Stories of Inspiration from Our Amazing Clients!
Meet Yana! She’s taken running marathons to the next level and always for charity!
She just finished another 5 marathons in 5 consecutive days, but in the past she’s also run 10 marathons in 10 consecutive days and 30 marathons in 30 consecutive days!
DTC – When did you start running?
YH – I first started running in Grade 7 after getting cut from the basketball and volleyball teams at school. I needed an extra-curricular activity, so I signed up for the cross country running team, even though at the time, I hated running. Since then, I’ve restarted running a few times due to illness and injury.
DTC – How many 10K’s, half marathons, marathons and ultras have you run?
YH – 10ks and half marathons- too many to count, marathons 9 (official races) and unofficial 61, ultras 3
DTC – What’s your favorite distance to run?
YH – Probably the marathon
DTC – Have you had any major obstacles in life you’ve had to overcome?
YH – Absolutely, I’ve overcome financial (been scammed twice, got injured and lost my full-time personal training business in 2016 and was $100 away from not making the next mortgage payment), as well as physical health and mental health obstacles to get to where I am today. Thankfully, I’ve recovered from all of it. Just recently, in late 2022, I got so sick that I almost lost everything and nearly died, so to come back from that and run the Chicago Marathon this year in just under 4 hours was truly a blessing.
DTC- Do you have any race day superstitions or habits?
YH – Don’t wear/hang anything to do with a race prior to finishing that race. For example, I got the wooden wall hanging from Dream Travel Canada for the London Marathon in 2024, but I hid it from my view until after I finish the race. (DTC apologizes for sending that in advance! Lesson learned!! 🙂
DTC – What was your favorite race and why?
YH – I don’t have a favorite because I like each race for various different reasons. However, if I had to choose, it would be the Victoria Marathon because although I like destination races, there’s something special about being able to sleep in my own bed, eat food I’m familiar with and run on a course that I know super well.
DTC – What was your biggest running achievement?
YH – Running 30 marathons in 30 days in 2021 raising almost $100,000 for the Victoria Hospitals Foundation.
DTC – How about your biggest non-running achievement?
YH – Graduating from the University of Victoria Peter Gustavson School of Business without any debt and then buying a house in Victoria not long after that.
DTC – Was there a specific reason you started to run? or, why do you run?
YH – I now run for health reasons, as well as to promote charitable causes that are near and dear to my heart and connect with awesome people who share my passion for running.
DTC – What’s the biggest tip you can offer other runners?
YH – Stay consistent and don’t do too much, too soon, too fast. It’s best to ease into your running and gradually build up your volume to avoid risking injuries.
DTC – Do you have any social media links you may want to share?
YH – I’m primarily on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/yana.
I also share fitness tips, running tips, gear reviews and race adventures on my blog www.yanahempler.com
DTC – Is there anything else you want to share, either personally or regarding your running?
YH – I hope to continue sharing my passion for running and fitness as well as connect with others who love to do the same. My biggest running goals are to complete 7 marathons on 7 continents in 7 days as well as run 100 marathons in 100 days for charity.
