Pamela is in the thick of training for her first ultra-marathon this summer. No doubt this Torontoian will rock it especially if her father continues to help with her training (See answer #6).
Is it Thursday already? Time for another runner spotlight. This time I am changing timezones and featuring a hogtown runner. (I love, love Toronto.)
Scroll down and get to know this rockstar runner with a great feel good vibe.
Name: Pamela Kikosewin-Holden
City: Toronto
Profession: Lecturer in Nutrition at Ryerson University
Runner Since: 2013
1. Why did you start running? What pushes you to keep going?
I was a runner in high school and university but I got back into it last year when we adopted three wonderful kids! I needed some ‘me time’ 🙂 I have a wonderful support group of awesome moms I met online while pregnant – we inspire each other.
2. What is your running/fitness routine for a typical week?
I am a busy mom so I take what I can get! I usually run to work (8 km each way) and I get in some (very) early morning or late night runs when the kids are asleep. Last summer I was training for my first marathon and I got up at 4 a.m. everyday to run. It was a slightly crazy schedule – but I loved it! I toss in some HIIT and weights when I get a chance.
3. What does running mean to you?
Freedom, joy, challenge, sisterhood, peace, adventure
4. When did you have your first “a ha” running moment? Tell us about it.
My first race last spring. It was Harry’s Spring Run-off 5k. My app always announces my pace to me every 0.5nkm through my headphones. I could not believe how fun it was to race – and how much faster I was than in training. I was hooked!
5. How do you balance family with staying in shape? Is your family supportive?
My family is very supportive and my kids are runners too! My son and I ran the Pride and Remembrance 5k last summer together, it was amazing to share my love of running with him. I also helped to coach my daughter’s Grade 1 and 2 girl’s cross country team.
6. Best running memory? Tell us about it.
I had a wonderful 30 km run last summer at the cottage. I got up early to do the run (before dark) and my father (much to my embarrassment) insisted on following me in the truck. It turned out to be such a special run, I loved having my Dad’s support and I felt so good the whole time – I even had a negative split.
7. What has running taught you about yourself?
Running has taught me that excellence takes a lot of hard work.
8. Do you have any current running goals?
I am going to try my first ultra-marathon this summer; a 24-hour timed loop in the woods. Eeek! Wish me luck. I am very good at sleep deprivation – so I am hoping that will help!
9. What kind of runner are you? Competitive? Recreational? Goal chaser?
I am very much a goal chaser. In running, and in life. I love how I am learning all the time about what I can accomplish when I push myself, and how it is ok to just let go and have fun too.
10. If you’re a blogger, has it made you a better runner?
I’m not a blogger – but I love reading running blogs. Maybe I will blog – when my youngest moves out!
