Eight years ago, Kelowna's Malindi Elmore had retired from competitive running. But she found a second wind.
Elmore is back from the Houston Marathon, where she shattered the previous Canadian women's record by more than two minutes.
"Surreal," she said when asked to describe her feelings following the accomplishment."It's still kind of setting in," she added. "Yeah, it's pretty cool to have a Canadian record after all these years."
Photo Credit: Contributed
It is an astonishing feat for anyone, but in Elmore's case, at age 39, it's even more special. Eight years ago, she retired from competition. Elmore's greatest achievement up to that point, had been an appearance at the 2004 Olympics in the 1500 Metres.
Photo Credit: Contributed
In the intervening years she competed in triathlons, but it wasn't until quite recently that she ever considered competing in marathons.
"After I had my second baby last year I decided I didn't have time for swimming and biking," she explained. "And I'd just focus on what I really love to do."
Photo Credit: Contributed
Elmore was just running for the joy of it. It was her husband, two-time Olympian Graham Hood, who really encouraged her when the idea of training for a marathon came up during a trail run.
"He leapt on it," she said. "It was September last year and we came home and he looked-up the calendar of races and he's like 'Houston, that's a good target for you'.'"
Photo Credit: Contributed
Elmore posted a good time in that debut race. Now, a year later, she set a new Canadian record at that same race, beating the old one by more than two minutes. It means an appearance at the upcoming Tokyo Olympics is now more than likely.
Her roots remain here in Kelowna where she once ran track and field for the Kelowna Owls.
Photo Credit: Contributed
"I'm involved right now with coaching the Okanagan Athletics Club and I have an amazing group of high school kids." said Elmore. "I know that their stories start right now."
Elmore will take a few weeks off to rest after the Houston race before resuming her training schedule. In the meantime, if you happen to see her out for a run, don't honk your horn, she prefers a wave of support. #ElmoreTokyo
