Running the Extra Mile
F a c u l t y P e r s p e c t i v e
Interview conducted by Siavash Rokhsari
Running the Extra Mile:
From Track to the Classroom
An interview with Maryam Rostamy
Full-time Faculty, UAP, UCW
UCWBackpack: How did your journey as a runner begin, and what keeps you lacing up your shoe’s day after day?
Maryam: I've always had a deep connection with sports. Growing up, basketball was my passion where I played competitively at the regional level and proudly represented my university on its team. I was also part of my school’s track and field team, which helped shape my discipline and determination. When I moved to Canada, I struggled to find a basketball team to join, and I missed that sense of community and competition. Then one day, while walking past the Running Room store, I noticed a sign for their running training groups. On a whim, I decided to give it a try. That was over 13 years ago, and I’ve been hooked ever since. What began as a simple way to stay active quickly turned into a life-changing journey. Not only did I fall in love with running, but I also found a new community. Some of my closest friends in Vancouver are people I met through that running group. They've become like family by sharing in my goals, cheering me on, and making every mile more meaningful.
UCWBackpack: How many running races have you run?
Maryam: I’ve completed numerous 10K races, half marathons, 13 full marathons, and even one ultra marathon where I proudly placed 4th.
UCWBackpack: Do you other sports?
Maryam: I do! I swim once a week and spend a lot of time hiking. Grouse Mountain is my favorite. I hike it one to three times a week. I love it so much that I even have a tattoo of the mountain on my shoulder, a way to keep it with me always. There’s an annual race up Grouse Mountain, and I’ve been participating in it every year for the last 13 years. It's become a tradition for me, a challenge I look forward to each time.
UCWBackpack: In what ways has running influenced your teaching or academic life at UCW?
Maryam: Running is my religion, and teaching is my nationality. Together, they shape who I am. The discipline, resilience, and focus I’ve developed through running deeply influence my approach to teaching and academic life at UCW. Running teaches me to stay consistent, to push through challenges, and to always strive for progress, not perfection. These same values guide me in the classroom and in my studies. Whether I’m preparing a lesson or tackling an academic project, running reminds me to pace myself, stay committed, and keep moving forward physically, mentally, and intellectually.
UCWBackpack: How do you balance your training schedule with the demands of being a faculty member?
Maryam: Sometimes it gets challenging, especially since I don’t have a fixed teaching schedule at UCW even if I’m a full-time faculty. Every term brings a new routine, and I have to constantly adjust especially when I’m training for marathon races. Balancing it all isn’t always easy, but I always find a way to fit in my runs. Running isn’t just part of my routine, it’s a source of joy, clarity, and energy. On the days I miss a run, I feel like I’ve missed a moment of happiness.
UCWBackpack: What’s one lesson from running that you often find yourself applying in your professional or personal life?
Maryam: Running has taught me the power of consistency and discipline. Even small steps, taken regularly, lead to big results. I carry this lesson into my teaching and daily life by showing up, staying committed, and trusting the process. It’s helped me stay grounded and make steady progress, no matter the challenge.
UCWBackpack: Do you prefer running early in the morning, during the day, or in the evening? Why does that time work best for you?
Maryam: I enjoy running in the mornings. In the spring and summer, I can easily fit in my runs early and still make it to work on time. However, during the winter and fall, I usually run in the afternoon or after work to make the most of the daylight.
UCWBackpack: Do you have a favorite place to run in Vancouver or near campus? What makes it special to you?
Maryam: Yes, I do. I love running around the seawall, either in the morning or in the evening, just as the sun sets.
UCWBackpack: What are some key elements of your running routine that help you stay motivated, healthy, and perform at your best?
Maryam: There are a few things that I can’t live without in my running:
First and foremost, my running shoes are essential. I typically replace them every 400-500 kilometers, which means I go through about 4-5 pairs a year.
For my long runs, I rely on coconut water. I love the taste, and it's a natural source of electrolytes like potassium, sodium, and magnesium, which keep me fueled and hydrated.
Another vital part of my running routine is my running buddies, especially my friend Jean. We often run for several hours, giving us plenty of time to catch up and solve the world’s problems. Before each run, we even send each other an agenda of topics to discuss.
As for my daily routine, I make sure to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and perform at my best.
Last but certainly not least is my physiotherapist. Running comes with its fair share of injuries, and having a good physiotherapist is crucial for staying injury-free.
UCWBackpack: What advice would you give to students or colleagues who are thinking about taking up running?
Maryam: Take it one step at a time. Just get out there and run, rain or shine. Start with just one kilometer, and see how much you’ll enjoy it. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can fall in love with the process.
Remember, no one can inspire you more than yourself. I began by running just 3 kilometers a week, and now I’m a marathon and ultramarathon runner. If I can do it, so can you. Every step you take brings you closer to something incredible.
UCWBackpack: If anyone at UCW is interested in running, would it be okay for them to reach out to you?
Maryam: Absolutely! Running is one of my favourite topics, and I’d be more than happy to help anyone get started. Over the years, several coworkers have reached out to me for advice on running, and I’ve always enjoyed sharing my tips and experiences with them. It’s something I’m passionate about, and I’d love to support others in their running journey.
UCWBackpack: Last question: How are you giving back to your community?
Maryam: I’m passionate about giving back to my community, and I’ve had the privilege of contributing in several meaningful ways. I’ve served as an official pace leader for the BMO Vancouver International Marathon and as a pace leader and ambassador for the Under Armour 10K Eastside and Vancouver Food Bank. Additionally, I’ve volunteered at the Health, Sports, and Lifestyle Expo during races. As a pace leader at Running Room stores, I’ve supported countless runners, and I’ve had the honour of coaching many running enthusiasts to help them get started on their journey.
S t u d e n t V o i c e
We asked our students how attending university has influenced their workout routine or physical activity level, and here are the answers:
"Before coming to university, I only used to play cricket sometimes with my friends. I didn’t have a proper workout routine. But after joining university, I started going to the gym regularly and still play cricket when I get time. Now I do more physical activity than before, and I feel stronger and more active."
"Before university, I did not care about working out, so I would play basketball and do housework to keep moving. I did not think about fitness at the time. Since university started, I was in my room all the time, so I did not go out as much. These days, I only exercise once I start walking or playing basketball. From this point, I plan to get more involved. Doing better than yesterday is enough; I don’t have to be perfect."
"I had more time to be active before I entered university. After school, I would play sports with my buddies or visit the gym three or four times a week. Because I had lot of time and less responsibilities, it was simple for me to stay active. Things changed after I started university. My workload increased due to classes, assignments, and studying. I initially quit working out because I felt overburdened. However, I came to know that being active makes me feel better and more concentrated. so, now whenever I get time from my busy schedule I try to visit the gym, go for walks, or perform quick exercises at home. Little things like stretching in between study sessions or using the stairs have a big impact."
"Prior going to university I had a reasonably regular exercise schedule, which included jogging in the mornings, going to the gym occasionally, and. However, my routine has altered a lot since I started college. Because of classes, homework, and other obligations, sticking to a set schedule has become more difficult. I now rely more on walking to and from college, stretching during study breaks, and occasionally going to fitness courses when time permits."
"I had a more regular workout schedule prior to entering the university. I would visit the gym four times a week, and I had more free time to keep up with physical exercise. At the beginning of attending university, however, I found my timetable becoming more hectic with classes, coursework, and part-time employment. Nowadays, I do not get to visit the gym regularly, yet I keep active by walking, performing short workouts at home, or even stretching while I am studying. It may not be at the level it once was, but it keeps me physically and mentally alert."
"Before university, in my home country, I usually went for a walk in the morning and played cricket every evening. But when I moved to Canada, everything became totally different for me. The main reason is my schedule. I don’t get a lot of time to maintain my fitness due to work and university classes. However, when I do get some time during the day, I go for a run and do exercises such as stretching."
"Attending university has definitely changed my workout routine. I was never and still am not the type of person who goes to the gym or does heavy workouts, but I’ve always been active and engaged in physical activities. Before university, I was actively involved in dancing, which was a major part of my physical activity. I was also on my school’s basketball team, which provided a full workout. Now, as a university student, my schedule has changed, and I’ve found that I walk more since I use public transportation, which wasn’t the case before. Walking has now become a significant part of my physical activity."
"I used to work out so much: I went to the gym, I ran, I played sports: I did it all before university, I had more time. Once I went to university, class and assignment schedules got more crowded. I do my best now to remain active by walking more around campus, doing small home work outs or going to the gym a few times a week if I can."
"Actually, there is not much difference in my physical activity before and after. Before, I was a player and used to do proper exercises, work out, and play my game for hours. But now, as I am in Canada and more focused on my studies, I go running in the morning and do some exercises in the evening."
"Pre-university, I used to be consistent with my exercises. The gym was my favorite place to visit, about four times a week. I was also into playing some sports like football or going out and running with a couple of friends. I had a stable timetable, so I could easily fit exercise into my schedule. Once I started university, no matter how much I tried, I just couldn't stick to that routine. With classes to attend and assignments to complete and the rest of my life falling apart, exercising kept moving further down my list of priorities. Now I try to alternate staying active with going to the campus gym whenever I can with about two to three sessions per week. I also walk a lot between classes. Sometimes I squeeze in some home exercises or grab some evening walks to keep moving, especially when it's crunch time for exams."
"For most of my secondary school time back home, I was quite active. I play football and every day I’d head to the park to play. I did this every day as a normal practice. When I finished high school and moved to Canada, I had to follow a whole new schedule at university. It’s difficult for me to play football every day now, as it’s just on weekends now and many weekends I have to attend class too."
"Going to university has certainly changed the way I keep active. When I didn’t have university, I would follow a set exercise routine because I had ample time and few things holding me back. I made it a habit to go to the gym, take part in sports games or walk a lot daily. Once I got to university, the larger number of tasks and less free time required me to make some changes. Now, I usually mix quick home workouts, jogging between my courses and using recreational facilities at the university whenever I have time free. My workout sessions are usually shorter now, but I try to keep up my activity because of my busy schedule."
"I had more time and a fixed routine before university. I would go to the gym, play sports, or go for runs. Since I started university, it got busier with classes and homework, so I exercise less now. Now, I try to do quick homework-outs, walk greater distances to campus, or go to the university gym if I manage to find some free time. Not so much these days, but I do try to stay active."