Open Run Spotlight: Luz Rocca's Small Changes Lead to Big Health Improvements

During 2019, we’ll highlight NYRR Open Run participants, volunteers, and groups whose stories and accomplishments have had an impact on their neighborhoods and communities.

Luz, left, with Open Run Associate Hannah Henson

In 2000, Luz Rocca suffered a workplace injury that required a metal plate to be surgically implanted into her neck. During her recovery, Luz was unable to move on her own for over two months. She gained weight, her overall health suffered, and she experienced negative changes in her attitude toward physical activity.

The injury also spiraled Luz’s life into an alphabet soup of medications and prescriptions to treat the lingering effects of her accident. The constant cycle of pills left Luz groggy, foggy, and unable to live life to its fullest.

Incapable of doing many of things she once did to keep fit, Luz, now age 64, began walking in Highland Park. She eventually caught the eye of Highland Park’s Open Run director, Eli, and in February 2017, he invited her to join their weekly group walks and runs. Luz recalls her first session. “Everyone was cheering and waiting for each other to finish,” she says. “It was very encouraging.”

Luz takes on an uphill climb at NYRR Open Run in Highland Park in March 2019

At Open Run, Luz found peers she could walk with, a group to support her, and run directors who taught her proper breathing and running and walking form. The lessons helped Luz focus on areas she needed to improve, and since her first sessions her physical, mental, and emotional health has improved dramatically.

Luz now completes two five-mile walks weekly, in addition to Open Run every Saturday. Her five-mile time has decreased from two hours to an hour and 20 minutes, and she has graduated from strictly walking to mixing in running. Her lung capacity has increased, and she has seen an improvement in her arthritis, heart murmur, COPD, and sleep apnea. Recently, her doctor told her that her bone spurs are gone, reversing almost two decades of decline, and she’s no longer needs her painkillers, anti-inflammatories, or an inhaler.

Luz pictured with longtime friend and walking buddy Bianca Perez

Down from 218 lbs. to 180 lbs. and no longer dependent on her medication, Luz’s next goals include getting under 165 lbs. and to someday run/walk the TCS New York City Marathon. Most impressively, her health has rebounded without drastic lifestyle changes. “I barely changed my diet, just no soda” she says. “I still like my chocolate chip and oatmeal cookies!” Luz encourages others in her position to make every effort to get active, even if only in little ways, as the small lifestyle changes she has made have led to great improvements to her health overall. “If you can’t run, walk,” she says. “If you can’t walk, crawl. Just keep it moving no matter what.”