For Mary Denton, running is so much more than a way to remain fit. The 35-year-old mother of three says the hobby has become a way for her to remain balanced in her life, and it has given her a way to connect more deeply with the people she loves most.
“It’s such a release after a day of work or dealing with your kids if you’re frustrated,” said Denton. “It’s nice to go outside or have a ride, and it really keeps you in tune with yourself.”
Denton is a part of a group of runners tackling the Mount Robson 50 kilometre ultra marathon on Sep. 9. Ultramarathons, which are races going beyond the classic 42 kilometre distance, are generally trail runs that really push a runner’s strength and endurance.
Denton, a veteran of four regular marathons, said she is looking forward to pushing herself further than she has in the past.
“This is a whole new challenge for me to run that extra eight kilometres and all on trail,” she said.
This will be Denton’s first ultramarathon, a departure from the distances she is accustomed to running. The first marathon Denton ran was in 2011 when her mother signed her up to run a race after making promises that the two would compete together.
“I’d kinda joked with her when I was in my 20s that I would run a marathon with her for her 60th and my 30th, which was the same year,” she said.
Denton’s mother took her up on that offer and held her to her word, signing the two of them up for the 2011 Goodlife Marathon in Victoria, which was taking place only eight weeks later.
Even though she did not have a lot of time to train, Denton says the time she ran during that race is still the fastest she has ever run a marathon.
“Ignorance is bliss, I guess,” she said laughing.
In the time since that first race, Denton has traveled across both the county and the world to participate in races with her mother and a close group of running mates she has developed relationships over the years.
A trip to Copenhagan along with her mother, daughter, aunt and running partners from Prince Rupert was a particularly memorable vacation even if racing conditions made it difficult for them to perform at their best.
“We had a blast, but it was the worst marathon I’ve run in my life,” she said. “It was so hot that the humidity absolutely killed all of us who had been training in the winter in Prince Rupert in the sleet and rain.”
In addition to the inspiration she received from her mother to run in marathons, Denton says the goal of having a race to run in also provides motivation for her train, something she admitted she might not do regularly if it weren’t for the pressure of an upcoming race.
“As a mom, I put a lot of pressure on myself and I’m not motivated enough to go for a run if I’m not training for anything,” she said. “I think I need a valid excuse if I’m taking some time for myself.”
Denton said that trail running and preparing for an ultramarathon also helps her to stay fit for the winter sports season. An avid outdoorswoman and skier, Denton said that trail running allows her to get in shape for some her favourite activities.
“Trail running incorporates all of it because it incorporates nature, which I like,” she said.
After all her years of running, Denton points to her mother as her primary source of inspiration. She says that after completing her first marathon at 60 years of age her mother is her prime role-model, a real-life example that age is nothing but a number.
“My mom leaves me no room for excuses,” she said. “She’s strong and she’s stubborn and if she’s doing it, then I can’t really say that I can’t do it.”
That motivation is something Denton says she wants to pass on to her children and share with other people who may think they are not capable of running. She said she has had multiple surgeries to repair damaged ligaments in her knees, but she can continue running because she has trained slowly over time and built up the strength and stamina.
Most important, she says that running has given her a space where she can take care of herself to be better for the important people in her life, and that people should find that outlet, whatever it is.
“It’s creating that balance where you are taking that time for yourself and it helps you be a better mom, a better wife, a better employee or boss or whatever that role really is,” she said. “I think too many times we don’t look at it like a doctor’s appointment and if you don’t do that - and make it a priority - then it’s too easy to brush off.”