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| "I'm too stubborn to give up!" |
I love it. It’s
as simple and complicated as that.
How long have you been running? How did
you get started? Why did you choose running over other activities?
I’ve been
running off and on for a while, but within the past two years I have really
made it a habit. I grew up watching my dad run ultramarathons so I guess you
could say running is in my genes. He always encouraged me to get out for a run
no matter the distance or the speed.
How do you motivate yourself to run
regularly? What about on the days the weather is bad or your are feeling
particularly lazy?
I started
running regularly when I signed up for my first half marathon. I knew it would
be impossible to run 13.1 miles if I couldn’t get out and run three miles. If
the weather makes it too dangerous to run outside (lightning, hail, ice, etc)
then I’ll take my run to the treadmill. If I’m feeling lazy, I just tell myself
to run one mile and then I can quit. Though every time I’ve done that, I’ve
felt good enough to finish my entire run.
Do you use a running coach, or read any
books to aid in your training?
I don’t have a
running coach, but I’ve found there are plenty of resources out there on the
internet, including a lot of great running blogs, Runners World, Hal Higdon’s
website, etc. One book I found particularly helpful is Run Less, Run Faster by Pierce, Murr, and Moss.
How do you fit running in with your daily
schedule?
I’m lucky to
work for a small business with very flexible hours. It allows me to get the
majority of my workouts and runs done in the morning without having to get up
super early. I usually do long runs on the weekend.
Do your friends and family support your
running or think you are crazy?
My husband is my
biggest fan and while he doesn’t run as much as me, he definitely understands
the time commitment. My dad is waiting for me to run an ultra distance with
him, and my friends think I’m nutty or simply amazing. I’m happy with either.
What is your favorite running terrain
(road, trail, treadmill)?
I like to run a
variety of terrain to keep from getting bored. They’re all my favorite! Well,
except maybe the track…
What is the hardest race you’ve run to
date?
It wasn’t a
race, but my hardest run was crossing the Grand Canyon. It was both mentally
and physically exhausting and at the end, I wondered if I would ever walk
again. It took me about 10 hours, and despite the difficulty, I would do it
again in a heartbeat. It was one of the greatest, most exhilarating experiences
of my entire life.
What is the most enjoyable race you’ve
run to date?
The Rock n Roll
Savannah marathon would be my most enjoyable. It was wonderful to see so many
spectators and supporters cheering the runners on. It was also my first
marathon so I had the runner’s high every step of the way!
Have you ever been injured due to
running? What were the ramifications?
I’ve had two
surgeries for a torn meniscus in the same knee. While running didn’t cause it,
I have to be very careful that my running doesn’t exacerbate the weakness is my
knees. I’ve been working with a great chiropractor who has made running long
distances possible for me. Strength training and foam rolling have also helped
tremendously.
Do you use any music or run tracking
devices when you run, or are you a naked runner?
I always run
with some sort of distance-tracking device. I listen to music most of the time,
except when running with my dog or during a race. During those times, I really
like to be present and aware of my surroundings.
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’m too stubborn
to give up! My mantra is “This is your
race.” Even if it’s a training run, I’m still racing for something be it a
weekly mileage, enhancing my self esteem, or a chocolate milkshake with fries.
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’m very blessed
with an iron stomach! On the occasion that I get a call from Mother Nature, I
find a tree, do my thing as fast as I can, and hope no one passes by. I don’t
run in a city or highly populated area so I can do that.
What advice would you give to someone
thinking about taking up running?
Just do it! We
were all beginners once so we’ve all been there. It’s going to be hard at
first, but if you stick with it, it will
get easier
What is your next big race?
What is your immediate running goal?
To run a sub 2
hour half marathon.
What is your ultimate running goal?
My ultimate goal
is to just keep running.
Do you have a way we can keep track of
your progress (Twitter, Facebook, Blog, etc)
You can read
more about my running adventures at http://13point1.blogspot.com, or follow me on twitter @LngMayYouRun.
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