May 30, 2017

Runcoach Success Story: Tariq Brown

Written by Jennifer Van Allen
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For Tariq Brown, the physical fitness running provides pales in comparison to the emotional and mental strength it bestows.

During his hardest times, the sport has provided a gateway to healing. “I ran through my youth as a way to cope,” he says.  “Now, more than 30 years later, I’ve discovered it again, and it has opened up a lot for me in my mid-life journey.”

Along the way, he has gotten fitter and faster. He recently finished his first half-marathon in 1:51.

“Last October I could barely squeeze out a 9-minute mile,” he says. “For the first time since I was 17 I am actually improving and increasing my running. I was very, very happy, and I loved the experience!”

 tariqbrown 1Tariq Brown
Favorite sport: 
running
What’s the secret to your success? A desire to live my life fully.  I seem to be pretty disciplined, too.

What’s the biggest obstacle to moving more and how do you get over it? I have struggled with addiction and depression throughout my life related to PTSD from childhood sexual abuse. I have worked very hard to eliminate from my life anything that would take me away from my true nature -- who I was before that happened.  I have worked very hard to instill a spiritually-based lifestyle.  I ran through my youth as a way to cope.  Recently, at almost 50, I've discovered it again. It has opened up a lot for me in my mid-life journey.

What is the most rewarding part of running? It is so hard to describe to non-runners what a long run does for me.  I have the added gratitude of simply completing a run without being hurt or injured.  For the first time since I was 17 I am actually improving and increasing my running.  I am so grateful every day when I can go out and have this experience. Last October I could barely squeeze out a 9 minute mile.  I recently ran my first half-marathon in May, and finished in 1:51. I was very, very happy, and I loved the experience!

What advice would you give to other members of the Runcoach community? Many of you have deep struggles.  Find your Community, tell the Truth and don't ever give up.


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Last modified on June 14, 2017
Jennifer Van Allen

Jennifer Van Allen

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