A resource for all things running.
Starting something new takes courage, dedication and a lot of passion. It also takes a good friend. Today we are excited to share our new passion project with you - Get Into Stride - a resource for all things running.
Who we are: We are 2 runners from Chicago. We met through Instagram and quickly realized we had a lot in common when it came to our love for running. After discovering that we were both running the same marathons that fall, we began to meet up to share our experiences.
While we both have a passion (um…our partners would say ‘obsession’!) for all things running, our individual paths to running were very different.
Our Story
Zhenya
I was a high school track athlete competing in the 1K distance. With my experience as a competitive runner and as an RRCA-certified running coach, I am able to share invaluable advice on training. I have been a runner since I was 14, taking breaks during my early 20s and running “just for fun”. During my time living on the east coast, I got to spectate the NYC marathon at mile 24 in Central Park. That memory was always an inspiration for me, so when my husband suggested I find a hobby in late 2019, while he was studying for the CFA, running was the only thing that came to mind. I started training for a few races, but all of them got canceled due to the pandemic. Luckily 2021 brought us all back together, and I ran my first Chicago marathon fundraising for Anti-Cruelty Society (where I adopted my cat Ben from.) Shortly after, I ran the LA marathon and won 3rd place in my age group. I got bit by the marathon bug.
Janet
I did not start running until later in life, after I turned 40, moved to Chicago, and started running along Chicago’s beautiful lakefront as a way to explore my new city. I entered my first race - the Hot Chocolate 15K - lured by the idea of getting chocolate at every mile and a big bowl of chocolate fondue at the end! Eventually I worked my way up to half-marathon distance. I could not even envision doing a marathon. Then in the summer of 2021, a friend passed away from cancer, and we entered the Chicago Marathon to raise money for Imerman Angels, a charity that he had supported. Training with CES (Chicago Endurance Sports), I discovered the joys of distance running, group training, and grew to love the amazingly supportive running community. It doesn’t matter if you are ‘fast’ or ‘slow’ - we are all on the same journey of continuous self-improvement. Since then, I have run 4 World Major Marathons, and am seeking to complete all 6!
Come Stride with Us!
While we come from different running backgrounds (and run at different paces), the beauty of running is that we are able to run the same races, pursue the same goals - getting to the finish line in our best time possible! We run many of the same marathons, and we are excited to share our different perspectives and experiences. Each runner has her own unique journey. We are excited to share ours with you!
Come stride with us!
Xx
Janet & Zhenya
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