Kristie C has the runs

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FEATURED RUNNER OF THE MONTH: December 2011

"tell me what I can’t do, I’ll show you what I can"

Why do you run? 
In my life I have 5 Chapters in my running, each with a unique reason for running.

• Chapter 1- (to live) I was diagnosed with Melanoma in 1997, Breast Cancer 1999, Cervical Cancer 2000.  I call this time of my life “the dark ages”.  I ran for my life during this time.  I needed to be alone with my thoughts. 
• Chapter 2- (therapy) Moved to Las Vegas with the love of my life from a small country town.  I ran for therapy.  I had no family or friends here, it was a HUGE culture shock. My husband worked crazy shifts and I never saw him.  I ran for therapy and comfort. 
• Chapter 3- (body after baby) I brought into the world a healthy baby boy.  Pregnancy wrecked my body.  I gained over 100lbs, lost use of my hands, couldn’t walk.  I was put on bed rest.  After this, I started running again to get my body back. 
• Chapter 4- (tell me what I can’t do, I’ll show you what I can) While watching the news covering a marathon I turned to my husband and said “I’d like to try a ½ marathon some day” he laughed and said “You can watch”.  When I crossed the finish line of my first ½ marathon he was waiting for me, I said “Did you have fun watching?” 
• Chapter 5- (making a difference) I now run for fun and occasionally to compete.  I have ventured on a journey to bring an Outrun The Sun race to Las Vegas. I have grand hopes of raising awareness and raising money for Skin Cancer Research and Education.  Yes, I’d like to save the world from cancer, or die trying.

How long have you been running? How did you get started? Why did you choose running over other activities? 
I was an Athlete in High School and College. I have been running off and on most of my life.  I like running because in team sports you are only as strong as your weakest link, I was usually the weak link.  In running, I am my team.  The only person I can let down, is myself.

How do you motivate yourself to run regularly? What about on the days the weather is bad or your are feeling particularly lazy? 
I give myself a goal, a race, and then I follow a plan.  I feel a huge sense of obligation to follow the plan.  I look at weather as training conditions/challenges.  Weather happens.

Do you use a running coach, or read any books to aid in your training? 
I do not have a running coach.  I self coach in running.  I am a sponge reading books, magazines, online, everything.  I try different plans and experiment to find what works for me.  Currently I am using the Runner’s World Challenge plan for my upcoming first marathon.  I do have a personal trainer that helps me with strength training.

How do you fit running in with your daily schedule?
I make it work.  With my husband’s job and having a little one, I fit it in.  I have a treadmill at home, which helps. I have been known to run long runs (20+ miles) at midnight on the treadmill in order to fit a run in.

Do your friends and family support your running or thing you are crazy? 
My friends and family for the most part don’t “get it” unless they are a runner.  They think I am nuts.  My husband loves the benefit of having a wife that is in shape and allows bread and pasta in the house.  My son is my biggest fan, every race I run, he tells everyone I won.  If only that were the truth…

What is your favorite running terrain (road, trail, treadmill)? 
I love any terrain.  My favorite is somewhere new.  A new trail, path, city, a place to discover and lose myself in the run.

What is the hardest race you’ve run to date? 
My hardest race was not for the reason you may think.  It was the 911 10^th Anniversary Memorial in Las Vegas.  Each runner was given the name of someone who lost their life.  I was able to read about who I was running for and was blessed to receive an email from his mother the day after the race.  I ran the hardest and fastest that day because I was running for an angel, not myself.

What is the most enjoyable race you’ve run to date? 
The Broad Street 10 Miler in Philly.  No contest.  It was my first destination race.  I have in-laws there so my husband was able to spend time with his brother while I ran.  The crowds are great, tons of Rocky theme music.  Scenic, historic route.  At the finish, ballpark pretzels and Tasty Kakes.  I cannot wait to go back.  It was magical.

Have you ever been injured due to running? What were the ramifications? 
*knock on wood* I am a Masters runner, I listen to my body. I have never been injured due to running.  Ever.  (Bets on how long before this happens, I just jinxed it)

I give myself little goals.  Run to the next tree, quarter mile.  It breaks it up and keeps me from giving up.  If I am not “feeling it” and keep getting frustrated, I stop.  I call it a day and move on.  I have suffered from “overtraining syndrome”.  Your runs are junk and attitude nasty.  I take time off until I can’t wait to run again.  This helps prevent injury too.

Do you use any music or run tracking devices when you run, or are you a naked runner.? 
I use an iPod for training, no or very low music during races.  I don’t want to miss hearing the crowd and/or other runners

A lot of runners know that “Who has the runs” has a double meaning. How do you deal with the occasional “problem” that plagues every runner at one time or another?
*knock on wood* I have not had that issue yet. I do have an exit strategy in mind when I run in case this need should pop up! I experiment and have my fuel down to a science.  I’ve gotten sick after doing speedwork; it’s a right of passage.

What advice would you give to someone thinking about taking up running? 
Baby steps.  Distance first, then speed.  Enjoy the run. Enjoy the journey.  Eat right, REST, and listen to your body.  Don’t get injured trying to push yourself. Don’t let others pressure you about time.  It’s personal, you are running for yourself.  That’s why it’s called a PR = personal.

What is your next big race? 
My first full marathon! The Rock n Roll Las Vegas on December 4^th.

What is your immediate running goal? 
My immediate goal is to finish my first full marathon.  No time pressure, just finish.  After all, it is my first.

What is your ultimate running goal? 
Personal Ultimate running goal- is to complete an Ultra Marathon.  Personal/Professional: Become a Certified Running Coach and bring an Outrun The Sun race to Las Vegas.  The ball is rolling on this race, we are hoping for 2013.

Do you have a way we can keep track of your progress (Twitter, Facebook, Blog, etc)  
Follow me on Twitter! @KristieCranford  
I hope to get on Daily Mile in the very near future.
I’m on Facebook but went to Twitter to seek out support from other runners.  My Facebook friends and family think I am nuts.  But there is truth in that statement.