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| giving up is just not in my nature |
First, there are the obvious physical reasons. Running has helped me maintain an optimal weight, stay strong, fight illnesses, and keep cardiovascular fitness. Second, running has been good for my spiritual health. When I’m running by myself I usually spend that time praying and appreciating the beauty of nature or scenery around me. Thirdly, and to me most importantly, running has greatly helped my mental fitness. My husband has at times begged me to go for a run if I’m cranky or if I have a lot on my mind, because I come back much happier and frequently more settled in my mind. Running has helped me cope with a wide range of emotions and experiences. I often refer to it as my therapy!
How long have you been running? How did you get started? Why did you choose running over other activities?
I started running at the age of 13 when I joined the Middle School track team. I'm now 39. I chose running because I enjoy it, and you can do it almost anywhere, almost anytime.
How do you motivate yourself to run regularly? What about on the days the weather is bad or your are feeling particularly lazy?
I guess I'm just a naturally motivated person, because I pretty much just have to be upright to want to go for a run! So, when people ask me how to get motivated.... I have no idea how to reply. And the weather doesn't matter. Last year I ran a 5k race when it was 9f. And snowing. And the hottest I ran in was 95f in North Carolina on vacation at 11:00 am
Do you use a running coach, or read any books to aid in your training?
I do NOT have a coach. Maybe someday...... I loved reading Bart Yasso's latest book. My Life on the Run
Do you use any music or run tracking devices when you run, or are you a naked runner?
I never run with music, it distracts me from my thoughts and listening to my body. I run with a Garmin when I don't know the distance of my route, or if I'm trying to hold a certain pace. Otherwise, all naked all the time!
How do you get yourself through the difficult parts of your runs? Do you have a personal mantra or do you just give up?
I tend to yell at myself internally. And for some reason it's my maiden last name.... which is really odd since I've been married 14 years!! So it's usually something like this - COME ON FELTY!!! KICK IT IN GEAR!! SUCK IT UP!!! And giving up is just not in my nature
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 live out in the country. So let's just say several tree lines and cornfields have my DNA in them. If I'm running with a friend in town, I tend to plan the run around at least 1 or 2 places where I know I could use their facilities. My colon is legendary. I have even stopped at people's houses that I barely know. I figure if I've met you once you know me. It helps if these people are runners. They understand!
What advice would you give to someone thinking about taking up running?
Just try it for a few weeks. But, I encourage them to follow either Couch25K program or the Jeff Galloway program. I think people get burned out because they expect to just be able to bust out a few miles their 2nd or 3rd time out.
What is your next big race?
My next race is a 5k on Thanksgiving.
What is your immediate running goal?
My immediate next race goal is to run sub-9 min/mile pace at my 5k.
What is your ultimate running goal?
My ULTIMATE goal is elusive. I'd like to run a sub-2 hour half-marathon. I've been SOOO close. I ran a 2:03, and a 2:01:23....
Do you have a way we can keep track of your progress (Twitter, Facebook, Blog, etc)
I TRY to keep up on my twitter account, (@kagruns) and also my
facebook page (Krista Greaves - username also kagruns)
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