By: Grace Ward
In a recent interview I was asked why I love running.
Every runner knows the answer to this question is rarely as simple as it may first appear.
I should preface this by saying I have been a runner for over 40 years, so a lot has changed in that period, both in sport and for me personally.
Looking back at the sport, I recall when Roberta Gibb aka Bobbi Gibb, jumped into the race, from the bushes at the starting line to run the Boston Marathon and Katherine Switzer used her initials to register for the Boston Marathon the very next year and was pulled and harassed during the race. Women just were not allowed. I wasn’t a runner then, but I remember hearing about these women and asking my parents why they wouldn’t let them run. I didn’t fully understand back then, but I knew I wanted to run in a race too. Desire does not mean ability and I was not very good at it. That didn’t matter to me. While in school I tried my best, doing more than they would tell us to do at the gym and running home from school. It was only a mile, but I never wanted to walk it, I always ran. It didn’t matter that I wasn’t good at it, I just felt so free and happy.
- Reason one why I love running: No matter whether the run is good, average or bad, fast or slow, hills, distance, rain, snow, I always feel free and happy. Running for me is pure JOY!
Fast forward to getting a job and all I wanted to do was work at a health club. I landed a job in my late teens with a local health club. Kenneth Cooper was just starting to educate people about the power of Aerobics. I was certified as a trainer by Kenneth Cooper and channeled my desire for running to teaching aerobics. Yet, still, I wanted to just run. Running shoes didn’t exist for women, that didn’t bother me, I ran in my Ked knockoffs. Then Brooks came out with the Lady Super Villanova and it was ON!
- Reason two why I love running: The level, quality, variety and technology in shoes today is just greatness. Although, I must admit to having a bit of a running shoe addiction, as Dallas Running Company can attest. If it is new, I want to try it. I should mention, the same goes for watches. I mean, I did love my Timex Ironman from the 80’s, but the Garmin Fenix 8 is pretty sweet!
Moving on, I was a trainer for 11 years, then entered the corporate world. I always found myself either talking about running or helping someone get started in running, or putting together a team to go running, and it just never stopped. Even 30 years ago I was talking about putting together a running group to help those in my local community come together to connect and experience the joy of running. I swore that when I retired, I would find a way. That dream came true 4 years ago during the pandemic. I retired and within a month built out a 10-year plan and created the Lake Cities Run Walk Group. Although named after the Lake Cities area (Denton/Lake Lewisville/Northern part of DFW), you will find many of the 2,300+ Lake Cities Run Walk Group members live all over DFW. We do 20-40 meet-ups each week, receive discounts on races, shoes, gear and more. There are 45 professional training routes, and free challenges for cash prizes. The members consist of all levels of runners and walkers training for all distances. Plus, there is an easy to use at-a-glance yearly DFW race calendar provided to all members and best of all – Never any fees or dues! It is 100% FREE to be a member and use the resources/benefits! Just a way to give back to the DFW running community.
- Reason three why I love running: The connections, support, encouragement, and love within the running community. Adults need that connection and runners look out for each other. It is a great sport of fellowship. I have met some truly remarkable men and women over the years via the running community. Nothing like it.
Then there is racing. Back to that first knowledge of Bobbi Gibb and Katherine Switzer at the Boston Marathon. Well, I cannot deny it has turned into a lifetime of races. I sign up for as many races as I can each year. I know, that is not for everyone. It started small, one 5K a month (right Angela Kimes?). But then the race organizations started bundling the races. Oooo, I could buy a bunch of races at once! I then began linking my weekend long runs to races and bundling to build out a whole year of training. I continued to get more and more trainer certifications and add more and more races. At this point I am a Master Trainer, Running Coach and have 10 other certifications but the best part is I participate in over 45 races a year. Thank you, Roberta Gibb and Katherine Switzer! My medal wall has grown to two walls, and I continue to chase the PR from 30 years ago. Even though the chances dwindle each year, I hope my desire to break that number never changes.
- Reason four why I love running: Because we can. Crossing the finish line should never be taken for granted. Always smile for that finisher photo, always thank the volunteer handing you the medal (they are usually there well before the runners arrive), and ENJOY your moment! YOU DID IT!!!
Thank you for allowing me to share this with you. I hope to see you at the next Run Project race. Be sure to say hi. I will be the one smiling, wearing some new shoes from Dallas Running Company and telling everyone to use the discount code LAKECITIES to save $$ on races. I have used that code for years; how else could I buy so many races. Bundle, use the code and register early, it truly saves $$$!
I hope you have the BEST time on your next run and every run thereafter.
What a blessing it is to just RUN! One day, I might be good at it, until then, I will embrace the JOY!
