My Running Story: Hannah Steward

How/when did you start running? I stared running in 2010 when I turned 30 with the couch to 5k app. I was never a runner! The mile day in gym class was always the most dreaded day of the year for me. My husband started running and I decided to put my fear of running aside and give it a try. My running was always inconsistent and I would go months in between runs. I would sign up for a half marathon and then run for a few months to train, then stop again. When the pandemic hit, running was the only time I left the house, and the only time I had to myself. I am a third grade teacher and COVID has dramatically changed my job. Between teaching on Zoom and helping my daughter with school, running was the only thing keeping me sane.

What inspires you to be active? My 6 year old daughter inspires me to be active. I want to show her what an active lifestyle looks like. She loves to ride her scooter with me while I run around the neighborhood. I want her to see with hard work and commitment, she can do anything.

What lessons have you learned from running? Running has shown me that when I commit time to myself that I can give more to those around me. I am a happier person when I get up and go for a run to start the day.

How has the Andiamo challenges motivated you during these past months? One of my favorite running shirts says : “outrun yourself.” When I first started running I compared myself to others and their paces. Now I know it’s all about running my own race and setting a goal for myself to achieve. Before the Andiamo challenges I never ran 7 days out of the week, and would never have attempted to run 100 miles in San Antonio in July. This group has inspired me to do it and given so much encouragement. My mom, Cindy, has also being doing the challenges and has walked 100 miles every month! She inspires me to get out there and get active.

Where are your favorite places to run? My neighborhood trail is the Salad Creek Greenway at Tobin. I run around my Northwood neighborhood during the week, it has great wide streets and neighbors always give a wave.

Thank you for sharing your story, Hannah! And gracias for being part of the Andiamo running community! You are truly an inspiration and we are grateful to have you as part of our community. Let’s #keepgoing #keeprunning #yocorroeveryday