Dayna Pidhoresky with Olympic standard in sight for Houston

So this happened on Sunday – always fun to race against these girls:) @newbalancecanada #TeamNB ・・・ Our @athleticscanada #AChalfchamps2015 Stars @calgarymarathon #RunYYC 21K! 3rd place @daynapid 1st @lannimarchant 2nd @nwodakruns CONGRATS & TX!

A photo posted by Dayna Pidhoresky (@daynapid) on Jun 2, 2015 at 8:15am PDT

A select group of Canadian elites are currently relaxing and getting in one final meal in Texas ahead of Sunday morning’s Chevron Houston Marathon and the Aramco Houston Half-Marathon.

Among them is Dayna Pidhoresky, a Tecumseh, Ont. native now living in Vancouver, who is set to make her marathon debut.

The New Balance athlete and 1:11 half-marathoner connected with Canadian Running to discuss her plans for Sunday (Jan. 17) as well as her training in the leadup to the race (during which she got married).

Among her goals is the Olympic qualifying standard of 2:29:50.

RELATED: Canadian takeover in Texas for the Houston Marathon.

How did you decide on Houston for your debut?

Originally the plan was to run the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon this past October but my post-tib flared up in September so I had to withdraw and look for something later. Houston was an easy choice — it gave me enough time to do a short build after healing up and the weather is usually perfect for a winter marathon.

How are you feeling heading into the race?

I can honestly say I feel stronger than ever. I’ve been diligent with physiotherapy, massage, and strength training and I believe these have all contributed to my body healing-up and holding-up really well. This build has also been very consistent, training-wise, so I am looking forward to testing my body at this new distance.

A lone wolf was spotted flying around the streets of Jericho today. @NewBalanceCan @DaynaPidhoresky pic.twitter.com/Rzsro3oOlG

— Josh Seifarth (@JoshSeifarth) December 9, 2015

Tell me about your work to get back into good condition for Houston.

I decided to withdraw from STWM [Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon] at the end of September and quickly began a cross-training routine as I healed. Throughout October I spent my time on the bike and in the pool, incorporating intense bike sessions to try to maintain my cardiovascular fitness. By November I had transitioned back to mostly running and to a decent amount of mileage. Getting back to running workouts was surprisingly easy and I felt unusually strong — my body moving as it should, without any need for compensation, probably amplified this feeling.

You’re going for the Olympic qualifying standard — tell me about what went into setting that goal? When did you first start thinking about it?

I’ve been thinking about it for years [but], unfortunately, injuries kept getting in the way of me going forward and building up to a marathon. I wouldn’t be lining up if I didn’t think I was capable of running the Olympic Standard. Perhaps I would have a better debut experience if I chose to be less aggressive but that’s not the way I roll and I would regret it if I did not give it a shot.

Are there any other goals for the marathon that you haven’t mentioned?

Despite having some lofty goals I want to come away from it feeling proud of my effort. No matter what the finish clock says it will be an incredible learning experience and I am already eager to put those lessons to use!

You’re a newlywed! Congrats. Is he going to be there over the weekend? What has his role been in supporting you as a runner?

Thank you! Yes, he will be there which is always a treat for me and so incredibly helpful. He is my coach — he is my support day in and day out and believes in me more than I believe in myself. I feel very lucky to have him on my team!

These fine folks made our wedding week in paradise oh so fun and fabulous! #joshanddaynaswedding #goinbuoys #thatsabiggirl

A photo posted by Dayna Pidhoresky (@daynapid) on Dec 21, 2015 at 7:00am PST

On that note — tell me about planning a wedding AND training for an Olympic qualifying bid in the marathon — it must have been hectic for you.

There wasn’t much planning for me to do since I wanted it low-key and it was at an all-inclusive resort. What I did have to plan gave me a nice outlet that wasn’t running-related. Our December wedding helped me get through some of the more miserable workout days as I looked forward to the warmth of Mexico!

Editor’s note: Sunday’s Chevron Houston Marathon and the Aramco Houston Half-Marathon begin at 7 a.m. CST (8 a.m. EST). Interview by Sinead Mulhern.