At Mizuno, we believe in the “Transformative Power of Running”. Every runner has a story of where they started and where running took them. We would like to give our runners a chance to share their story, recognize their hard work, and maybe, just maybe, inspire someone else. In Japanese, “Nakama” means friend. We are asking runners from all over the country to share their story of the transformative power of running, of the submissions, we will select one “Mizuno Nakama” each month to be featured on our blog. Winners will also receive a free pair of Mizuno’s and a pair to share with a friend.
This month, our Mizuno Nakama is Bonnie Wilson, who believes that If Everybody Ran “The world would be a stronger more amazing place. And people would realize they could do so much more then they ever imagined.” We agree, Bonnie. Read more about her story and journey below.
How did you discover running?
Running found me.
I was never an athlete, I was never even interested in being one. But in the midst of fighting weight issues, I was working with a trainer who was helping me battle the self-confidence issues that came with being obese. He wanted me to try and find something that I could do outside of the gym and challenged me to try training for a 5K. My first 5K was AWFUL.
I was struggling, I hated everything about it and I felt so bad about myself I never wanted to try it again. He saw something in me that I didn’t and convinced me to give it a second try. I ran a 5K a few months later and never looked back. I always said this was going to end with one 5K, HA!!! I am now running marathons.
Explain how running has transformed your life.
I think more then anything it has taught me how strong I really am and it helps me stay connected to how strong I really am. I have gone through a lot in the last year due to having a father battling obesity related issues. Running has been the time that I have needed to be able to keep perspective in my life, keep connected to how strong I am and remember that I can do anything that I set my mind to. I was a depressed, hurting, obese and not a dreamer. After running, I became a brand new person.
What has been your favorite race so far in your journey?
Its a tie- Either the OKC Marathon four years ago when against everyone telling me that it was not worth it.
The second one would be The SF Marathon this year: This was against all odds. because I was spending a lot of time dealing with my dads health issues and training had not been where I had hoped for. I was so nervous I almost decided the day of the race I could not do this race (the SF Marathon course is tough) I decided after help from a friend that I could indeed handle it. That day I realized how truly tough I was and how strong I was.
What makes you a “Mizuno Runner”?
I may not be the typical runner. But I have kept close to 100 pounds off for seven years.
I may be a mid pack runner but I don’t let it stop me. I may be dealing with more chaos then one ever should, I might not be able to race as much as I had hoped for this year, but I don’t let anything stop me from getting out there and running.
Favorite Mizuno Shoe and Why?
The Wave Inspire 10. Honestly, they feel like slippers when I run.
Tell us about your friend who you want to share “the love of the run” with.
My friend Trica. I met her through the SF Marathon and she has become like a big sister to me. She has always encouraged me to dream even bigger, persue things I want to go for. She was also one of the friends who was with me when nerves set in before the SF Marathon. She made sure that I realized I could handle it.
Do you know someone who has a story to tell? Help us find the next Mizuno Nakama, entries can be submitted here: Mizuno Nakama Submissions