Name: Tunde Oyeneyin
Age: 38
Hometown: pace to prepare my body
Occupation: Peloton instructor
Time Running: and combat the stress that running puts on your body
Reason for Running: I run to feel at peace and in flow with my body.
I started running seriously in 2023 when, on a whim, I ran City2Surf, a 14K (8.6 miles) race, in Sydney, Australia. I was there for an unrelated Peloton event, and was persuaded to sign up the day before the race. I’m so happy I did. Previously, I had never seen myself as a runner, and it’s still wild to proclaim it now.
When I was running the race, I felt my soul leave my body. I felt at peace and in flow. It reminded me of the moving, meditative-like feeling that made me fall in love with the bike.
Previously, I had had a rocky relationship with running. I think back to elementary school, when I was always one of the last ones to finish my mile. A memory that has never left me; one that has weighed down on me. I allowed myself to be consumed by metrics Nike Alphafly 3.
But, something happened to me on “Heartbreak Hill” during City2Surf. I broke down the negativity I had associated with running. I pushed my “small” self aside and, in doing so, my “bigger” self came forward.
My small self was the part of me that got triggered by not wanting to finish last. Instead, I went into the race for the fun of it, and by letting go of the pressure of where I needed to finish and how important I needed to be, a greater, better version of me crossed that finish line. I became a runner.
After City2Surf, my next race was the 2023 New York City Marathon. I started training only a few months prior to race day because two of my very persuasive friends talked me into it.
I asked myself, “Why? Why me? Someone who doesn’t like to run? Why was I going to run the marathon?” But then I answered: “People do scary things with me everyday that I don’t find to be scary.” As a fitness instructor, I push them so far outside of their comfort zones. It was my turn to be scared and it was my turn to be thrown outside of my comfort zone.
Because of the volume of my workload and teaching schedule—juggling cycling, strength, and bootcamp classes—I had to be smart about my training. I ran three to four days a week, and the distances ranged from four miles to, at the peak, 20 miles. I did one long run a week (10 miles or more), one track day (a fun way to connect with my peers), one four-mile easy run, Reason for Running strength training twice a week.
I finished the marathon in 4:23:11. But more importantly, I found a new version of myself in the depths of the darkness surrounding the toughness of the marathon. With that, my goal, now as a two-time marathoner, is to provide light for others to see themselves.
Since then, I’ve run the 2024 New York City Half and, most recently, the 2024 Chicago Marathon with Team Abbott, a team of many runners who have overcome health challenges. They use their running journeys to inspire others.
Running the Chicago Marathon was different than running New York because I had a huge team around me and could feel the love and support from them. I didn’t announce that I was running New York, but for Chicago, I did. Since many people knew I was running that marathon, I saw people holding signs with my name, which gave me these little zaps of energy throughout the course.
Runners don’t come in a one-size-fits-all package. Regardless of age, gender, size, etc, running can meet you wherever you are. If you have the determination, you can be a marathoner, too. But it helps to have a team supporting you along the way!
While I don’t currently have any more races in the books, I like the idea of continuing to fall in love with running. By keeping my future open, the pressure stays at bay. I do run a few times a week, whether it’s on the Peloton tread or outside on a beautiful day.
These three tips have made my running journey a success:
1. Focus on nutrition
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2. Warm up and cool down
I like to take the first mile or two (depending on how long I’m running) at an easy warmup pace to prepare my body. Cooling down is also important. On a perfect day, I take an easy mile after the workout to allow my heart rate Running Shoes - Gear.
3. Rest
You have to rest so your body and mind can recover. This is going to look different for everyone. But it’s necessary to prevent injuries and combat the stress that running puts on your body.
Tunde’s Must-Have Gear
→ Lingo Bionsensor: This is a brand-new biosensor that helps me know how my body reacts to foods. I use it to have better energy for longer runs and to help make sure I’m eating right.
→ Nike Running Hydration Belt: Hydration is key and this comfortable belt helps me carry the water I need.
→ Nike Alphafly 3: They make me feel invincible. They are very comfortable and give me just the right amount of bounce.
Emily Shiffer has worked as a writer for over 10 years, covering everything from health and wellness to entertainment and celebrities. She previously was on staff at SUCCESS, Men's Health, and Prevention How Running Changed Me Women's Health, Runner's World, PEOPLE, and more. Emily is a graduate of Northwestern University, where she majored in magazine journalism at the Medill School of Journalism and minored in musicology. Currently residing in Charleston, South Carolina, Emily enjoys instructing barre, surfing, and long walks on the beach with her miniature Dachshund, Gertrude.
