How It Started

Back in January of 2018, I texted my sister Anna and asked her to join the “Learn to Run 5k” program with me at the Bedford Running Room. She agreed, and a week later we were at our first group run on a cold and windy night. I made it about five minutes into the run, and then stopped and walked the rest of the way because my legs were hurting so bad. I was so far behind the group, and felt so defeated. I never returned to that group, and put all my running gear up for sale. I was at my heaviest weight and emailed running room to let them know that I didn’t think the program was within the range of my current fitness level. (duh.. it’s called a learn to run)

Weeks later, a friend of mine Melina suggested that we sign up for the Hypothermic 10 Miler. I hesitated, as I remembered the pain I felt my first night and had no training; but agreed when she said we could do a walk/run pattern and go at my pace. Running/walking with Melina was amazing. She was strong, fit, motivational and caring and she stuck by my side the entire race (and trust me.. it took forever). She ignited something in me that just wasn’t there the first night at running room.

Fast forward a few weeks, I saw a post on Facebook via the Blue Nose Marathon about a program called Team Myles. This program takes in beginner runners and coaches them through a full training program; preparing them to run the 5km or 10km race at the Blue Nose Marathon. This consisted of run/walk intervals, longer runs and hill nights; as well as GoodLife memberships, yoga classes and nutritional help. (A huge thank you to our sponsors, you rock!)

I wrote in a submission, and to my surprise got selected. I was so excited to properly train for something for the first time. Except… I didn’t. My weight and shin splits ruined almost every run for me, I didn’t go to the gym, I didn’t take nutritional advice, and I didn’t go to one single yoga class. Why? Because the pain in my legs was too much for me to handle. Coaches Leanne, Jeanette and Cindy kept me motivated to show up to group runs and push through as much pain as I could but that was about all the effort I put in. On race day, I pretty much walked the entire 10km race but with a very special friend. I was still at my heaviest weight; so unfit and so unmotivated. Luckily, the mental and emotional support you receive from this team is like no other.. so even though I struggled every time we ran, I still somehow looked forward to it every time we met up. This program changed my life and I want to take a moment to thank coach Leanne, Jeannette and coach Cindy, our mentors; mine in particular (Melissa Crane) and every single sponsor that invested in our team to get us ready for race day.

After racing all summer with lacklustre results and continued shin pain, I figured hey! Maybe I should try and take the advice every. single. one of my coaches and mentors had given me. Cross training, and improved nutrition! In the end of July, I began a journey that transformed my life in a way I could have never imagined. I began cross training (swimming, biking, weight lifting) and eating a healthier diet. Over the course of 5 months I have lost 40 pounds, taken 18 minutes off of my initial 5k time, 28 minutes off of my 10k time, ran a half marathon (with another coming up on Sunday!) and completed a triathlon (all without a single pain in my shin!!!!!). It was miraculous what being healthier, fitter, stronger and lighter could do for my running. 37 races done in 2018!

My running focused training during these five months is credited to the BLT Runners; a group that focuses on timed training so runners of different paces start and finish each run at the same time. I received incredible support from this group, and trained along side them for my first half marathon. I am looking forward to continuing my training with them!!!

So here I am, 1 year after my running journey started and 5 months after my fitness journey started and I couldn’t be more in love with running. This year, I will tackle more half marathons and two full marathons, Berlin and Chicago, which are 2/6 World Major Marathons. I want to give a special shout out to those who keep me going including my sister Anna, the wonderful Marg Organ, and the rest of my running and non running family.

Lots of Love and Happy Miles,

Avery