Frayed Laces has the runs!

The next installment of "People who have the runs"

"Having an attack plan means it will get done"

Why do you run?
That's a good question! I ask myself that often, typically at the later stages of ultra events. During the HURT 100, my body was screaming for an answer to this question at mile 95, but my brain came up empty. So why do I run? Because I can!

How long have you been running? How did you get started? Why did you choose running over other activities?
I did my first 5k in December of 2007. I started running at the gym for fitness, but when I moved to Hawaii I found my competitive side in races!

How do you motivate yourself to run regularly? What about on the days the weather is bad or your are feeling particularly lazy?
For me I view my training as obligations. I must get it done. It's as simple as that. On days when I just have one workout on my schedule, I try to get my training done early in the day so I don't have to worry about it. Although I live in Hawaii I have an indoor trainer for my bike and use it often. I really think it's my secret weapon. I've done 6 hour rides on that thing when the weather was particularly nasty.

Do you use a running coach, or read any books to aid in your training?
Yep. I have a triathlon coach. I've also read gobs of books along the way. I think all runners should try to be as educated as they can about training. You're pushing your body to unbelievable limits, and you owe it to yourself to do the background research before you do so.

How do you fit running in with your daily schedule?
Creativity. Usually it's one workout before work, one during lunch and/or after work. I have “kits” in my car: nutrition kits, cleaning kits, running kits, swimming kits. Every weekend I sit down with my training schedule and my planner and determine exactly when and where I will do my training for the week. Having an attack plan means it will get done.

Do your friends and family support your running or think you are crazy?
At first they thought it was a phase. I think they realized that I wouldn't grow out of it when I raced in the Kona Ironman.

What is your favorite running terrain (road, trail, treadmill)?
Oh, how I love the trails. I love how you can just be alone with your thoughts and with nature. I love how time evaporates.

What is the hardest race you’ve run to date?
That's a tough one because races all have different types of “hardness.” The hardest physically was the HURT100. At mile 90 my body started shutting down and it was unbelievable agony. But mentally some Ironman distance races can be tougher. You know you'll finish, but you need to mentally be able to keep up the intensity and race to the end.

What is the most enjoyable race you’ve run to date?
I have to go with the Ironman World Championships at Kona. It was my first Ironman (I qualified at a 70.3), it was in my home state with all my friends, and some family was there to witness. Such an unbelievable experience.

Have you ever been injured due to running? What were the ramifications?
In training for my first marathon, I did the classic too much too soon. I unknowingly developed a stress fracture in my pelvis and kept on running. I have a high pain tolerance, and was hurting during the marathon, but thought it was normal since other runners said the marathon would hurt. I finished the race, but couldn't lift my leg to walk up stairs and passed out in the bathroom in the middle of the night. The next day an MRI showed my pelvis was completely fractured in two places. I was on crutches for a month and no running for three. During that time I picked up swimming and biking and as a result became a triathlete!

Do you use any music or run tracking devices when you run, or are you a naked runner.?
Music really helps me power through workouts. I am also glued to my Garmin. I'm a scientist, so I'm definitely a numbers person.

How do you get yourself through the difficult parts of your runs? Do you have a personal mantra or do you just give up?
My mantra is “there will be a day when you can no longer do this. Today is NOT that day.” That seems to help.

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?
We're lucky here in Hawaii: beach park bathrooms every mile or so! It's on the mainland when I have problems. I once made a pretty hilarious mistake and grabbed the worst plant in North America to wipe with....you can imagine what happened...

What advice would you give to someone thinking about taking up running?
Have fun, seek out the company and advice of others, and make sure you have the right shoes!

What is your next big race?
This season it's the Hawaii 70.3 and Ironman Florida

What is your immediate running goal?
I'd really like to snag a Kona slot this season

What is your ultimate running goal?
Just to continually get faster and find new ways to challenge myself!

Do you have a way we can keep track of your progress (Twitter, Facebook, Blog, etc)
Yep! You can find me on twitter @frayed_laces, on my blog at frayedlaces.blogspot.com, or on Facebook (Frayed Laces)