Meaghan W has the runs

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The next installment of "People who have the runs"

"I force myself to go out and at least run my 'lazy man loop'"

Why do you run?
Because I like wine and sweets?? I kid. I lead an incredibly busy, full life, and running allows me that outlet, both competitively and therapeutically.

How long have you been running? How did you get started? Why did you choose running over other activities?
I started running in college - I had been active and in competitive sports my whole life and running was a cheap way to avoid gaining the freshman 15! All I needed was shoes and my watch. I started off just running a half hour a day, and then started playing with some distance. I was hooked almost instantly.

How do you motivate yourself to run regularly? What about on the days the weather is bad or your are feeling particularly lazy?
The aforementioned wine and sweets - ha! For me, it's the finish line of my "A" race. It's knowing that the other people I'm racing next to are out there training, and I need to be as well. It's also being a role model for my daughter - I love that she thinks it's totally normal for people to run for three hours on any given weekend day.

If I'm feeling lazy, I force myself to go out and at least run my "lazy man loop". 99% of the time, by the time I've started towards that loop, I'm in a place where I know I can keep going to complete my prescribed workout.

Do you use a running coach, or read any books to aid in your training?
I started working with coaches about a year ago. I was spending way too much of my time trying to mimic other people's workouts, runs, paces, etc, and it simply wore down my body. I was over-training, not getting enough rest, and my race performances have reflected this. Knowing that I have to forward my Garmin files to a coach keeps me accountable (and not trying to run a million miles a week, all at race pace!!).

How do you fit running in with your daily schedule?
I don't make it an option. To me, it holds the same weight as eating, working, and sleeping. I make it a priority. It involves serious dedication, but if you want something bad enough, you can make it happen. I'm a true believer in that.

Do your friends and family support your running or think you are crazy?
I have the most supportive network of family and friends ever. There are many of them that don't understand why I choose to run when it's 10 degrees outside, or go out and pound pavement for hours at a time. However, despite that, they support me in every way that they can.

What is your favorite running terrain (road, trail, treadmill)?
I'm a total roadie. I've done the trails before, and it can be fun every once in a while. However, it requires way too much concentration for me because I'm so damn clumsy! I love being out on open roads where there are few cars, and total peacefulness.

What is the hardest race you've run to date?
Twin Cities Marathon in 2009 - I ran that race with tons of poison ivy in places that you would NEVER want it (yes, there). I was on steroids for the poison ivy, swollen everywhere, and had no business toeing that start line. It was a fight to the halfway mark, where for the first time ever, I had to consciously pull myself out of a race. It was heartbreaking and devastating, but the right thing to do. However, I came back 2 weeks later and PR'd at the Baystate Marathon!

What is the most enjoyable race you've run to date?
I can't pick one - there are so many races I've loved, for so many different reasons. Although now that my 6 year old daughter has started doing a couple 5K's, those are definitely the most fun to participate in. Watching her run, and cross the finish line of a race is pretty much the coolest thing ever.

Have you ever been injured due to running? What were the ramifications?
Oh yes, due to the fact that I hate resting. I'm a moron when I get hurt, and do everything I can to keep pounding the pavement. As I've gotten older and wiser, I've become a lot smarter of a runner. I have realized that a couple days off (or cross training) bc something hurts is WAY better in the long run, than continuing to further injure yourself. Do I sound like I actually mean that?

Do you use any music or run tracking devices when you run, or are you a naked runner.?
Oh, I am so type A, and a complete slave to my Garmin - I love numbers and data. I love being able to trend runs from one day to the next, or month to month. There have been times when my Garmin and I have gotten in nasty fights and taken "breaks", but for the most part, it's always attached to my wrist.
I don't listen to music when I run, for fear I'll break out into a dance halfway through and injure myself!

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 try to run the mile I'm in - I break the run into small, manageable pieces. I allow myself to slow down, get myself together, and just get past it. Starting down a negative path never ends well for me. I have a history of sitting on the side of the road during really bad runs and throwing my shoes. I'd like to think I've put those days behind me, but I'm probably just kidding myself.

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 refer you back up to the bad race question/poison ivy answer. Since that fateful day when I accidentally used a poison ivy leaf as toilet paper, I never leave home without tissues. I'm fortunate that I live in an area where there are lots of wooded areas, which have come to know my bare butt pretty well!

What advice would you give to someone thinking about taking up running?
Just do it. Start small, and stay manageable. Make it part of your life, not something that's an option. You don't need to go far or fast. Find people to do it with you, or to help motivate you. And I promise, after a few weeks, you'll be addicted too!!

What is your next big race?
My next marathon is the Eugene Marathon in April 2012, where I'm going to knock my marathon PR out of the park!

What is your immediate running goal?
Start working on PR's across the board - I've been in a drought due to poor training cycles. I'm going into this winter and spring with a lot of new PR's in my sights!!

What is your ultimate running goal?
If I told you, I'd have to kill you.

Do you have a way we can keep track of your progress (Twitter, Facebook, Blog, etc)
Blog: www.meaghansmiles.blogspot.com
Twitter: @meaghan262