Heather B has the runs!

The next installment of "People who have the runs"

"I run because it's hard!

Why do you run?
I run because it's hard! For some, running comes easy, but I am definitely not one of those peeps. It hurts every time I go out, but the challenge of it continues to drive me to push myself farther and faster.

How long have you been running? How did you get started? Why did you choose running over other activities?
I grew up as a dancer for the first 20 years of my life. After I graduated from undergrad, I realized that I couldn't really dance anymore, so I started searching for something new. I stumbled upon triathlons for the challenge, and running is obviously a component. It just spiraled from there!

More than anything, I often choose running because of its easy access. Step #1: Put on shoes. Step #2: Grab dog leash and my dog. Step #3: Go! You can do it anywhere, and this often makes me choose it for my daily activity.

How do you motivate yourself to run regularly? What about on the days the weather is bad or your are feeling particularly lazy?
I usually try to give myself a 10 minute window. I tell myself to go try to run for 10 minutes. If I still feel unmotivated or blah, I'll allow myself to turn around and go home-- some days you just need to rest. But more often than not, I'll look at my crazy dog's face and we'll keep going. After all, it's never too hard to motivate for only 10 minutes, right?!

Do you use a running coach, or read any books to aid in your training?
I bought a few triathlon books when I first go into the sport, but more often than not, I just wing it or read stuff online. I do subscribe to Runner's World and get lots of helpful info there. I enjoy reading books about running (Ultramarathon Man, Born to Run) but not necessarily for training purposes.

How do you fit running in with your daily schedule?
For me, it depends on the time of year. I manage my family's landscaping company, so we are closed during the winter. During this time period, it's easy (obviously!) because I'm not working. However, during the other 9 months of the year, I block out a set time immediately following my work day. I come home and head out right away! I think it also helps, again, that I have an active dog that has to get her daily exercise (walks don't cut it unless I'm walking and she is off-leash running!) If she doesn't get her run, my life becomes miserable... that makes it a lot easier to fit running into the day!

Do your friends and family support your running or think you are crazy?
My entire fam supports my athletic endeavors, regardless of what they may be. My sis and mom are both life-long runners and my dad is an avid weight lifter and cyclist, so they understand the importance of staying active (although my mom does tell me I'm nuts when I participate in events like the Tough Mudder!) My friends are just as crazy about staying active as I am, so they are typically running right alongside me!

What is your favorite running terrain (road, trail, treadmill)?
I love trail running! The treadmill is by far the absolute worst!

What is the hardest race you’ve run to date?
I think my first half marathon was the hardest simply because I had no idea what to expect. I had originally planned to run it with friends but it ended up just being me. I had no idea how to pace myself, I went out way too fast, and then the temps dramatically dropped and the sky began to open up with rain (gotta love Colorado weather!) It was fairly miserable, but it made me want to try another race cause I knew it would never suck so badly again!

What is the most enjoyable race you’ve run to date?
I really loved the Tough Mudder. I guess it's not considered a race because it is untimed, but the sense of camaraderie among all the participants was awesome!!

Have you ever been injured due to running? What were the ramifications?
Luckily, I've never been injured. I participate in so many different sports that cross training is a way of life for me. I think this keeps me from beating on the same joints and muscles every day and helps me keep the owies away! (Yes, I say owies!)

Do you use any music or run tracking devices when you run, or are you a naked runner.?
Music, definitely music! I always run with my iPod as well as my Garmin 305. Sometimes I'll force myself to leave my Garmin at home though because I feel like I'm becoming too dependent on it.

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 always remind myself that pain is temporary. Cliche, I know, but it always helps me remember that the struggle will pass and I'll be stronger for it.

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?
Man, if you've gotta go, you've gotta go! I've never had any embarrassing situations involving running (although I've had about a zillion traveling third world countries!), but I'm pretty open and not really modest. If I need to hop behind a tree, I'll definitely do it :)

What advice would you give to someone thinking about taking up running?
Don't go out too hard in the beginning! So many new runners turn away from the sport simply because they try to go too far or too fast at first and it makes the entire sport not fun. Start out slow, mixing running and walking together, and never compare yourself to others. Oh, and if you're a woman, get a good sports bra. It will make a world of difference!

What is your next big race?
I have a half marathon in May, 2012, followed by an Oly tri at the end of June. I'm debating between going for my first full marathon or my first half ironman this summer-- I just can't decide which!

What is your immediate running goal?
Ha, actually my immediate goal is to set goals for myself! I've always been the type of person to say, "Oh, I just want to finish a bit faster than last time." I've realized that I'm allowing myself to get off easy, so this year I plan on setting actually time goals for myself. Should be interesting :)

What is your ultimate running goal?
You know what? I'm not quite sure. As long as I continue to push myself and enjoy it the entire time, I think I'll be happy with that.

Do you have a way we can keep track of your progress (Twitter, Facebook, Blog, etc)
I have a blog where I detail my adventures (running or otherwise!) at http://www.justacoloradogal.com. You can also find me on the Twitter: @AColoradoGal