Shannon Coates is a dedicated member of the Winnipeg running community. Her smile lights up any race event or run group she is at, and her relentlessly cheerful attitude will carry you through all the miles. But since the fall, Shannon has been on a different journey. After being diagnosed with breast cancer, she has been undergoing chemotherapy and is a few days away from a double mastectomy. Shannon and I chat about what this experience has been like, how she is trying to continue to fit in movement and running into her days as much as she can, and the constant battle she faces to stay optimistic and positive.

Follow Shannon on Instagram @livingwithshannon