Toronto is one of my favourite Canadian cities. I love the culture, the grit and yes, the people. Before I quit my job and moved to South Korea, I lived in Toronto for about more than a year. I moved to Toronto from Ottawa because of my then-cheating boyfriend.
In today’s runner profile instalment, I am excited to introduce you to Carmy from Toronto! I love her crazy enthusiasm for running and working out. No doubt she will inspire you too. Happy Friday and Happy reading!
Name: Carmy
City: Toronto
Profession: Student
Runner Since: Highschool
1. Why did you start running? What pushes you to keep going?
I started running in high school after my friend convinced me to go to practices with her. Running up and down hills after school was hardly what I wanted to do but I continued running because over time, I fell in love with it. Running has helped me through the rough patches in my life and helped me grow as a person.
2. What is your running/fitness routine for a typical week?
When not injured, I tend to run 3-4 times a week. One long run on Sunday, a training/interval run on Wednesdays, and hills on Fridays. If I’m feeling up for it then a recovery run or cross training on Mondays.
3. What does running mean to you?
Running means freedom. Being able to cover far distances with just my feet and being surrounded by nature gives me a sense of freedom to the confinement that we are surrounded by (having to transit to school, work, buildings, etc).
4. When did you have your first “a ha” running moment? Tell us about it.
I don’t know if I have an “a ha” moment! I’m still debating if I ENJOY running! Have you SEEN the snow covering Toronto and the 77km/hr wind gust?! Ha ha – jokes aside, my a ha moment is probably after my very first race. I placed 2nd in my age group, won a big fluffy orange towel and realized how much fun it was. The race atmosphere, the friendships formed, and the joy you get as you pass the finish line.
5. What’s on your running bucket list ?
Boston! I feel like every runner is obsessed with Boston but seeing the atmosphere in the photos at Boston makes me want to go and feel it.
6. Best running memory? Tell us about it.
My best running memory was in high school. My best friend and I decided to go on a run and we got lost! We ran through some weird abandoned locations, tall grass, and passed a really sketchy looking single truck! This was before the age of smart phones so the only way we were going to get out of it was the keep running and so we did! We ended up doing over 9k which at the time was the furtherest we’ve ever ran. It’s a memory that will always stick by me beside despite being lost, we had a blast running together.
7. What has running taught you about yourself?
That I’m stronger than I thought I was. Every time I’ve been knocked down (injuries, scheduling, etc), I got back up and kept going.
8. Do you have any current running goals?
I’d love to run a sub-2 half. My first half I ran 2:17, then 2:07, and most recently 2:00:58. I was on track to hitting a sub 2 last fall but as luck would have it, I strained my groin. I ended up being 59 seconds under my goal. I was crushed but at the same time, it was still a huge PR. Hopefully I’ll get my sub 2 this year.
9. What kind of runner are you? Competitive? Recreational? Goal chaser? etc
I want to say competitive because I’m constantly competing with myself! However, I’m more of a goal chaser. I enjoy setting goals and achieving them.
10. Has blogging made you a better runner?
Blogging has definitely made me a better runner as I’m less likely to skip a run if I know I’ll be writing about it on my weekly Monday updates! It also helps that with blogging, my social media reach has expanded and it is amazing to have so many friends cheering you on to do your runs!
Connect:
Twitter: @runcarmyrun
Instagram: @runcarmyrun
Blog: www.carmyy.com
Would you like to be featured? Let me know becuase I would love to share your story. Here’s some past profiles. Most recently I featured Calgarians Jen and Ben.
Thanks for featuring me today 😀