Kristin Z has the runs!

The next installment of "People who have the runs"

"Kristin! Don't be silly! There's no giving up!"

Why do you run? 

Why wouldn't I? It makes me feel strong and fit, and it's great for the mind and the soul.

How long have you been running? How did you get started? Why did you choose running over other activities? 

I have been racing since 2005 but ran in college as part of my workouts (I was on the crew team). I've been running ever since with some prolonged lulls. I don't really know why I started, especially racing. I guess I heard so many others talking about 5Ks and figured that I could do that. And here I am, seven years later about to run my first marathon. I choose running over other activities because I like to see how much further and faster I can go each time - it's easily measurable. It's also relatively inexpensive since all you REALLY need is a good pair of shoes. But all of us runners know it's not as inexpensive as we think. :)

How do you motivate yourself to run regularly? What about on the days the weather is bad or your are feeling particularly lazy? 

Getting up the motivation can be tough at times, but I know it will make me feel that much better - even if it's just a few miles. It's a delicate balancing act. On days that I'm feeling particularly lazy and don't want to get dressed up to head outside, I'll bargain with myself and hop on my bike trainer instead. At least that allows me to get some cardio in. Every day is not perfect and it's definitely hard to tell yourself that sometimes you just need to rest.

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

I don't have a coach but I do a LOT of reading. For my marathon I'm using a modified Jeff Galloway plan from his book although I have to admit, following a plan is difficult for me despite the fact that I'm such a planner in other aspects of my life.

How do you fit running in with your daily schedule? 

It can definitely be difficult. I'm not a weekday morning runner because I like to sleep in for as long as I can before I have to start my day. This leaves me with running at night. I've gotten into a routine that seems to work but there are never enough hours in the day. I always have to sacrifice something. If I opt not to run because of time constraints I hop on my bike trainer instead.

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

I am lucky that I have a supportive network although I think some family members think I'm insane.

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

I opt for the road because that's what I have at my disposal. I don't own a treadmill and don't belong to a gym. I'm not a treadmill fan and anything over 45 minutes on one is torture for me. There are a lot of trails by my house and am not opposed to running on them, but I question my sure footedness.

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

Definitely the Lake Placid half marathon in June 2011 although if you ask me next month I might say my first marathon - RnR NOLA! Lake Placid was difficult because my training wasn't going so well so I was questioning myself going into it. It was extremely humid that day and the course is challenging - rolling hills. I don't mind rollers, but the hike you have to do before entering the Olympic track is brutal and that comprises the last 3/4 mile of the race.

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

This is a hard one. Probably my first half marathon in October 2010 - Mohawk Hudson River half marathon. The feeling of accomplishment I had was bar none.

Have you ever been injured due to running? What were the ramifications?

I haven't had any serious injuries - just minor tweaks and pains here and there. I had a pretty painful shin splint over the summer but with careful attention and frequent massages it went away. That seems to be par for the course for me - pains that ebb and flow but nothing too serious thankfully.

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

I load up my iPhone with music although I'm not opposed to running naked. I also use the RunKeeper app on the iPhone. I have an old Garmin Forerunner 101 but I don't use it because it's too distracting. I'd look down at it ever few seconds if I wore 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 never give up. If I have to stop momentarily to re-focus I will do that but I would never throw in the towel. I usually have to tough love myself. I'll usually say something like "Come on, you've got this" or "Just another mile and you can take a short break" or "Kristin! Don't be silly! There's no giving 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? 

I stick with foods I know in the days leading up to a race - nothing new. I eat as blandly as I can because I've had serious stomach issues pre and post-run before. Plenty of oatmeal, whole grain breads, and pasta. No protein the night before (or very little). As for the bathroom? I make sure I go as much as I can the morning of a race.

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

Do it! Your body will thank you! The benefits of running, no matter what the distance, far outweigh the risks.

What is your next big race? 

Rock n Roll New Orleans marathon on March 4th

What is your immediate running goal? 

Make it across the marathon finish line in one piece, and then do it again at least twice more in 2012. Well, I guess that depends on how well March 4th goes!

What is your ultimate running goal? 

I would love to build up to ultras over the next few years.

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

Absolutely! You can follow me on Twitter @sassphaltrunner or my blog at sassphaltrunner.blogspot.com