TORONTO June 25th 2015. Digital Champion Jonathan Greenwald started running in 2013, after being invited on a trail run with some friends. He ran 3 kilometres, started seeing stars, then walk/jogged the 3 kilometres back to his car. Despite a shaky start, Jonathan stuck with running for the next year and in October 2014, he crossed the finish line of the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Half-Marathon, an experience he will never forget! When he’s not running, Jonathan is usually thinking about running or discussing one of the many aspects of running with people (some of whom probably wish he had other hobbies!) Other times, he’s coaching his son’s soccer and T-Ball team or helping him clear levels on his Wii gaming system (equally as important as running). Connect with Jonathan on Twitter and Instagram.
My Journey to 42.2. By Jonathan Greenwald
On Sunday, June 23rd, 2013, I became a runner. This wasn’t the first time I attempted to earn the moniker, but unlike the many failed attempts in the past, this time would different. In the days leading up to my “first” run, I tried to recall why I never enjoyed running in the past; fortunately for me, I couldn’t recall as more than 20 years had passed since the last failed attempt.
I was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. In the mid 90’s, I lived in an apartment building in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn which was situated two blocks from the entrance of the Verrazano Bridge; the same bridge the NYC Marathon participants cross at Mile 1. One early Sunday morning in November, I positioned myself near the first turn on to 92nd street and watched as the elite pack crossed the bridge. The sensation that soon followed as roughly 60,000 feet pounded the pavement was overwhelming. It was at that moment I knew I wanted to become a runner. For days following the marathon, I would run from my apartment to a nearby park and back. The entire run was just over 3 kilometers and each run was as rewarding as the last. I kept this up for nearly a month until I forgot why I was running and found something else to occupy my time. I guess I really didn’t want to be a runner after all; a fact which would be confirmed the two additional times I watched the marathon, laced up a pair of runners, only to toss them in the back of my closet a few weeks later.
Fast forward 20 years to the aforementioned beautiful summer day on the Don Valley Trail. I joined my buddy Gus and my sister-in-law Andrea in the parking lot on Pottery Road; days prior, we spoke about getting in shape and living a healthier life. Running sounded easy enough, so why not give it another try?! We entered the trail and started our run at a very manageable pace. I took in the sights and sounds on the trail and enjoyed the moment. Before long, we hit the 3km mark and everything changed. I started to get dizzy, nauseous, and it felt as if my heart was going to pound out of my chest. I had to sit, but I was encouraged to walk, jog, or crawl, back to the start; anything but sit.
I decided I was not going to let the experience change my views on running. I was determined to continue running for at least the remainder of the week. Three days later, I headed out for another run. This time, I would reduce the distance and pace. I ran most of the 4.5km distance; slowing down once towards the end. By the end of the week, I had three more runs under my belt.
Very quickly weeks turned in to months and I was finding I could be on my feet for longer periods of time. By November, I was able to run 18 kilometers and I started to set my sights on road races. In December, I registered for the 2014 Toronto Yonge Street 10K, the 2014 Oasis Zoo Run 10K, and the 2014 Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon. I was running less than 6 months and already had the marathon itch! I had 11 months to prepare, so why not?! I became obsessed with running, learning how to breathe, and putting in the time to build my base and improve my endurance. 2014 was going to be a very big year for me. Then, the injuries started.
I suffered a foot injury unrelated to running late November 2013 which took a toll on my training. From December through the beginning of April 2014, I completed a total of 3 runs. To make up for the lost time, I made a rookie mistake and went for a 7km run, followed by 10km run a few days later which I couldn’t complete because of the sharp pain I start to feel in my knee. Ignoring the pain, I raced in the 2014 Yonge Street 10K. The pain increased and I started to visit a physiotherapist. I was advised to stay off my feet, but with my second race on the horizon, I didn’t listen. I barely finished the race due to the pain. I should not have run the race. The rest of May was a wash and I continued my physio visits through June and July. I was placed on a “return to running” program to build my strength to the point it was in November before the injuries sidelined me.
In September I raced in the 2014 Oasis Zoo Run without incident. By this time, I knew I would not be able to complete the full marathon in the 2014 Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon, so I ran the half. 2014 ended with 4x10Ks and 1×21.1K races complete.
The real turning point for my success was the 
introduction to running crews. I always felt something was missing from my runs and it wasn’t until I was put in touch with a group of friends who ran the Kay Gardiner Beltline on Sunday mornings. They called themselves the Sunday Run to Eat Gang. Once I joined them, I quickly realized I was missing the social and, sometimes, competitive aspect of running amongst friends. A few months later, I also started running with the Night Terrors Run Crew and my circle of friends got even bigger. Running was taking on a new form for me and I was excited about the future. So, maybe 2015 will be my big year?
So far, 2015 certainly has been a big year for me. I crushed my 10K and Half Marathon PBs and completed a 30K road race. I have a few other races planned including the 2015 Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon, which was to be my first full marathon attempt, but I was convinced I was ready sooner; so on June 20th, 2015, I became a marathoner by finishing the Niagara Ultra Series 42.2 distance.
Sunday, October 18th will be my redemption run where I plan on crushing my marathon PB.
See you in October!
