I Didn’t Apply Because I Was Ready, I Applied Because I Was Willing

My name is Teresita Gonzalez and I’m a born and raised New Yorker. I have a background in Nutrition and Culinary Management. My journey into running didn’t start the way you might expect.

Running wasn’t my first choice. Back in my soccer days, I didn’t even enjoy playing winger because of all the running so, instead, I played forward. I found running during a time when my body felt like it was working against me. After dealing with painful ovarian cysts and coming off a long break from sports due to multiple meniscus surgeries and an ACL reconstruction, I was searching for something new. Something non-contact. 

Running felt like the safe choice. 

But jokes on me, because while it’s a non-contact sport, I found something even deeper, an emotional connection through the running communities here in NYC.

What started as a personal outlet turned into something much bigger. Inspired by the people around me, I stepped into a mentorship role with Team for Kids, went on to become a Six Star finisher, and continued growing through programs like Game Changers, where I became a certified RRCA running coach. Today, I coach with NYRR, helping others find their own path in the sport.

When I’m not running, you can find me in the kitchen cooking for a large cosmetics group, testing new recipes at home with my family, watching NYCFC, or spending time with my family, friends and loved ones. And of course, enjoying cuddles with Tornado, my pug.

50k Training

I’m running a 50K and it’s for a cause that means something to me. Getting to this point wasn’t some confident, immediate “yes.” It was filled with hesitation and going back and forth in my head.

I remember seeing the opportunity back in December and thinking about applying and then not applying. 

At one point, I mentioned it to my brother. Just casually, like “I might do this.” He didn’t think I should. As a middle child sister, I took that personally. So what did I decide? I’m going to show him that I can do it. 

Then I saw the course. A trail race. That’s when the doubt hit again. Is this too much? Am I actually ready for something like this? Road miles are one thing but trails? Distance like this? Being out there that long? Then reality set in even more.

Trails aren’t easily accessible here in NYC.

It’s not like I can just step outside and start running through dirt paths. Getting to trails takes planning train rides, coordinating with friends, committing extra hours just to get to where the training actually happens. So this wasn’t just a commitment to running a 50K. It was a commitment to longer days and longer commutes. More effort before the run even starts and that made me pause but only for a minute because deep down, I already knew the answer:

No, it’s not too much.
It’s going to be hard.
It’s going to be uncomfortable.
But I can do it.

If you’ve been keeping up with my weekly training logs on Instagram, you’re probably asking yourself, how and why is she walking this much? I’m a chef. So before I even lace up my running shoes, my body has already put in work. I’m on my feet for about 12 hours a day, sometimes longer if we have events.

My training doesn’t look clean and perfect. Sometimes it’s slower. Sometimes it’s heavier. Sometimes it’s just about getting it done because I’m not starting from zero when I run. I’m continuing from a full day on my feet.

This past week felt like everything I’m trying to balance, all in one.

Monday, a recovery run with views of the city at Astoria Park.
Tuesday, rest and a dinner celebration for my friend Marcelo. 
Wednesday, turned into surprise birthday miles for my friend Mafe. The kind of run that doesn’t feel like training, but ends up meaning the most to her, our friends and myself.
Thursday, coach miles. Showing up not just for myself, but for the people who are finding themselves in this sport.
Friday, another rest day and honestly, I needed it. 
Saturday’s long run with El Barrio was my last long run to test my half marathon pace before the United Half and honestly, doing it with friends couldn’t have gone any better. Thank you Ana for pacing us! 

Saturday night? I went out because I’m still me outside of running.

Sunday turned into a late afternoon recovery run so I could rest from dancing. 

This is the part I’m still learning, how to navigate the balance between showing up for my goals and showing up for the people in my life. There are mornings I wake up exhausted, and I go out and run. There are nights I know I should go home early but I stay because those moments matter too. There are runs where I feel strong despite everything and others where I feel every hour I spent on my feet that day.

I don’t always get it right and I’m starting to accept that maybe I’m not supposed to.

Training for this 50K is teaching me more than just endurance. It’s teaching me how to listen.

To eat full meals, and not just quick fixes like we do in the culinary field.
To drink more water than I think I need.
To slow down and recover. 
To foam roll and ice bath even when I don’t feel like it.

But importantly, I’m learning to give myself grace because my version of training isn’t going to look like everyone else’s, and that’s ok. 

Balance for me doesn’t mean everything is equal. It means some days I’m all in on running.

Some days I’m all in on work. 

Some days I choose rest and some days I just want to be present for my friends and family. 

Right now, I’m learning how to exist in both spaces, meanwhile chasing something big, while still holding onto the life I love.

This 50K is going to test me. Physically, yes, but mentally even more. It’s already pushing me to grow in ways I didn’t expect. To trust myself more. To keep showing up, even when I’m tired, even when I doubt myself. I didn’t apply because I was ready. I applied because I was willing to step out of my comfort zone. 

The First 50k Sisterhood is a cohort of 15 women running their first ultramarathon at Wild Woman Trail Runs in June 2026. They’ll share their stories through training, racing, fueling and beyond, all while fundraising $15,000+ for future outdoor sports scholarships for girls and women.

We’re honored to have support from:

• Microcosm Coaching’s training plan and ongoing coaching
• LOWA’s high quality footwear
• Kelly Fuson’s mindset and performance coaching
• Tailwind Nutrition fuel to power the miles
• Run Slick anti-chafe to run longer without pain
• Pen and Paces custom bibs to celebrate race day