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| "I would love to get more involved in the running community" |
I run for many reasons. Over the years, I have developed a "relationship" with this hobby. As weird as it sounds to non-runners, I think we all get it. I run to prove to myself that I am strong - both physically and mentally. Every run I complete, every race I compete in - I become a little tougher and more resilient, learning about myself and feeling more confident in my abilities. It keeps me on a steady plane and helps me in every aspect of my life.
How long have you been running? How did you get started? Why did you choose running over other activities?
I consider when I purchased my first pair of real running shoes my start. That was about 11 years ago. I ran a few races here and there, but nothing serious until about 6 years ago when I decided to start training for my first marathon - Chicago 2005. I have always loved to work out. I was a competitive tennis player in high school and my coaches always stressed the importance of cross-training and conditioning. I love the game of tennis, but I always loved the conditioning too. Then I went to college. I stopped playing tennis and moving basically. (That is a lie, I actually moved very quickly to the keg, cafeteria line and self-serve ice cream bar in the dorm.) I successfully put on the Freshman 15 or really more like 20. I think I topped at 150 by the time I was 19 years old. The summer after my freshman year, I lost most of the weight, but maintained my fighting weight of 130-135 throughout my college career by sporadically working out and eating/drinking a lot of comfort food. Even though I was chubby, and my self-body image was pretty low, those years were sooooo fun. After college, it was much easier to control what I ate and drank and I pretty effortlessly dropped 10 pounds and could maintain 120 -125 without too much struggle. I was able to maintain a fitness routine which consisted of a little running, the dreaded Stairmaster, bike and some weights. Then around age 25, when I moved to Cleveland, OH I started running a little more and began thinking about running a marathon before I turned 30.
How do you motivate yourself to run regularly? What about on the days the weather is bad or your are feeling particularly lazy?
I know that I am going to feel better when I run. Period. When I am feeling particularly blah, I just tell myself that I will run to a certain point on my usual route, then give myself permission to turn around and head back if I am still not feeling it. I have only stopped and turned around once. Training for races is also a huge motivating factor for me. I am extremely driven and I know that if I miss a particular workout it's going to be hard for me to meet my goal. That seems to work.
Do you use a running coach, or read any books to aid in your training?
For years as I was starting, I was a Hal Higdon worshiper. I still am. I think he gives a lot of great advice. As my running progresses and I aim to get faster, tweaking my technique, I have been reading a lot by Matt Fitzgerald and Jack Daniels. I will start working with a Coach and team this coming year as I train for Boston and my 3:30 marathon!
How do you fit running in with your daily schedule?
When my life gets crazy, the day becomes less predictable and harder to control. When this happens, I get up and run first thing in the morning. This may mean getting up at 4am, but at least I get it in.
Do your friends and family support your running or think you are crazy?
No one in my family runs but I come from a long line of collegiate athletes so they appreciate it. Everyone thinks I am crazy, but they get it and support me in my efforts.
What is your favorite running terrain (road, trail, treadmill)?
My favorite terrain has to be the towpath. It's more forgiving than the road, but not as technical as the trail. I feel like I am in touch with nature and that is important to me.
What is the hardest race you've run to date?
Even though I just ran the JFK 50 Mile race on 11/19/2011, I would still say my hardest race has to be hands down - the San Diego Marathon. It's not a hard course, I just did not train properly for it and every mile after 11 was pure hell. I learned my lesson in that race and never want to feel that defeated or unprepared ever again.
What is the most enjoyable race you've run to date?
The Ragnar Relay was the most fun I have had in a long time in a race. It was 24+ hours of pure elation. Runners are fun people. We are silly people and when we are running on 3 hours of sleep - all of that increases two-fold!
Have you ever been injured due to running? What were the ramifications?
Knock on wood - No. I have a pesky pirformis muscle that gives me grief from time to time. I stretch and massage a lot. I know I would feel better if my glutes were stronger which I hope to work on over the coming month.
Do you use any music or run tracking devices when you run, or are you a naked runner.?
I used to never leave the house without my iPod. Over the past year, I have really been trying to run with it less. I currently run with music for about 50% of my runs.
How do you get yourself through the difficult parts of your runs? Do you have a personal mantra or do you just give up?
Running is hard. "Just one foot in front of the other." Is something I say to myself on almost every run. There are times during a run when I want to stop, I know that if I just keep moving forward, it will eventually get better.
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?
I really pay attention to what I eat days before a race or long run. I eat a pretty bland diet anyway, but I try to stay away from dairy other than yogurt. Luckily my stomach never really bothers me until after a long run. I have taken pepto bismol before though.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about taking up running?
Start slow. So many people jump on the marathon bandwagon, fall in love with running and then just keep getting chronically injured. There is no easy way to get faster or to run longer other than just slowly progressing. I was running a good 3-4 years before I started running marathons, then I ran my first at 4:35:21. It took me 5+ years before I qualified for Boston. I have not had any serious running injuries because I take it slow. I just think it is crazy for people to expect to go out there and on the first try qualify for Boston or even break 4 hours. Sure, people do it and it is amazing but each of our bodies are different. We have to listen to them.
What is your next big race?
The Boston Marathon and I cannot wait! I qualified at the Marine Corps Marathon in 2010. I will start training right after the New Year.
What is your immediate running goal?
A 3:30 marathon - Boston 2012!
What is your ultimate running goal?
My goal all along has always been to qualify for and run the Boston Marathon. I did not think I would have that opportunity for several years down the road, but it will be here soon enough! I always tease people and say after the race in April, my hobby will be watching TV and eating Bon Bons. I don't see that happening though. Ha. OF COURSE, I want to continue to run, but see my running transforming into not just being about ME and MY GOALS. Don't get me wrong, I still have a lot of PRs in these legs but I would love to get more involved in the running community, helping others achieve their goals, fundraising, etc.. I look forward to seeing where it takes me.
Do you have a way we can keep track of your progress (Twitter, Facebook, Blog, etc)
TWITTER: @irun26at8
BLOG: http://zero2fifty.blogspot.com/
FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/people/Jessica-Karazsia/891720649
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