Why I Run: Frédérique Valiquette Answers Our Running Questionnaire
A former competitive soccer player turned road runner, Oberson ambassador Frédérique Valiquette is training for her third marathon. She shares her training and travels on Instagram. Answering our questionnaire, she talks about her approach to running, her running destination bucket list, and the people who inspire her most.
Why I run
I fell into the world of running when I was very young, through my parents, who loved signing us up for family races. That tradition still holds today, but since 2019, I’ve started running longer distances, and running has become my main sport—I’d even say my passion. For me, it’s both a way to disconnect on my solo runs and to connect on my group runs. It’s really an escape for me, and I genuinely love getting up and going for a run.
My running surface(s)? (pavement, trail, gravel)
Mostly on the road—I’m training for my third road marathon, and it’s really my favourite type of running right now.
My state of mind when I run
Honestly, I’m always in a good place. I consider myself lucky to rarely have a run where I don’t feel good. I disconnect pretty easily, but I also have runs that get me thinking: I use them to reflect on certain situations, and it really helps me manage my day-to-day stress.
My best running memory
Oh, there are so many! I’d say the runs I do while travelling are always memorable with the scenery you take in along the way. My second marathon (last year) is also one of my best running memories, because it capped off a training season that had gone so well—a huge contrast to the year before—and it was really my redemption on that marathon, since the year before I’d struggled a lot during the race. I had a smile on my face the whole way, and my friends and family were there cheering me on. It was truly a beautiful moment.
My running soundtrack
I’ve had the same playlist for years, which I update here and there! Right now, I’m listening to a lot of stutter house. On calmer runs, I also like listening to podcasts.
My favourite place to run
Anywhere you can take in the sun, whether it’s rising or setting.
Where I dream of running
I dream of running in Greece and Australia!!
Why I do (or don’t) race
I’ve always been a competitive person. I played competitive soccer throughout my youth, and I love the way events like that bring people together. It gives me goals to chase, and lets me keep pushing myself and see my own progress!
What I value most in a running partner
I love that everyone encourages and supports each other, no matter their level, whether that’s cheering each other on in person or from afar, training together, or offering advice or words of encouragement during moments of doubt.
The runner who inspires me most
I’d say my father is the person who inspires me most, since I’ve watched him run my whole life, and he’s the main reason I run. Otherwise, I also have friends who inspire me so much (Gabrielle, Juliette, and Rachelle). They’re excellent runners, and I take their advice every day to improve my own running!
