In this episode, we're exploring the connection between grief and running.

When Marcella Sangregorio was just two years old, her mother, Lisa, was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumour behind her left eye and given two to five years to live. Remarkably, Lisa lived for another twenty years. Marcella and her father acted as Lisa's primary caregivers until her passing. Moving forward and finding her footing without that part of her life was a challenge. She began by focusing on her own well-being—and in the process, discovered running.

She quickly moved from running her first 10 km to running an impressive 70 km at The Dark 24. Last weekend, Marcella carried her mother's ashes on her back from her home in Calgary to Ghost Lake and back – a 100 km trip that both opened doors to personal discovery and closed chapters of negative self-care. With the support of her family and friends, Marcella is learning who she is in this new chapter, discovering that grief is anything but black and white.

Follow Marcella @ultramarcella

If you are in a position to help support with Marcella's fundraising for Janis Care Services, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/nbfpv8-100km-ultra-carrying-my-mothers-urn

---

EPISODE SPONSOR: CALGARY MARATHON

Be part of the 2026 energy at Canada's longest running marathon. RUN WALK CHEER VOLUNTEER at the Servus Calgary Marathon Race Weekend – happening May 23 and 24 at Stampede Park. Lace up for any distance from 5k to the full marathon.

For more information and to register, visit www.calgarymarathon.com

THEME MUSIC: Joseph McDade