Rhonda-Marie has the runs

The next installment of "People who have the runs"

You embrace all moments. Including getting up at stupid o'clock to fit things in.

Why do you run?

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 

Going the distance

After running an ultra marathon at the awesome Run Woodstock event in Pinckney, MI for the last two years, I decided that, although I was not running this year, I would offer to volunteer. Seeing as how I jump into everything with two feet, I signed up for two aid station shifts. I worked at Richie's Haven during the midnight shift and at Gracies for the end of the race.

Working these two shifts provided me with an unanticipated treat. At Richie's, I was able to see all of the 100 milers as they ran through the night. I saw a few breakdowns and a couple in rough shape, but overall they were a motivated, cheerful group.

Then at Gracie's, 12 hours later, I saw the same group of runners as they worked on completing one of the hardest challenges of their life. There were still a couple of runners who looked as fresh as if running a 5K fun run. However, the majority of them had the look of worn down warriors, yet they soldiered on.

As the race deadline came close, I found myself staring down the road, willing the last remaining runners to make an appearance and beat the clock. Every time one did, I felt such pride for them. They were in obvious pain and at their physical limits, but they kept moving. The last 100 miler was a girl who I heard had blisters covering her feet. Instead of quitting, she had them taped up and shuffled along. I was amazed by the sheer strength of this girl's spirit, of her toughness, of her fortitude. As she left the aid station, with plenty of time to make the cut off, I had question begin to nag me.

Am I that strong? Am I strong enough to keep moving when everything is telling me to quit? Am I strong enough to keep running when it would be so easy to give up? Am I strong enough to beat every doubt, every desperation, every desire that lures me to the just sit down and go home?

This question haunted me continuously. It still haunts me today, but I have decided to find out the answer. I have decided to run the Woodstock 100 miler in September of 2014. It's time to see exactly how strong I am. It's time to see if I can go the distance.

Race Recap: 2013 Big Fish Triathlon

I have completed my next step towards my goal of completing a 70.3 triathlon in 2014. I have completed my first triathlon in over a decade. Back in 2003 I did the Ann Arbor triathlon and I was way under trained and under educated. Back then I felt so bad during the run leg that I had to walk most of it. It took me 10 years to redeem myself, but I finally did.

Going into the Big Fish Triathlon I was much better trained. I actually followed a training plan this time. I was also much better educated on proper fueling, proper gear, and the proper state of mind. It really paid off. I was very happy with my final result. But I'm getting ahead of myself.

The day started off a little cloudy with a slight chill in the air. The very mild spring we've had so far made me worry about the temperature of the water. Two weeks before the race I went swimming in the channel by my friend's house that was about 65 degrees. Although I was wearing a wetsuit, the chill of the water shocked me. So when I heard that the water temp for the race was in the upper 60's I had expected to freeze once again. Then when I look out into the lake and see the buoys that I have to swim around my anxiety heightened.

But I knew that no matter what I was going to finish this swim so I tried to put all worry out of mind. It was a big help that my friend Julie was doing this race as well. She only had one triathlon under her race belt as well so we both in the same boat, only without a boat. So all decked out in our rented wetsuits we awaited our turn for the water.

Julie's wave started about 20 minutes ahead of mine so I made a little side challenge for myself when I decided to see if I could catch her before the end of the race. I wasn't trying to prove anything, I just thought it would be a good distraction from the nervousness of the race.

I watched Julie start her swim leg and 20 minutes later it was my turn to get in the water. I was pleasantly surprised when I set foot in the lake. It was much warmer than I was expecting and I openly expressed this fact, ignoring the sour looks from the guys shivering without wetsuits.

At the start of my wave, I stayed behind the fray for the count of 10 before I started swimming to calm my nerves and steer clear of the "washing machine" created by the faster swimmer in my wave. My goal was to just stay relaxed and get the swim out of the way I was not going for speed. I was very surprised how easy the swim was, I fast I completed it, and how many people I passed. Looking at my race results today I noticed I was the 10th fastest swimmer in my heat, finishing my 500M in 11:37.

After a short jog up to the transition area it was time to get ready for the bike. 

Although I streamlined my transition plan the night before the race, I probably could have been a little faster.

But I was still feeling good physically and mentally and remembered to get some fuel in me before I even started the bike.

The bike was a 20K out and back so once I was in the saddle and moving along I started to keep an eye out for Julie. The bike was quite hilly and challenging. Every time I passed someone on a mountain bike I tried to give them words of encouragement, but, at the same time, I was very happy that I purchased a road bike after my duathlon last month.

It was shortly after my first 5K when I say Julie on the other side of the road. I was not surprised to see a smile on her face. After hollering words of encouragement to her I started doing the math. I figured I was about 7K into the race which meant she was about 13K which put her 6K in front of me. If I average 18 MPH...ack...swallowed a big bug...where was I...to hell with it, just ride your bike.

I hit the turn around point and head back toward the park, with the clear knowledge that I had a huge hill to climb at the end. Trying to keep a balance between riding well and reserving something for the run I made my way toward the hill. When I finally got the hill, I think I may have cursed allowed as I shifted gears and plowed up it at a very slow speed. "Just keep peddling...just keep peddling..." was my mantra as I made my way up the brutal climb. Eventually I reached the top and was very happy to see the park entrance before me. My legs felt much better than at the end of the duathlon biking leg so now it was time to run. But not before making sure to get some fuel in my system. I finished the 20K bike leg in 44:41.

Now it was time for the run. Only 3.1 miles until I was done and I was still feeling good. I was about 500 yards into my run when I saw a girl with a pink hat about another 200 yards ahead of me. I had a strong feeling it was Juile, but I was not so caught up in passing her that I did something stupid like sprinting to catch her. Instead I just stayed at my current pace and ran my own race. I did eventually catch Julie around the 1 mile mark. I ran with her for a little while exchanging friendly banter before our different paces separated us.

During the last two mile of my run, I was passed by three guys in my age group. I won't lie and say that I wasn't upset by that. But I was wise enough to know they were just plain faster runners than me and that I would do myself no good if I tried to keep up with them.

Eventually I reached the finish make sure to take the time to give my sons a high five before crossing, finishing my 5K run in 26:31.

I had done it, I had completed step 2 in my triathlon venture, with an overall time of 1:25:59

Race Recap: 2013 3D Duathlon (previously Willow Run)

After taking a break from writing race recaps last year. I decided to start it back up again. Not because of pleas from adoring fans, but more from a desire to look back on these days when I'm too old to do any more races. Is there even such an age?

After sticking a 50 mile sticker on my bumper at the end of last year, I felt that a  70.3 would be the next logical challenge. So I bought some Speedo swim shorts and adjusted my training to included swimming and biking.

I came up with several steps (accomplishments if you will) that I need to do before attempting the Half Ironman. The first thing on that list was a duathlon, the 3D Du was a great place to start the foray into the triathlon world.

I liked the fact that it was a small venue (under 200 people) for it kept me from being overwhelmed by a large crowd of experienced triathletes staring at the newbie riding a mountain bike. In retrospect, I'm sure very few of the athletes paid me or my bike any mind but that is how I was feeling the morning of the race.

My training buddy Julie (you've read about her in previous posts) also competed in this race. She was also one of the very small minority riding a mountain bike that day. Coming off of several years of 5K's, marathons, and ultra's it felt very weird being in a race that took more prep than "show up and run". As Julie stated, we felt like runners crashing a biker party.

Regardless of newbie jitters and feeling out of place, we lined up at the starting line with the rest of the athletes and ran the first 5K together. Jittery about the transitions and about the biking leg, I decided to just take it easy the first running leg and did just that. Julie and I both finished the 5K in 28:51 (a relaxing 9:18 pace).

As I walked my mountain bike to the "mounting" line, a spectator yelled "nice bike". I'm still not sure if she meant it to mock or to support me, but my already fragile ego took it negatively and I decided there will be no relaxing on the biking leg. I decided that I was going to ride as hard as I could then deal with the pain on the run. Hell, I'm used to running in pain.

So I rode the 20K bike leg, fueled with equal parts anger, frustration, and shame (plus I had to pee). I was able to pass a few of the road bikes, and each time I did I was fueled on to pass another. To the two mountain bikers I passed I made sure my comments were supportive and could not be construed as mocking. I made it to the 10K turn around point and headed back to the transition area. As I passed by Julie she seemed to be taking it all in stride and just getting it done, regardless of who passed her.

With only a couple of miles left my legs started to hurt pretty bad. I knew I should have eased off to give my legs a break before the run, but I had a few more road bikes in my sights and my bull headed pride forced me to pass them; which I did, but at a price.

I arrived at the transition area in 41:45 (averaging 17.8 mph) and my legs were shot. It hurt to run a single step and I had thousands ahead of me.

Limbering along the best I could, I crossed paths with Julie once again and she still looked calm and collected. She finished her bike leg in 48:14

The final 5K was painful. Not so painful that I wanted to quit, but definitely painful enough to seriously slow me down. To add insult to injury, I recognized more than a few people I had passed on the bike, pass me on the run. I eventually made it to the finish line in 29:42 (pace of 9:34). Completing the entire race in 1:42:40

Julie ran a great final 5K in 26:55 (pace of 8:40) and ended up less than four minutes behind me with a time of 1:46:35.

I learned a great lesson from my fellow triathlon newbie that day. If you just take it easy and have fun all the way, you will have have great day overall.

Oh yeah, I learned something else that day. I don't like getting beat by people just because they have a better bike. So I got me a road bike!!!

Stephanie C has the runs

The next installment of "People who have the runs"

"After a good run, I am able to conquer anything the kids throw at me."

Why do you run?

Running is my sanity and therapy. Being a single mom of four, things get pretty hectic at our house. I love being able to forget about all of that and just run. It provides me with the "me time" that I desperately need, and I have found that I am a better mother because of it. After a good run, I am able to conquer anything the kids throw at me.

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

I started running in spring 2009. I needed a way to cope with the stress of an unhappy marriage and caring for four children all under the age of 4. I was also looking for an easy, inexpensive way to help me drop the baby weight that I had left from my twins, who were born in summer 2008. Other people I knew were getting into running, and I thought if they could do it, I could do it, too. I laced up my shoes and haven't stopped since.

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

Having a goal to work toward helps motivate me. I do my best when I am training for something like a marathon. I know that I need to get those training runs in, so I don't fall behind. That's not to say that I don't have my lazy days, but I think of how great I will feel after I am done. That usually gets my butt off the couch. About that cold weather...I am not a cold weather kind of girl. When it's chilly, I take my runs inside.

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

I don't have a coach or read any training books, but I have found a wealth of knowledge on Twitter. There are so many great tips that people post!

How do you fit running in with your daily schedule?

I am not going to lie; I don't have the opportunity to run every day, but I do make it a priority. I am fortunate enough to belong to a gym with a daycare, so 2-3 night each week, we go there after dinner. My long training runs are always reserved for the weekend, and I have family and friends help me with the kids.

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

My family and friends are very supportive and help me. All of this would not be possible if it weren't for them, and for that I am so thankful. I am sure they think that I'm crazy for willingly putting my body through the training and races, but they are still the ones who are my biggest cheerleaders. My boyfriend is also a runner, and I love that this is something that we can do together. My oldest daughter just started getting into running and ran her first race on March 16. I am looking forward to making this a family affair.

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

I love running on the road, especially road races. I am not a huge fan of the treadmill, but without it, I would not be able to train. I try to put my mind somewhere else when I am on there.

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

Cleveland Marathon 2012. This race was, by far, the most miserable one that I have completed to date, but I feel it was an accomplishment just to finish. I was coming back from a knee injury, the weather conditions were hot and humid, I needed to stop at almost every bathroom stop after the half, and my legs cramped up so badly during the second half that I had to alternate between walking and running to the finish. I just kept telling myself that I could make it, and I did. It wasn't pretty, but I definitely felt like I earned my medal that day.

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

The 2012 Columbus Marathon was absolutely wonderful! In addition to being the first marathon that I was able to run in entirety without walking, I loved the partnership with Nationwide Children's Hospital. Each mile was in honor of a patient who overcame great health obstacles, and each mile marker was decorated with a theme picked by the child. Most of the time, the child and his/her family were there cheering you on as you ran past. It was a truly humbling and motivating experience and one that I will never forget.

Have you ever been injured due to running?

Yes, I have had a few injuries. My IT band caused problems for me in 2010 and 2011, and I was told that I had impinged fat pads in my knees in 2012. I didn't even know knees could have fat pads!

What were the ramifications?

Luckily, I have never had to pull out of a race due to injury (knock on wood!), but I did have to take time off to heal. Physical therapy helped me in 2012, and I have exercises that I can do at home. To help prevent injury, I have been more diligent about stretching, and I take ibuprofen, which have made a big difference. I also incorporated strength training into my routine.

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

If I didn't have music I would go crazy! I almost always run with music, and I use my Garmin when I am running outdoors. I truly appreciate those people who can just put on a pair of shoes and go, but, unfortunately, that is not me. I also make sure that I am wearing my Road ID every time I am outside, just in case.

How do you get yourself through the difficult parts of your runs?

When things get difficult, I try to mentally break it down into more manageable pieces. When a 20-miler seems daunting, I let myself focus on getting through it 4-5 miles at a time. I also think of my grandma who lost her battle with cancer in 2008. She was fiery and feisty, and I try to channel that to help me make it through. Lastly, I have a few songs on my running play list that always get me motivated. It is amazing what the power of music can do.

Do you have a personal mantra or do you just give up?

I don't have a personal mantra per se, but I keep telling myself that I can do this. I have had times when I have needed to bail on a run because it just wasn't working. I try not to dwell on those (easier said than done) and focus on accomplishing it next 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?

Oh my goodness, I hate this problem! I try to watch what I am eating, especially the last few days before a long run. I think I may have solved this problem, at least for me, when I ran the Columbus Marathon. I cut back on dairy, fiber, fruits, and veggies when the race was nearing. 
My go-to foods were bananas, chicken, and rice. I also only drank water to hydrate instead of sports drinks. It seemed to help me a lot, and I was able to run the race without a single bathroom stop.

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

If you are thinking about running, just give it a try! You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. The great part about running is you join a group that is supportive and motivates you every step of the way. I love the camaraderie between runners. It doesn't matter if you're fast or slow. What matters is you run, and that is enough. Welcome to the club!

What is your next big race?

My next big race is the Cleveland Marathon on Sunday, May 19, 2013. This will be my fourth marathon, and I am beyond excited. I was also fortunate enough to be chosen as one of their official bloggers. You can check out all of the bloggers by visiting http://www.clevelandmarathon.com/Run_Train_Blog/.

What is your immediate running goal?

My immediate running goal is a new marathon PR. I completed Columbus in 4:38 (not fast, but I was pleased). I am shooting for 4:30 and will be thrilled for anything under that.

What is your ultimate running goal?

I would love to push myself and complete an ultramarathon. Not sure if I could do it now, but maybe I should add it to my bucket list.

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

I blog about running and other life adventures at www.stephplus4.wordpress.com, so please check that out

Feel free to follow me on Twitter at @StephCharles. Thanks!

Exercise Metabolic Rate

I recently had an eye-opening assessment done at Lifetime Fitness, the exercise metabolic rate assessment.  

This assessment is designed to educate me on how my body responds to my cardio workouts. The results tell me how many calories I am burning (fat and carb), as well as what my VO2 levels are (how much oxygen is being consumed by my cells). With this information I should be able to create better workouts geared specifically for me.

Sorry ladies, this IS NOT me.

To have this assessment done, I had to strap a breathing mask to my face and connect it to a machine. Then I had to run on a treadmill while the assessor increased the speed and incline in measured increments.

When I first put on the mask, I felt like an astronaut training for a great Mars mission. After a few minutes, I was sounding like Darth Vader with asthma and wishing I had brushed my teeth better before coming to the gym. Eventually I got used the feel of the mask and the “not as fresh as would have liked” breath and was able to get into a good jogging zone until the end of the assessment.

The results can be seen below.

I found many things intriguing about these results. First and foremost, I was amazed at how inefficiently my body is in Zones 1 and 2. I had figured that with all my long slow distance training I would have been rocking these zones. But as you can see, this is not even close to reality.

Another thing that I was not aware of was the relationship between training zones and percentage of fat-vs-carbs calories that are burned. I have always figured that "calories were calories" and as long as I was burning a lot of them it didn't matter what zone I was training in. As this assessment (and my persistent love handles) show, I was sadly mistaken. By training so much in Zone 3, I have been burning mostly carbs while the cookies and caramel mocha’s have been making themselves right at home around my waistline.

I am willing to admit that I was wrong, and I am always willing to adapt my training, so I asked my assessor what I should be differently. The first thing she told me was that I need to be 100% efficient in Zone 1 and close to that in Zone 2.

“How do I do that?” I asked.

“Slow down!” was her sage advice. 

Advice I took to heart. Since I just happened to be in my off-season training period, I have worn my heart rate monitor on every run and bike, making sure I never reached Zone 3. I'm not sure how I'm doing but I'll be going back for another assessment next month and I'll let you know how I do.

If any of you have the opportunity to have this assessment done, I HIGHLY recommend it. It can be a great tool for your training.  

Kristen B has the runs!

The next installment of "People who have the runs"

"skill helps, but it's mainly about determination"

Why do you run?
Why do I run? I run because it makes me a better person and basically defines who I am. It has made me a harder worker and taught me self-discipline and determination. 

How long have you been running? How did you get started? Why did you choose running over other activities? 
Well I am currently 17 and have been running since I was 10, so 7 years. My dad had decided to start running when I was younger and urged me to give it a try. I'll never forget my first 5k I ran on St. Patrick's day when I was 10 with my father. hahaha :) I chose running over other activities because unlike other sports, distance running takes a lot of hard training and not much skill. I mean yeah, skill helps, but its mainly about determination. 

How do you motivate yourself to run regularly? What about on the days the weather is bad or you are feeling particularly lazy? 
I motivate myself by keeping a positive attitude while going into each run. If I'm having a lazy day, I just don't think about it- I just do it. Sometimes getting out the door is the hardest part but once that part is done, my laziness is long gone. 

Do you use a running coach, or read any books to aid in your training? 
I don't use a running coach. I read Runner's World regularly and sometimes things online, but generally just run whatever myself or my dad is feeling. 

How do you fit running in with your daily schedule?
In the fall, I have cross country practice every week day so I obviously get my run in then. When that season ends, I run every week day when I get home from school. On the weekends, I run every morning with my dad at the park (which is generally when I do my longer run of 8 or more miles) 

Do your friends and family support your running or think you are crazy? 
They all support it but some of my friends do think I'm crazy (hahah). My dad obviously supports it since we run every 5k, 5 miler, 10k, and half marathon together. My mom is a big P90X fanatic and thinks it's good that I'm so into fitness. 

What is your favorite running terrain (road, trail, treadmill)? 
I love road races and even training on the road. However, I absolutely adore running trails/parks, especially when it's warm out. As for the treadmill.. I don't hate it as much as a lot of people do as long as I have my music or a Southpark marathon! haha :) 

What is the hardest race you’ve run to date? 
The hardest race I've run is without a doubt one of my cross country meets from the past season. It was at this course we call "Jurasic Park" and it was BEYOND MUDDY. Literally walking the course before we ran it, we were up to our knees in mud. To make it even better, it was hilly! Running the course literally took double the time of what it normally would. It was more like a mudslide than a xc course hahaha. We all finished completely drenched in mud. It was also a good time though! 

What is the most enjoyable race you’ve run to date? 
My most enjoyable race must have been my second half marathon last May. My dad and I finished within our goal time frame and I just felt really good during each of the 13.1 miles. There was a great atmosphere at that race. 

Have you ever been injured due to running? What were the ramifications? 
No injuries! I'm so lucky haha :) 

Do you use any music or run tracking devices when you run, or are you a naked runner.? 
The only time I have music on is when I run on the treadmil. When I'm outside, I'm always a naked runner without music or a watch. 

How do you get yourself through the difficult parts of your runs? Do you have a personal mantra or do you just give up? 
One of my mantras is "we got this" because of the pink & white wristband I wear around my wrist each day. We had the wristbands made for awareness after my close friend passed back in October due to Guilianne barre Syndrome. All I do is think to myself is that I can "do it for Becky". 

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? 
Hahahahahah I simply deal with it by going to the bathroom of course. 

What advice would you give to someone thinking about taking up running? 
My advice to anyone who wants to start running would be to not give up, no matter how difficult it is, especially at first. 

What is your next big race? 
My next big race is at the end of May- the Cleveland Half Marathon, which will be my third half.  

What is your immediate running goal? 
My immediate running goal is that I increase my mileage each month. 

What is your ultimate running goal? 
My ultimate running goal is to NEVER STOP. (and trust me, I never will) 

Do you have a way we can keep track of your progress (Twitter, Facebook, Blog, etc). 
I do post a lot of my runs on twitter! follow me @scotchysup :)

Todd F has the runs!

The next installment of "People who have the runs"

"I love dessert! So therefore I really need to run, a lot."

Why do you run?
Running allows me to escape the stresses of the day but it also provides me an opportunity to explore new areas. For example, when my lease was coming up I started running in different parts of the city to help determine where I would move to next. Fortunately I found a cool location relatively quickly.

How long have you been running? How did you get started? Why did you choose running over other activities?
As a kid I played a variety of different sports which required me to run. As an adult I just gravitated towards running because it provides me with an opportunity to clear my head and it is really cheap.

How do you motivate yourself to run regularly? What about on the days the weather is bad or you are feeling particularly lazy?
I love dessert! So therefore I really need to run, a lot. I figure that a scoop of birthday cake ice cream equates to roughly 2 miles; so a bowl is approximately 8 miles for me. Needless to say it is my love of desserts that keeps me motivated.

In terms of weather, I really enjoy running in all types with the sole exception of the hot and humid summer days…must run early in the Atlanta summer. Occasionally, if the weather is absolutely horrible I will run on a treadmill or set my bike up on the indoor trainer. Both are really a last resort as they are incredibly boring. Sorry all y’all treadmill runners out there.

Do you use a running coach, or read any books to aid in your training?
No coach here. I do have a buddy that has a coach and what she makes him do sounds tough but he is a tough dude, so it works out well for him.

How do you fit running in with your daily schedule?
I try to sneak it in when I can. I generally run in the evening during the week and early in the morning on the weekends.

Do your friends and family support your running or think you are crazy?
My wife is very supportive of my running, so long as I do not sign up for a 100 miler. The majority of my friends think that my running is nuts, but in a “man, you are so cool” way. Most of them run less in one year than I do in a good week.

What is your favorite running terrain (road, trail, treadmill)?
I have really been into trail running lately. There is something really awesome about being out in the open with no other people around.

Quick story. One morning I was running solo and I saw the puppy equivalent of a deer. It was cute little guy. Anyway after we stared each other down for a bit, the puppy-deer wagged its little tail and continued running into the woods. It was probably the coolest thing I have encountered at this point. Puppy-deer are very cool. Be sure to look for them at your nearest trail.

What is the hardest race you’ve run to date?
The 2007 Chicago Marathon was brutal. If you recall, this was the race that was stopped midway due to unseasonable heat. I did finish but the issue was that I told my girlfriend, now wife, that it would take me 4 hours when it actually took me 5. Note: over-promising and under-delivering is not the way to impress a woman. Fortunately I looked so pitiful after the race that she had no choice but to stick with me.

What is the most enjoyable race you’ve run to date?
The 2010 Atlanta Thanksgiving Half Marathon has been my enjoyable race to this point. One of my best friends was visiting for the Thanksgiving holiday and we signed up to run the race together. The course was awesome and it provided us with an excellent tour of the city. Additionally the beers we shared at mile 11 as we ran by my house were also great. It will certainly go down as my most enjoyable run…until my wife runs a race with me.

Have you ever been injured due to running? What were the ramifications?
No injuries to this point. Probably a result of those fancy and extremely fashionable compression socks I bought…

Do you use any music or run tracking devices when you run, or are you a naked runner.?
I typically just run with my watch, Nike+ Sportwatch GPS. As mentioned earlier, running provides me with an opportunity to think and reflect. That said songs do run through my internal jukebox. On race days, “I Believe in a Thing Called Love” by The Darkness constantly runs through my mind. Great, great song.

How do you get yourself through the difficult parts of your runs? Do you have a personal mantra or do you just give up?
No secrets here. I do not have a mantra but I just hate not finishing what I started. So if I am out there running I pretty much just push myself through it.

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 is probably the best question yet. My wife thinks that it is so gross that I can literally go anywhere. I simply have no shame. When hitting the road I will typically look for coffee shops along the way, just in case. If on the trail, I will just pack a little bit of toilet paper and hope that I do not have to stop. However, after reading some of the other posts, I will start to bring some baby wipes.

Recently I had some coworkers in my car and they asked, “yo Todd, what is the deal with the toilet paper?” It was a funny, yet embarrassing conversation.

What advice would you give to someone thinking about taking up running?
Do not look at it as exercise but as a way to explore your surroundings and see things from a different perspective. Be it running along a creek, or past occupy Atlanta protestors, just enjoy yourself and have fun. Also, buy some body glide.

What is your next big race?
Running A Stroll in Central Park. It is a 12 hour race, in which I will just work on my nutrition and pacing. It should be pretty interesting. Not sure if I will wear my vibram five fingers or trail shoes. Oh man…decisions, decisions.

What is your immediate running goal?
Beat the guy ahead of me. While I am not the strongest runner, nothing gives me a boost like seeing someone I can shoot past before the finish line.

What is your ultimate running goal?
Rim to Rim to Rim. Not sure if it will ever happen but I would absolutely love to attempt this. Plus the Grand Canyons are simply incredible.

Do you have a way we can keep track of your progress (Twitter, Facebook, Blog, etc).
You can follow me on twitter @TravelinTrails and on my blog at The Traveling Trailsman.