Every week I pull up the Member Engagement report to see who has engaged the most the week before who hasn’t been nominated yet. This week we meet Gayle Martin!
Why did you start running?
Running saved my life In 2010 I was in the depths of the worst depression I was in an unhappy, unhealthy marriage I felt overweight and unhappy with my tired, sluggish body, and was unable to concentrate on anything apart from my persistent grief and self-loathing. I had a decision to make I knew that if I did not change nothing would .I woke up after a long night of partying and blacking out. As soon as I stepped out of the bed I knew I had made a mistake. I could not walk I had broken my big toe and acquired a hair line fracture, waking up that morning was my wake up call. This injury reminded me to stay committed. Each day I made one more healthy choice and one more day marked off the calendar that was a success. After the 6 weeks my foot healed I joined the gym. I then kept getting this inner pull to run a Marathon. I tried ignoring it. The thought would not leave. So I eventually gave in. I knew though in order to pull this off I would have to find a purpose to keep me going. That’s where my story begins I chose a charity close to my heart The Alzheimer’s foundation and along with Cancer. Every Morning I would get up and train Run sometimes for two hours at a time. Every day in the beginning of my recovery was like going to war. I had to fight off my ex-husbands pull to keep me complacent. I had to fight off temptation, I had to fight fears of success, I had to embrace who I was becoming and start to understand, love, and forgive myself. Once I broke through barriers I started to experience the beauty of where my true potential and authenticity was going. I started beginning to learn myself worth. When I was running the marathon I will never forget the image of people who gave up on mile 20 some walking off, others getting injured. All I could think about was how far I had come, how there was more purpose in this than me and how Running became my personal medicine.
What age did you start running?
I was 34 years old when I started my journey of Running.
How old are you now?
I am 45 years old
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far from your running journey?
If I want to feel more connected to myself go for a long run it inspires creativity and deep meditation.
What advice would you give a beginner runner?
Be Kind to yourself, Focus on what is strong and not what’s is wrong, and remember consistency over intensity.
What would you do differently knowing what you know now?
I would have incorporated more cross training early on in my journey, flexibility strength training etc.
What is your longest race distance and why?
26.2 Miles it was my journey to wellness
Do you have a bucket list race or distance?
A full Marathon
What has been your favorite race and/or distance so far?
The Champaign Illinois Marathon 26.3 Miles
What is your favorite color?
Purple
What is your favorite post race food and drink?
Gatorade
Anything else you want to share with the TRU TRIBE Run Team.
I feel Grateful to have found such a wonderful group of women athletes.