direction again.

Running gave me space to process, to breathe, and to remind myself that movement itself is progress. With the support of Coach Cindy, and my partner Derek, it also became something joyful — a shared journey that helped me reconnect with strength and hope. Together we trained for and raced the Hamilton Road to Hope Half Marathon, where I surprised myself by hitting numbers I never thought possible.

The challenges haven’t disappeared, but I feel myself coming out the other side — stronger, steadier, and more grounded in who I am. This season has reminded me that running isn’t just about pace or distance — it’s about finding your way home to yourself, one mile at a time.

Outside of running, she brings that same resilience and sense of purpose into her work as a chiropractor in Oakville. She practices at YOUR HEALTH, located on the Mississauga–Oakville border, where she focuses on pediatric and family care. Supporting patients through their own challenges — physical, emotional, and otherwise — remains one of the most meaningful parts of her life.