Why do you run? is a collection of women's stories exploring how running plays a role in their lives. It is a journey into the natural benefits of running to discover how this ancient movement nurtures body and mind in our modern day.
Introducing Sian Keil. She is a former Dutch professional hockey player with Danish roots, now a dedicated runner and women’s coach based in Amsterdam. After stepping away from elite sport, she found freedom and connection through running — a space to challenge herself, reset her mind, and empower others along the way. This is why she runs…
A competitive spirit
After my career as a professional hockey player came to an end, I needed a new challenge. Growing up as the only girl among three brothers in the nature of Denmark, I was always the competitive, outgoing kid — constantly outside, playing games, and determined to win — traits that shaped me as an athlete who gives nothing less than a thousand percent. As a top-level athlete, I was constantly focused on becoming the best version of myself — through training, recovery, eating well, sleeping enough — everything revolved around performance.
Life after hockey
So transitioning into a full-time job behind a desk was a major shift, both mentally and physically. I missed the structure, the sense of progress, and especially the connection with my teammates. I still have my best friends, but that daily bond and shared mission — that team energy — is something I deeply missed.
During vacation periods, I’d already started running, following schedules from the national (youth) teams or club. I loved the feeling of being out there on my own, running through the forest, just me and my breath, pushing myself with no one watching.
Two years ago, after I officially stepped away from elite hockey, I joined AAC Sub40club— an athletics club full of people who are just as obsessed with running as I am. I started to see progress, joined races, and ran times that honestly surprised me. And then, of course, that old competitive mindset kicked in again: I wanted to get faster, stronger, better.
Empowering myself and others through running
But somewhere along the way, I realized that running became more than just performance. It became a way for me to express myself. A space where I could clear my mind, reconnect with my body, and feel grounded. Running is where I feel free. It’s my outlet, my reset, my way of processing everything.
Because running has given me so much, I started coaching (expertise:women) as well. I know — from my own journey in top sport — how powerful it is to feel strong, both mentally and physically. Especially for women, in a world that constantly asks us to compare ourselves, to meet expectations. I believe in something else: in lifting each other up, empowering one another to feel capable, confident, and proud.
More than movement
That’s what makes running so beautiful — it’s just you. No comparisons, no noise. Your pace, your path, your goals. Pure and honest. For me, running is a metaphor for life: give it everything, keep growing, but don’t forget to look around, have fun AND BE HAPPY — and be grateful for the strength, the freedom, and the people you meet along the way.
