Samuel Woo

Q: When did you begin running and why?
In late 2022, I turned 40 and had my fair share of injuries over the years doing CrossFit, and could feel my body starting to wither away. I was looking for a different challenge and running was something I had not tried in a long time. I competed as a sprinter when I was in high school, but never tried long distance running or racing. I wanted to find out if I still had what it took to be good at a different sport. I asked myself, “Could an old, washed-up pony become a thoroughbred racehorse?” And then I ran my first race. And I didn’t know I’d get a finisher’s medal at the end. I must have stared at the medal for 30 minutes while sitting in my car. I didn’t win the race, but I felt like a winner. And so, I kept going. I had to learn from scratch how to run and race long distances. I ran 30 races that first year—from 5K and 10K to 10-milers and half-marathons, and even won a couple races.

Q: How did you find out about DCRR and when did you join?
I found out about DCRR through word of mouth while I was training for my first half-marathon in 2023. I was curious about the group because I was running alone and was curious to find out whether there was a benefit or advantage in running with a group. I was also looking for a new community during that time. As I was getting older, it was becoming more difficult to meet new people and maintain existing friendships.

And so, I reached out to someone who was listed on the website and that person suggested I give them a try and attend the Wednesday track night. I showed up a couple times and met people who were welcoming, and it looked like a group where I could see myself coming back more often. I was glad to see a mix of runners of different ages and different paces. I was probably the slowest, but was determined to improve. And then I officially joined the club around February 2023. My speed and endurance improved, and I learned a lot from my fellow DCRR thoroughbreds about long distance running and racing, as well as how to cope with running injuries. It was exciting to share with each other our upcoming races and goals.

I appreciate the support and motivation that the people in this club have given me these past couple years, especially moments where my running achievements were recognized and mentioned by the group, and it made me feel like I truly belong here. I try to give back by giving others that same energy, support, motivation, and recognition, and by volunteering in as many of DCRR’s running events that I can attend. I am also a kudos-giving machine on Strava.

Q: What are you training for right now?
I am currently pursuing a personal goal that I started in 2024 and hope to accomplish by the end of 2027. I am currently training for the 2025 Valencia Half-Marathon (Spain, not California!). I’ve also been selected to run in the 2026 World Half-Marathon Championship in Copenhagen. There will probably be a couple 5K or 10K races, and hopefully one more half-marathon in between. My hope is to stay injury-free for as long as possible and eventually be able to build mileage and run with the thoroughbreds that do the Saturday Long Run. I’m not running 30 races like I did my first year, but the goal is to compete in at least 3-4 races per year. But no marathons. Not going to happen.