Jennifer B has the runs!

The next installment of "People who have the runs"

"I'm the most stubborn person I know" 

Why do you run? 

Because I can. It my outlet.

How long have you been running? 

I started running back in high school and have had a few years of non-activity mixed in between periods of running. 

How did you get started? 

High school track - we were the track-less track team. I also did Cross Country for two years. 

Why did you choose running over other activities?

I love that running can be both an individual and a team sport. The best of both worlds. Points for the team but individual accomplishment.

How do you motivate yourself to run regularly? 

Right now, a training plan for my first 1/2 is my motivator. (as I sit procrastinating my hated interval work.) 

What about on the days the weather is bad or your are feeling particularly lazy? 

Meeting the goal I have set for myself - because I'm the most stubborn person I know. Also, someone laughed at my goal time early on after deciding to do the 1/2 and implied it couldn't be done, so when I feel discouraged and unmotivated, I remind myself that I have something (someone) to prove wrong.

Do you use a running coach, or read any books to aid in your training? 

An experienced marathoner/1/2er friend drew up my training plan for me and offers advice when I ask for it. Otherwise, I just do what the plan tells me - usually faster and more intense than prescribed.

How do you fit running in with your daily schedule? 

I am a stay-at-home mom right now (much to my chagrin - I do not like being at home all day), so my running usually comes at the end of the day during the week. My husband comes in the door and I go out the door. On the weekends, I run at whatever point in the day the mood strikes me.

Do your friends and family support your running or think you are crazy? 

Not sure - I get encouragement such as "why do you torture yourself so?" when I post run data to facebook and get some encouragement from runner friends. My husband prefers that I run - he says I seem happier and in a better mood on the days I run v. the days I don't.

What is your favorite running terrain (road, trail, treadmill)? 

Trail, all the way. Then, road and then, if I absolutely can't go outside, the dreadmill. Maybe that's why I need to sand my belt - its slippery from non-use. Poor lonely thing.

What is the hardest race you’ve run to date? 

I ran a 15K a few weeks ago (my first 15K). If I had researched the course of it previous to showing up on race day, I probably would have skipped it. It was a brutal course through plantation lands, consisting of red clay dirt roads with steep, long grades. I would get to the top and think, "oh, good, a nice refreshing downhill" and discover that it leveled out for 200 yards and then climbed again. UGH. I still pulled a fairly steady pace throughout and did better than I thought I would.

What is the most enjoyable race you’ve run to date? 

I enjoy every race, especially once it's over ;) I love the camaraderie and the competition.

Have you ever been injured due to running? 

I used to have knee problems with my L knee. The last time I torqued it, I wound up finding out I was pregnant w/ #1 and never followed up b/c I stopped running. Otherwise, a few aches and pains that have required rest, but have resolved on their own. 

What were the ramifications? I was supposed to have an MRI of my L knee, way back when (almost 7/8 years ago) but never followed up. Going to minimalist shoes has completely eliminated any knee problems.

Do you use any music or run tracking devices when you run, or are you a naked runner.? 

Depends on my mood. If I have a lot on my mind, I prefer to just "be alone" with my thoughts. If I'm unmotivated, music is a great motivator for me. I run with my trusty Garmin, who I have named Gertie, to track distance, pace, and time.

How do you get yourself through the difficult parts of your runs? 

Music, determination, echoes of coaches past yelling at me to get moving. I "talk" myself through it - "shoulders back, breath deeply and rhythmically, use your arms", etc. 

Do you have a personal mantra or do you just give up? 

I'm too stubborn to give up.

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? 

*Knock on wood*, I've not yet encountered this problem. No need to be a hater - I'm sure it will find me eventually.

What advice would you give to someone thinking about taking up running? 

It's hard work and no one can do it but you. Don't get discouraged and don't stop trying. I'd probably direct them to a beginners running group or a C25K program.

What is your next big race? 

1/2 Marathon, 2/5/2012 - Tallahassee, FL (BIG race); next race is on Saturday - a cancer benefit 5K.

What is your immediate running goal? 

A new 5K PR on Saturday and a sub two hour 1/2 marathon - 1:45 would be nice.

What is your ultimate running goal? 

Keep running!

Do you have a way we can keep track of your progress (Twitter, Facebook, Blog, etc) 

Twitter: @JBacile

I'm not a Blogger (at least not yet).