Kirsty is a Runner’s World+ member. Join her and thousands of others chasing their goals with day-by-day training plans, expert advice from editors and coaches, and unlimited digital access. We regularly feature members online and in print!
I began running in my teens on a doctor recommendation to help poor blood circulation. I grew up in Western Canada where I had access to an indoor running track: 8 loops equaled a mile. I began to run one to two miles every other day. My running options expanded when we moved to Florida and I began running the local 5k & 10k races.
Ten years ago, I decided to train for my first marathon (Disney) and joined a running group. This action has resulted in the most profoundly positive change in me. Growing up and into adulthood, I was shy and always dreaded having to make conversation with people. When you’re training in a group for several hours, you talk to pass the time. I now have an insatiable curiosity about life and people, other perspectives, experiences and knowledge. Also, running marathons has brought a level of confidence and belief in myself that I never knew before. This has translated positively to my work and personal relationships.
I enjoy reading Runner’s World but I like the accessibility of reading running articles and news online. Like most runners, I want to get fitter, faster and avoid injury.
My Monday morning run is for me and explains why I run. I go out and run 2-4 miles at whatever pace I want to run, enjoying all sensations of being outside. This is when I connect with the sense of freedom that only running brings me and the satisfaction that I am doing something healthy for my body at the beginning of the work week.
I prefer to run in the morning but I do speed work two nights a week after work. During the winter, runs are on the treadmill–no solo running in the dark for me. Saturday is long run day and in Florida we start early (3 a.m.!) to beat the summer heat. My running group runs most of our mileage through the residential section of Winter Park. In the dark, early morning hours you can hear a faint horn from a passing train. Our runs are very scenic due to the lakes and mature oak trees we run by. We’ve seen many beautiful sunrises over Lake Virginia with the Rollins College campus and chapel in the background.
I love my treadmill. It doesn’t matter what time of day it is, or if it’s raining outside, too hot, dark. It has been a key piece of equipment to help me train for all my races.
My ultimate running goal is to run for my entire lifetime. My running friends inspire me to try different types of races and do the best I can do. To date, I’ve completed 49 half-marathons, Disney Goofy, 1 Ultra and 22 full marathons including Marine Corps, Big Sur, Chicago, New York, Boston and Berlin. I am currently working on completing the six Abbott World Marathon Majors (two to go: Tokyo & London 2021). I am filled with gratitude at the start line of every race. What a wonderful community to be a part of and I’m so thankful I can run.
