TORONTO March 8th 2015. Community Leader Christa Davidson added running back into her life in 2011 as an outlet to heal from alcohol addiction. She credits running and the social media community as major supportive factors in her recovery. Christa values the connections and experiences that have graced her life because of running. She also loves to write and sometimes her work can be found at iRun magazine. Connect with Christa on Twitter and Instagram.
Outrun Winter. By Christa Davidson.
Each day the mercury taunts us with another day of sub-zero temperatures, it is hard to imagine that in a matter of weeks our weather conditions will take a turn and we will tuck winter away for another year.
Those sunshiny, warm spring days are within reach even as the harshness of winter seems relentless. For now, just hang on. We have made it this far, in what some are calling the coldest winter in memory and, as runners we can handle adversity, so this too, we can survive.
Think of this last stretch of winter like your final 2 sets of repeats or like the last 2 kilometers of a race. The end is within reach, even if we can’t see it, we know it is there. When you begin to feel the end is near, what happens? You get a little kick to your step; your mind says ‘Yes I Can’ and you begin to realize that you have done something great. This is where you get the last bit of energy and drive to make it to the end even when you are beaten down. You straighten up, your legs start to turn over and maybe you crack a smile.
You are outrunning winter and guess what? Winter will eventually fold up like a tent and be run out of town, but you won’t. Do not give winter another ounce of your disdain, instead think of where you are headed; warm breezes, singing birds, early sunrises and the sound of your feet on bare roads.
As we run from winter, we run towards spring. When we think of spring, we get the itch to perform. Where do we perform best; the race course, of course! No matter what your ability or pace, nothing fills you up with pride and inspiration like being around other runners who are ready to run. Where there are runners, there is electricity in the air and you cannot buy that feeling in any back alley or bar. This is a great way to celebrate and embrace spring. It’s also a time to re-commit to your running goals because for many, spring is a new beginning; inspiration for a fresh start.
A great place to say goodbye to winter and hello to spring is at Harry’s Spring Run-Off 8K & 5K! On Saturday April 4th, runners will work their way through High Park, surrounded by singing birds and trees that are coming back to life. This is a chance to congregate with other runners who are soaking in the signs of spring, as well as an opportunity to do something to help Conquer Prostate Cancer in our lifetime.
If you’re running, you can come decked out in your finest suit and participate in the “Best Dressed Contest.” Need some fashion inspiration? Check out Canada Running Series’ list of “The Top 10 Most Stylish Runners of Harry’s Spring Run-Off.” If you’re coming out to cheer, you can join the “#KillTheHill Ultimate Cheer Station” with Tribe Fitness and cheer on your favourite runner as they make their way up Spring Road Hill in the final stretch of the race! Come out and join us in welcoming a new season of training and racing and don’t forget your running shoes and cowbells.
not to throw caution to the wind and treat every training run like you’re competing for gold. But not every run should be “hard”, in fact it should be the opposite! You should be able to carry out a full conversation on 80% of your runs (even if it’s with yourself) and you should only spend 20% of your weekly mileage gasping for [what feels like] your last breath. Don’t fall into the trap of running every run at that “comfortably uncomfortable” pace. It may feel like you’re making the best use of your training time, but long term it can lead to trouble sleeping, injury and can even make you slower!
10) Style’s not just about what you’re wearing, but how you wear it. This runner embodies the energy and optimism of running with his outfit and attitude, anchored by a go-anywhere, do-anything navy blazer (a menswear staple).
Group Therapy – My running group that I met through my former job pushes me to meet my running goals and is a great network to learn about health and nutrition. I was fortunate to find a group to run with at work, but in Vancouver, there are so many great groups to run with if you are in need of support! Tight Club, East Vancouver Run Crew, The Running Room (to name only a few)!
