Every Journey Begins with a Few Steps: How I Became a Runner

I was not born to run. For the first 25 years of my life I was a mostly overweight, yo-yo dieter and an average athlete who had a love-hate relationship with the gym. Running came into my life at a time when I really needed it. After anxiety and depression contributed to a 70 pound weight gain, my concerned doctor told me it was time to get serious about losing weight. I still remember the first few steps I took as a runner along the Lisgar Trail in Mississauga – little did I know they would be the first steps of many, many more.

Jenna’s First Race

60 seconds – that’s how long my first run was. Whenever someone asks me how I became a runner, I always tell them that it was a journey that started with a 1 minute run.  Slowly, I worked up to 5 minutes of running, then 10, then 20, and eventually an hour. My first race was the Toronto Women’s Run 8k on October 23rd 2010 and I finished in a time of 45:17. Since 2010, I have completed 9 additional races, including 2 half marathons, which had me running over 2 hours straight.

In addition to the amazing physical benefits of running such as increased endurance, weight loss, and some pretty killer calves, running has made me a stronger person mentally and emotionally.  Crossing the finish line at a race, whether it be 10K or 21K, is an indescribable feeling. I still get overwhelmed as I see the cheering crowds, the time clock, the finish line in sight and I’m usually tearing up by the last 500 metres. I feel like a champion every time I cross the finish line knowing that I have accomplished something that has tested both my physical and mental strength.


When talking to non-runners, I often hear “Oh, I could never be a runner.” My automatic response is always “Oh, yes you can.” If I could become a runner, anyone can. You don’t need to have an athletic body or a history of participating in sports to be a great runner. Most of what you need comes from inside: a strong will, a dedicated mind, perseverance when training gets tough, and most importantly, the power to believe in yourself.

This October 14, I will be running the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Half-Marathon, my 3rd time taking on 21.1K. I am honoured to be a part of the Lifestyle Kick Community and look forward to sharing my journey with you as I complete my last 2 months of training leading up to the big day!

  • cp6523

    Way to go Jenna! Great inspiration, Nice article and a great inspiration!

  • nites

    awesome Jenna. that’s the way to go girl. and what you said is very true as I did the same, however, it was mainly working out. Slowly, my running was may be 30 sec and now one to three minutes. So I have to work on it. I like your dedication and perseverance. Keep it going!

  • OhMyWord

    Jenna, this is amazing! I’m so happy that you’ve discovered this passion. I’ve always been in the, “I’ll never be a runner camp” – maybe you’ll convert me yet.

  • SummerGirl

    What an inspirational article! Thanks for sharing your story Jenna!!! Can’t wait to read more :)