Yuri in a Hurry
My first foray in to ‘run-blogging’ was a Tumblr page. Soon after I launched it, I learned about a ‘30 Day Running Challenge’ which encouraged bloggers to answer a question a day for 30 days.
Here is a sample of 5 of the questions, and my responses. I hope it gives you a bit of a better idea of who I am and why I run.
5 Running Questions
When did you start running and why?
I started running the first time in 2004 to lose weight and motivate me while I quit smoking. I ended up loosing over 60 pounds!
After an injury and a move to Phoenix in 2007 I stopped running fo several years until I moved back to Vancouver and found myself living next to the seawall—perhaps the most scenic running path in the world! I had no excuse not to start running again.
In January 2012, I signed up for a Vancouver Sun Run clinic to knock of the weight that had crept back on. Pretty soon I found myself running for the sheer rush of it and kept running with a group of friends that I met at the clinic. We recently completed the inaugural SeaWheeze lululemon Half Marathon in August and are planning our next races.
Why did you continue to run?
I started to run for fitness and fat loss, but I’ve continued to run for the feeling and friends. I love the sense of accomplishment when I set a personal record, either for distance or time.
I also love running I run because I feel part of a larger community; each time I pass another runner on the seawall, I nod and sharing a knowing smile. I have also made some great friends that help me ‘keep striding.’
What ultimate running goal would you like to accomplish?
I’m still working on my bucket list, but some long-term goals include qualifying for the Boston Marathon, running every marathon in BC, and completing the Canadian Death Race.
My first race
My first 5K was the 2004 Run for Reach 5K in Ottawa. My first 10K was the 2005 Ottawa Race Weekend 10K.
After my 5 year running ‘hiatus,’ the race that got me back into running was the 2012 Vancouver Sun Run. This led to my first half marathon, the SeaWheeze lululemon Half Marathon.
My first marathon was the 2013 Run Victoria Marathon.
You can check out all my races on my race results page.
My favourite distance
It really depends on the day. 5Ks are awesome for a quick run and or when I want to focus on speed. 10Ks are a great way to push myself while leaving enough in ‘the tank’ to get through the rest of the day. Marathons are a great test of mental and physical endurance.
But if I had to choose, I’d say that the 1/2 marathon is my current favourite distance. They are a great middle ground as they don’t require the discipline and intense training of a marathon, but still offer a great sense of accomplishment.
Your Turn
I challenge all my fellow running bloggers (and those who want to start) to start your own 30 day blogging challenge. It would be a great way to kick of the new year! Not only did answering the running questions help introduce me to my followers, it also gave me a chance to reflect on my experiences as a runner!
If you are interested in taking up this challenge, you can find a list of all thirty questions on my Tumblr page.
