Christina Ng Kennedy

Team Running Free Markham

Member Since: 2024

Occupation: Registered Nurse

Home: Thornhill, Markham

About Me: I am a mother of three children - a girl and twin boys. Although I have always been active since university, mostly weight training, boxing, skiing and playing ultimate frisbee I took up running in my late-thirties. I heard about it from a mother at a parenting seminar and needed an outlet when the kids were really young. I found this was the place I wanted to be - by myself and in my own thoughts. I was not a runner and having only taken it up the year before, I ran my first half-marathon race at Disney World in January 2020 and because of the pandemic, it would take three more years after that to sign up for another one. I love running, the hurting toes and achiness I feel after longer distances are just signs of the sport I have come to love.

Sports: Ultimate frisbee, weight training, boxing, biking.

Athletic Goals: Continue to train for half-marathons, ultimately a full marathon and a bike/run duathlon

My most catastrophic racing experience was: In 2022, I did a 15km trail run out in Uxbridge. It was a gorgeous sunny fall day. But I was feeling off that morning, even beginning to feel feverish, but I was determined to finish. I did really poorly on that run and ended up walking the last 2 kms, maybe more...I had lost count. I almost collapsed at the end and after some food and rest I managed to drive home. Needless to say I was sick after and needed more time to recover from that run.

My most memorable racing experience was: My Dad passed away Thanksgiving day in October 2023 from Multiple System Atrophy. Six days later I was registered to run the Toronto Waterfront Half-Marathon but I did not know what state I would be in. Days later, I ran the half and raced my personal best. It was a great trip down memory lane because it brought back memories of when we had just moved here from England. I ran through the streets of Toronto and at certain points I would remember my Dad taking us to these places. It was during these moments I felt so close to him. Even with my left knee hurting, I sprinted towards the end and felt like I was running into my father\'s arms. I ran by myself that day and my family was not there for me at the finish line, but it did not matter, I felt my Dad\'s spirit and I did not feel alone. I ran for him because he could not.

Favourite Racing Gear: I switch up my running shoes and try not to depend on one brand, but my most consistent brand has been asics. I recently bought some On shoes and am liking those so far.

Favourite Race: The Disney Half-Marathon in January 2020. This was my first ever half-marathon and I did it at 40 with a couple of girlfriends just weeks before the pandemic hit.

Favourite Race Food: A few sips of coffee, enough to wake me up, but not my bowels and a banana topped with peanut butter.