Do you live to run? Do you plan your day around your running? Do you try to get everyone you know to start running?
If you answered yes to any of these, you may have the runs. If you answered yes to ALL of them, you definitely do!

Brianna S has the runs

The next installment of "People who have the runs"

"Nothing compares to the satisfaction of a good run."
Why do you run?
Originally I started running for pure selfish reasons; to lose weight and to get in shape.  After the first week I was hooked and my love for running grew past just wanting to keep in shape, I wanted to run because I loved it and it helps keep my sanity as well ;-)

How long have you been running? How did you get started? Why did you choose running over other activities?
I began running February 18th, 2011 (my 1 year is coming up, yay!).  I've always been around the running world thanks to my brother.  I decided to ask him to be my "coach" in February because I wanted to run with him in the Manchester Road Race 2011 on Thanksgiving.  Prior to running I was a dancer for 13 years, which by no means justified me as an athlete.  I never thought I could be a runner and therefore hated running.  Now I'm obsessed!! I honestly feel like nothing compares to running.  If I take a spin class I need to come home and run after.  Running brings me so much happiness and gives me a chance to clear my head.  Nothing compares to the satisfaction of a good long run.

How do you fit running in with your daily schedule?
Sometimes this can be tricky since I am not a morning person.  I work 9-5 which leaves me no choice but to run at night. I love running at night, everything looks so different.  I try to run 5-6 days a week but that's ever changing depending on my work.  Even if it's just getting out their for one mile, its better than nothing!

Do your friends and family support your running or think you are crazy?
My family and friends are ridiculously supportive of me.  I'm lucky to have my parents, brother, and boyfriend come to every one of my races.  In the beginning some of my friends and co-workers thought I was nuts especially when I started doing longer runs, but now everyone is so supportive and just accepts that runners are crazy :)

What is your favorite running terrain (road, trail, treadmill)?
I love, love, LOVE trail running even though I don't get out there as much as I would like.  Since I don't get to run at night during the week I tend to keep my runs on the streets, safety first ;-)


What is the hardest race you've run to date?
I'm still so new to racing so to me each one has been tough for me whether it be mentally or physically.  If I had to choose, it would be the Divas Half-Marathon back in October.  My first race, a 5K, had been only 2 months prior so jumping that big leap in distance was huge for me.

What is the most enjoyable race you've run to date?
The most enjoyable race I had was on Thanksgiving.  I ran my first Turkey Trot with one of my best friend's since Elementary school.  Although it was a bad race time wise I still had a lot of fun!

Have you ever been injured due to running? What were the ramifications?
Within my first few months of running I started having some knee and ITB issues.  I'm lucky to work for a physical massage therapy company with an on-site Acupuncturist who had me healed in one session. I haven't had a problem since ::knocks on wood::

Do you use any music or run tracking devices when you run, or are you a naked runner.?
I have a love/hate relationship with music on my runs.  In the beginning I never ran with music because I was very focused on breathing
correctly and form.  Now I use it on my long runs to keep me going for the next mile. Every now and then I get sick of it and just need to be in my own brain and focus.

How do you get yourself through the difficult parts of your runs? Do you have a personal mantra or do you just give up?
Breathing helps me a TON.  I also use a lot of imagery.  For instance I like to picture myself running with Lauren Fleshman when I'm doing tempo workouts or winning a race.  My own favorite personal mantra is " Run Hard. Run Long. Run Strong." It came to me one day on a run and I haven't forgotten it since!

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?
Unfortunately this tends to happen to me a lot since I'm still trying to figure out what my body likes before races and long runs.  Before my half I was SO sick, thankfully I parked by the bathrooms-- easy access.  If I'm feeling funny before a long run, I'll adapt the course to my development which can be grueling, since the loop in my neighborhood is only 2.5mi, but in the end it's so worth it to be near my house when a problem arises.


What advice would you give to someone thinking about taking up running?
Just go for it.  There is nothing negative about running.  The community, especially on twitter, is absolutely amazing and so insightful.  The only thing holding you back is yourself, running is 90% mental and the hardest part is just getting out the door!

What is your next big race?
The RNR DC Half in March! Woo-hoo. I'm preparing for a huge PR!

What is your immediate running goal?
Sub 30 5K.  I know I can do it, I just need to control my brain! I freak-out during races and my racing anxiety gets the best of me!

What is your ultimate running goal?
To run the NYCM Marathon!

Do you have a way we can keep track of your progress (Twitter, Facebook, Blog, etc)
Twitter: @_BriRose
Blog: http://www.seebrirun.wordpress.com

1 comment:

  1. im so proud of you my love you have come so far and grown so strong!keep running love chris

    ReplyDelete