 |
| You embrace all moments. Including getting up at stupid o'clock to fit things in. |
I run because running loves you back. It gives you a sense of awareness of yourself, your life, your purpose. I run because people don't expect me to run as a disabled person. I run for strength, for freedom, for bliss. I run for that feeling of abandon that comes when you just let go and give everything of yourself. I run for hope. I run for a future not my own. I run because I give myself no reason not to.
How long have you been running? How did you get started? Why did you choose running over other activities?
I've been on this journey of running for five and a half years. I started running as I began college, my second education. I knew I would need a stress reducing activity to get me through it. I began with one minute of running and one minute of walking. I didn't chose running over other activities. I love to swim, tandem bike, flip tires, plank, or randomly jump in snow banks. I merely devote more time to running as my shoes tend to call me more than my bathing suit.
How do you motivate yourself to run regularly? What about on the days the weather is bad or your are feeling particularly lazy?
You should always be kind to yourself. Give yourself credit for accomplished tasks. Be brave and take the time to fall in love with running. One time I hit a low point in running and so took on a runstreak challenge in which I ran for 498 days straight. I did this to create a habit out of running. I did this to take away the question: do I feel like running today? Running became as much a part of me as breathing. Never look for motivation to run... Look inside for the reasons you are a runner. Look to your hope. And on the hardest days, look to your fear... It's a big helper.
Do you use a running coach, or read any books to aid in your training?
I have a fitness coach. I have had his guidance for just over a year. I set dramatic goals and he helps me to reach forward to them without ever asking why would you wish to do that? It's perfect. I love my coach. (@beastmodecoach)
How do you fit running in with your daily schedule?
If you want a chocolate bar, you make time for it. If you want your dream, you find time for it. I have three children. I used to, at the height of my training, run through the night, or get up super early and do loops in the neighborhood and then go back out while they were at school. Occasionally I would run home from work (at the time 32km away). If you want your dream... You embrace all moments. Including getting up at stupid o'clock to fit things in. You just do.
Do your friends and family support your running or think you are crazy?
Both. Always both. And I think they are right to do so. More than one of them have started running or swimming or biking or planking in the grocery store with me. I am grateful for every moment with my friends and family.
What is your favorite running terrain (road, trail, treadmill)?
Favourite terrain is trail. It's difficult, invisible for me, but there are far less encounters with fast moving things on the trail. I also love a long county road and silence.
What is the hardest race you’ve run to date?
Hardest race.... Dirty Girls 48hr. Hard because moving forward becomes unbearable. Hard because you lose yourself in time and in the end wonder how it went by so fast... Hard because I wanted it so very badly. 44hrs 100miles...
The other race I could mention is Boston 2013... Horrible experience, but the universe has a funny way of unfolding.
What is the most enjoyable race you’ve run to date?
Definitely Dirty Girls 24hr... My first ultra event. Big steps. New world. Life changing.
Have you ever been injured due to running?
Nothing major. Strains, sprains, sore ego. Stress fracture in a metatarsal due to boot camp.
What were the ramifications?
The stress fracture put me in orthotics to this day, but always grateful for every chance to run.
Do you use any music or run tracking devices when you run, or are you a naked runner?
If I'm on road I plug in to my iPod to block traffic sounds. If I'm on trail I have to focus and listen way more to the ground to see where I'm going. I use a run tracking watch that I'm neither in love with or addicted to. Sometimes I set the timer on the oven and measure the distance on gmaps after I've finished.
How do you get yourself through the difficult parts of your runs?
Mostly distraction. I believe the first 5km of every run is adjustment period. So as a rule I don't get an opinion on how things are going until after about 7km. Tough parts are tough. You have to figure out why, is it a hydration issue? A fuel issue? A wardrobe issue? Or are there mental things dragging me down? For me, in an ultra race I'm always the last to finish. So I think about how hard I'm working just to show up and finish. Imagine if I didn't? You must want your dream MORE than whatever is making the tough parts tough. And when all else fails.... I think to myself, at the very least, this is still easier than child birth.... And perhaps a history test.
Do you have a personal mantra or do you just give up?
Personal mantra - Every run has a purpose, every runner has a reason. Find both and hold on tight.
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?
Loops! Run loops... Stop back in at home. Watch what you eat before and right after and pay attention. Maybe grammas apple pie wasn't a wise choice. I'll save it for the night after.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about taking up running?
There is no right or wrong way to start running. There is no equipment you must have except an open heart. Running buddies are very helpful. Running clinics can be great. But so can taking your dog for a walk and one day deciding to run ten paces. And the next eleven. Whatever you do, be kind to yourself. Rejoice in triumphs even if it's just one lamp post to another. Pick a goal 5k race in your community and tell friends that's where you're headed. Then, head there. Even if you end up walking most of it. Bravery is often tolerating the questioning looks from your family as to what you're doing.
What is your next big race?
This entire season is dedicated to running in August end to end on the Bruce trail to draw awareness to disabled athletes. I will be running 20 consecutive days, a minimum of 42.2km each day, each day with a different guide runner helping. I have a few stops along the way, the Boston marathon again, a hopeful 24hr bike race (tandem bike), a locally planned 15-20km swim in open water and perhaps a few others.
What is your immediate running goal?
My immediate running goal? Hmmm good question. Perhaps to survive winter? Perhaps to kindle hope in some other nameless runner I haven't met yet? Perhaps to remember how much running loves me back. Perhaps to greet each step with hope and belief that the next will land safely and carry me on.
What is your ultimate running goal?
Ultimately I always hope to create some positive sense of change in the world. It may seem far fetched to assume running can carry such good karma. However I believe the world needs to see disabled athletes outside of the para-sport environment.I think other persons with a disability need to be less afraid of participating.And I strongly think the world needs to soften ever so slightly about the race requirements and cut off times to allow for our participation.
Do you have a way we can keep track of your progress (Twitter, Facebook, Blog, etc)
I do!
Twitter @ramavery
And the Bruce run is @envisons2014
Facebook
Rhonda-Marie Avery
And again there is a group called "envisions"
Blog can be found at: Sprintingspring.blogspot.com
No comments:
Post a Comment