Terry: I am a Runner

Name: Terry

City: Calgary

Profession: Software Support Analyst

Runner Since: 2001

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

I started because I had coworkers who ran, it started very much as a social activity that I did with friends. I signed up for my first half marathon with a group of five friends (including my now husband). We all followed the same schedule and did a lot of our runs together, then we travelled to Kelowna together to run it. My reasons for running have evolved a lot since having kids, running has also become more important than ever to me.  Now I’m motivated by a lot of my running mom friends, and by the sanity and “me” time that running provides.  

2. What does running mean to you?

Running is my “me” time, it is what I do that it completely for myself, sometimes I call it my selfish time, but I don’t like the word selfish – it connotes a negative tone. It gives me time when I can be by myself or run with a friend, but I don’t have to look after anyone else.  It also empowers me, and makes me feel like I can do more than I think I can.  It makes me strong, and healthy and hopefully sets that example for my daughters.

3. When did you have your first “a ha” running moment?

After I had my first daughter and was on maternity leave I trained for the Calgary Marathon (2011). I had done one previous marathon in 2005 and had struggled through training with an Achilles injury. This same injury resurfaced in 2011.  I DNF’ed the marathon in 2011, and was discouraged and frustrated with my body. I took almost a full month off running. I had shock wave therapy done to my Achilles, and changed a lot of things. I changed my shoes, my gait, and started to seriously strength train. I came back slowly and suddenly that August things really started coming together. I was suddenly faster than ever, feeling great and really just enjoying my running again.  

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

My family is SO supportive! It’s hard to balance, but running is very high on my priority list, so I make it happen.  I did a blog post on this a few weeks ago, and the highlight is that I think when you make something a priority, it will happen. Obviously other things will slide (like housecleaning), but you make it work.  Also, it really helps that my husband gets it. He also runs, and though that sometimes makes it hard because he is also trying to fit in a run. It also makes it easier because he understands, and I don’t have to convince him that it’s important.

5. Best running memory? Tell us about it.

I don’t know if I can pick just one! The last 5 km’s of my first half marathon really stands out. I was running it with my now-husband, then we were *just* friends, and we had run the first 16 km’s really conservatively, so the last 5k we were flying, it felt like we were passing everyone, and felt awesome. And we finished in under two hours as was our goal. It was fun and felt great!

I’ll also mention one more … last year at the Stampede Half, my daughter ran her first race.  It was just 400 m’s but she was so proud and it made me proud to see her out there.  It also just emulates a lot of why I run, to be an example of a healthy lifestyle for my kids, so it makes me feel good to remember it.

6. What has running taught you about yourself?

Growing up I was not athletic at all, I didn’t enjoy sports and really wasn’t good at them. I started running as a social thing, and enjoyed that it helped me stay in shape, and through the years I’ve realized that I’m actually good at it. It’s not like I’ve missed out on some sort of Olympic career, but I can compete in my age group in smaller races, and that’s taught me that I’m more skilled athletically than I ever thought I was. More important than that though, I’ve learned that my mind is strong, much stronger than my body, and that I can do basically anything I set my mind to. I’ve also learned to appreciate my body and my strength, to not take them for granted, there are a lot of people out there who would love to be able to run or even walk a mile and for whatever reason they cannot. When I’m feeling tired, or having negative self talk during runs, I try to remember that just being able to move my body like this is a blessing.

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

I’m fairly ‘Type A’, and love having goals and a schedule, etc, running really plays into this part of my personality. I love being competitive and trying to reach new goals and PR’s, but just with myself (ok I also like to beat my husband… ). It’s also recreational, social and fun, because I know I’m not getting any younger and there will come a day in the not to distant future when I won’t be getting anymore PR/PB’s, so there has to be more to it than just the time it takes to finish.

8. Has blogging made you a better runner? Explain.

I don’t know if it’s made me a better runner per say, but I’ve enjoyed having the outlet to share my opinions, stories, etc.  I’ve also gotten to know some other runners in the local community through blogging and social media, and this has been great.  I love the running community, and always enjoy meeting and chatting with new people.
 

Connect:

Blog:Terry Runs

Twitter: @TerryToffelmire

Instagram: @terryruns

Facebook: Terry Runs Things