In this profile from The Connection archives, we meet Silvia Alvarez de Davila. She began her running journey in the summer of 2020 when a small running group suggested she "try something new for her age". Nearly three years later, that small running group became an active Latinas on the Move community of over 300. Silvia recently shared her story ahead of the 2023 PNC Women Run the Cities event.
What inspired you to register for PNC Women Run the Cities, Silvia?
I started running just recently and I found the energy this provides, not only physically but mentally. I want to be part of this race because I feel powerful to take the streets to spread energy and joy.
What does it mean to you to participate in an all-women running event?
In this all-women event, I see a space to be inspired. Historically, men have been dominant in running, women have to overcome difficult situations to run. Women have been seen as caregivers, and always taking care of others. By contrast, a recent explosion of interest in running among women has triggered growth in women's-only empowering, enjoyable races. It is powerful to see women from different backgrounds, different ages, and with different goals together.
What does it mean to you to have support and camaraderie within the Latina running group?
For me, running is all about being in a community with others. I began running with a group of Latinas that encouraged me to try something new for my age. My first ever 5K, I ran with my daughter, and ever since I have continued to gain a love for the sport. I became more active and find that my group now feels like a family.
I have learned from them in different ways, starting with how to choose my gear, my training plans, and how to hydrate and take care of my body. I look forward to getting up early every Saturday, to enjoy nature, feel the sun and the air blowing on my face, and to see the group that inspires me and motivates me to stay active, to run and to share social activities that fulfill my soul.
How long has your group been running together?
We began to run together after the Covid-19 lockdown. In 2020 Summer, once we found out that being together outside was not dangerous, a friend who is a runner had the idea, invited me, and then we began to run together. At first, it was a small group and that continued to grow. You can find us on Facebook under Latinas on the Move, we have more than 300 followers and organize weekend runs for women at different paces.
Any fun, interesting, or unique stories to share about your group?
Our group is full of Latinx women that come from many different countries and have different backgrounds. One of my favorite experiences is when we went to Grandma's weekend in Duluth. I went with my group to run the 5K and support the other half and full-marathon runners. This was the first time that I saw a marathon. It was the first time that many of us saw elite runners and it was so sweet to learn from other minority runners that shared their stories with us. This race inspired me to continue on my journey.
Do you have other running events (or other activities) on the horizon?
My short-term goals are to run a 5K, 10K, and the Twin Cities 10 mile. My long-term goal and my dream are to run a half marathon with my older brother who lives in Guatemala. He is a runner and has taken it seriously for years. I will train and work hard this year to achieve this goal. It will be a dream come true.
Anything else you would like to share?
I want to say that it is possible to start running no matter your age. Of course, it is very important to start little by little not to hurt yourself; to eat well, and to work out to keep your muscles strong. I keep motivated by working out at home and on the weekend. I meet with my running group. It is always very fun to run and then go for coffee to catch up and get inspired!
This article originally appeared in the TCM's weekly e-newsletter, The Connection, in 2023. Subscribe to the Connection here.