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!

Heather H has the runs

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The next installment of "People who have the runs"

the stress relief a run provides is great
Why do you run?
I run because it is a great way to stay in shape and lose weight/keep the weight off. It is also a good escape for me. I can go for a run and just be in the moment and leave, at least for a time, all the worries and cares and drama going on behind. I work in the office at the local university so the stress relief a run provides is great.
How long have you been running? How did you get started? Why did you choose running over other activities?
I have been seriously running for almost 2 years. Two of my best friends from college are runners and they kept suggesting I take up running as I was trying to lose weight. They also are big Disney fans and thought that I would love to do a RunDisney race. So before I knew it, I had signed up for my first half marathon, the Princess Half Marathon 2013. Not long after that, I let myself get talked into doing a half marathon before the Princess in order to get a time placement so I ran the 2012 Hard Rock Half Marathon in Nashville with my husband and best friend. Somewhere along the way of training for these races, I fell in love with the sport. It kept me calm and relaxed and fit. While I haven't lost the 20lbs I was aiming for yet, I am in shape and feel really good about how I look. Not to mention running allows you to travel and meet all kinds of interesting people along the way.
How do you motivate yourself to run regularly? What about on the days the weather is bad or your are feeling particularly lazy?
I don't do a lot of off season work. I am always looking for the next race. Staying in training plans really helps keep me motivated and running. I am also lucky to live in southern TN so the weather doesn't typically get too horrible. The worst is the summers when I have to run super early in the morning because of the heat and humidity. My husband is also a runner so he really helps me get my booty out the door on the days where I just don't feel like running.
Do you use a running coach, or read any books to aid in your training?
I do not use a coach. I do a lot of reading about running and making myself a better runner through magazines and blogs. I also have friends who have been running much longer than me that I regularly ask when I have a question or need advice.
How do you fit running in with your daily schedule?
I try my best to run before work in the morning. It's hard to get out of bed at 5:30am, but it is worth it as it doesn't interfere with the rest of the day.


Do your friends and family support your running or think you are crazy?
My friends and family are super supportive of my running. Though the non-runners in my family do joke around about how nuts I am to do half-marathons.. I tell them I am only half crazy :)
What is your favorite running terrain (road, trail, treadmill)?
I train on the road. I do not like the uneven ground that sometimes comes with trail running and I get easily bored on treadmills.
What is the hardest race you’ve run to date?
The hardest race I have run to date was the Dumbo Double Dare at Disneyland earlier this year. I ran the 10K on Saturday morning and the half marathon on Sunday morning. Or rather I walked the races. I had been nursing an injury all summer that made it nearly impossible to actually run, but I was determined to finish the races and get my medals that I had worked so hard for. Also, I was all the way in California so I didn't want to waste my trip out west.
What is the most enjoyable race you’ve run to date?
The most enjoyable race was also during the Dumbo Double Dare. I really loved the half marathon because not only did I get to run through Disneyland and California Adventures parks but through the streets of Aneheim. There was all kinds of entertainment from locals dance teams, car collectors and cheerleaders along the way. I am a huge sports fan so the highlight for me was running through Angel Stadium and having my name called over the speaker system.
Have you ever been injured due to running?
I had a bout of plantar faciatis this summer that was so not fun.
What were the ramifications?
I was in the middle of training for the Dumbo Double Dare so I had to take it easy but I couldn't really stop my training.  I ended up walking the races then took a month off to heal once it was over.  Now I am more careful about stretching, rolling, trying to strengthen those tendons and muscles and if my shoes are still in good condition.  I feel that all of these led to the issues I had this summer.
Do you use any music or run tracking devices when you run, or are you a naked runner?
I always have my iphone with me both in case I need to call someone and to play some music in the background while I run. I find it helps me keep my cadence steady. I also run with my pink (of course) Gramin Forerunner 10 watch which I have set to my run/walk ratio to keep track of my time and distance.
How do you get yourself through the difficult parts of your runs?
Running is pretty easy during the middle parts of the week as I only run 2-3 miles at a time. It's the long runs where sometimes I have problems just getting through them.  I find taking a course where I have to turn around and come back really helps.  I just have to push myself to make it half way because at that point, I have no choice by to turn around and come back. 
Do you have a personal mantra or do you just give up?
I just love the quote from Winnie the Pooh "Always remember you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem and smarter than you think."
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 try to do my best to take care of issues before I start my run. I am lucky in that where I do most of my long training runs has a bathroom every mile or so (it's a jogging path). As for races, I use the same routine before the start which takes care of most of the problems. But I am not above using a port o potty or even a spot in the woods if I have to.


What advice would you give to someone thinking about taking up running?
The hardest step is the first one out the door. You just have to take it. Once you get started, you will find that running is so much more fun than you can imagine and it can take you to places you never dreamed.


What is your next big race?
I am training for the GA Publix Half Marathon in Atlanta in March...and along the way, I will be doing a local half marathon, the Scenic City Half, here in Chattanooga, TN about a month before.
What is your immediate running goal?
To be able to finally finish a half marathon in under 3 hours.
What is your ultimate running goal?
I have two: 1) to run in every RunDisney half marathon & 10K (though probably not in the same year:)) and 2) run a half marathon in every state and D.C. (this is my lifetime goal obviously)

Do you have a way we can keep track of your progress (Twitter, Facebook, Blog, etc)
Anyone can connect with me through:
1. Blog: Divas Run for Bling - www.divasrunforbling.com

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