My name is Deborah-Ann Davy, I am from a small town called Marondera in the Eastern Highlands of Zimbabwe. I am a Sophmore student at DKU (class of 2029) and I am hoping to Major in Mollecular Biogeochemistry. I am part of the DKU Varsity Trail Running Team.
Deborah-Ann Davy, class of 2029
Personal Running Experience
Q:What first drew you to running, and what keeps you doing this,especially as a member of DKU’s team?
I was first drawn to running club as a means of being held accountable for developing personal fitness. In high school I did not run, I always thought I couldn’t because I was not the fast enough. DKUVR has amended this perspective because Coach Kennedy treats each of us as individuals,he meets at our skill Level and is dedicated to helping us become the best runners we can be. We train four times every week and most weekends we do competitions.We do two easy runs to build our anaerobic stamina, one day of speed work to push our VO2 max and one day of competition-specific training, in my case elevation and distance.I mostly do trail running which I love because it perfectly balances out my academic life at DKU by creating opportunities to explore local trails,spend quality time in nature and push my body in a competitive environment.
I love DKURC because it’s a mixed-motley group of athletes all united by a passion for running.We encourage, inspire and build each other up –you will not run past a DKURC member without someone yell ‘加油！加油!’Another aspect which I love about our team is that your value is not dependent on whether you are the fastest or the slowest runner in the group, we all celebrate each other’s individual growth which is a rare and valuable characteristic of our community.
Action shot of Deborah-Ann Davy during the competition
Q:How do you or your team typically practice running during regular days, and how does the training routine change in preparation for a competition?
Training is difficult, especially on the broader context of Academic and career –orientated commitments at DKU. There definitely are moments when I want to quite –particularly whilst groggily walking to the Sports Centre at 7am on a Friday morning. This is when having a dedicated team around you is important, the fact that we are all in it together encourages each of us.Another motivating aspect is to remind yourself of the progress you have made –especially coming from the humble context of Zimbabwe –and the goals you set when first joining.
Commemorative photo of Deborah-Ann Davy crossing the finish line
League Experience And Feelings For Team Member
Q:Through out your time with the DKU Running Varsity, is there a competition or league that you’ll never forget? Could you walk us through that game?
The cross country team only has four runners at any given time, so the memories you create are very unique. The first trail I ever ran in China was XTerra, it was my first time competing in a cross country competition and I was very nervous. Needless to say it was an adventure from the moment we arrived, I was surrounded by adventurous, gritty people pushing themselves past their physical limitations to reach their goals. It was freezing cold, the trail was muddy and I felt like Po in King Fu Panda ‘facing her old enemy…STAIRS!’I have never climbed so many intricately carved Chinese staircases in my life–never mind battling jelly legs the whole way down. It was a spectacular run. Each person who crossed the finish line at XTerra was announced and celebrated,I loved the energy of being part of a community of adventurers like this.
Group dinner photo of the Running Club after the competition
Impact On Personal Life And DKU Community
Q: How has joining running varsity at DKU changed your daily life—maybe your time management skills, your confidence, or how you work with others? Can you give an example?
Running has impacted my life by teaching me time management, diligence and commitment.Before each race we look at the topography of the trail, we have a pacing strategy based off my performance during training and we try prepare for as many variables as we can before the race –for example when the highest climb will be, whether there are water stops and when I should push myself to the limit. Before joining DKUVR I had never spent too much time and forethought preparing for a competition, but it really pays off to be as prepared as possible.
Q:Are there any traditions or unique aspects of DKU running culture that you cherish?
I have learnt so much about Chinese Culture through running club. Whether it’s the cultural experience of exploring different trails with local runners, the team dinners exploring native cuisine or travelling like a local with my fellow runners. It is such a special time to hear about their lives growing up together and encouraging each other to chase our goals.
Group photo of everyone in pre-competition preparation
Future Aspiration
Q:What are your personal goals for the upcoming season?
Personally, my goals are to run a half Marathon in less than 2 hours, beat my 5km PB and run a marathon.I would also enjoy longer endurance trails(25km and above), which is stamina that I am slowly building up. I think as a team moving towards an unbeaten season by placing top 5 in all of our competitions would be a goal we work to maintain. I would encourage us to not give up in the face of difficulty, to work hard and rest well.
Sometimes it’s easy to doubt in the face of difficulty, this semester after training throughout the summer,the race I was working towards got cancelled. This was very disheartening because all my training felt wasted. Reminding myself of our overarching goals and focusing on the reasons why I enjoy running in the first place have helped me move past this.
Group photo of the Running Club before departing for the competition
Q:If you could pass on one piece of advice to future members of the DKU Running Varsity—whether it’s about balancing practice and academics, building team bonds, or staying motivated during tough seasons—what would it be, and why?
For someone who is looking at joining DKURC I would say make peace with who you are and where you are starting from. Don’t compare yourself to other people but focus on your goals, and celebrate your achievements. In the end you are accountable for your life so think long-term and don’t burn yourself out for short-term gain. It is good for you to be healthy and strong, you can do it –加油！
!! Lastly, are there any questions you’d like me to include in the interview report? Feel free to share any aspects of yourself or your journey that you’d like to showcase to the public. It would help a lot! 🙂
Award-winning photo of Deborah-Ann Davy
Ready to Take on Your Own Challenge?
