The People of Ted's Run for Literacy; Meet Christy Zamzow

The People of Ted's Run for Literacy is a 'behind the scenes' look at the many individuals that make up Ted's Run for Literacy; from committee members, to runners, to volunteers, to sponsors.  Every week leading up to Race Day we will interview another individual whose contribution to TRL defines the heart and soul of this fine event. The People of TRL is the brainchild of our Social Media chair, Carly Walsh.

Christy Zamzow; TRL Committee member

If you’ve had the pleasure of being in one of Christy’s running clinics at the Running Room on Kenaston, you know she for sure rhymes run with fun (I mean check out her photos). The TRL Board is lucky to have her as a web-design-type-person, registration-organizer-lady, utlitmate-brochure-creator, and just all-around-super-supporter.

Ted’s Run for Literacy - How long have you been running?
Christy Zamzow - I started running for fitness when I was 18 and despised every minute of it. It was hard! I ran off and on until 2005 when a "frenemy" challenged me to a half marathon. I still remember the first 10 mile training run and thinking, "I just ran 10 miles! All at once!" I think that was when I realized I actually liked running and thinking I could do anything. Even now though, every race I get nervous and think "I can't do this." That is when you just have to trust your training and realize that no matter what, you have just passed everyone on the couch.

TRL - You're known for having a little fun with your race attire - what's been your best costume?
CZ - Ha! Who have you been talking to? I am boring! Lies! All Lies! Doesn't everyone run in a "I Dream of Genie" costume for the Hypothermic Half? Probably my favourite would be the miniature Elvis costume because I could make him dance while I run!

TRL - Do you have a running mantra?
CZ - I do! Have you ever run with Edwina Keats? She is a machine! She just doesn't quit. I did one training run with her and it was a pretty windy day. Every time we had to run into the wind, Edwina sped up. We were on a trail by the river and there were a few hills. Every hill, Edwina sped up. The amazing thing is, the harder the challenge, the faster she goes. Ever since then my mantra has been "Be Edwina. Be Edwina, Be Edwina."

TRL - If you had one item of food waiting for you at the finish line what would it be?
CZ - A cold cold beer.

TRL - What does Ted's Run mean to you?
CZ - Ted was one of the best clinic instructors out there. He always, and I mean always, made sure that everyone got across the finish line. He knew his stuff and he was always available if you had questions. He never made you feel bad for asking. The fact that we can support a charity in his honour that teachers running and literacy to children is just fantastic. Sport is so important for kids and their developing minds.It's absolutely great that we can teach them how to set a long term goal and attain it without a T.V. screen! I will always support this run.

It's a good day to be alive!