Every week we highlight one of our members from the TRU TRIBE Run Team. Meet Dolly Stevens! If we can do it, so can you!
Why did you start running?
Because leukemia and repeating rounds of treatment made me feel like I didn’t have control over what was happening to my body. Running gave me some control back.
Because leukemia and repeating rounds of treatment made me feel like I didn’t have control over what was happening to my body. Running gave me some control back.
What age did you start running?
46
46
How old are you now? (to inspire the others! but you don’t have to answer if you don’t want to)
52
52
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far from your running journey?
Running can be very mentally therapeutic if I let it. I shouldn’t get inside my own head and beat myself up when I’m disappointed in my performance. I really love running but it’s very difficult most of the time. So I shouldn’t compare myself to other people especially since they are not on MY journey. I shouldn’t let other people define for me what a “runner” is. I hesitated calling myself a runner even after doing 20+ halfs because I couldn’t do what my friends were doing… and that’s just silly.
Running can be very mentally therapeutic if I let it. I shouldn’t get inside my own head and beat myself up when I’m disappointed in my performance. I really love running but it’s very difficult most of the time. So I shouldn’t compare myself to other people especially since they are not on MY journey. I shouldn’t let other people define for me what a “runner” is. I hesitated calling myself a runner even after doing 20+ halfs because I couldn’t do what my friends were doing… and that’s just silly.
What advice would you give a beginner runner?
It’s ok to start slow and small. 5ks are great. Listen to your body. And learn about Chi running from Lisa; it will help you immensely.
It’s ok to start slow and small. 5ks are great. Listen to your body. And learn about Chi running from Lisa; it will help you immensely.
What would you do differently knowing what you know now?
Don’t stop moving. As you get older it’s harder to start back up. I love running so it’s the only thing I want to do. Surgeries and recovery from a broken leg made it impossible to run for over 18 months. During that time I should have switched to spinning or swimming or something else because now it’s very hard to getting back into it.
Don’t stop moving. As you get older it’s harder to start back up. I love running so it’s the only thing I want to do. Surgeries and recovery from a broken leg made it impossible to run for over 18 months. During that time I should have switched to spinning or swimming or something else because now it’s very hard to getting back into it.
What is your longest race distance and why?
13.1 – I had a goal to complete 50 half marathons by my 50th birthday. I was happy that I completed 47 and planned to finish by the end of the year but then I broke my leg while hiking in Peru and it derailed my plans.
13.1 – I had a goal to complete 50 half marathons by my 50th birthday. I was happy that I completed 47 and planned to finish by the end of the year but then I broke my leg while hiking in Peru and it derailed my plans.
Do you have a bucket list race or distance?
Short term: a trail half marathon. Long term: Marine Corps Marathon
Short term: a trail half marathon. Long term: Marine Corps Marathon
What has been your favorite race and/or distance so far?
Favorite distance is between 5k and 10k on trail and especially at night. Favorite race so far is Ragnar Trail Zion.
Favorite distance is between 5k and 10k on trail and especially at night. Favorite race so far is Ragnar Trail Zion.
What is your favorite color?
Orange
Orange
What is your favorite post race food and drink?
Cheeseburger, fries, and beer (preferably Negra Modelo)
Cheeseburger, fries, and beer (preferably Negra Modelo)
Anything else you want to share with the TRU TRIBE 😀
I’m thankful to have a tribe in you ladies. I’ve been struggling a lot with health issues and probably always will, but I’m glad to have a community of like-minded and supportive women around me.
I’m thankful to have a tribe in you ladies. I’ve been struggling a lot with health issues and probably always will, but I’m glad to have a community of like-minded and supportive women around me.
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