This Local Mom Is Running For All The Right Reasons

A Running Community For All

As a locally-owned small business, St. Pete Running Company strives to foster a community of walkers and runners who have a place to belong. We’re so proud of our customer family and all the ways they are reaching for and achieving their goals.

Local runner Nadia Contreras inspires us through her perseverance, determination, and most of all, her love for her son. We’re pleased to share some good advice from this running mom.

Q&A with Running Mom Nadia

Question: How do you find time to train?

Nadia: Training is fully scheduled and planned for me. Not only does it help keep me consistent, but it’s the only way I would be able to workout with my new lifestyle. I became a single working mom while training for my first marathon last year and that was a real life test. It taught me how to adapt to my present moment and make time for training. Thankfully, I have family, friends, and coaches that fully support my journey and always offer to help and keep me on track. I always prepare for a late night workout just in case.

Question: What does good health mean for you?

Nadia: Working out is not about being able to fit back into my size 2 jeans anymore. I run to help lower my risk of breast and cervical cancer, reduce stress, improve mental health, and maintain a strong immune system. I’ve changed my eating and sleeping habits for the better, not to lose those pesky 10lbs, but to be a stronger athlete and role model for my child.

Question: What advice do you have for other women who want to get started in their fitness journey?

Nadia: The best advice I can give is to start right now and set realistic goals! Not every mom loses her baby weight immediately, runs a sub-4hr first marathon or completes an Iron Man right out of the gate. It takes time, commitment and a village to help. Find some people on social media or a local running group and follow their journey to help with your motivation but remember their success is not your failure. Be accepting of change and get uncomfortable with this process. This is your story to tell, so tell us how it starts.

Where To Find a Running Group

At St. Pete Running Company, we’re pleased to offer free, bi-weekly Group Runs for all levels of walkers and runners. Every Monday and Thursday at 6:30 PM, the group meets at the store (6986 22nd Ave N, St. Pete, FL 33710) for a walk or jog. This is a low-pressure, casual group run. Every first-timer gets a $10 Gift Card to St. Pete Running Company. We are taking precautions against the spread of Covid. See our Community Run Covid Safety Plan HERE.

St. Pete Running Company is OPEN

We are working hard to keep our store clean and sanitized for you, our customer family. In accordance with county, city, and CDC guidelines, we require our employees to wear masks. Customers are also asked to wear masks when they come into our store. We provide hand sanitizer when you enter the store and we are limiting the number of patrons in the store at one time.

Please feel free to call us with any questions at 727-800-5043.