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| "I am the river" |
For most of my life, I was a gym rat. I loved spinning and the elliptical machine. I took other classes like kickboxing too. I built it into my daily routine. But by the time I reached my late twenties, something completely shook up that routine – I met my soon-to-be husband. He lived in the suburbs and we decided that I’d move out there to live with him. For a while, this meant a wretched commute and, consequently, gym time was hard to come by. I tried everything – showering at work, different gym locations – everything. Nothing was working and I was starting to feel unhealthy, stressed and depressed. So, one day, I put on my sneakers and decided to just run out the front door of our house. It figured it could save me the additional drive to the gym. I could barely run a quarter of a mile that day. That was in the summer of 2009.
I have found that a training plan really helps me. Since mid 2010, I’ve pretty much been training for races nonstop. The biggest motivation for me, though, is knowing how good I’ll feel when I get back. I try to capture that feeling so I can remember it when the alarm goes off at 5:00 am.
Do you use a running coach, or read any books to aid in your training?
I tend to do all of my research online. I’m constantly reading articles that other runners send around on Twitter (which I find to be a great source of running information). I have a few books too, but unfortunately I’m not the most avid reader. Some recent books in my collection are Running the Edge and Gratitude Power for Runners and Walkers.
How do you fit running in with your daily schedule?
For me, running in the mornings has been key. I’ve tried all different times of day, and mornings just work better for me. A morning run helps me get up and moving, motivated for the day and leaves my evening free for whatever comes.
Do your friends and family support your running or think you are crazy?
A little of both! But they are mostly supportive.
What is your favorite running terrain (road, trail, treadmill)?
Being outside is so important for me and my running, so the treadmill is definitely last on the list. I’m primarily a road runner, but I’ve recently started to dabble in some trails. I have a feeling that trail running will be where I end up.
What is the hardest race you’ve run to date?
When I was training for my first marathon (and only marathon so far), my training plan called for a half marathon in week nine, so I searched for one close by. There were just a few options that particular weekend, and I ended up choosing Riley’s Rumble in Maryland. I read the reviews online which warned me about the hills and the humidity, but I didn’t realize just how hard it would be until I was there and actually running it. I swear the entire thing was one giant hill. And the humidity just settled on the course like a thick mat. It wasn’t a big race, so there were times I felt alone out there. But I did it.
What is the most enjoyable race you’ve run to date?
Every race has its own set of memories, but the most enjoyable would have to be my first marathon this past October. There was so much build up and excitement, and my family was there supporting me. There were plenty of hard moments, but overall, it was one of the most fun things I’ve ever done.
Have you ever been injured due to running? What were the ramifications?
Thankfully, I’ve never really been injured because of running.
Do you use any music or run tracking devices when you run, or are you a naked runner?
I’m a huge fan of music so my iPod is always with me. But, I have to say, in my few attempts at trail running, I found that I actually turned off my music during those runs. I found that, while on the trail, I enjoyed listening to the sounds around me and under me – which helped me react better and be more connected to the ground. As far as tracking, I have been using the Nike + system for a while, and just got the Nike + GPS for Christmas. It’s much more accurate.
How do you get yourself through the difficult parts of your runs? Do you have a personal mantra or do you just give up?
Never give up! I try to keep going no matter what. But if I’m feeling really exhausted or sick, I tell myself it’s ok to take a walk break. It’s also ok to slow down a little to a pace that is comfortable. Once I started running long distances, I came to understand that there are many phases of a run. In some phases, I feel like I’m flying. And in others, it’s more of a struggle. My personal mantra is to tell myself, “I am the river.” It helps me visualize a flowing, constant motion that is graceful but still very powerful.
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?
Haha. I try to avoid that problem as much as I can. For me, it’s helpful not to drink too much the night before a long run. And I try to avoid beans. Beans are bad.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about taking up running?
First bit of advice, just get out there and do it. You won’t regret it. I also tell people that your shoes are really important. Go to a local running store and get fitted. Fittings are usually free and it will give you a better idea of the type of shoe that works for you. Then, I think it’s super helpful to have a training plan, which usually means signing up for a race! And remember, running is supposed to be fun. There will be setbacks, but try to stay positive and enjoy the journey.
What is your next big race?
I am currently signed up for my second marathon – Rock n Roll in Washington, DC March 17, 2012.
What is your immediate running goal?
My immediate goal is to beat my time in my next marathon, which involves adding some cross training and core workouts to my routine. I'd also like to complete the marathon in my minimalist, zero-drop, shoes. Another non-race-related goal is to do more trail running.
What is your ultimate running goal?
I want to be running and playing outside when I’m 90 years old.
Do you have a way we can keep track of your progress (Twitter, Facebook, Blog, etc.)?
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/notarunnerBlog,
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AlyssaRun
DailyMile: http://www.dailymile.com/people/AlyssaRun
Blog: http://notarunner.com/.
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