IN Run Crew: Christine Hsu

Meet IN Run Crew member Christine Hsu…
 
PROFESSION
Personal trainer and health-and-fitness educator.
 
ROLE MODELS
My dad taught me to face everything with an open mind. My mom has shown incredible determination, strength and courage, having to restart a life after we immigrated to Canada. They’ve both taught me never to give up.
 
HOW SEXUALITY AFFECTED SPORTS ACTIVITIES GROWING UP
Sports helped me cope with and overcome the struggles that came with having internalized homophobia and depression and coming to terms with my sexuality. I realized I could use sports as a vehicle for social change, particularly to challenge homophobia. So it has continuously shaped decisions about the things I pursue as a leader in the LGBTQ sports community.
 
WAYS YOU OVERCAME ANY ANTI-GAY PREJUDICES
By knowing that any prejudices people have are simply a result of what they have been taught. I stand up for myself and others when it’s appropriate. I take the initiative to educate people to be more open minded. Forgiveness and compassion are also essential in overcoming any adversity that I’ve faced. You cannot win by fighting fire with fire.
 
ADVICE TO YOUNG PEOPLE ON OVERCOMING BIASES IN SPORTS
Be at the top of your class and your game. Understand that what people say or do says more about their character than anything else. Lead by example and stay focused on achieving your goals—in sport and in life—by rechannelling negative energy into motivation for you to improve.
 
PERSONAL FITNESS GOALS
Striving for better self-care, physically and mentally. I do this by challenging myself. My latest goal is to complete the Nike Women’s 15K in June with good time. Distance running has never been something I took an interest in, but I would like to test my body’s limits while maintaining my muscle mass.
 
YOUR FITNESS STRATEGY
I play sports to stay active and social, while my workouts help me achieve my fitness goals—along with eating well and regularly. My workouts consist of full-body circuits that are a mix of strength training with free weights, as well as functional training, with the emphasis on calisthenics. And no workout is complete without some meditative practices.
 
HOBBIES
I love to dance, draw, read and write. Playing and listening to music is therapeutic for me—I’ve recently started learning to play the guitar. I also enjoy volunteering and giving back to the community, especially to promote a more active, healthy lifestyle.
 
INSPIRATION SOURCE
People and their stories along with my own passion for sports and health are my inspiration sources. Volunteering for multiple organizations, including being the chair of the Women’s Division of Toronto Gay Football League and working at the Distress Centre, allows me to regularly connect with people. It’s humbling to have people share their lived experiences and struggles with me, particularly around barriers in sports and physical activity.
 
BEST LIFE LESSON SO FAR
People may not remember who you are or what you did, but they will remember how you made them feel.
 
ABOVE: Christine Hsu is wearing:
Top­: Element Running Hoodie $95
Tights: Dri-Fit Epic Run Tights $105
Shoes: LunarTempo Women’s Running Shoes $140
(All apparel and shoes by Nike. Availability: Nike Retail Locations and retailers including Sport Chek, Running Room and Foot Locker)