Tina: I am a Runner

3. Trails or pavement? Why?

4. Best running memory? Tell us about it.

I think the first time I ever ran a race that felt effortless was jsut so awesome. In 2012 I ran the Rocky Mountain Soap Company Women’s Run. I has done it the year previous and had really been training hard and wanted to see how much better I could be. In the end I ran that 12k 15 minutes better than I had  the previous year. But honestly it was not my “time” that I was so ecstatic over. I really was over the moon that I ran 12 kilometres on hills not stopping once, feeling like I was flying the whole way. Didn’t feel out of breath, felt so awesome the entire race, and proved to myself that hell yes…I am a runner. I am so ready to take on the world. And a few weeks later I ran my first marathon and man…did it feel amazing to cross that finish line!

5.  What is your worst running moment?

Last year at the Edmonton marathon I got very ill at about the 12k mark. I spent an eternity (over 10 minutes) in a porta potty, sick as a dog. I cried. I was in agony. And then I got up, dried my tears came out and ran the rest of that race. I cramped up the almost the entire last few miles. But I would not quit. When I crossed the finish I was initially so, so upset that this personal best slipped through my fingers. And then, while surrounded by good friends and family, I realized that perseverance made that race one hell of a moment for me. That no matter what I could finish. And that I would not be defeated.

6.  If you could tell your younger (less experienced) running self something, what would you say?

Have fun. Be yourself. Never take yourself too seriously. Trust in yourself and believe that you can. Did I say have fun? Laughter in life is where it’s at!

Have a great weekend.