Runner of the Week: Stephanie Velasco

The Runner of the Week is Stephanie Velasco!  It all started back in 8th grade when her friend wanted them to do track together. Her friend really enjoyed it and thought Stephanie would too.  Plus, Stephanie wanted something to do, and track fulfilled that desire for her.  She also joined the cross country team in high school.  She really enjoyed being part of both of these teams.

Utah Valley Half Marathon, June 2011

Utah Valley Half Marathon, June 2011

Stephanie is a very self-motivated person and enjoys pushing herself to go farther.  She likes doing long distance running, as well as doing speed workouts, which is what she does every other day.  One of the warm up exercises she does is making circular motions with her arms.  Arms aren't usually something we think of to warm up before running, but it's just as important to warm them up as well as the legs. 

Kaysville 5K, July 2011

One day while Stephanie was running, she came across someone playing soccer.  She joined him and they had a great time playing.  They talked a lot and got to know each other.  They talked about their goals for the future regarding running.  They thought it was great they got to meet another person who had the same enthusiasm for running as they themselves did.  

Dirty Dash 5K, September 2011

In September of 2011, Stephanie ran in the Dirty Dash.  She said she and her friends loved rolling around in the mud and getting all dirty.  Definitely a fun experience!

Santa Run 5K, December 2011

Stephanie got to run in a Santa Run several years ago.  Each participant got to dress up in a Santa costume, including the suite, hat, beard, and all!  

Pride of the Valley 5K, 2012
Stephanie (left) and Heather (right) with two Green Men
from the marching band at UVU.

The Pride of the Valley 5K is where I first met Stephanie.  She came up to me after the race near the finish line and started talking to me and asking questions about me and my experience with running. After that, we walked around the booths together and got to know each other a little more.  Since then, we have kept up our friendship and still enjoy talking to each other.  I'm so glad a great friendship was the result of this race!


 Stephanie went to Bolivia this past summer and while she was there, she still wanted to keep up with her workouts.  She went to one of the tracks there and she was able to teach some people some of her workout and running techniques. 

Big Cottonwood Marathon, 2013

 In 2013, Stephanie ran in the Big Cottonwood Marathon.  It was her first marathon and she was really excited to do it.  During the race, it started raining.  In addition to this, a lot of the race was downhill, so her knees started to get tired.  She had to slow down to a walk for part of it, but she was determined not to quit.  The people at the finish line started taking down the equipment because the race was over, but Stephanie wouldn't give up.  She kept on going and finished the race!! Even though it was really tough, she is glad she did it and is happy to say that she completed her first marathon!

She would much rather run outside.  However, during the winter months she runs inside because the air outside is too cold for her lungs.  This way she gets a variety of inside and outside running.  It also makes her look forward to spring each year because she can start running outside again.

Stephanie is a great inspiration for me to keep on running, even when I'm tired and don't feel like getting to my original goal. Stephanie is able to motivate herself to complete her goals.  "I think it's just because I love it, " Stephanie says. "The more I run, the more I can't stop."