Trail running after 50: the Facebook message that changed a life
After sitting at a desk for 30 years, Elizabeth Kitchen decided to try trail running
“Mom?” When Elizabeth Kitchen saw her daughter’s comment on Facebook about signing up for a Five Peaks trail race, she decided to go for it. At 57 years old, Kitchen was not a runner. She had been sitting behind a desk for 30 years as a financial planner in Peterborough, Ont. Still, Kitchen ran the muddy 5K trail race anyway. Now she’s hooked.
RELATED: WATCH: Falling in love with trail running
Inspiration
Kitchen took the risk after realizing how much fun her daughter Gemma has with trail running. As a new runner, Kitchen focuses on five to 10Ks in the trails. She has noticed her body and mind getting stronger with age, and is keen to increase her stamina. “As long as my body keeps getting stronger, I feel it may be something I can continue into my seventies. I may increase my favourite distance over time as I build my core body strength.”
RELATED: Trail running after 50: Becky Bates
Training
A true trail runner at heart, Kitchen is drawn to the serenity of the forest and the support of the community. She runs in the trails around Peterborough, and will run with a friend on the weekends to explore new trails. “I love the people I meet at the races, and it allows me to set goals.”
This year, Kitchen has signed up for all Five Peaks races. Her goal is to finish in the top third of her age category. “I will train harder this year to be ready for the next age category.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/BjtIrmCFrH5/
Adventure
Kitchen aims to combine travel with her running. Just last September she ran through Killarney National Park in Ireland on a sightseeing and trail running mission. In Algonquin Park last year, she and her daughter ended up on a longer-than-planned trail adventure. Despite one million mosquitos and mud above their ankles, they chose to laugh instead of panic.
Next on her list, Kitchen hopes to return to the Scottish Highlands for a running tour.
Advice
What advice does Kitchen have for others? “Keep moving! If I can run 10K, there are a lot of people that are capable of the same.”
RELATED: Trail running after 50: the man who fuels on blueberries
Check out the latest buyer's guide:
