The next installment of "People who have the runs"
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| I never want to not be a “runner”. |
Why do you run?
Gosh I
could probably fill up a whole page with this question! To make it easier I’ll
make a list of why I run:
·
For
sanity. It clears my mind
·
To be
healthy and have energy to keep up with my kids
·
To keep
myself challenged and always striving for new goals
·
To be a
role model for my family
·
To be able
to eat an entire bag of Chicago Popcorn and not really have to worry about it!
·
To share a
fun hobby with my husband
How long have you been running? How
did you get started? Why did you choose running over other activities?
I played
soccer my whole life & for my division 1 university. Upon college
graduation I wanted to find something that kept me challenged. I love working
towards goals and self improvement. I grew up watching my dad run marathons. I
knew that was something I wanted to try for myself. I ran my first marathon in
2005 with my Dad.
How do you motivate yourself to run
regularly? What about on the days the weather is bad or your are feeling
particularly lazy?
I have to
set really specific goals. I know I won’t hit those goals if I don’t run
regularly. I try to run 5-6 days a week. Bad weather means treadmill runs or
being more prepared with different gear. If I had a late night then I will
schedule my next day’s run to be an evening run so I have the day to gear up
for it.
Do you use a running coach, or read
any books to aid in your training?
I have
read many different books and tried multiple training plans. Just recently I
started working with a running coach. His name is Ryan Knapp. It has helped
keep me accountable to get my training in. It also prevents me from second
guessing. I trust him and the plans he gives me, so all I have to do is follow
the plan and keep up the hard work.
How do you fit running in with your
daily schedule?
We have developed the mentally of “when am I going
to run” not “I wonder if I am going to run”. I am a mother of 3 & 4 year old boys. I have a job
teaching group fitness classes at a couple local gyms. This gives me a free gym
membership. I am able to get treadmill runs in at the gym and boys love going
to the child care with me. It has been a great outlet for both me and my kids.
I also sit down with my husband a few times a week to go over a training
schedule. We are both distance runners. In fact he runs 100 mile Ultra
marathons which means he also needs lots of training time. We both prefer to
run outside but it takes a lot of planning and compromise. Our kids are champs in the jogging stroller.
We load them up with snacks, blast the toddler radio station on Pandora, and
they can easily go 10-13 miles with us.
Do your friends and family support
your running or think you are crazy?
Thankfully
we have met many runner friends through social media, and many of my
girlfriends in Arizona are runners. My dad is 56 and still runs multiple
marathons each year. So they all just “get it”. But of course there are still
many people who think my husband and I are nuts. I try not to worry about it
because unless you do it, you never really can understand.
What is your favorite running
terrain (road, trail, treadmill)?
I just
started venturing out to more trail runs and I LOVE it. I am signed up for my first 100K this
November. I tend to run majority road just because of the connivance of being
able to start just outside my front door rather than driving out to the trails.
Busy schedule means roads!
What is the hardest race you’ve run
to date?
Whiskey
Row Trail Marathon in Prescott, AZ. It is considered one the top 5 toughest
marathons in the US. Lots of climbing and elevation.
What is the most enjoyable race
you’ve run to date?
Saint
George Marathon. By far my favorite. I have run 8 marathons there. So many good
memories. Each of those races my dad and husband runs with me.
Have you ever been injured due to
running?
Oh Yes!
One too many times
What were the ramifications?
I have
torn my MCL. Knee brace and crutches. Broke my right ankle falling off a curb
(I know, real smooth) and had to be in a boot. I am recently dealing with
posterior tibal tendonitis. It means lots of aqua jogging and cross training.
Do you use any music or run tracking
devices when you run, or are you a naked runner?
I am about
50/50. I am a pretty laid back runner so I love going technology free! No music
or Garmin. I am currently training for my first Boston Qualifying time so I am
needing to use my watch to hit certain paces.
How do you get yourself through the
difficult parts of your runs?
I
visualize myself running the race I am training for.
Do you have a personal mantra or do
you just give up?
I always
tell myself I have to give it my best and leave it all out on the road. I have
had to learn If some days my runs sucks to not stress or worry about it. Every
training day is not going to feel good or be perfect. You have to just keep
pressing forward and the good days do come.
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?
Oh do I
ever! My very first marathon I made a rookie mistake of using GU for the first
time during the race. I never trained with it so I didn’t give my stomach time
to adjust to using it. And I had no idea how I would react. Lesson learned!
Luckily there was a magical tree that had a giant poster that read “Tree of
Life” and there was probably 10 diff rolls of toilet paper from the branches.
It came at the perfect time! HA!
What advice would you give to
someone thinking about taking up running?
Don’t
think about it, just get out and run! Start out slow. Keep your runs short.
Slowly build up the mileage. Don’t quit because many times running isn’t fun
when you are first getting in shape. Also, it takes your body a couple miles to
get warmed up so keep going!
What is your next big race? June 14th Utah Valley
Marathon
What is your immediate running goal?
I am
training for a 3:34 or under to get my first BQ. I have been running marathons
since 2005 and never believe I could qualify. This year will be the first year
that I give it a shot.
What is your ultimate running goal?
To stay
injury free and continue running through my old age. I love it. I never want to
not be a “runner”. I love the whole community and always want it a part of my
life.
Do you have a way we can keep track of your progress (Twitter, Facebook, Blog, etc)
I have a Facebook page: Michrun4.
I have a separate Instagram account just for fitness related posts: Michrun4.
I am also new to Twitter @michrun4. I love to connect with other runners!
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