Runners Spotlight Let Me Introduce EMMA

Every runner has a story, which pushes and drives them to do what they do. Because it's fascinating learning about others.  In return it also inspires and motivates us, so each Thursday I run a Runners Spotlight.

This week I'd like to introduce Emma. I asked Emma several questions, to tell part of her story and introduce you all to her. 

Emma Blogs at

A Mom Runs This Town

Tell us what distances you like to run.

  

I love running 13.1.  It's enough to challenge me but not enough to make me feel like I want to puke afterwards, usually.

How long have you been running?  Or at what age did you start running?  

I started running seriously after college, and have been ever since.

What made you want to become a runner?  What is it that keeps you at it?  

I ran after college because I was a gymnast and needed some way to stay in shape.  It was free and I was/am cheap so it worked out well.  Now I've discovered this passion for it and my competitive nature is satisfied by racing!

What has been your favorite race and distance you have run?  Tell us why?  

I love running our town's Monument 10K just because it's in my backyard and 40,000 + people turn out to run it every year.  Not to mention it's a perfect distance for being able to walk to the restaurants and bars afterwards to grab a mimosas and stack of pancakes!

If you could run any race in the entire world, where would it be and why?  

I would love to run Boston- but I would love for someone to run the last 13.1 for me.  I really want to do the Napa to Sonoma Half one day (all by myself).

Since your a mom, do you get your family into a healthy lifestyle too?  Are any of them runners as well?  

My husband does Ironman so to say he's a runner is an understatement.  My daughter is only 1 but as soon as she's up walking we will start entering her in some 5K's ;) but only if she wants to.

What are your tricks to juggling family, running and life?  

Both my husband and I get everything done before my daughter wakes up.  We are usually up and fully functioning by 4:45AM and she usually starts stirring by 7AM (we are very fortunate).  Saturdays are usually my husband's longest training days, but he always makes sure he's back by the end of her morning nap so we can hang out the rest of the day together.  We also schedule our workouts with each other so that one person can stay home on the treadmill or recumbent while the other is out on the town exercising.

9.  Your also a personal trainer, do you love that job?  

I am studying to be a personal trainer but am a certified group fitness instructor at the moment.  I just started my own business called Pretty FIT Girls and am hoping to open up my PT and Health Coaching branches as soon as I get certified.  I love helping other people discover how much better healthy tastes than anything else!

Have you experienced any trials/injuries/health issues that you have had to overcome?  Tell us about them. 

Nope!  I even did gymnastics competitively until I was 22 and managed to come out unscathed!  Knock on wood!

  

Tell us what crossing the finish line in a race feels like to you.  

It's a bittersweet feeling.  It feels great to be done running and sweating and hurting, but it also means the end of those butterflies in your stomach and that particular journey.  That's why I'm usually signed up for another race by the time that one is done!

Do you have a specific distance and PR that you are proud of?  Tell us about it.  

Right now I'm working on running a half in 1:30.  I've only completed one other half marathon before and raced a 1:38.  In my training last weekend though I ran a 1:32 half.  Hoping to shave 2 minutes off for my next half Sept 15th!

Your husband it also a runner (Ironman) do you both enjoy running together?  Do you have fun picking races together, or do you both enjoy doing your own thing?  

HA- I can't run with him... he either runs too fast or too far!  And Ironmen don't appeal to me whatsoever.  I love watching him and rooting for everyone, but for me, no thanks!

Do you have a funny running story to share?  or funny experience while running?  

I run out in the country and am always coming across roadkill.  I have to ALWAYS look down or I get critter juice on my nice running shoes!

When someone asks you why you run, what do you tell them?  

I tell them because I can.

You just ran your first 1/2 marathon this year  Tell us about your amazing experience doing it.  Do you have plans to do more?  

Yes, my first one was a hilly one!  I think we climbed almost 1500 feet by the end.  I don't know why I chose that to be my first- maybe because it would make all the others seem easier?  I have another half planned Sept 15th and a final one this year in November.

What states have you run races in? 

Just VA and Maryland.  I need to get out more!

What is your favorite kind of running, solo running or running with a friend or group?  

I love doing training runs solo because I like to lose myself in running.  But, if I'm just going out to get a workout in, I love being with others, especially girls.  We gotta recap the Bachelorette and Real Housewives shoes!

Do you listen to music while you run?  Give us the top 2 running songs on your playlist.  

I never listen to music.  Ever.  I'm so bad.  I listen to music for my daughter and constantly have the Itsy Bitsy Spider in my head.

Do you cross train?  What types?  

I do yoga, lift weights and do some cardio videos when the babe is sleeping.

What other hobbies/sports do you do besides running?  

I love food.  I can't cook, but I love researching healthy meals, trying to make them and then just ending up going out to dinner and ordering something similar!  I also love working with kids.  I'm starting a kids program through my Pretty Fit Girls and am looking forward to getting kids up and moving too.  I used to teach 2nd grade so I need my kid fix every now and then!

What type of things motivate you and push you towards success?  

My daughter, just watching her push through her struggles of adapting to this world makes me want to be a superwoman for her!

What is your must have running accessory?  

I have to have my Garmin Forerunner or I am lost!

What is the best thing you have learned from being a runner?  

I've learned how to push myself to limits I never knew existed.

Favorite pre and post run food?  

Pre- almond butter toast  Post- organic pizza and a glass of red!

What do you do with your race t-shirts and medals?  Do you do something unique with them?

We thumb tack them into the wall in our garage.  It's not that pretty but it's a good tribute to our hard work!

Tell us something unique about you, that you'd like us to know.  

I drink hot water.  I used to drink tea but somehow progressed to that!

  

You can find Emma on her blog at:

www.amomrunsthistown.com

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Thanks Emma for letting me spotlight you!  I love that both you and your husband are active and enjoy the same sport, but you both make it your own!  And what an adorable cute little girl you have to cheer ya on and hug ya after the finish of a great race!
I am beyond impressed at how early you guys get up to keep your lives functioning just the way you want, that is so motivational, I really need to take a page out of your book where that is concerned:)  Good luck with your future goals and successes to come!