Spotlight’s on Suzie today! I can’t tell you how much I am inspired by Su! So I especially loved getting to dive deep into her running journey—she’s relatively new on the running scene, but her passion and the work she puts in is just incredible! This was such a pleasure really @susan! You can read the full story here or on our blog (link in bio). And if you want to catch her in action or support a cause close to her, she’ll be running this weekend to raise funds for children with cancer through the Faraja Cancer Centre. Check them out @faraja. Go get it, Su! See you at the finish line!
Introduction
WRN: Hi Su! I’m so glad we get to do this! I have to say, yours is one of my absolute favourite WRN stories—I remember your first day with us, showing up with a pair of crutches. I was like, “I always insist that we’re all-levels friendly”, but you proved that for us. And now seeing you crush 14Ks! I celebrate so hard with you! I’m so excited we get to have a chat about it! Let’s start—how did you get into running?
Susan: Aw, thanks Em! How did I get started? Last year, I accidentally found myself watching the Comrades Marathon in South Africa. It was so inspiring to see people from all walks of life and ages coming together to run almost 90 kilometres. I thought to myself, “Why not me?”! The atmosphere was incredible—we were all cheering and singing, and it was so emotional watching people triumphantly cross the finish line. Honestly, if you’re ever losing faith in humanity, go watch a marathon, especially the finish line. So I started running that August, and before the end of the year, I had signed up for the Kilimanjaro half-marathon. I raced that this year in April and when I finished, I couldn’t believe it! Me, a runner?! I couldn’t believe it!
Enjoying the Journey
WRN: Aw, I love that story! I can imagine how proud you must have been! To conquer that distance takes so much physical and mental effort! But once you are on the other side of it, you break through a barrier, and you’re never the same. A little dramatic haha, but so true! — Ever since, what have you enjoyed most about running?
Susan: There’s something so freeing about running—it feels like flying. That, and the runner’s high! I love it!
Changes Beyond Fitness
WRN: Absolutely agree! I think it’s because when you’re running, all you have is the space around you, and all you can do is keep moving forward. Suddenly, you feel so small in the face of it all—I love that feeling! — How has running changed your life outside of fitness?
Susan: I have learned that I can do hard things and to believe in myself. I’ve also learned to encourage myself when things get tough, instead of putting myself down. On the emotional and mental side, running puts me in the best mood! I’ve been told I’m annoying after I run because I’m so perky so early in the day, haha. It really gets me going. After tough runs, I always feel so proud of myself. My inner critic has quieted down. Long easy runs are where I do a lot of my introspection—it really helps to clear my mind.
Motivation
WRN: I love that so much Suzie! I know that so many of us can relate hard! — What motivates you to keep going, especially on tough days?
Susan: The quote, “The only workout you regret is the one you don’t do.” I tell myself I won’t regret it, I’ll be so happy when I get it done (and it’s always true!). It’s tough, but I’ve done it before, and I can do it again.
Overcoming Challenges
WRN: Aw, I love that! — So I know that at one point you were literally coming to runs on crutches, and I rejoice with you seeing you well beyond that point. Other than that time, what has been your biggest challenge with running, and how are you dealing with it?
Susan: Shin splints!!! Still haven’t fully overcome them, but thanks to WRN I met my awesome physio (shout-out to Madhvi) and we’re working through it. For recovery and to keep injuries at bay, I’ve found that soaking my legs in warm salt water and then icing them afterwards helps a lot. Also, being consistent with yoga and mobility exercises has helped loosen me up, and strength exercises have, well, strengthened my legs, haha.
Future Goals
WRN: Ah yes! We love Madhvi! Hi Madhvi! I’m wishing you continued health and newly-found strength every day as you go along! — Let’s talk goals. Have you any on the horizon?
Susan: In the short term, I’ve got the Amsterdam half marathon next month. Long term, I want to run the full marathon.
WRN: Go for it, Su! Go for it! I’m your loudest cheerleader! — For the half, what does your training look like at the moment?
Susan: I run four times a week: a progression run, a tempo run, a race-pace run, and an easy long run (about 130-140 minutes). I also do two days of strength training and physio exercises, interspersed with runner-specific strength and mobility exercises. I try to fit in Yin yoga when I can. It’s a lot, but I love it. Sundays are my rest days.
Balancing Life and Running
WRN: Oh, that’s packed! You must be so in the zone! And I think that’s the thing with training for distance running—you’ll take on so much more than you ever thought yourself capable, and at some point, it becomes the norm, a part of the whole. I love that. — How do you balance it all with other commitments in your life?
Susan: I like to get my runs and workouts done in the morning so I have the rest of the day free for other things. This means waking up at 4:30-5:00am from Monday to Saturday. I never thought that would be me (see the pattern here), but now I’m used to it.
Nutrition and Fueling
WRN: Haha! I know the feeling! There’s the version of you before this, and then there’s the version after—they’re not the same! We have so much in us and I love that moment we come to find that out! — What about diet? Do you follow a specific nutrition plan to support your running?
Susan: Haha, so during my last training block, I tried upping my carb intake and ended up gaining weight! So now, I just eat normally but with increased portions of protein for muscle recovery. I do eat a banana with peanut butter before every run and use gels on long runs.
Joining the Community
WRN: Haha! Yeah, carb-loading is tricky—finding the line between fueling for energy and overdoing it is a never-ending quest. — Let’s talk WRN. How did you find us?
Susan: I had always wanted to join a running club, and I came across your Instagram in May. I wanted to join, but I had just gotten injured from the Two Oceans Half-Marathon in April. So I waited it out. When I could finally walk using a crutch, I came out for my first walk post-injury with WRN, and it was so lovely I would be looking forward to those every weekend. Slowly, I was able to run-walk the 5K, then 6K, and just a couple weeks ago, I ran the full 14K. So thanks WRN!
I love the group effect. I used to think I liked running alone—not true. I like running by myself, but with a group of people, if that makes sense—there’s such a comfort in that.
Advice for New Runners
WRN: Aw, I love that! I know exactly what you mean—running is a solitary sport, but being on the same course, at the same time as others, creates this shared experience. It’s such a lovely feeling! Especially at the end of the run when you can tell tales of your struggles and how you triumphed—it’s the best part! — So for someone new to running and looking to join a community, what advice would you give?
Susan: First off, anyone can be a runner. Then, start slow. If you start too fast, it’ll suck, and you’ll quit. Walk breaks are allowed! Don’t be intimidated by fast runners—move at your own pace.
And then join a running community! When I did the Two Oceans Half-Marathon, I got injured in the last kilometre. Let me tell you, the number of people who tried to help me, to the detriment of their own finish times, was amazing! Someone even gave me painkillers. Eventually, it was too painful to even be carried, so I resorted to literally crawling. The situation itself was horrible, yes, but I never once felt alone; everyone was cheering me on, even the commentator, the runners kept stopping to ask to help me, one runner even walked alongside me as I crawled. That photo later became a meme haha. But yes, I love it here. Find a community!