VANCOUVER March 23rd 2015. Digital Champion Elinor Warkentin has been running for 10 years, taking up the sport at 44 after facing several health issues. After crossing her first finish line, she was hooked! Goal oriented and a lover of travel, Elinor combined her passions and has run 41 races in Canada and around the world, including her first marathon in Iceland to celebrate turning 50. Yesterday, Elinor ran a Personal Best time at the Modo Spring Run-Off 8K in 52:15.
Why I Run. By Elinor Warkentin.
I love to run. Currently, I’m running about 3 times a week. Mostly on my own, mornings, in my hood, Vancouver’s West End, a block from Stanley Park. I’ve run a lot of races, from 1 milers to a marathon. Yesterday was my 43rd race – the Modo Spring Run-Off 8K. It was a blast!
People always ask me if running is hard on your knees, and maybe it is. I’ve been running for 11 years, maybe it’s taken a toll. But my 2010 tumble down two rock hard granite steps, bashing bones, bruising ankles, feet, landing on knees, did much more damage. And while in recovery, when I didn’t know if I would ever run again, I’d sometimes put on my running gear, and immediately feel better. It still works. If I’m feeling down, or I’m off running for some reason, I can simply put on a race t-shirt, my running skirt, and voila! I feel calmer, happier, and more fit.
When I first started running in 2004, it was for my health. My parents were both dying, I was overweight, out of shape, and unhappy in my marriage. I started with a running clinic: 30 seconds running, 4.5 minutes walking. I wondered how I would double that to 1 minute running, then 2, then 4… but somehow I managed. My determination kept me going. Plus I would call my parents every week, keeping them posted on my progress. My dad seemed impressed. He was 80. Then I got “The Call.” My father only had a little time left. If I wanted to see him, I had to get there fast. I got on a plane to Manitoba. By the time I got there, it was my stepmother who was on her deathbed. She was taken off life-support shortly after I arrived. Three weeks later my dad died.
I ran my first race shortly after. And I wrote “running for love”, with the names of my parents on long ribbons, which I pinned to my shirt. I only cried for a few km’s, but I was proud of myself the whole way. I’d run for them.
Since 2004, I’ve had a serious fall, deaths in the family, and a divorce. But I kept running. I’m competitive, always timing myself. I rarely let go of my desire to run faster. I set goals and aim higher. I ran my first marathon in 2009 in Iceland, to celebrate turning 50.
Running thrills me. It’s helped me to have a healthier body, mind and spirit. It’s good for my soul. It’s solace and comfort. And it has helped me build confidence and increase my self-esteem.
Then there’s the running community. I joined Lions Gate Road Runners in 2013, when I had to take a break from running due to osteoarthritis in my hip. I’m happy to hang out with runners and ex-runners. I volunteer at races, enjoying the energy. I was tickled pink to be invited to be a Digital Champion for Canada Running Series. Having my image used for the 2015 medal was triple thrilling! In fact, a few times before today’s race, I was near tears, so happy, high-fiving the other Digital Champions who have become virtual and real running friends. It was a very special race for me and it was an extra-special medal to receive.
Running keeps me fit.
Running reduces my stress, helps me cope with grief.
Running takes me to a place where I have the best creative ideas.
Running helps me see beautiful places, whether in my own back yard or across the globe.
I’m happy when I run. I still run for my health. The knees will just have to put up with it.
Thank you Canada Running Series West and Modo for yesterday’s run!
