25 years running #STWM – Shannon Banero

Our final #STWM 25 Years Running contest winner is Shannon Banero. After moving to Ontario, Shannon signed up for the half-marathon at STWM. Now she’s convinced her dad to run it with her.

This is Shannon Banero’s STWM story:

My running journey started with the Scotiabank half-marathon in 2011. I had just moved to Ontario and was looking for a way to meet new friends. Running has taught me a few things over the last few years. I expect many lessons are still to come.

Running is community. In spring 2011, I saw an advertisement for a half-marathon training clinic, geared towards the Scotiabank race, at my local gym. Naturally, with no idea what I was in for, I signed up. I’m still thankful for the coaches, David and Deloris, for volunteering their time to share their love of running with the community. Their dedication and support helped change my life and brighten the lives of many others.

Running is an achievement. After a few months of training, I ran my first Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront half-marathon that October. The race was exhilarating. I loved the energy in the air. I loved how the spectators would cheer me on by name. I loved the people holding the “Your feet hurt because you’re kicking asphalt” sign. I was proud of myself. I was proud of my peers from the running clinic. I was proud of every stranger crossing that line.

Running is sharing. When the STWM 2013 was approaching, I knew I was going to run the half-marathon, but I figured my dad should run something too. My dad had absolutely no intentions of running, ever. I signed him up anyway and in the summer he began training for the STWM 5K. I made him a chart with goal long runs each week, a place to put comments and his times. Soon he was going further than the distances I set out for him. STWM was a very special memory for me, as I got to share the race day experience with Dad. After running our races and loving every minute, I met my dad at the food tent  —his favourite part. He was hooked too and decided to start training for local 10K races.

Running is inspiration. Excited, my dad and I went to a talk lead by John Stanton. Whether John remembers it or not, at one point he said, “If you can run 10K, you can run a half.” Perhaps because of this line, Dad has signed up to run the STWM half-marathon with me this year. I’m so excited for the 2014 Scotiabank half-marathon, and proud of my dad for his dedication. Now, my brother has started running, and my mom and my aunt are training to walk a half-marathon next year.

Running is a lifestyle. My long-term, long-distance running goals, plans and dreams all started with the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront half-marathon in 2011. Now I run for enjoyment, stress relief, health and chocolate. I’m thankful to have met such inspirational people along my journey and to share my love of running with my family.