About Nila
First of all, welcome to a new blog series called “Why do you run?”. I hope to publish inspiring insights from runners I know, on why they started running and continue to do so.
I met Nila a couple of years ago on facebook when I asked if it was OK for a man to join what seemed like a ladies only running club called MRC (Morrisville Run Club).
Fortunately for me, men were allowed to join, and I have met up to run with the group regularly ever since. I did find out later I was held with some suspicion at the beginning. 🤣
Nila started the Morrisville Run Club along with Niles. I am indebted to them both for this wonderful community of runners who continue to inspire and push me forward.
Why did you start running?
I initially started running 20 years ago as I neared graduation from college and realized that I had added way too many pounds while there! I dropped the extra weight rather quickly after I began running, but during that time I realized how much better I also felt in so many ways.
I played sports all my life but never ran track. Upon realizing how much I actually enjoyed running, combined with all the added benefits, and that sports in the adult world just weren’t as easy to come by, it just made sense to keep going — and that’s exactly what I did.
20 years later I’m still going! So my main reason for sticking with it for so long is simply how good it makes me feel! I love the spike of endorphins after a run, how you sweat, how your heart beat speeds up, running out the front door knowing that I can be outside and in nature pushes me.
So to sum it all up, I run for my health and I run for my happiness.
What keeps you motivated?
I am reminded daily why I keep running. I have 2 kids and I want to live a long healthy life so I can be with them. I love playing outside with them and running around (l’m a kid at heart). I also know if I don’t run that I just don’t feel good – I get cranky, annoyed and my husband can even tell when I haven’t ran!
What is the most important thing you’ve learnt as a runner?
“Embrace your pace!” You simply can’t compare yourself to others and as a runner that is difficult not to do. I use to be so competitive with myself-running a ton of races, trying to be faster, etc. and while that was fun, as I’ve aged as a runner I realize that it’s okay for me to just enjoy running for what it is.
Although I use to run a 7:30 pace, it’s okay that I don’t do that anymore. Maybe it’s a maturity thing, but it has made me enjoy running more!
If you couldn’t run, what would you do instead?
Freak out!!!! Seriously! I’ve done a triathlon, tried to do more swimming, joined gyms, rode my bike, attended group workout classes and nothing simply compares to running.
I certainly know that if there is a reason that I can’t run again, I will have to pursue other workout avenues — fingers crossed I don’t have to!
What’s your biggest running goal?
I want to be that woman with a grey pony tail running down the road. I don’t have any pace goals, race goals, or personal goals. Like I said, I just enjoy running for exactly what it is!
Alastair Vance 