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Amy Ballon became inspired to run long distances in the 1990’s after watching her mother run the New York City marathon. She got hooked and they went on to run several marathons together, but after her Mom received a terminal cancer diagnosis and passed away in 2001, running became too painful for Amy. She hung up her shoes for the better part of the next decade until a friend encouraged her to join a track club. 

Although Amy had never stepped foot on a track, she reluctantly agreed and continued showing up despite the steep learning curve she faced for much of the first year. Over time, she became faster in her 40s than she was in her 20s while at the same time forging lifelong friendships. Ten years later at age 51, Amy still continues to excel at middle-to-long distance events on the track and roads, has participated in track meets all over the world, and serves on the board of directors for Canadian Masters Athletics.

Born and raised in Toronto, Amy still lives in the same neighbourhood she grew up in with her husband and three teenage girls. In her day job as a small business coach, Amy is the co-owner of Spark Consulting and author of the book, Mom Inc., and as you’ll hear in this episode her career journey is also intimately tied to her mother. It was fascinating to explore the many parallels between entrepreneurship, motherhood, and running. 

Connect with Amy:

• Website: sparkconsulting.ca
• Instagram: @sparkbusinesscoaching

Resources we discussed in the episode:

• Canadian Masters Athletics
• Favourite Mantra: Wherever you go, there you are (Jon Kabat-Zinn)
• Favourite Place to Run: Beltline Trail (Toronto)
• Bucket List Race: New York City Marathon
• Favourite Running Book: Born to Run 
• Favourite Post Run Indulgence: Gatorade

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