Meet Ellen & Todd Vargo

Todd Vargo grew up in a small town in western Pennsylvania, while Ellen Vargo’s roots are more complex, given her background as a military brat. Ellen moved to Florida in her late twenties for a job with a CPA firm in Miami. The couple’s journey to central Florida was driven by a search for a more affordable lifestyle and a sense of belonging.  

“We moved up from Miami/Ft. Lauderdale area looking for a more affordable lifestyle. We originally settled in Plant City, but a few years ago we realized my job, our friends, and everything we do is in Lakeland, so we took the leap and moved to Lakeland, and we are SO happy we did,” Todd reflects.

Their running journey began with individual motivations and evolved into a shared passion. Ellen’s relationship with running dates back to her middle school days when it was one of the few sports available for girls. Although she ran intermittently after high school, her passion was rekindled when she volunteered at the Boilermaker 15K in Utica, NY. Inspired by a coworker’s spouse, she joined a YMCA running group and got back into running. “I have learned to love running and the time it gives me to let my mind wander and think about ‘things’ – anything from what I need to get done that day to deep thoughts.” Todd started running in 2016 to address his weight and overall health. “I did a weight loss challenge at work and won, and tried to figure out how I was going to keep it off, so I decided to train for and run the Space Coast Marathon. Once I started training, I never stopped running.”

Their integration into the Lakeland running community was a natural progression. They both joined in the FitNiche Pub Run (which over the past decade is now the LRC Brew Crew run).  “I made some friends who told me that I should join the LRC, so I did.” Todd doesn’t run every LRC race, “sometimes I volunteer to help out with the race instead.” Ellen has been a standout sweeper in recent years at the Summer Sunrise Watermelon Series. 

Running has profoundly impacted their lives, intertwining with their social circles and daily routines. “I am so happy to be running! It’s something Ellen and I can do together, so we try to run together whenever we can. Most of our close friends are also runners, so we’re happy to be part of the Lakeland running family!” Todd shares enthusiastically.

Ellen echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of running in her life. “Running is now such an integral part of my life as my husband runs, my best friends are runners, and even vacations are planned around races. I have gone through my share of injuries and setbacks, and one thing is for certain: when I am not allowed to run (due to doctors’ orders), I miss it fiercely.” Ellen adds, “I pretty much will run anywhere with anyone at any time. I just love to run. I would tell anyone who runs or even wants to run, it’s all about you; running will make you feel alive.”

Todd’s trained for one marathon, and then decided to focus on the half marathon distance. One memorable experience was at the Orange Blossom half marathon in Haines City. Todd was fit from the Pub Run and the Thursday Hill Run. “At one point, the course changes from flat to uphill and the hill lasts about half a mile. I cheered, ‘I love hills!’ while everyone else’s shoulders slumped in disappointment. I passed everyone on the hill!” he recalls with a smile.

Outside of running, Todd enjoys baking and often brings goodies to the Tuesday night pub runs. Ellen, equally passionate about cycling, spends her time riding her road bike when not running.

Looking ahead, Todd’s goal is to keep running and stay healthy. “I want to run well into the future!” Ellen, having achieved her goal of staying injury-free in 2023, aims to continue that streak. “For this year, my goal is to continue that streak and maybe tackle a few more ‘new races’ in other towns/states I have not been to before, but continue to stay injury-free and just have fun while running.”

Ellen and Todd Vargo’s journey into the Lakeland running community highlights their dedication to health, camaraderie, and the joy they find in the sport.