I have always been a fit recreational athlete, but never really enjoyed running until I completed my first 5k, 8k and 10k races with a good group of friends in 1997 — and things changed.
I joined my first running clinic when I moved to Montreal. Running became my escape from the daily grind of being a grad student, and a great opportunity to meet new people in a new city. I ran a couple races, but I was never inclined to run more than 10k.
After taking some time off running while living in Pittsburgh, I moved back to Toronto and took up running again, and I’ve even coached a couple of running clinics since coming home. Clinic members have thanked me for making them runners again and expressed how much they love the sport; it’s compliments like those that make me want to keep giving back to the running community.
I met Cory and the other women committee members through volunteering at a few races. Running has helped me reconnect with an old university friend, whom I had not seen for over 15 years, and have met many new friends who have run a combined total of over a hundred marathons. Cory and my other amazing running friends have given me valuable training advice, taught me all about the sport, made me want to be a better runner.
It was also my good friends who motivated me to finally tackle the half marathon. I first registered for the Toronto Women’s Half, as well as a couple of tune-up races: an 8k and another half-marathon in Montreal at the beginning and end of April, respectively, as a way to evaluate my fitness before my spring goal race: The Toronto Women’s Half Marathon.
What excites me most is going through the process of training for a half marathon, and reaping the rewards at the end. I know it won’t be easy but along the way, I’ll remember to have fun! My biggest fear is becoming (and staying) injured. As an expert on injury prevention, I am usually pretty attuned to my body and hopefully I’ll be able to follow that adage: “practice what you preach.”
My goal is to feel strong and athletic, not just fit. Other goals include:
- Consistent core strengthening
- Rest when I need to
- Maintain perspective when life/training hiccups inevitably appear.
My training started in early January and so far I’ve been doing 3-4 workouts per week. I’ve felt better after each subsequent long run—save one long run cut short by snow-covered sidewalks. My legs felt like lead after covering only 8.2 km in 76 minutes!
I am grateful for the opportunity to blog about my training, and to everyone who follows me along this journey.
Brenda Santos has a doctoral degree in occupational biomechanics, has published work in scientific journals related to ergonomics, work-related musculoskeletal injuries, gait and posture, work-disability prevention, has been a coach and instructor for several running clinics, and is training for her first (and second) half marathons this spring.
The TO Women’s Half will be my second half, after finishing my first half on Feb 26 of this year. I can’t wait! Looking forward to following your blog.
Keep up the wonderful work Brenda!
Good Luck Brenda! I ran my first half in October 2011. It was such an amazing feeling, I cannot wait to do it again, for TWR and POGO!!!
First of all, let me say that I’ve never been an athlete.
I am 54 years old and have always wanted to run, but was never fast enough or fit enough to join anything.
Now, at this late age, I’ve found the inspiration to learn to run.
My first 5 K was the Resolution Run in Toronto, Dec. 31st, 2011. I love to jog and be outside in the sun, whatever the temperature, the sun is my motivation .
When there is no sun, it’s difficult to get outside, but it’s still lovely to breathe the “fresh?” air and feel the wind on my face.
I hope more people my age will find the inspiration to become active even at this later stage in life. We need all the inspiration and support we can possibly get. I believe this Women’s Run will provide the support and incentive that will get more women out jogging on the streets of this city.
Thank you for this Run.