The People of Ted's Run for Literacy, Meet Steve Wetton

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 an individual whose contribution to TRL helps to define the heart and soul of this fine event. The People of TRL is the brainchild of our Social Media chair, Carly Walsh.

Steve Wetton, Ted's Run for Literacy Sponsor Chair

We are very happy to have Steve Wetton as the newest member of the Ted’s Run for Literacy committee. His knowledge, and fresh perspective brings great value to the team - we just won’t let him name any of our future races (see question #4’s answer).

Ted’s Run for Literacy - How long have you been running, and why did you start?
Steve Wetton - It's hard to remember exactly when I started calling myself a runner, but
I did technically join the cross country team in Grade 12. I think it wasn't until around 2005 when I did my first half marathon that I allowed myself the title of "runner" - until then I just considered it a hobby! There's a variety of reasons I started running, but mostly just because it felt good!
Soon I found myself racking up the distances and getting such a sense of euphoria and accomplishment that I was hooked!

TRL - Did Michael Bennett chase you down during a grueling Sunday long run to convince you to join the TRL committee? (Editor’s note: he does this to most unsuspecting TRL board members).
SW - I remember it being a blustery Sunday morning with a windchill of -40°C, or something just as bad. We were out for a trial run of the Hypothermic Half route and Michael came up alongside me. Maybe he just needed to thaw his face by moving his mouth, but we ended up having a chat about TRL and how there was a space on the committee that he thought I would be interested in. Between gusts of wind across the bare Fort Whyte Alive fields, I told him that I'd love to help out. Here I am today!

TRL - Road, trail, or treadmill - where do you like to run?
SW - Depends on the weather! I can be quite content anywhere if the conditions are right, but you'll most commonly find me pounding pavement somewhere between River Heights and Roblin.

TRL - If you could create your own race what would it be (creative name required).
SW - I already have one! It involves lots of biking, running, and perhaps some
dehydrators in the final mile! For alliteration's sake, perhaps I'll rename it to.... Steve's Super Series Soirée.... Probably won't be calling it that...

TRL - What does TRL mean to you?
SW - Growing up as a child, I definitely loved to read. My parents and school strongly encouraged it, and over the years I blasted through everything I could get my hands on. I know for a fact that my education has benefited greatly from this positive reinforcement! An area where I wasn't quite as strong with was physical activity. To see a program that pushes both items in tandem is so amazing to see and a great cause to support.

It's a good day to be alive.