BellaNaija is very passionate about sharing inspiring stories and this one is no different. Tuedon Morgan is an amazing marathon runner with medals and accolades to boot! First she walked, then she jogged and before long, she was running marathons.
Tee Morgan, as she is fondly referred to, has finished marathons on 7 continents… TWICE. For athletes, this is no mean feat, and for someone who has a family and a day job, this just pushes Tee into the hall of Amazons. In a chat with BellaNaija, Tuedon talks about how she balances it all, how she keeps going, and her next goals! We hope you are as inspired as we are.
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Tell us about yourself
I am British with Nigerian parents. My parents come from Warri Delta-State Nigeria. I am 41 years old, I’ll be 42 in a few weeks. I have been married for 21 years, and have 4 sons. This year my boys will be 20, 18, 16 and 8. My first degree was in Accounting and Finance with Business Information Technology. I have two Masters Degrees: one in Business Administration and another in Education. I moved to Qatar in 2005 from the United Kingdom to help out with Qatarization. I am currently working with the Ministry of Administrative Development educating Qataris.
What inspired you to start running?
I gained a lot of weight after having my 4th son and my health started to deteriorate. I was always breathless and started to really experience lots of pain on my ankles and knee. I was always complaining of how big I was but never did anything about it. My boss at the time Tracy Pryce called me into her office one day and said I had to do something about my weight. I would complain frantically about how big I was but she would see me eat everything on the face of the earth. Tracy ran on the treadmill and at that time it seems impossible. So I finally joined the gym in January 2008, but my goal wasn’t to run. All I wanted was to lose weight. I started walking, then progressed to jogging and when I could run a 5km on the treadmill.
How long have you been running for?
I started running October 2011, and did a half marathon December 2011 but a full marathon in January 2012. It was interesting how I built up my endurance very quickly. I joined the Doha Bay Running Club and entered the world of long distance running. In three short years, I have ran 32 full marathons to date. I have just started my 4th year of running.
How many hours do you train a week?
I always say my first year of running were my best years. I ran once a week and would use the gym 5 days a week. I just ran with the club on a Friday and slowly picked up pace and distance. Training for a marathon is like taking on a second full-time job but I wasn’t fazed by the requirements and commitment to putting in the work to making it happen. I would usually do a 10km to 20km a week. Now starting my 4th year of running, a good week for me is running anything up to 90km a week. I have a personal trainer who I see twice a week and we focus on my core and upper body. I need tight abs and a strong core to hold the distances I run.
Tell us about the process of running a marathon
If you’re already a keen exercise devotee, fit and willing to undergo rigorous and methodical training, a marathon is an achievement you can work toward. Marathon running is an enjoyable sport for many people from all walks of life, with some devoting their entire day to training for the marathon. Many fit the training around everyday activities and work responsibilities. Whatever your motivation and deadline for running a marathon, with the right training plan and a determined attitude, you’ll achieve your goal. I am a six star World Marathon Major Finisher and these races are London, Boston, Chicago, New York, Berlin and Tokyo. They are not easy races to get into. You either go in through a lottery system or you qualify for the races. Some tour operators also offer guaranteed packages to get into these races. I recently completed the 7 continents for the second time, and I tried finding a sponsor which wasn’t that easy. Fortunately my husband pays for all my trips and it does put some financial strain on us, because that money could be used somewhere else.
Please walk us through your planning and execution routine
Some say you that you can go from no exercise to completing a marathon in 6 months or less. We know that to be successful it takes longer. You need 3-6 months of steady mileage to get that muscle and connective tissue fitness needed to be ready for all the miles of marathon training. For most marathon training programs, some months of running are a prerequisite. Make your goal to run comfortably for a long distance. The biggest mistake beginning runners make is to run too fast limiting the distance they can go. Running should be comfortable and fun, not a gut busting, air sucking process. To be honest I have never used a training plan. Maybe that’s why I don’t run so fast. I tried but couldn’t stick with it. I run 6 days and rest one day. I also try to put in a long run once a week that way my legs are race ready. So far I am just counting quantity as supposed to quality. My goal is to run 100 marathons by God’s grace. 
My diet is pretty good. I have learnt to research what is good and not so good for me. I love food a lot so I have substituted more healthy foods for not so healthy food. I co-founded a weight loss group with another friend in 2011 and this year it will be 4 years old. It is called Women Encouraging Women to Live Healthy. We have a WEWCookBook on Facebook and it’s free for all to access. The week to running a marathon, I usually eat protein for four days and switch to carbs till race day. After my race I switch back to protein. People say I have very good recovery, I thank God for that; but I think it’s because I use a lot of compression gear to sleep and walk around before and after race day. I have a massage once a week and I take vitamins. You must take vitamins when you get to my age.
How long are you away from home at a time when you have a race coming up?
I try to balance my passion with family life. Sometimes I get on the plane as soon as I finish a marathon. Like when I did the Marine Corp Marathon in October 2014, I finished the race; rushed back to my hotel had a quick shower and got a taxi pick me up. I was on the plane like 4 hours after my race. I try not to stay away too long because I feel like I am using my family time. I am very blessed with my husband as he gives me so much support with the kids.
You finished the 7 continents challenge which you set for yourself. Did you ever think at any point, that you won’t be able to complete it?
I have run the seven continents TWICE. I became the first Nigerian with Abisoye to run the seven continents including Antartica. I just finished running the Triple Seven Quest which was done in 11 days and not the original 7 days. We ran 7 marathons in 7 continents and we had a 5 day delay which meant I was away longer than planned. I always go into a race with hope and faith. I am very prayerful and I have successfully attached my running with my spiritual life. It helps a lot.
How do you balance running, with your day job AND motherhood!?
I wake up at 3.30am and by 4am I am on the streets of Doha running. I get home at 5.30am and wake my kids up. At the weekend I do a long run and come back before my kids get up. I try to run in my own time and not steal family time. And when the day starts it’s a full day.
What would you say is the most challenging part of being Tuedon Morgan the marathon runner?
I love running a lot but sometimes it can be hard work. I have a slight disability on one of my legs and it requires me wearing special running shoes and I don’t really like pushing my body that much as it can take a lot out of me. So I run a comfortable pace and just keep to my zone that way it doesn’t hurt so bad. I love the bragging rights running has given me. But I am very humble about it. When I say to people I have run the 7 continents and done all 6 world marathon majors they go crazy and want to hear all about it. My next race is Two Oceans in Cape Town April and I am heading to the North Pole. I will definitely be the first Nigerian to run the North Pole. I think that will be a very challenging race.
You were in Boston for the marathon in when the explosions went off in 2015. Did that experience have any impact on your resolve to go for all those other races.
I was very close to the finish line when the explosions went off. If I had run any faster that day I’m sure maybe it would have been a different story. I am grateful to God that I can live to tell the story today. It didn’t stop me at all. A few weeks after that I was at the starting line for a race in South America. Life is all about getting up and making it happen.
There is no doubt that you have the spirit to keep running till you’re old and gray! Do you have any fears that physical constraints (like your leg injury) may slow you down?
I know that a time will come when I will not be able to run anymore but by God’s grace it will not be today. So until then, I will keep putting my best foot forward till I hit that 100 marathons.
What is next for you after finishing 7 continents?
This is a very good question. At first it was the 6 world marathon majors, then the seven continents. My next race is the Two Oceans in Cape Town then I am heading to the North Pole. I have at least 7 Marathons left this year by God’s grace as I will try to get to 40 by the end of the year.
What would you say is your biggest support system in everything you have achieved?
I am a founder of a weight loss group called WEW (Women Encouraging Women to live a healthy life we have over 4000 women and I call them my sisters. I get a lot of support from there.
I am also a part of the National Black Marathoner Association. I have a whole family there.
I have my running page. Tee’s Triple Seven Challenge and I get lots of support and encouragement there too.
My husband is my greatest supporter and kids. My family and friends.
How do you unwind?
I don’t have much of a social life right now. I work, I go home to my family and I train. Most of my friends are either from my running club or cycling club. Hanging out with friends might be going for a swim. I don’t really watch TV at home but I go to the movies once a week with my family and we eat out in a nice restaurant once a week. I haven’t been to a club in like 6 years.
Do you have any words of inspiration for our readers?
“Every morning in Africa, a gazelle wakes up. It knows it must outrun the fastest lion or it will be killed. Every morning in Africa, a lion wakes up. It knows it must run faster than the slowest gazelle, or it will starve. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a lion or gazelle – when the sun comes up, you’d better be running.”
– Unknown
“Anybody can do just about anything with himself that he really wants to and makes his mind to do. We are capable of greater than we realize. I think the only barriers are the ones we set for ourselves. People ask me how do I start, I say start where you are and with what you have. You never know till you try. Just keep putting your best foot forward.
Thank you so much for speaking to us, and we wish you the very best in your future endeavours. We’re rooting for you.
Blood of God!!!!!!!!!!!!! did i just read 41 going to 42? Oh Boy!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Lord help me to maintain my slim stature after marriage and kids,
It is good to marry and have kids early/whilst your still young. Just look at this woman. Lovely story and great inspiration for weight loss.
BOJ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! SPEECHLESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bellanaija I was also speechless but not I am trying to recover. While I wait there is a serious assignment for you.
You must hook this lady up with any of the grown at home global companies like gtb, zenith, dangote, etc.
The only part I don’t know of is the British of Nigeria parents but I guess we can work round it at least she also said she will be the only Nigerian that will……
Let’s claim her as an ambassador
Imagine gtb logo on her kit in Antarctica
I had to scroll back to see the face when I read 41 year old. Exercising takes the age off apparently. I mean, look at the ‘before’ picture. This is really inspiring.
Bella Naija
What wont I hear “blood of God”
Truly inspiring, I feel like running right now
Very inspiring
WAIT, did she say 40+?!?!?!?!?
*okay, going back to read the story*
Kai i make weak!IT CAN BE DONE!She was FAT and look at the weight she managed to loose?I am in awe….her boys are soo HAWT too.
I am really at lose to what to write,all i can say its not rocket science,well maybe her location helped her a lot,i mean living in Accra with it hard life isnt that particularly easy u know and when the food is more carbohydrate,fruits and vegetables are more expensive.
Lemme stop here,I AM TOO IMPRESSED FOR DAYSZZ
Hello Abena, lets hangout. My name is Sarah. I live in Accra. My number is 0249375826
Hi Sarah,hit me up on instagram : abyalley or my email at yalleyabena@gmail..com..Nice to meet u too
i live in accra tooooooo!
Amaze Balls. I jes can’t belive this. Take a look at this Damsel at 42, isn’t she lovely. I’m inspired and I shall put my best foot forward once I recover from the c-section I jes went thru.
God bless you Ma’am.
I read the part about her age and quickly scrolled up to see her pic again. Motivated!
Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaat!!!this is mega inspiring,woooow!
Inspired!!!
& Ivie is sitting here thinking of the love it cold stone icecream and debonairs pizza she will eat on saturday while giving d excuse of i have no gym clothes……. chai,i need help.
Our very own Tee Morgan. WEW are proud of you!!!!!
Yes WEW are very proud of our Tee’cher! #EpicWoman in EVERY sense of the word. Gone are the days when people like me would say “my mentor is*insert name of one abroadey woman you have never met and doesn’t know you exist* (and yes, they do mentor us, somehow). These days, it’s the people within reach who affect and inspire me personally. God bless you Tee… Jesus Chic
Yes ooo. WEW are so proud of her. With inspirational stories and motivation from WEW, I was able to shed 36 pounds in 2013 and I have kept 32 of that off. Tee is my fitness hero. She rocks. Well done omere mi.
Some people make you question what you’re doing with your life. What an amazing woman. Wow
I swear some people make you ask yourself, what the hell have i been doing all these years. I used to be a marathon runner, 800m and 1500m. I dont know if i can still do such long distance again. I will have to start somewhere. see 42 years old woman! Gush i am inspired o
Go Tuedon looking fab, wish i could just sort out my weight issues, i fall off the wagon so many times…God give me focus n strenght Amen
I love love love her but i dint like that she said “I’m British with Nigerian parents” but she corrected herself when she said ” I’ll be the first Nigerian to run the north pole”. I’m soooo proud of her.
That’s because it’s already been done by Brits so no novelty there for her but more acknowledgement & press if she runs under NGR
Genuine Question: What’s wrong in her saying she is British with Nigerian Parents?
Is she not?
This post is speaking to me. I started running, I mean walking yesterday.
Nne, na from clap wey person dey take enter dance so well done to you and continue with your determination.
LOL ! I feel you ‘tutu’, just keep putting your best foot forward, soon you’ll be jogging and before you know it, you’re running marathons !
ROCKette!!!!!!! Well done Tee
I love the article 🙂
Weldone my mentor! W.E.W love you!!!
My very own Tee.. Lovely article.. You inspire,, motivate, encourage and bless me always.. Love u!
I love the tail end of her quote: ‘… start where you are and with what you have. You never know till you try. Just keep putting your best foot forward.’. Now that’s a life lesson to remember.
Apart from remaining slim, with all this physical activity and her healthy diet, this woman’s probably going to live out her older years in extremely good health!
WOW WOW WOW! i have to maintain my diet even after Child bearing
Well done Tee, you’ve made us so proud.
Sweet, nice and humble Tee Morgan. So proud of you, keep inspiring.
Tee Morgan is truly inspiring. She is relentless and a go getter. Super proud of her.
This is amazing!!!! she is a true source of inspiration to youths especially women… thumbs up for her… by the way, her kids looks her brothers…lol.. lovely family….she has a great body.
How exciting. I would love to do a sport regularly at some point. Don’t worry, too lazy for marathons and stuff 🙂 Something easy but still sexy, like synchro.
Thank you for sharing this story. Very cool.
Boss. BOSS!!!!!!!!!!!! Lady, you just woke up all kinds of inspiration in me. I love eeeeet!!!!!!!!!!!
Check the photo from “then” to “now”. Heck, yes! 🙂
More this by BN, please. And I need to give that slow and steady running tip a try because I got bit by the race bug 3 years ago and did two 10K races for charity just to see if I could but after that back-to-back outing, I put my running shoes away because as she puts it, I found long-distance running to be a “a gut busting, air sucking process” . So, figured I should just stick with threadmills but now… hmmmm, let’s see…
Welldone Tee you are truely an inspiration. Weare eo proud of you
She has a very supportive husband. A supporting partner that encourages you, can make u achieve more than you ever dreamt of.
Amaze balls!!! Was planning a full marathon this year, but seems like I have to shelve that for next year God willing. For thos in Lagos, there is going to be a half marathon on the 21st of this month. Start point: The Pavilion Lekki. Come and try your endurance.
She had me in the first paragraph. Let me scroll up real quick:
“I am 41 years old, I’ll be 42 in a few weeks.”
Happy almost birthday!!!!
“I have been married for 21 years, and have 4 sons. This year my boys will be 20, 18, 16 and 8.”
I wanted to have 4 kids, still do. I definitely want to have 2 biological and perhaps adopt 2 from Naija.
“My first degree was in Accounting and Finance with Business Information Technology and I have two master’s Degree one in Business Administration and another in Education. I moved to Qatar in 2005 from the United Kingdom to help out with Qatarization. Currently working with the Ministry of Administrative Development educating Qatari’s.”
Well DAMN!!!!! APPLAUSE emoticon on fleek. I am wowed and floored and impressed and fangirling so hard right now. So I’ll bypass and let you have the British with Naija parents only to claim the first Nigerian to run the seven continents thing. Well done, absolutely well done.
Bent…the African proverb with the Lions and gazelle… From where in Africa is that one. Na Mozambique or Warri. People attributing one specific saying to an entire continent really annoys me, it’s laziness and disrespect to not bother to find out where exactly the saying originates thereby painting Africa with a monolithic brush.
Yes I still admire this woman
I’m sure those boys have a hard time convincing folks that she’s mama and not bae.
Her achievements are very impressive. Won’t be surprised if she’s still running at 65.
i tap into this lady’s body IJN…….
Lord do not allow me to grow fat, Lord pls instill the spirit of running in me.
help me to do yangaa lyk ds lady n her hawt boys, Lord pls…….do not allow the luv of pounded yam and egusi soup devour all d shape i have.
amen!!!!!
Well done TEEcher! Keep inspiring women to witness. Lots of love sis.
Our very own Tee!!!!! You are an inspiration beyond words..always encouraging, always saying it can be done!!!
WEW is mighty proud of you!!! You make it all seemsosimpleand effortless, when I want to give up, I remember the countless women on WEW who have done it and I keep on…well done, babes, you deserve all the accolades and more
Well done Tee Morgan! You inspired me to start running and I’m ever grateful to you and fellow wewites. God bless you plenty for the love and kind words!
Amaze balls Tee …..Tee Morgan is one strong woman. Now i know pregnancy is no excuse to be out of shape and fat….
I need to check out this W.E.W ooo. See motivation at its peak! Wow! What a woman!
WEW rocks o, you would just have to up your fitness life when you are there. The motivation is off the hook.
Her story is super inspiring. Thank you BN team for this inspiration. We need to read more about women like this. She looks awesome @ 40+.
winhealthcoach.com
Very inspiring. Now I have no excuses. Well done
Tee Morgan the Angel in Disguise. I remember when she came to Boston and told me to try and register for my 1st half Marathon. I thought she was trying to kill, I have not even finished 5k comfortably and this woman is talking about half marathon. 4 half Marathons and number 5 this weekend am biting my own words. When she says start where you are and go from there, it the Gospel Truth… I am not fast by all means but I always get it DONE!!!! Love you Sis
This has to be one of the best interviews I have read on this website. Very articulate, inspiring and encouraging ! Way to go Tee !………..Yes, you give me hope ! This is just the beginning……you are celebrated….great job ! …….#BOOM#
Waohhhhh…amazing. Seriously????? Mennn there are small but mighty people out there doing great things! Well done madam..I am more than inspired!
My gurl, T!!!! #DoroMegaSuperRunner Really proud to call her my friend jo!
Tee you’re such an inspiration and I truly admire you. You’ve taught most of us to just put one leg before the other and you’ve inspired so many other ladies to pick up running. Always there praying and motivating others. WEW love you so much Tee. Keep doing and being you
Wow…I’m breaking my rules and commenting for the very first time on BN because my heart is so badly bursting to say how proud I am of my darling Tee Morgan. My mentor, sister, friend. Well done! You show everyone how’s its done and I know this comment thread will soon be flooded with much love from the WEWstars. Way to go, girl!
If you sit around all day blogging and reading blogs you wont have the time to run. You have to create time away from your computers. Just saying
Awesome job Tee Morgan….Bella Naija please this comment is for you….there are quite a few typo’s in this article…maybe we need to hire a spell check/grammar editor…BN Hire’s…you guy’s do a great job but of late there have been a few slip ups….
Tee-bird, I’m ever so proud of you right now! Very articulate interview… It’s funny how I’ve kinda gotten used to your feats but just seeing it all in black&white made everything just hit home for me again! Proud of u girl!
My very own sister, friend and mentor!!! You just keep inspiring, wew love you.
TEE of life, you know you inspired so manyof us to start rrunning. You have made many of us realize that your body can do alot more than you limit it to. God bless and #wew ll always cherish you.
Yippee, Go Tee, Go Tee, Go Tee.
Love you so much Dear.
Keep inspiring.
Go Tee!!! So glad I was introduced to WEW 3 years ago and I learnt to run (although of late,I have put on weight due to reduced exercise Tolerance). Tee is a motivator. Continue to inspire.
I am inspired because I love running and I dream of running a marathon someday. I know it will happen someday. Who knows, it may be when I’m 40 for life they say begins at 40.
Kudos to you Tee. I am awed at your running achievements and juggling everything thing else in your life.