Suann L has the runs!

The next installment of "People who have the runs"

"Trail! Trail! Trail!"

Why do you run? 

One word: trails. I love the outdoors. I love trail running. I love traveling to new places and running new trails. I love the people whom I have met in this sport. It's as much of a culture and community as it is a sport.

How long have you been running? How did you get started? Why did you choose running over other activities?
I started running in 2009. I ran my first half marathon in Nov. 2009. My first marathon in April 2010.

A friend and I were sitting around the office one day and decided we needed to start taking advantage of the 2-mile trail around our campus. A group of us started running 1/4 mile, walking a 1/4 mile. I decided to sign up for a 5K in my neighborhood and just never stopped.

To date, I have run 6 marathons, 2 ultras and who knows how many half marathons. I've also completed a few sprint triathlons and a duathlon.

How do you motivate yourself to run regularly? What about on the days the weather is bad or your are feeling particularly lazy?
I've never regretted a run, but I've always regretted a run I decided not to do. I keep motivated by constantly having a race on my calendar -- something to train for.

My motivation also comes from my great running friends. I joined a running club when I started running so there is always someone to run with. I also have a group of folks who run trails with me.

If the weather is awful, I'll suck it up and treadmill it or cross train on my bike or in the pool.

Do you use a running coach, or read any books to aid in your training?
I had a coach for awhile. It worked for a bit. I've read a lot of books, but ultimately, you have to do what works for you. Many of the books will tell you the same thing--a speed, a tempo, a long slow day and some in between.

I'm not a slave to my training. I have a loose training plan, if my body is not feeling right for a 20 miler, I'll stop early. Bottom line is at this point, I know I can cover the distance, cutting a long run a little short is better than junk miles.

How do you fit running in with your daily schedule?
Do your friends and family support your running or think you are crazy?
Being a single mom and working full time, you get creative with how to fit in your workouts. I am fortunate that I can run at lunch at work. On the days my son has swim team, I will cross train in the pool or bike or run on the treadmill at the gym while he swims. When I travel for work, I bring my running gear.

Since 90% of my friends now are endurance athletes, they fully support my craziness. My co-workers think I've lost it. "Did I hear that you ran 54 miles?!?!"

What is your favorite running terrain (road, trail, treadmill)?
Trail! Trail! Trail! I used to be a road runner. I think my life would be 100% complete if I never ran another road marathon.

What is the hardest race you’ve run to date?
In general, I hate the 5K. Running at full speed ahead is torture to me!

What is the most enjoyable race you’ve run to date?
My first ultra - Rockledge Rumble 50K. It's my home turf.

Have you ever been injured due to running? What were the ramifications?
I've dealt with patella tendonitis a few times. Sprained my ankle once. But I have been pretty fortunate that my injuries have been minor.

Do you use any music or run tracking devices when you run, or are you a naked runner.?
I run with my Garmin 310XT. I pretty much go music-less these days. First of all, it's illegal in a tri to have headphones in and secondly it's dangerous to have them in on the trails. I don't miss it. But if I'm on the trail at work, which is closed to anyone but runners and walkers, I'll throw on some music.

How do you get yourself through the difficult parts of your runs? Do you have a personal mantra or do you just give up?
"Just keep swimming. Just keep swimming." - Dory sang it in Nemo. I sing it to myself when I just want it all to be over.

In a long race, I try to break things up by chunks. This many aid stations to go. Or by 5K increments.

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?
You can not call yourself a distance runner unless you have prayed to reach the next port-a-potty in time during a marathon...it's a right of passage, an indoctrination. Welcome to the club.

What advice would you give to someone thinking about taking up running?
Have fun. Don't get caught up in being a slave to your training or what the damn clock says. It's not a job. It's a hobby. Enjoy the journey. Meet new people. Payback to the sport by volunteering.

What is your next big race?
I have Rocky Raccoon 50 mile on Feb. 4. My first 100 is Zion 100 mile on May 11. Yeah, I'm crazy.

What is your immediate running goal?
I would like to break 11 hours at Rocky and finish Zion 100 uninjured.

What is your ultimate running goal?
Leadville 100!

Do you have a way we can keep track of your progress (Twitter, Facebook, Blog, etc)
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/suann.lundsberg
Twitter: ultraladysuann
Blog: http:suannontherun.blogspot.com