Runner’s World+ Member: Leila Khazaeni
Leila is a Runner’s World+ member. Join her and thousands of others chasing their goals with day-by-day training plans, expert advice from editors and coaches, and unlimited digital access. We regularly feature members online and in print!
I started running in high school because I wanted to get an A in physical education class (if you could run a mile under 7:15, you would get an A for that skill). I was “vertically challenged” (petite) at a height of 4’9” and so I never thought I could run well. I ran around my neighborhood to train and to my surprise, earned my A with a 7 minute mile. Running got me the grades I needed to get into Princeton!
I discovered I really loved running and kept running on my own. The girls cross country team needed a 5th runner that year, so I volunteered so that the team would have enough runners. I didn’t earn any trophies, but our team did well. Fast forward to medical school when a few friends decided to train for their first marathon, and suggested since I was already running anyways, that I should run with them. The next year in 1999, I ran the Chicago marathon in just over 4 hours. And then New York in 2003, again over 4 hours.
I kept running through med school and residency on my own, got married, had 3 children and then in 2017 on a whim I ran my 3rd marathon, Ventura, and earned a BQ at the age of 42! This gave me such confidence, and allowed me to really embrace my 40s! So nearly 20 years after my first marathon (Chicago, 1999), I ran Boston (2019).
I joined RW+ because I wanted to be part of the larger running community, to share in the triumphs and setbacks of fellow runners.
The feeling of freedom motivates me to run. I leave everything behind, I step out the door and I truly enjoy being outside and moving in nature, whether sunny or rainy, snowy, hot and humid or cold.
A long run route (13 miles round trip) along sunset drive in Redlands, CA leading up to Panorama point where there is a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains. I run at 5:15 a.m. most days—while my kids are still asleep. With my work and family schedule, if it doesn’t happen early in the morning, it may not happen at all.
Currently, it’s my new favorite white sun visor which my daughter won for me at her summer tennis camp last year.
To keep running strong and healthy for a few more decades.
You Might Also Like