Athlete of the Day
Diane Laplante from New Brunswick
I am happy to see all the people working towards the 1000 km mark and to know that people are putting themselves first to stay fit and healthy!
Did you walk, jog or run this challenge?
I ran, but mostly walked this challenge.
How did you start running and why?
I remember when I first started to run, in the ’90s, I would walk a few minutes and then jog from an electricity post to another, then walk again! Gradually working towards walking a minute and running a minute! I would be in total admiration when a collègue, much older than I, would say that she ran 5 km! It seemed so far from my reach, or so I thought!
I then moved closer to home and was encouraged by my sister-in-law to run with her! So I started the process of running and walking again until I could run 5km.
I remember running in my first official race! I had registered at the last minute and went by myself. I had never experienced the excitement of race day!! I knew that it wouldn’t be my last!
I was able to work my way through 10 km races and had four 1/2 marathons under my belt by the age of 48!
Then, small health issues made me abandon running completely! Glad to say that 4 years later, with the encouragement of my youngest daughter, who went from no running to a half-marathon in 4 months, I have started running again! For my 52nd birthday, my daughters bought me a registration for a half marathon on May 10th. With the COVID-19, it will have to wait until next year! I can’t wait to cross the finish line!
How often do you walk and run?
I run 2-3 times a week weather permitting and I have been walking a minimum of 10 km every day since February!
What was your greatest obstacle while aiming to reach 1000KM?
Not a big obstacle, but being disciplined to run and/or walk every day while being on a two weeks vacation this winter.
How do you stay motivated and find the time to walk and run?
I am on a pre-paid leave of absence therefore I walk every day, first thing in the morning! I am very lucky to walk with my sister-in-law and we are both committed to our walks together!
What advice would you give someone to stay focused on reaching 1000KM in 2020?
Have an objective that you can reach and maintain. It has to be based on what YOU can do, not on what others do!
Félicitations Diane!! Merci de partager une partie de ton histoire avec nous! Bonne chance pour atteindre tes objectifs pour 2020!
Very inspiring! Keep walking/running!!