Setting myself up for success!

Name: Kelly Ambrose
Home: Port Hope, ON
Age: 51

Life before running
I have been running for 15 years.  I started running when I was a sedentary couch potato, living in Bermuda.  Great lifestyle in Bermuda that included much eating and drinking!  I watched a show (while laying on the couch) with a man name Covert Bailey who literally motivated me to get up and walk and then run.  I bought his book Fit or Fat and got fit!

Turning Point
The turning point for me was finding the Penguins & John Bingham about ten years ago.  I read his book "The Courage to Start."  The Penguins made running fun, social and about achieving goals for your own reasons.  It was then I decided that I could do anything I put my mind to!  I did my first marathon at 40 in Toronto and was hooked.

The Plan
I have always enjoyed running with a cause - most runs have a charity that they are supporting in Canada and I have participated in Run for the Cure each fall as breast cancer in particular is a cause close to my heart (no pun intended!).

I started doing the 60 km Walk for the Weekend to End Breast Cancer.  It fit in well with fall running goals (except for the blisters) and was an amazing event.

Four years ago I relocated out to Port Hope and as a result didn't have my beloved Penguins to run with.  But I continued to walk.  This fall will be my 7th Weekend to End Cancer walk and this year I'll be doing it with my daughter and Aunt who is a Survivor thriver!

So walking has been my thing for the past four years.  I would occasionally run during my walks and every time I see someone running (usually middle aged female) I would experience a pang of regret...I still miss it!

The Biggest Reward
Since my couch potato days in Bermuda, I have done too many races to count including four marathons.  It has truly changed my life in every way.  It serves so many purposes for me - meditation, stress release, self esteem and confidence building and of course, a general sense of well being.  To be able to put on running shoes and just go is important to me - fitting in an exercise class just doesn't work.

My tips for success

Incorporate races into your game plan
Training for a race gives you structure and makes you plan and balance your life - great skills to learn even at this age.  It also makes you think about taking care of yourself and your body - e.g. by choosing the right foods for training.