Do you live to run? Do you plan your day around your running? Do you try to get everyone you know to start running?
If you answered yes to any of these, you may have the runs. If you answered yes to ALL of them, you definitely do!

Anne P has the runs!

The next installment of "People who have the runs"

"Run hard. Be strong. Think big."
Why do you run?
Why do I run....wow! So many reasons. I run for fun, I run for fitness, I run for my sanity, 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've been running consistently for a little over 2 years. Off and on, I've been running since college with way more time off than on. I consider my start of running to be September 2009, about 4 weeks after my 2nd son was born. My goal at that time was for the local 5K race 8 weeks later. I chose running since I had a newborn and toddler at home and it was the most efficient calorie burning exercise that I could do by stepping out my front door.

How do you motivate yourself to run regularly? What about on the days the weather is bad or you are feeling particularly lazy?
I don't have too many issues motivating myself to run regularly, honestly, I just love to run. Well, that and I love my new "skinny" clothes, so being able to continually fit in those keeps me running. We bought a treadmill last summer for the really bad days when I can't seem to get out the door, but I find the treadmill very boring so it's usually just easier to go outside for a run! Training plans also help. I don't like if I have to record fewer actual miles than had been planned for a training run.

Do you use a running coach, or read any books to aid in your training?
I've read several books, my favorite is Run LIke a Mother. I do a lot of searching online, ask questions of other runners on DailyMile and Twitter. I just started using a virtual coach from Team26.2.com for my upcoming marathon. I'm in week 4 of my training and so far so good. My goal with having a coach is that if we need to make changes mid-plan, I have someone with a lot more knowledge and experience to help me properly change it!

How do you fit running in with your daily schedule?
I fit running into my daily schedule by running my weekday runs before the rest of the house gets up. When I'm in training, I'm usually out the door by 4:30am. Weekends, I fit long runs around the family schedule.

Do your friends and family support your running or think you are crazy? 
 BOTH! I have a couple friends that are runners so they understand, but others think I'm crazy for running so much. Family, they see the fantastic benefits I've gotten from running, but I think they still wonder why anyone would willingly run 26.2miles!

What is your favorite running terrain (road, trail, treadmill)?
In order, it's Trail, Road, Treadmill. I would love to run trails more often, but usually doesn't work with my early morning schedule.

What is the hardest race you’ve run to date?
Hardest race I've run to date was definitely the USAF Marathon in Sept 2011. It was my first marathon.



What is the most enjoyable race you’ve run to date?
Most enjoyable race...that is a tough question! I think it would have to be the USAF Marathon. It was a FANTASTIC experience. I would love to run USAF again, but there are so many other races to try, too. Even though it was very painful, I did enjoy the race. Running on base through military housing with the military families cheering for us when I just wanted to cheer for them and what they sacrifice. The aid stations with military volunteers, Receiving my medal from a general (I think that was his rank). Awesome experience!

Have you ever been injured due to running? What were the ramifications?
I had a slight meniscal tear in my right knee last August while training. I was told to ice immediately after running and if it felt worse, slow down or take an extra rest day. Other than that, I've been very lucky (knocking on wood).

Do you use any music or run tracking devices when you run, or are you a naked runner.?
When running alone, I typically listen to music on my iPhone, and have my Garmin for tracking time & distance. However, I went on my first "naked" run a couple weeks ago and LOVED it. I may be adding more "naked runs" into my weeks, but I haven't yet.

How do you get yourself through the difficult parts of your runs? Do you have a personal mantra or do you just give up?
Getting through difficult parts of my runs--- Usually it's when I am running Yasso 800s, I keep telling myself, it's only a 1/2 mile. If I can run 26.2, I can do this. A lot of times that works. Also, I've been know to tell myself to HTFU (many of you know what that stands for and I'll leave it at that). And my favorite is from my husband on my RoadId: Run Hard. Be Strong. Think Big. You can do 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?
I've been really lucky that I haven't had many issues since I started running. The few times that I have developed a "problem", I've been lucky enough to be close to home!

What advice would you give to someone thinking about taking up running?
Start slow and keep at it. It takes a lot of time and effort to build up mileage. And do not compare yourself to others; the only one you should be competing with is yourself!

What is your next big race?
I have the ORRRC Half Marathon in March, and The Cleveland Marathon in May.

What is your immediate running goal?
Train smart, keep having fun, and hopefully set a couple PRs!

What is your ultimate running goal?
Hopefully to be a lifelong runner for health and enjoyment while set a good example for my kids.

Do you have a way we can keep track of your progress (Twitter, Facebook, Blog, etc)
Twitter: @runningmom2boys
Blog: : www.thisrunningmomslife.blogspot.com

No comments:

Post a Comment