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Christopher Silva

Have you ever been in a bad mood when crossing a finish line in a race because you are either having a bad day and don’t want anyone to give you your finisher's medal, remove your timing chip, give you water or, even worse, tell you that you won't be in the results because you forgot to wear a chip?

Something similar happened to my next runner of the month--Christopher Silva. It’s been more than ten years now since I met him when he was crossing the finish line in a race. I was working the timing table and Christopher was one of the top finishers, but he forgot to wear a timing chip. Christopher was upset when I told him he was not in the results. After a few minutes, once he cooled down, he came to look for me and apologized for being upset. After that small incident we became friends. I remember seeing him in many running events always finishing in front of everybody. A year or two after I met him I started Huarache Turbo. Christopher was one of the first runners who was always very supportive of my races, not only by participating but also by always representing Huarache Turbo in other running events; and the best part is that he will do it without me knowing. Christopher Silva is one of the top runners in San Antonio. If he does not finish first overall, he usually takes the top masters title; he is one of the few runners who is still as strong as he was 15 years ago. Being a runner most of your life is not easy. It takes a lot of courage and discipline, and I see these qualities in Christopher. Making time for running is not an easy task, especially when you have many kids, but Christopher does his best to continue his passion for the sport while juggling family life. For these reasons I want Christopher to share his running secrets and what keeps him motivated to be such an amazing runner.

Ceci: Christopher, please tell me about how you started running, how old where you? And what motivated you to start running?

Christopher: I started running at a young age.  I have been basically running my whole life.  I just ran like any kid, and never stopped.   

Ceci: I see your wife, Nancy also runs, and some of your kids too. Were you a big influence on their love for running?

Christopher: I guess I have been an influence, though I wouldn’t say they love it.  Ha.  Maybe they like it a little.

Ceci: How do you manage a big family and time to train?

Christopher: My wife! Plus I have been running my whole life. I would always run no matter the time of the day.

Ceci: What are the race distances you enjoy the most and why?

Christopher: I like them all, but I think I do enjoy10k’s and half marathons.

Ceci: What do you prefer, track, road or trail runs? 

Christopher: Same as above, but If I had to pick one, I would say the roads.

Ceci: What is your favorite local running event and why?

Christopher: I like Dia de los Muertos, because its at night, and the weather is starting to get cooler.

Ceci: What is your favorite running distance?

Christopher: I would have to say the half marathon.

Ceci: Describe us one of your typical training days. Do you run alone or with a group of friends?

Christopher: I like to run about 6-8 miles real slow.  I usually run solo, but near the end of the year I usually start running with my running friends.

Ceci: How many marathons and half marathons have you done?

Christopher: Im not sure, If I had to guess, I would say 15-20 marathons and maybe 50 half-marathons.

Ceci What has been your best marathon experience and your worst? 

Christopher: My best would be the Honolulu Marathon,  I ran comfortable, and the worst was  San Antonio Marathon when I crashed and burned.. Multiple times. Haha

Ceci: Have you had any running injuries and how do you cope with them? 

Christopher: I haven’t had a injury in over 8-9 years. Last injuries I had was surgery on my left and right knees. Maybe 8 years ago? I haven’t had a running injury since. I try to run slow and easy a lot.  Takes longer, but you stay healthier in my opinion.

Ceci: What motivates you to keep running? Any advise you want to give to new runners?

Christopher: My motivation is my love of running. I would like to run forever.  My advice to new runners? Run lots of easy days, and enjoy your runs.  Start slow, and eventually your body will adapt.  You don’t have to push it every day.  Run hard maybe once or twice a week.

Ceci: Describe yourself in 3 running words.

Christopher: Consistent, patience, and perseverance.