Featured Club Member: Brenda Folkerts

Brenda Folkerts(HF18068, DA3674, MM15695) I love being a part of this fun-loving, inspiring group of Fanatics and Maniacs!

About Me

Hi! I’m a 57-year-old former RN from Victoria, B.C., mom of four grown kids, two step-daughters, and MeeMaw to two beautiful little granddaughters. I moved to the U.S. in 2014 and started my own business, StayWild Studio, where I work as a Certified Personal Trainer, Sports Nutrition Coach, and Certified Running Coach.

When I’m not running, you’ll find me out on the trail backpacking, in the yoga studio, or playing in the dirt in my garden.

Running Background

Growing up, I was actually more into watersports than running—windsurfing almost every day, working as a lifeguard, and swimming competitively. I was a “secret” runner, running solo on Vancouver Island beaches after being told it wasn’t something I could do.

When I tried out for my high school track team, I was stopped before I could even begin. A coach told me that at 5’4½”, I didn’t have the body of a runner—my torso was too short and my legs weren’t long and lean. I gave those words too much power for too many years.

It wasn’t until my 40s that I signed up for my first 5K. I had no idea what I was doing, went out way too fast, and thought it was going to kill me. I swore it was a “one and done” experience—but you know how that story goes! I signed up for another one two weeks later… and then two became ten. That turned into one 10K a month for a year, which led to half marathons and marathons.

After a few marathons, I started crossing the finish line with gas still in the tank. I wanted to go longer. I was hooked after my first ultramarathon.

My Challenge

Not everyone knows this, but I’ve lived with a disability since my mid-30s, when I was diagnosed with multiple autoimmune diseases: Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, and Sjogren’s. I made a promise to myself that these diseases would not win.

I don’t let them define me or limit what I do. If anything, they make me more determined to push through the pain and defy the limitations that doctors once placed on me. I choose to focus on what I can do—not what I can’t.

My power word is “UNSTOPPABLE.” It’s inked on my ankle, and when quitting feels like the easy choice, I look down at that word and keep putting one foot in front of the other. I tell myself, “I get to run,” not “I have to run.” I feel incredibly blessed that my body still allows me to run—maybe not fast, but always with heart.

My Goals

My number one goal is to give back to the running community that has meant so much to me. I love pacing half marathons and encouraging others to hit their goals or cross a finish line for the first time—that’s what brings me the most joy in running!

Right now, I’m training for my second 100K, which I plan to run on my birthday this June. After that, I’m setting my sights on my first 100-miler in 2026.

Also, 2025 will be a milestone year—I’m currently at 89 half marathons, so I’ll be celebrating my 100th sometime next year!

Being a part of Half Fanatics and Marathon Maniacs has been an absolute blast. It’s always so great to connect with fellow members at races. See you at the Start Line!

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