Skibba has the runs

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The next installment of "People who have the runs"

"Who am I to take my ability to run for granted?"

Why do you run?
I run because it keeps me sane. It's my "me time," my therapy. I do my best thinking when I run. Work out problems. It is when I feel the freest…

How long have you been running? How did you get started? Why did you choose running over other activities?
A reformed "I hate to run" runner, I started running in June 2009 with Team in Training. A dear friend forced me into it because she saw in me something I didn't see in myself. I will be forever indebted to her.

How do you motivate yourself to run regularly? What about on the days the weather is bad or you are feeling particularly lazy?
I think about my goals. If I skip this workout, half ass it, how will it affect my goal? I also consider those I know who would love to run and can't. Who am I to take my ability to run for granted?

Do you use a running coach, or read any books to aid in your training?
I recently acquired a coach to help improve my running. She rewrote my running plan. She points out the improvements I am making to counteract all the opportunities I see.

How do you fit running in with your daily schedule?
It's on my Outlook. I have an appointment with the road.

Do your friends and family support your running or think you are crazy?
My kids are very supportive. They've seen how running has changed me. My friends support me. Those who don't get it are acquaintances…if they were friends, they would understand it is part of who I am.

What is your favorite running terrain (road, trail, treadmill)?
Road. Haven't done any trail running yet. Treadmill is a necessary tool at times but I try to avoid it. Bor-ing!

What is the hardest race you've run to date?
Nike Women's Marathon Oct 2009. It was my first race. I was coaching up another newbie so she wouldn't quit when I really needed to use that energy to get myself through.

What is the most enjoyable race you've run to date?
Rock N Roll San Diego. I finished my half, then went to mile 22 and ran with my friend during her first full.Seeing her finish was just amazing.

Have you ever been injured due to running? What were the ramifications?
At Nike Women's 2010, I badly sprained my ankle. Had to sit for 9 weeks. No elliptical, no walking, no impact. Only swimming. All I heard was "when do you get to run again?" Apparently I am not Polly Anna Sunshine when I can't run.

Do you use any music or run tracking devices when you run, or are you a naked runner.?
When I started training for Tri in June 2011, I gave up music since it isn't allowed during events. I am an obsessive pace watcher. I am working on only looking at Garmin on lap alerts

How do you get yourself through the difficult parts of your runs? Do you have a personal mantra or do you just give up?
"If this was race day, would I quit?" The answer is always "no." My mantra is HTFU. Gets me through every time.

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?
This only happened to me once…during Rock N Roll Dallas. I was lucky to find a construction site port-a-potty. It was an awful feeling…

What advice would you give to someone thinking about taking up running?
Don't get caught up in all the gadgets and pressure of performance. Yes, we want to do our best, continually improve but that is not what running is truly about.

What is your next big race?
Rock N Roll Vegas Dec 4th

What is your immediate running goal?
To keep the joy of running as number 1. I was getting too caught up in performance aspect, lost perspective. Time to remember why I run. And it has nothing to do with time.

What is your ultimate running goal?
To run Machu Picchu. 8 day run through the Inca Ruins…the place were Pablo Neruda was inspired. This is my ultimate.

Do you have a way we can keep track of your progress (Twitter, Facebook, Blog, etc)
Follow me on Twitter @skibbadoo.
Read my blatherings at http://skibbadoo.com/