By: Natasha Tyner-Lewis
iRun and I have joined up to find Canada’s newest runners. I am looking for runners who are willing to share their story of how they began in this sport that has become a way of life. From what keeps a new runner going to setting your personal goals, we want to share the voice of runners as you begin your journey.
After all, we were all beginners once, and there’s so much we can learn from each other. Let’s help each other find new finish lines!
One of my favourite quotes that keeps me going: “If you want to change your body, exercise. If you want to change your life, become a runner.” Like so many others, I first started running to lose weight, but over time this sport taught to be patient, listen to your body and gave me a place where I could think. Now as a proud mom of three children that keep me on my toes, my family knows that running is my time to hit the road or our home gym.
I started running seven years ago when I lived on the island of Trinidad and Tobago. Then I met my husband and we eventually planned on moving to Canada. Using the “Couch 2 5K” app, I began my love of running and signed up for my first 5K. After competing the race, I was hooked and signed up for a few more and then my final run before we left—a half marathon. Landing in Canada with my family, I started to run again, but it was stop-and-start for a couple of years as I was pregnant. In 2016 I gained quite a bit of weight and set off to lose 80 pounds in a year with eating right and running.
By the end of 2016, I had lost 80 pounds and have maintained my weight loss ever since. In 2017, was looking good for racing, I started swimming and cycling and sign up for my first tri-a-tri. Then in March 2017 I was diagnosed with a brain tumour, and felt like my world crashed down. I decided I’m not going to stop and let this break me. I pushed even harder and signed up for my first marathon in Gatineau last October. In May 2018 I had my brain surgery which was a success. After five weeks of not running I was given the green light to return to the sport I love. I believe my faith, activity level and nutrition helped me recover quickly.
Now it’s your turn. We’d like to connect with new runners wherever you are. We’ll give you encouragement, as you give it back to the rest of us. Please feel free to contact me through Facebook Natasha Tyner-Lewis or email natashalewis1978@gmail.com. Together, we can do anything.
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