Do you love running? Yeah, me neither. But somehow, I still do it.
Back in my 20s, when I lived in Toronto, I ran the occasional 10K race. It was fun, and let's be honest — I was way more fit back then! Fast forward to a few years ago, and I decided to lace up my shoes again. Cardio isn't exactly my favourite thing, but I know it’s good for me, so I force myself to do it a few times a week.
Running is also an affordable, easy activity to get into. All you need is a pair of running shoes and a positive attitude.
I signed up for the running club at the BWG Leisure Centre last year, which they offer every spring and fall. It was a game changer! Not only did it help me improve my running form and technique, but it also gave me the push I needed.
The program also helped me build up speed and step outside my comfort zone. It even prepped me for the leisure centre’s annual anniversary run in June. This year, I tackled 12K — my longest run yet! Probably the most fun run I did with the run club was the HOHOHoliday 5 in December. Picture this: a group of about 15 people running in the freezing cold, dressed in flimsy Santa suits -— beards and all -— around the library and leisure centre. It was a hoot! And we even got a medal afterwards.
I also joined a local running group called MVM (Me Versus Me). The group meets on Wednesday nights and sometimes on weekends for a casual 5K around town. I can’t always make it but when I can I love it. It is full of welcoming, encouraging people, and even though I’m usually the slowest, they always wait for me after each kilometre, cheering me on. It’s those little moments that keep me going.
There is also another group I have become affiliated with, The Bradford Hustlers, who are also a very welcoming and supportive bunch. The Hustlers meet a minimum of three times a week for casual walks around the Grand Central neighbourhood. The Bradford Women’s+ Group also links up with them the first Sunday of each month for a long walk or hike, usually at Scanlon Creek.
Recently, I participated in the 10K Run for Bradford, organized by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in support the Southlake Foundation. The group hosts these runs in various towns across the Greater Toronto Area, raising money for a local charity. This year’s run brought in $25,000 for the cause.
It was a beautiful day with so many community members out participating in either the 1K walk or 2K, 4K or 10K run. I signed up for this in the spring when I was deep into my running era and chose the 10K option. I hadn’t been practicing much all summer due to the extreme heat, but slowly began going for short runs again at the end of August.
We ran five laps on a route that circled the Bradford and District Memorial Community Centre which took me over an hour to complete. It wasn’t my best time, but I was proud just to cross that finish line. I try not to get hung up on my time (although the Apple Watch makes it hard to ignore), and I walk when I need to.
Running has done wonders for both my mental and physical health. I’ve realized you don’t need to be the fastest or most decked-out runner to enjoy it. I used to be intimidated by those fitness fanatics with their fancy gear and high-tech shoes. Now? I run for myself. If I’m sweating and my heart’s racing, I call that a win. The time on the clock, the “fit” — it doesn’t matter. What counts is that I showed up and did it.
Fall is the perfect time of year for running. With the cooler temperatures and beautiful foliage, you can’t ask for anything better.
Disclaimer: I am not a fitness trainer, running guru, or even someone who likes running half the time, but if you’ve been thinking about it, go ahead — lace up those shoes, step outside and let your feet figure it out. Who knows where they’ll take you.
