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| "Keep on running, everyone else is... |
To keep in shape and to keep the 39 lbs. I lost last year off. It's also becoming sort of therapeutic. I get the same feeling mowing the grass. I get in my zone and relax... most of the time.
How long have you been running? How did you get started? Why did you choose running over other activities?
I have never been athletic... ever! I somehow got talked into training and competing in a triathlon in 2010. I trained, I lost weight, but as soon as the race was over and for 5 month after, I quit exercising and put on more weight than I had before. My coworker and triathlon teammate then said to me, "We're goal oriented people, that's why we don't care now. We don't have a goal." Out of the blue and I guess because of my love of their organization and what they do, I quickly replied, "Let's compete in the St. Jude half marathon in December!" Then began my running. I chose running because it seemed like something I could easily do and get good at.
How do you motivate yourself to run regularly? What about on the days the weather is bad or you are feeling particularly lazy?
I have to push myself a lot of days. After a stressful 10 hour day it's sometimes hard but if I want to reach my goal of being called a "runner" and stay in shape, I have to. No ifs, ands, or buts.
Do you use a running coach, or read any books to aid in your training?
I use Twitter and my subscription to Runner's World. Twitter is an amazing resource for the beginning or skilled runner.
How do you fit running in with your daily schedule?It usually comes after work and before dinner. Most Fridays I have to take off because my day can run 12 hours or more at work. The weekend is much easier to run because my wife is around to run with me.
Do your friends and family support your running or think you are crazy?
Because of my former fear of anything healthy and athletic, they're a bit freaked out but have all been extremely supportive and encouraging.
What is your favorite running terrain (road, trail, treadmill)?
Road. I have ended up on the treadmill lately because of outside temps (I am not a very good cold weather runner). I cannot say the last time I have been on a trail run which is funny to think since I live out in the backwoods of Alabama surrounded by trees and trails.
What is the hardest race you’ve run to date?
The Nashville 10 Miler in October 2011. It was a runner's course and when I ran it I had never done more than 5 miles. It was part of my training for the half but I was not prepared for the beating the hills would give me. I will say it was the most scenic, beautiful course I have run to date.
What is the most enjoyable race you’ve run to date?
The St. Jude Memphis Half on December 3, 2011. The people lining almost every inch of the course was so encouraging. The weather was perfect, not too many hills, lots of turns and course changes. I will say this to anyone who has never ran this race, the feeling of running through the campus of St. Jude is one of the single best feelings I have ever felt! It's indescribable. Seeing the patients, parents, and employees lining the streets with outstretched hands waiting to tag yours... ahh... nothing like it in the world. I felt like a rock star!
Have you ever been injured due to running? What were the ramifications?
No injuries to date. *knock on wood*
Do you use any music or run tracking devices when you run, or are you a naked runner?
I have run some naked and some with music. I guess it depends on my mood beforehand. The style of music makes drastic changes as well.
How do you get yourself through the difficult parts of your runs? Do you have a personal mantra or do you just give up?
Each time my right foot hits the ground I say to myself, "I got this." and just keep repeating that until my mind relaxes enough to not worry about why the run became difficult.
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?
Keep on running, everyone else is...
What advice would you give to someone thinking about taking up running?
Do it. Look at it as therapy. Find your stride and zone out. Your mind and body will thank you.
What is your next big race?
Habitat For Humanity Half Marathon in Tuscaloosa, AL to benefit tornado relief.
What is your immediate running goal?
To not quit running.
What is your ultimate running goal?
To not quit running and to collect as many bib numbers as I can. Truly, I did set a goal this year to do two half’s and at least one 5K each month. Guess I am taking one month at a time.
Do you have a way we can keep track of your progress (Twitter, Facebook, Blog, etc) Twitter:www.twitter.com/monkontheradio
Daily Mile: http://www.dailymile.com/people/Monk23
Facebook: www.facebook.com/monkontheradio
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