BMO Vancouver Marathon is Just Around the Corner
By: Joanne Gassman
What motivates me to run is the desire to keep fit. Plus I love the challenge and discipline of regular exercise while setting goals to achieve good results.
I’m a social runner for the most part – preferring to run with a couple of friends, not in a large pack. But if need be, I’ll also run solo.
“A day in the life” would see me getting up before the sun rises to have a good run before breakfast. I train with my BMO colleague, Derral Moriyama, between 6 and 7 am in downtown Vancouver and along the Stanley Park seawall. I love watching the float planes take off and seeing the sun rise on the water.
I’ll have a light breakfast, such as a banana and a Starbucks coffee – as a treat.
Then a full workday begins. It’s often a real challenge to balance my work and personal life, such as sticking to a regular running schedule. It’s tough to fit in the runs consistently every week, but I say, “Don’t beat yourself up if you miss some runs.” I just fit it in when I can. And I love running. It’s fun to me!
When I think of the best or “dream” runs that I’ve been in, two Pacific Rim runs come to mind. I’ve run the Tofino to Ucluelet Marathon and the Big Sur Half Marathon on Monterey Bay, California. They were both beautiful and rewarding runs.
My next dream run is the May 6th BMO Vancouver Marathon – I can hardly wait to try out the new point-to-point course! It’s going to be quite spectacular. My goal is simple – to finish! I don’t let time be my enemy. It’s about participating; saying hi and thanks to the volunteers and running with two of my BMO friends, Derral Moriyama and Sharon Babcock. We’ll start and finish together – a real team effort.
See you on the course!
Bio: Joanne Gassman
Senior Vice President, BC & Yukon Division
BMO Bank of Montreal
Joanne Gassman has been with BMO Bank of Montreal for close to 38 years, having joined BMO in 1974. As the Senior Vice President, Personal and Commercial Banking for BMO Bank of Montreal in B.C. and Yukon, she has responsibility for the bank’s strategic direction and leadership of over 2,500 employees in 119 branches. Joanne is an avid runner and also enjoys theatre, musical entertainment, and travel.