Darrell: I am a Runner

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In: Running
Happy Thursday my loyal readers. 
Today I am heading over to the lovely Town of Sylvan Lake to highlight Darrell in my profile series. Relatively new to running, Darrell likes to run obstacle and mud course races. Last year he completed the Spartan Beast. He also likes to best his cousins at these races. I’m sure we can all relate to a little family rivalry! 
I met Darrell and his pal Doug randomly at a race in Calgary. We were also on the same team – Full Muddy Jacket – for Old’s first mud run in 2012. Good fun.
Name: Darrell Elsbett
City: Sylvan Lake
Profession: Sales Representative
Runner Since: 2011



1. Why did you start running? What pushes you to keep going?
I started running to lose weight. I started on my treadmill downstairs. I love to push myself to getting faster, and doing longer races each year. What pushes me is just trying to improve, staying in shape and being a role model for my kids.

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

I try to run four times a week, usually 5km runs and one 10K a week.

3. What does running mean to you?

Running is my time. I can listen to music, get outside, take different trails. It is a stress relief, only myself and my thoughts. I can go as fast or as slow as I want, but I usually push myself most days. I love the feeling after a run, tough to explain if you are not a runner, but all runners know that high after a run. It’s a great feeling.

4. When did you have your first “a ha” running moment? Tell us about it.

My first big running moment, was my first 5km race in Lacombe. I ran with some friends. With about one kilometre left I was starting to slow down when a nice lady gave me a pat on the back and told me you’re doing great keep going. That was my a’ha moment, and opened my eyes that these people are more family than just runners. They are all here for you. They would rather help you then beat you to the finish line. And when I crossed the finish line, what a feeling, this was for sure my moment. I also won my age division. There was only three runners in that division but I came in first. I was extremely happy.

5. How do you balance family with staying in shape?

I am pretty lucky with work and my family.  My job hours are pretty flexible so I can usually find time during the week to fit some running in. I try to do my longer runs on the weekends. My family is very supportive. They think I am crazy for  running, but they are very supportive, I also have three cousins who we talk every day via email they live in New York, Calgary and Strathmore. We all run and are very competitive and love to race Spartan Races together. This rivalry keeps all motivated as well. We always get together for the Spartan Sprint in Calgary.



6. Best running memory? Tell us about it.
I would have to say this would be last year at Sun Peaks Spartan Beast. We have ran up and down a ski hill twice and ran about 19 kms. We reached the bottom of the mountain, and the crowd would go crazy after you finished an obstacle. When we crossed the finish line, the crowd cheered, it was awesome. I was exhausted and exhilarated at the same time. What a day. I did this run with one of my cousins and it was great to do it with a friend. I could not have done it without him.

7. What has running taught you about yourself?

It has proved that if you set some goals and work hard you can achieve them. Persistence beats resistance every time.

8. Do you have any current running goals?

Yes, I am going to do my first half-marathon this year in Calgary and would like to do this under two hours. NOTE: Darrell completed his first half-marathon with a smile. He didn’t quite reach sub-two hours.

9. What kind of runner are you? Competitive? Recreational? Goal chaser?

Competitive with my cousins, but mostly a goal chaser. It is more important to me to try to reach my goals and keep improving. If I can do that I am happy with that.

Connect with Darrell – @armpit99 – on Twitter.

Check out past runner profiles here. Some recent popular reads were Jessica in Waterloo and Kris in Edmonton. If you would like to be featured, I would love to hear from you!

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