I am a Runner: Yuri

Hello friends! I can’t believe it is Thursday already. This week has flown by. Look out weekend! It’s that time in my blogging life to introduce you to Vancouver runner Yuri. He’s big into self-promo so I am sure you have probably come across him on social media.

This Vancouver runner lost a ton of weight through running but found something in running that kept him on the roads. I hope you find some inspiration. Enjoy your read and have a wonderful day!

Name: Yuri Artibise

Age: 39

City: Vancouver

Profession: Strategic Policy/Communications

Runner Since: 2012

1. Why did you start running? What pushes you to keep going?

I first started running in 2004 when I quit smoking. I’d been told that one way of kicking a bad habit is to replace it with a healthy one. I had also been warned about the possibility of packing on the pounds when you quit smoking. So, I (reluctantly) started running with a friend of mine. I ran recreationally for about two years until I moved to Phoenix and stopped running for a variety of reasons.

Fast forward to six years to 2012 we had moved back to Canada and were living Vancouver’s Olympic Village, steps away from the Seawall. Being a few steps away from an uninterrupted 22K running path, I no longer had any excuse. My 2012 New Year’s resolution was to completed the 2012 Vancouver Sun Run and lose another 20 pounds so a joining a local running clinic and start training.

Sometime during the training for that 10K, running become more than simply a way to lose weight. I was actually having fun and meeting great people. I was hooked! I have since gone on to complete eight half marathons and my first full marathon in October 2013. Along the way I have lost over 60 pounds and met numerous friends. I am currently in training for my second marathon.

2. What is your running/fitness routine for a typical week?

I run anywhere between 40 and 80K (25-50 miles) a week, depending on what I’m training for. My running group meets Tuesdays for speed//hill/tempo workouts, Wednesdays for a group run, and Sundays for a long run. In the winter, I now help lead the Sun Run clinic that got me back into running on Thursdays. I also try and get at least one additional run in each week, either on my own, or with a friend. I try to head to the nearby mountains for trail running about once a month.

3. What is your favourite distance to run? Why?

I used to say the half-marathon because it was long enough that you are able to get in the ‘zone’ but short enough that you don’t have to train excessively. However, the marathon is slowly winning me over. I like the camaraderie of training with a dedicated group and the sense of accomplishment at the end.

4. Best running memory? Tell us about it.

Finishing my first marathon in Victoria last October. At the time, I was disappointed because I missed my 4 hour goal by 12 seconds (4:00.12), but looking back, it was a great race to top off an amazing training cycle.

5. Do you run solo or with a group?

I usually run with a group (see answer to question two) but I also like to run on my own at least once a week to focus on my form, or simply to clear my mind.

6. What is your dream race? Tell us about it.

I’d love to run Chicago and New York, as well as qualify for Boston. A currently running dream that I’m formulating is to run each of the marathons in British Columbia. At last count there were 15 in the province. I’ve completed one and will be running another in May, so I am on my way!.

7. How many medals do you own? Where are they displayed (if applicable)?

They are displayed on a curtain rod that I mounted behind our bedroom door.

8. Do you have any current running goals?

My current running goals are to PR (sub 1:50) at the Pacific Road Runners First Half Half Marathon on Feb. 16, and to break 3:50 at the BMO Vancouver Marathon in May.

9. What is your worst running moment?

My worst running moment was about 16 km into my first half marathon (the 2012 Seawheeze). Both my calves were cramping and I didn’t think I could run another metre. ‘Thankfully’ I was halfway around the Stanley Park Seawall at the time, so I couldn’t drop off the course. So I self-massaged my legs and ran-walked-limped my way around the Seawall, intend to quite at the next aid station.

By the time I had reached help, I was less than 3K from the finish and decided to push through. I’m glad I did. While at the time I vowed never to run again, by the time I have finished my first post race beer, I decided I need to redeem myself and signed up for another half marathon the next day.

10. If you could tell your younger running self something, what would you say?

Cross-train, including strength training and yoga!