I didn’t quite fathom the impact coming back to Montreal would have for my of-late inactive and frail body. Mentally, I was expecting my intellect to sharpen, the range of my thinking capacities to widen, and my perspectives to broaden. This is thanks in part to the research that I am here for,  as well as my epicurean love for English, that has me signing up for challenges like “52 classics in 52 weeks.” What I didn’t expect was the speed, and unchecked chutzpah, with which ‘Run the Montreal Marathon’ joined the list—all it took was one trip up Mount Royal to seal the deal.

[pullquote]Hailing from a seaside city halfway across the world, what was the glam factor that made running, here, in this city of sights, so much more addictive?[/pullquote]

Five runs and 40 kilometres later, I got to thinking about what made the whole idea of putting one foot in front of the other so enticing. Hailing from a seaside city halfway across the world, what was the glam factor that made running, here, in this city of sights, so much more addictive? Quite simply, this city is a beautiful place to run. It boasts the beauty of manicured lawns and opulent homes (if you’re in Westmount), Lachine Canal, the picturesque St. Laurent Trail, and the Atwater market. The right and adequate infrastructure in place ensures that people can be on the road any time of the day. With dedicated running tracks and biking trails, and several comrade-in-arms for inspiration, it would be hard to stay off the road.

Of course, it’s easy for many Montrealers to take this infastructure for granted, but the emphasis on urban health is a direct indicator of the physical well-being of the residents of a city. Not only is it vital for physical fitness, but a sense of community stems from how thoughtfully our urban spaces are planned. In addition to the running trails, the bike paths of Montreal were among the first in any North American city and span over 400 kilometers today. Montreal also has the largest bike sharing program (BIXI) in North America. A bicycle policy adopted way back in 1995 by the Quebec government has ensured that cycling remains a top option for one’s daily commute, weather permitting.

With the requisite support systems in place, what could have been a choking metropolis on a ventilator is instead breathing lungfuls of unadulterated oxygen. The ‘Canada Running’ series seen in Montreal showcases the entire spectrum of competitive runs. On Sunday, the annual Terry Fox run kicked off from Mount Royal, while April will hold the Montreal Marathon. These regular running events keep the city on its toes.

Renewed emphasis on building sustainable communities and greening existing ones is a growing trend, and Montreal already has quite a head start, despite the vicissitudes of weather. Governmental policies which, through infrastructure, empower the city’s citizens to lead active lifestyles is sure to inspire generations of Montrealers to run. The prospect of a sustainable, healthy community lies within the vicinity of such a development. In the words of Nobel Peace Prize winner Dr. Woodrow W. Clark II, who spoke at McGill last week, “Block by clock, city by city, region by region, communities can change how they live.” Montreal is showing just how: by putting one foot in front of the other.