Every week we highlight one of our members from the TRU TRIBE Run Team. Meet Yuko Miyazawa.  If we can do it, so can you!

Why did you start running?
I started to run after saying “no” to my best friend, who has been organizing a running team in my church for 8 years.  I took my very first step because of a couple of reasons:  I wanted to start fitness to reduce my stress from single parenting and I wanted to do something big and challenging for a great cause.  The church running team has been a part of the organization called World Vision to raise awareness and funds to provide the clean water so kids in Africa do not need to walk 6km to fetch the dirty water and they would have a time to get educated.

What age did you start running?
49.

How old are you now?
50

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far from your running journey?
With the right training, persistency and wisdom, we can overcome a big challenge like a marathon race.   Please note I was not an athlete and not a runner but I was able to cross the finish line.

What advice would you give a beginner runner?
You can accomplish your goal if you set your mind to it.  In an African proverb, it says “if you want to go faster, you go alone.  If you want to go further, you go together.”  I believe in the accountability, fellowship and encouragement from the team.  If you are a member in Tru Tribe or The Running University or ChiRunning/Walking, you have your team.  You can do it.  Believe in the training process and take one day at a time.

What would you do differently knowing what you know now?
I would definitely sign up for ChiRunning from the beginning and would ask the ChiRunning instructor (Coach Lisa) to help me on the basics.  I will also incorporate my running training with strengthening training.

What is your longest race distance and why?
2019 Chicago Marathon

Do you have a bucket list race or distance?
NYC Marathon, Mt. Fuji International Marathon

What has been your favorite race and/or distance so far?
6K (there is such a race not 5k) because I was able to relate my race to kids in Africa.  Also I was able to run faster due to the shorter distance than Marathon.

What is your favorite color?
Teal

What is your favorite post race food and drink?
Krispy Kreme Donut, red grapefruit and Synergy Gingeraid  Kombucha (I cannot drunk alcohol) and anything salty

Anything else you want to share with the TRU TRIBE Run Team.
I love animals but especially cats. I am a fabulous cook.

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