The Tribune

AS part of our coverage of the Sunshine Insurance Race Weekend next January 18 and 19, The Tribune is throwing the spotlight on some of the people planning to run. Today, Ursula Pratt, from Freeport, whose life changed after taking part in the Susan G Komen Bahamas Race for the Cure.

PARTICIPATING in the 2nd annual Susan G Komen Bahamas Race for the Cure 5k on Saturday, January 14, 2012, was to be the start of a new life for Ursula Pratt.

At the starting line, there was an unassuming older woman, who darted off with confidence and determination.

Ursula had goose bumps and thought: “I’m gonna try that!”

After completing the 3.1 mile run, she was encouraged and made a “final” decision to change her lifestyle and committed to graduate from a “certified couch potato” to becoming physically fit at all costs.

After making her commitment known, she was introduced to a marathoner and certified running trainer Shavaughn Blades who coached her on the slow progress of running and eventually training for endurance events leading up to a marathon.

Training was slow but regular with three day-training periods.

Naturally, this was not an easy transition but dedication, commitment and perseverance prevailed.

Ursula had her goal in sight: “I will become a runner!”

Eventually with hard work, joining a group of runners who provided real motivation and the encouragement that was required, she not only attained her running goal but advanced to the four-day training periods with long runs on the weekends.

She was well on her way.

There were major changes that she had to make in her life to attain her new goal. Firstly, she was forced to become a morning person which dictated that the night schedule had to be dramatically adjusted.

Early nights, planning running gear for the morning run and visualising the runs.

She also changed the height of the shoe heels that she was accustomed to wearing as a precautionary measure so as to prevent any injury to her feet when running the following morning.

Fruit, vegetables, white meat and fish became the norm for her diet. Water became her best friend along with daily green smoothie.

Consistent running has transformed Ursula’s mindset, which is now more positive, and her body, which has more energy.

These have become the most rewarding parts of her new lifestyle.

One year after her first run/walk, Ursula took part in the Marathon Bahamas half marathon finishing with a net time of 2:46:46.

A week later, at Miami Marathon, she competed in the half marathon.

Completing two back-to-back half marathons has been the highlight of her short running career.

After accomplishing the half marathon goals, her eyes were set on the granddaddy of all events, a marathon and she targeted the Niagara Marathon, October 27, 2013!

Ursula completed the event and is now set to compete at home in the Bahamas Half on November 27, then Marathon Bahamas on January 19, 2014!

In addition to her training partners and coach, Ursula continues to be inspired by the petite, older lady she saw at the starting line of the SGKBRC in 2012 and who she still sees along the running route.

Ursula encourages the sport of running not only for competition but for physical wellbeing, the ability to set goals and attain them and translation of this commitment and dedication to other aspects of your life.

For a novice, she offers this advice: “Find a training group who will provide the motivation you will require; don’t be overzealous in the early stages of your training; stick with your plan. It will all lead to a new lease on life of renewed energy, focus and the ability to know that having your eye on the prize is attainable.”

• THE Susan G. Komen Bahamas Race for the Cure is scheduled for Saturday, January 18, 2014, at 7am with a start at Montagu Beach, finishing east Paradise Island. Marathon Bahamas (marathon, half and relay) is set for January 19, 2014, 6am with a start at Junkanoo Beach finishing at Arawak Cay.

To register, please visit www.marathonbahamas.com or visit the Sunshine Insurance office at East Shirley Street during normal working hours. More information at (242) 394 0012.

If you, your friends or work colleagues are gearing up for Marathon Bahamas, tell us your story. Email mbiddle@tribunemedia.net or call our newsdesk on 5022359.