 |
| If you want something bad enough you will find a way to reach your goal. |
I run because I actually like it. Oh, don't get me wrong, there are plenty of times when I hate it but it makes me happy and keeps me healthy. I am in the best shape of my life at 42 and my kids are even running with me now. I have found that it made me more focused and relaxed. I eat better, sleep better and have more energy. I have made some wonderful friends though running and look forward to meeting them for our runs. Every time I cross a finish line, I am ecstatic, and I wish I could bottle that feeling. Nothing beats it!
How long have you been running? How did you get started? Why did you choose running over other activities?
I started running, July 2011. I headed out the door out of pure stress. I went for a walk and then ran a little and then walked again. I felt great when I got home and soon found the Couch to 5k plan. I started it the next day and never looked back. I can't really say I choose running because I did not set out looking for it. I feel like I stumbled upon it and fell in love.
How do you motivate yourself to run regularly? What about on the days the weather is bad or your are feeling particularly lazy?
I try to always remember that I will not regret getting out of bed and getting it done. Some days are harder than others, but in the end, every mile, every step is awesome. I found a great group of friends to run with and that has been a huge motivation for me. We hold each other accountable and have fun doing it! This year we trained in a very difficult winter. We still got it done no matter how cold or if it was snowing. If you want something bad enough you will find a way to reach your goal.
Do you use a running coach, or read any books to aid in your training?
Do you use a running coach, or read any books to aid in your training?
I do not have a coach, but sometimes think I may benefit from one. Hal Higdon's plan seem to be the ones I like best. I used him for my marathon, half marathons and 10 mile races.
How do you fit running in with your daily schedule?
How do you fit running in with your daily schedule?
Not always an easy task. I do most of my big workout's during the week when both kids are in school. For my marathon last year, my long run day was Thursday and this year my long run days are Monday's. I just do what I can when I can do it and try not to get too upset if things don't work out my way. My husband travels for work and sometimes I use babysitters when he is away and sometimes, I just need to change the days I plan to exercise. In the long run, it all gets done because I want it to.
Do your friends and family support your running or think you are crazy?
Do your friends and family support your running or think you are crazy?
Yes and if they didn't, I wouldn't be here. Although, crazy is sometimes how they still describe me, but most runners think that's a compliment, right?
What is your favorite running terrain (road, trail, treadmill)?
What is your favorite running terrain (road, trail, treadmill)?
Road for sure. I have done a few trail runs and just didn't love it. I use the treadmill when I have to but will go outside in most temps and conditions. No ice and if I can avoid downpours, I will do that.
What is the hardest race you’ve run to date?
Hardest course for me, was the Nike Women's Half Marathon in San Francisco. Even though I ran hills here in Rhode Island, I just wasn't prepared for San Fran hills. (Any runners reading this in San Francisco, you are a badass!) It was a really fun race though!
What is the most enjoyable race you’ve run to date?
This is a tough one. I have two races that I want to tell you about. I do have a favorite race and that is the Ocean's Run Half Marathon here in Rhode Island. It was my first half marathon. This course is so beautiful and very well supported. I loved everything about it and plan to run it as long as I can. I have done it three years in a row now.
However, I have to mention my first marathon. I ran the Philadelphia Marathon last year and although it was tough at times, I enjoyed every minute. Trust me there were moments that I hated, like mile 17, but honestly looking back, I didn't really hate it. It was a fun course through a great city and it was also very well run. If I was local, this race would be on my list every year.
Have you ever been injured due to running?
However, I have to mention my first marathon. I ran the Philadelphia Marathon last year and although it was tough at times, I enjoyed every minute. Trust me there were moments that I hated, like mile 17, but honestly looking back, I didn't really hate it. It was a fun course through a great city and it was also very well run. If I was local, this race would be on my list every year.
Have you ever been injured due to running?
I have a deteriorating disc in my low back although that is not from running but by running I discovered it.
What were the ramifications?
What were the ramifications?
This sometimes makes it difficult to get out of bed and stand up straight. I have learned to manage it with tons of core work and if it does flare up, I just need to stop and take care of it. No running when I am in pain and I can't get upset over missed runs. I just have to get better as fast as I can so that I can get back to taking care of my family and to get back out on the road.
I am also dealing currently with a stupid sprain/strain to my shoulder/upper arm which has taken me out of the pool. I am in PT for it now and hope to get back to swimming after Easter.
Do you use any music or run tracking devices when you run, or are you a naked runner?
I am also dealing currently with a stupid sprain/strain to my shoulder/upper arm which has taken me out of the pool. I am in PT for it now and hope to get back to swimming after Easter.
Do you use any music or run tracking devices when you run, or are you a naked runner?
When I started running, I wouldn't walk out the door without music. But last year, when I started running with more people, I just didn't use it. Then I ran in a half marathon where headphones were not allowed. From that race on, I have not listened to music on the road. If I am on the treadmill, that is a different story. I will listen to music or podcast to help pass the time.
I do run with a Garmin, but don't really look at it too much when I am running and if I forget to charge it, I use Endomodo on my phone.
I do run with a Garmin, but don't really look at it too much when I am running and if I forget to charge it, I use Endomodo on my phone.
How do you get yourself through the difficult parts of your runs?
I try to ignore the first mile or so and just put one foot in front of the other. Usually after that I am good but for some really bad days, I just try and think of all my accomplishments so far. Things that I thought were impossible that I actually pulled off. I always try to smile when I run, it just makes everything better. If things are really bad, I have a few go to songs at the ready on my playlist. Even though I said earlier that I don't run with music, I keep it with me for emergencies, but only when I am alone.
Do you have a personal mantra?
Do you have a personal mantra?
I end every blog with Run Strong, Think Big. I never felt like I was a strong runner, but I never give up and always do my best. I may have to work extra hard but putting your best foot forward and giving it your all is what Run Strong means to me. Think Big is all relative. When I first wrote it, I was aiming for a 5k, now I am hoping to do The Rhode Warrior Half Ironman Distance Triathlon in August. That is 70.3 miles! Big is whatever you have going on and in my opinion, your first 5k is just as big as your first marathon.
Training for my marathon I was having a difficult 14 miler. I was with a friend for most of it, but she had to leave before we finished the last 2 or 3 miles. I really just wanted to stop too. She said to me, "Go at the pace that get's it done." That has stuck with me ever since and I say that to myself in my more difficult moments. If that means walking through a water station, or stopping longer than I have to to wait for pretend traffic to pass at a red light, then so be it. My race, my time.
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?
Training for my marathon I was having a difficult 14 miler. I was with a friend for most of it, but she had to leave before we finished the last 2 or 3 miles. I really just wanted to stop too. She said to me, "Go at the pace that get's it done." That has stuck with me ever since and I say that to myself in my more difficult moments. If that means walking through a water station, or stopping longer than I have to to wait for pretend traffic to pass at a red light, then so be it. My race, my time.
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?
This was a problem for me when I started to train for my first half marathon. I honestly didn't even know at that time that this was a legit problem. I can say that I have had a couple close calls but have always made to to a bathroom in time. Now, I guess you can say that I just trained myself to go before I walk out the door. If I have to get up early to do that, then that is what I do.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about taking up running?
What advice would you give to someone thinking about taking up running?
It's hard but don't give up. Find a good program to start you out like C25k and get good shoes. Don't trust the first few minutes/mile. If we did that, most of us would of quit a long time ago. Things you have to work the hardest for are the most worth it. Find friends to do it with and sign up for a 5k. Once you cross your first finish line, you will want to do it over and over again.
What is your next big race?
Well, my big, big race for the year is the Rhode Warrior 70.3 in August. I am also running the Rhode Island Triple Crown this year which consists of the Cox Providence Half in May, The Jamestown Half in July and the Newport Half in October. This was originally my only goal for the year until I won the entry into the Rhode Warrior.
What is your immediate running goal?
What is your immediate running goal?
This year, I am just trying to maintain a solid 10 mile run to get me though all the half marathons I have planned. I also want to take care of this arm so I can continue training for my 70.3 and from there stay healthy.
What is your ultimate running goal?
What is your ultimate running goal?
My dream vacation would be to go to Fiji and well, if I am there, I would have to run this: http://www.fijimarathon.com/description.html
It would mostly likely be the half, but I would love to run there whatever the distance!
Do you have a way we can keep track of your progress (Twitter, Facebook, Blog, etc)
You can find me here:
It would mostly likely be the half, but I would love to run there whatever the distance!
Do you have a way we can keep track of your progress (Twitter, Facebook, Blog, etc)
You can find me here:
Thanks for letting me share my story!
ReplyDeleteA wonderful story from a wonderful woman. So proud to call you my daughter.
ReplyDelete