New Flyer Profile: Rita Dottor

Rita D

I'm so happy I joined the New York Flyers! As a singer/songwriter/violinist, I often find my inspiration as I run my daily runs in Central Park. If I can remember what I wrote in my head when I get home, then it's a song worth keeping!

I grew up in Sault Ste.Marie, Ontario, where outdoor activities were a way of life. I was a born accident-looking-for-a-place-to-happen and sports were my outlet. I was never particularly amazing at any of the sports I played. But I loved being on the team. And I loved channeling my endless energy into achieving a goal.

In high school, most sports took a bainckseat to my interests in theater and music. All sports except for running. I couldn't resist the trails at Hiawatha––my favorite running spot still today––so I continued running track and cross country.

Ragnar 200 Mile Relay: Maryland to DC 2012
Getting Ready to Run the Trails in the Dark.
By Myself!

At best, I may have placed 3rd, but most times I was 3rd from last. Good times. I still showed up to the next race. My problem... I had no idea how to train. 

While working toward my multiple music degrees in both violin and voice, I did minimal running. However I did do my first 5K in Mississippi when I think I was 19, and I placed 1st. To date, it's the only time that happened. But I do have the medal inscription to prove it.

It wasn't until 3 years later that I ran my first half marathon. The Canadian International Half Marathon in Toronto. It took me 2:04:15. My current half marathon PR is from the 2013 Brooklyn Half with a time of 1:38:09.

Sprinting Past the Competition Near the Finish Line at
the 2013 Brooklyn Half Marathon

One year and another half marathon after my first half, I ran my first full marathon––the Canadian International Marathon in Toronto. The name has since been changed to the Goodlife Fitness Toronto Marathon, which I ran again last year on my birthday. I finished that first marathon with three sprained tendons in my left knee, but I was surrounded by my whole family and so proud of myself that I didn't feel I would ever feel this amazing again!! But I did find that feeling. Every time I ran. Every time I raced. 

Goodlife Fitness Toronto Marathon 2012

When I moved to NYC in 2003, to pursue my dreams of singing on Broadway, I figured out the importance of a training schedule and I started running races with NYRR. I ran the ING NYC marathon in 2010 (3:47:26 a big improvement! Thank you Hal Higdon.) and many half marathons, 10Ks, 5Ks and of course the Central Park specials––the 4 miler!! I love this distance because I can finish in about a 7 minute pace per mile.

Singing the National Anthem
at the Start of the
2013 Manhattan Half Marathon

This summer I placed in the top ten twice in my age-group category. My next goal is top five! I hope by joining the Flyers family that I will speed up and enjoy the ride! And perhaps a drink or two!!  

-Rita D.

Blogmaster's Note: If interested in her upcoming musical performances, follow Rita on twitter here: @fo_rittles.  And please click HERE to view a video and hear a sampling of Rita's talents.