Hyacinth Tyson-King y el poder de una comunidad de corredores
If you've made a resolution to move more in 2023, finding a community of other active people can help you stay committed. Here’s the story of one runner who keeps moving year after year, thanks to her amazing running community.
Needing a Change
In 2016, Hyacinth Tyson-King knew she wanted to improve her physical and mental health. A social worker, Hyacinth helps people in difficult circumstances. “You won’t believe the things I deal with,” she said. “I need to have something to do physically, for my mental health.”
She’d taken Zumba classes, but stopped when her instructor moved away. She decided to try running, an activity she'd done decades earlier while serving in the military. One day in Brooklyn's Canarsie Park she happened upon an NYRR Open Run and learned that the 3-mile run/walks took place every weekend. Drawn in by the welcoming atmosphere, Hyacinth soon became a regular.
Drawn to a Community
The runs weren’t easy at first. “I [had] difficulty,” said Hyacinth, now 53. “They were doing three miles and I was wondering, How do you do three miles?” But she loved the camaraderie, so she stuck with it and was soon completing the runs with ease.
“I was never missing a session,” she said. “If they were out there, I was there.”
Hyacinth formed close friendships with two women in the group and started accompanying them to NYRR races. She’s now run 50 races, including the 2022 TCS New York City Marathon.
She loves the physical sensation of running, but she appreciates the mental benefits even more. “Sometimes I call my supervisor and tell her that I have to go for a run. Otherwise, I’d be glued to my computer and chair," she said. A 30- to 40-minute run clears her head and allows her to return to work refreshed and invigorated.
Her advice to anyone who wants to start moving? “You just have to start. Anyone can do it."
"Like Going to a Club on Friday Nights"
She also recommends finding a group like Open Run. For Hyacinth, Open Runs are a simple way to come together around a common interest. “When you meet people with common interests like running, you know they’re good people," she said. "Saturdays [at Open Run] is like going to a club on Friday nights and meeting up with people who are happy and enjoy the same thing."
You can learn more about free Open Runs, and find a park near you, on our website. We also offer races and other events year-round in all five boroughs, and virtual and in-person training for all fitness levels. Join us – this month and all year long.