Meet Jenny Emery | Once a runner, always a runner

Once a runner, always a runner. Meet Jenny, a former collegiate distance runner and recent mother of two, who found her way back into the sport after winning the lottery. The prize? An entry to race the 2018 New York City Marathon. We’re so excited to watch Jenny find her speed and love for the roads again. Here’s how she’s making motherhood and training work:

When & Why did you get into running?

My first race was in grade 3 and I was immediately hooked!  I ran competitively through high school and competed on both the varsity cross-country and track teams at Western University.  Fast forward more than a decade during which time next to no running was done – not sure if I even owned a pair of running shoes!  Instead, I tried out other hobbies, travelled, focused on my career and professional exams and most importantly, had my two babies!  I always dreamed of doing a marathon and after the birth of my second child in November 2017, I wanted to set a BIG goal that would ensure I stayed active and took time for myself…not the easiest task with young kids at home.  I entered myself in the NYC marathon lottery in January 2018 and was fortunate enough to secure a spot for this fall.

How do you fit running into your busy lifestyle?

I’m currently on maternity leave and I am incredibly lucky to have a wonderful babysitter who takes care of my little guy so I can run after I drop my daughter off at preschool.  My husband holds down the fort every Sunday morning during my long run.  Usually my stretching/foam rolling/strength exercises are done with a baby crawling on me but I try to remind myself that some is better than none!  It truly takes a village.

What was the impetus to start working Mile2Marathon?

While I have some running experience, I had no clue how to train for a marathon and really needed A LOT of guidance.  Having Kate in my corner to plan my training schedule, help with fueling, recovery advice, etc., will help ensure I arrive at that start line in November healthy, fit, slightly less terrified of the task ahead and I’m just so excited to see what I can do on that day!

What do you enjoy most about being part of Mile2Marathon?

Accountability! As I’m predominantly training on my own, knowing Kate will see my workouts on TrainingPeaks gets my butt out the door and keeps me fighting to hit those goal paces.  Kate is such an abundant source of knowledge, support and encouragement.  She will get me to that finish line in November.

Where to next/What’s your big goal currently?

Crossing the 2018 NYC marathon finish line in front of my family and friends!  And snagging a BQ would be icing on the cake :)

Person that inspires you in running or life?

I’m inspired by anyone that’s out there running, putting one foot in front of the other.  Rediscovering the running community has been one of the best parts of getting back in to this sport.  Seeing other runners out on the trails, at the track, making the time to run inspires me to just keep going.  

Fav quote (running related or non-running)?

“No regrets.  No excuses.  Just have fun.  Find the fun, find the fun, find the fun.”  Kelly Roberts