About Zach
Welcome to a 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.
Zach is a good friend from church. When he moved to Morrisville and decided to enter a half Ironman, we (MRC) were able to help him train — for the running part. He’s got to know our wacky running family through the process and isn’t able to leave. Now we’re all training to run our first full marathon together. 🤣
Why did you start running?
I have ran off an on for a few years. I would say I committed to running January 2018 in order to train for a half iron man. After the race I decided to keep running as my primary type of exercise.
What keeps you motivated?
My run group is a huge place of inspiration and accountability. We encourage each other and compete to get more fit, faster, and to enjoy runs even on the cold, raining, snowy days.
What is the most important thing you’ve learnt as a runner?
The exercise is only the tip of the iceberg, in terms of the benefits of running. The time and energy spent on a run can be so life giving. The headspace and clarity achieved during a run can be profound. For me so often a run can is so much more than a run.
If you couldn’t run, what would you do instead?
Mountain bike. Any chance I could.
What’s your biggest running goal?
To run a marathon under four hours. Ultimately, the goal is to continue running, making it a lifelong practice for body, mind, and spirit.
Alastair Vance 