Runner’s World+ Member: Amanda Silva
Amanda is a Runner’s World+ member. Join her and thousands of others chasing their goals with day-by-day training plans, expert advice from editors and coaches, and unlimited digital access. We regularly feature members online and in print!
I had Scoliosis surgery when I was young so I couldn’t run or participate in gym as a teenager. After college, life slowed down, friends got active and I had an opportunity to figure out what life would be like living with rods in my back. I slowly started trying things like yoga, zumba, weights and running in my early 20s. Running was something that caught my attention and kept it. At 28, I was in a bad relationship and a toxic job. I knew I needed a release from these toxic things in my life and I started running long distance. Through running I saw what practice and progress meant and started applying that to other parts my life. I basically was able to finally give myself permission to leave that bad relationship and a bad job situation because I saw myself do things through running I never thought I could do. I never thought I could run a half marathon but I ended up running seven half marathons in two years. Whenever I tell myself I’m stuck in life, I just sign up for a half marathon and show myself, again, how to progress.
To learn from like-minded people who love to run. I like hearing about peoples’ progress and silently cheering for them in my head. I hope people silently cheer for me too :).
I run to get my heart beating, keep healthy and because I just love it. I also lived in an apartment with my German Shepherd, Oliver, so I was able to take him with me. Oliver was a great running partner and made me feel safe as I ran alone.
I run after work around 6-7 p.m. 3-4 times per week. No particular route. I love to run around the downtown scenery, Purdue’s campus, or a local park. When I vacation, I try and run around something fun, like the beach or a park.
Brooks or 361 shoes. Under Armor sports bras. Anything to keep me warm or cool.
To run a full marathon. I think my back is slowly telling me my running days are over so if I can run one full marathon then I’ll be happy.
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