Runner’s World+ Member: Linda Valazza
Linda is a Runner’s World+ member. Join her and thousands of others chasing their goals with day-by-day training plans, expert advice from editors and coaches, and unlimited digital access. We regularly feature members online and in print!
Running makes me feel in control of my life. When I am on a run I feel like I can do anything—it’s when I come up with my best ideas. Being able to run gave me the confidence to get certified as a personal trainer and to launch my own training business. I’ve also made some really great friends who I admire and who push me to reach for new goals.
I like the access to the extra articles online. Sometimes I share them on my Facebook page for my running friends.
I started running over 19 years ago after my second child was born. I think I was just using it as a way to get a little peace and quiet. I have four kids now (ages 23, 19, 15 and 9) and I want to show them that they can accomplish anything! About 13 years ago I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis. I struggled with this disease for many years, it made it almost impossible to go outside and run because I couldn’t get more than 10 yards from the bathroom. It took many years to finally achieve remission, I remember crying to my doctor after a bad colonoscopy that I would never achieve my dream of running a marathon. Needless to say she was one of the first calls I made after I finished my first marathon in 2014. I guess I just feel lucky every day that I can lace up my sneakers and leave the house and enjoy the outdoors. Running isn’t something I have to do, it’s something I get to do!
I love to run the boardwalk between Asbury Park and Sea Girt NJ, there is always something to look at. The beach is my favorite place and my ideal day starts with a run along the boardwalk then sitting on the beach for a few hours dozing and enjoying the feel of the breeze. I usually run around mid-morning after I get the kids off to school. I wish I could just wake up and head out first thing but I need a few hours for my stomach to settle before I leave the house.
I only wear Adidas Ultra Boost shoes. I’ve tried other shoes but I always end up back with the Adidas. I’ve never lost a toenail in them! I also love my cheap Champion sports bras. They fit me perfectly and give me just the right amount of support, the only part I hate is trying to get them off!
I’ve entered the lottery for the last 5 years but I never get chosen. I know I could run the 9 + 1 but that is really too much of a commitment for a woman with 2 jobs and 4 kids especially since the races are in NY so there is a travel component, so every year I just try my luck. I also want to do a triathlon. I have been working on swimming for the past few months, its really hard for me! Maybe by next summer I can get good enough to do 300 straight yards and enter a sprint triathlon.
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