1) What inspired you to start running?

As a young adult (a few years ago), I was a bit of a gym rat.  My friend from Uni suggested that we do a triathlon (swim-bike-run race) for fun.  I was working with young kids and so I laughed and said I didn’t have time for that! 

She was convincing and we picked a late season sprint tri. Ironically, my friend broke her arm in training when she crashed her bike and did not do that race, or any other to my knowledge. But it seems her evil plan worked and I was hooked for life. Thanks, Suzy!. 

Initially, I hated the run part of triathlon but, as it’s necessary to run to get from the bike (my first love) to the finish, the only way I could think of to make it more tolerable was to do a TONNE of running, until I liked it.  And so, I began doing marathons annually as tri prep and did find that if you run at least 4 times a week, it isn’t terrible! Now I can say I really enjoy it, almost as much as cycling and definitely more than swimming.

2) What lead you to join/start a Run group

Endurance sports can be lonely and I am (mostly) a socially-driven person. Craving company. I started running on Sundays in 2008 with the Whitby Tigers (now RIOT) at the advice of a friend.  Around that time, I also discovered the Ajax Pickering Tri Club when I ran the Ajax Half Marathon and started training and racing with those peops. Many of the same folks form the core of the Ajax Wannabees Run Club, trademark Ross Chandler who created a club for a bunch who were aiming for a sub 3 hour marathon.

What are you most proud of

I am happy that I keep running a similar pace or slightly faster despite getting older. Soon that will end, but I am enjoying it while it lasts.

I am also happy that I persevered and did not get discouraged and stop running despite many running injuries along the way. I learned from each one, and now run fairly consistently without injury..

3) Anything unique about your running journey?

Everyone runner’s experience is a unique and personal journey.  For me, my favorite benefits are the people that I have met in running, cycling and triathlon groups. I learn from everyone I meet, have been on many, many great adventures and am inspired and encouraged daily by an amazing group of dynamic, happy, fun and positive people. Many have become life-long friends and I cherish them greatly!

4) what advice would you give those beginner and intermediate level runners?

Find your people, be consistent, don’t give up just solve the problem, get good shoes and change them often, never stop learning, find what motivates you, prioritize your fitness and health as it colors all other aspects of your life.

5) what’s your favourite route that you have run

a) in Durham I love to run with friends and it doesn’t really matter where, but the forest with my dog and the waterfront are my favorite local routes.

b) anywhere in the world…Big Sur Marathon route along the California coastal highway 1…All I could say was, WOW! Highly recommend!