Nikki Scott beat the odds to start her running journey
More than just long-term runners of the BMO Vancouver Marathon, RUNVAN Community Ambassadors are leaders in Vancouver who embody the Vancouver International Marathon Society’s mission, vision, and values. Elite and recreational runners, business leaders, or local heroes, these superstars find joy in motivating and inspiring others through running. They’re also comfortable with public speaking and tend to be regulars at our running events throughout the year.
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Nikki is the mom of two little boys, a runner, blogger and lover of fries. In 2005 she was seriously injured in a car accident and told she would be able to run again. After years of therapy, she was ready to start getting her life back and joined a local clinic to give running a try. A huge believer in positive thinking, Nikki worked hard to cross that first finish line and hasn’t looked back since. She has since completed more than 20 half marathons, 3 full marathons and 2 ultra marathons. Nikki writes about her life from injury to ultra marathon on her blog Slow is the New Fast at www.slownewfast.com.
RUNVAN: Take us back to the first time you ran in the Vancouver Marathon or Half Marathon. What was it like? How long ago was it? What do you think has changed since then?
Nikki Scott: I ran the Vancouver half marathon in May 2008 – it was my first half marathon and a huge achievement for me. After a serious car accident in 2005 I was told I’d never run again but had been working very hard since January 2008 to learn to run again. Finishing the Vancouver half was so much more than a race, it signified me getting my confidence back after the accident and was the start of my love for running. Every year, this event feels like the perfect way to look back and celebrate how far we’ve come. The Vancouver Marathon course has changed a lot since then but I like to think that I have too.
RV: Name a few of your favourite points along our new course. Why do they stand out for you?
NS: The new course is so beautiful, it’s hard to pick out just a few favourites! Getting to the top of the Camosun hill feels pretty good but running past UBC and along Marine Drive down to Jericho Beach is probably my favourite part. I went to UBC so it always feels good to be back but more importantly, it’s the start of that glorious downhill stretch to the beach. You get your first glimpse of downtown and you can’t help but feel energized coming down to the hill. It’s the perfect send off to Kitsilano and the home stretch through Stanley Park.
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RV: Aside from our event, where’s your favourite spot to run and why? Or, tell us about your favourite local running route or trail.
NS: Living in the Lower Mainland I feel lucky to have so many beautiful places to run. Close to home, I love running in our regional parks like Redwood, Campbell Valley and White Rock Beach. I’ve spent many miles running quiet, country roads in Langley and when I can, I love to get downtown or even to the North Shore for some trails.
RV: What is your pre-race routine? Runners would love to hear about your favorite meal to have the night before a race, your superstitious habits, or even your warm-up routine.
NS: My pre-race routine is a huge part of getting ready for a big race because the routine itself helps calm me. The night before I like to have a favourite meal like fish or pasta and before bed, I like to lay everything out and think through my plans for the next day. Before the race, my breakfast is always peanut butter toast, a bowl of yogurt with raisins and a banana to eat in the car. As for warming up, seeing everyone and sharing those pre-race jitters is usually enough to get my blood flowing.
RV: What’s the best advice you’ve ever received from a parent, coach, or mentor about running? Or, got your own advice? Share it here, too.
I think the best advice I can offer is to always believe in yourself and remember why you are running. We all run for different reasons and it’s easy to get caught up in being the fastest or running the farthest. Success in running can be defined in so many ways and I think it’s important to know what your own goals are. Every step is an achievement and every finish line should be celebrated no matter how long it takes you to get there.
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