Rizza Durbin glances at a walking track before she extends her arm to show off the gray Garmin watch on her wrist.
The 51-year-old wife, mother and tax analyst taps an app. The distance tab reveals miles run in June: 116.4.
On this summer afternoon, a pair of square, purple sunglasses sit casually on her long, brown hair. Durbin sports a neon yellow tank top with “Best place scenario” written on the front in black. She adds a feminine touch to her sporty ensemble with a white skirt and a pair of black biker shorts that poke out from underneath.
Durbin runs with a wireless Bluetooth earbud in one ear as she moves to a mix of throwback rock music and high-energy hip-hop from Drake, Kendrick Lamar and others.
“I wish I would have started running earlier,” Durbin, 51, says, smiling, “but I still feel young.”
Growing up in the Philippines, her only athletic endeavor was physical education in college or volleyball and pingpong with friends. She arrived in the United States in 2003 and, eight years later, was introduced to running.
On that day, she took her daughter to a day care inside a gym and walked upstairs, where she discovered a track.
She started with two laps. Then four. Endurance and speed workouts followed.
She still remembers what she wore on Sept. 29, 2011: a long-sleeved Nike tech shirt. She also remembers finishing her first 5K in 34 minutes, 20 seconds. Since then, Durbin has competed in five marathons and about 20 half-marathons, focusing more on finishing than placing.
During the 2019 Akron marathon, she almost gave up. It was hot. She often struggles with humidity.
Her oldest daughter texted her.
“No mom. You can do it. Keep going.”
Don’t stop. Sixteen miles to go…
She finished the race at 5 hours and 43 minutes. It was one of her worst times, but she’s also proud of it.
As of Aug. 4, Durbin has run 1,546 consecutive days.
The jewel of Akron is its people. They’re vibrant and resilient. Flawed, yet thoughtful and nurturing. And all of them come with compelling stories. That’s why we launched “Akron in 330.” This series offers a glimpse into everyday folks’ journeys across our many neighborhoods — 330 words at a time. Know someone we should consider? Tell us here.