Athlete of the Day
Charles Kuyper from BC
May 25th, 2020
I am always looking at spreading positive energy within the running community (FB, IG). During one of my online searches, I came across A Great Canadian Running Challenge. Once I saw the FB Group, I felt at home….everyone is giving their all; even during these trying times!
Did you walk, jog or run this challenge?
I’m a runner! All 1000KM were done by running!
How did you start running and why?
I started alternating walking and running in late 2015 after the doctor told this 35-year smoker with high cholesterol with a bad back and bad knees that he was headed for disaster before his 60th birthday if he didn’t change. So with much huffing and puffing, I started to move my sorry butt. Now, into my 6th year of making better lifestyle choices, I am smoke-free, I have covered over 14,000km of distance, and I no longer need meds of any sort! I am still finding areas for improvement, including my core being.
How often do you run?
I run 5 times a week, average between 60-80km each week.
What was your greatest obstacle while aiming to reach 1000KM?
The only obstacle is me! When I do not listen to my body I get injuries; which means time away from friends and Mother Nature. Over the past six years, I found sleep, proper meals, hydration and adequate footwear were vital!
How do you stay motivated and find the time to walk and run?
Routine routine routine……sleep well, eat a well-balanced breakfast and create achievable goals. My goal in 2015 was to get to DND Nationals. I made the half-marathon squad. In 2016, I made Nationals and created a running crew! In 2017, I made Nationals and completed my first Marathon. During that time, the crew and I completed several races as one.
In the past five years, I have been involved with the running community and have all the time in the world to support and motivate other runners to their goals!
What advice would you give someone to stay focused on reaching 1000KM in 2020?
- Identify the struggle. -feeling heavy, too tired, too stressed
- What do you require to overcome that struggle? -babysitter, a trainer aka running buddy or need help to create a routine
- You need to remember we all go through the hard times, no run or walk is the same
- Listen to your body
- Reward yourself – a meal, clothes
- Take photos of your journey
Stay positive and don’t be afraid to ask for help……..remember we are all Road Warriors!
Great work, Charles!! I love that picture!!