Runners Spotlight, Let Me Introduce Sara

Today is Runners Spotlight day (Normally on Thursdays, which this week I am actually starting on Wednesday so you can check it out today since you may be busy with your families tomorrow.

This week I'd like to introduce Sara. 

I asked Sara several questions, to tell part of her story and introduce you all to her. 

Sara Blogs at

Run Sara Run

What distances you like to run? 

My favorite is the half marathon. It’s a long race but not to the point of being too long.   

How long have you been running? 

I have been running for seven years. I started running when I was a freshman in high school. 

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

I ran track and cross country throughout high school and loved every minute of it. I started college and stopped running competitively. I ran on my own but not in races. At the time, I was having fun hanging out with friends and doing different activities but one day I realized I wanted something more. I signed up for a few half marathons in the spring and thought up the idea to run 26 half marathons before I turn 26.  

What is the furthest distance or race you have ever run? 

The furthest distance I have run is 20 miles. I am currently training for my first marathon that is on November 17! 

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

My favorite race is the I Ran Marathons May Flowers 13.1. It was freezing cold but I ended up running a PR race of 1:42 and finished as first fastest!  

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

Hmm… well I have only run in one state so I would say anywhere would do! 

Do you run for fun? Or run to compete? Both? 

I run to compete! 

Have you ever won a race or placed in your age group? 

Yes! I have won two half marathons, I won my age group in one half marathon. I just ran in a 20 mile race and won first in my age group.   

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

Thankfully I have not had any serious injuries but in September of this year I struggled with the over training symptom. I am training for my very first marathon so everything is a learning experience. In the middle of training I was cranky, couldn’t sleep well at night, my whole body ached for days, and couldn’t finish my training runs. I finally realized what was going on. I took a weekend off of all exercise, focused on eating more, and felt great ever since.  

Tell me what crossing the finish line feels like to you. 

Crossing the finish line is one of the most exciting feelings for me! It is motivation to keep on going and it is an accomplishment. I put in hours of training into a week for however many months at a time. Crossing the finish line is finally reaching the end and seeing my abilities based on my training.  

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

I have run different half marathons without serious training and my fastest time is 1:42. It’s good but I am hoping to break that 40 barrier.  

  

Tell us about your goal to run Boston, how are you coming on it? 

Running in the Boston marathon is a runners biggest dream- it is my biggest dream! I will run my first marathon on November 17th of this year and have that as a base. From there I will see my time and figure out what I need to do training wise to get to Boston!  

Do you have a funny running story to share?  Or what is the craziest thing that has ever happened to you while out on a run? 

Oh gosh, this is embarrassing and I am sure I should keep it to myself but I am not going to. One time I had to go to the bathroom while on a run but I was too far from home. Let’s just say, I found a nearby park ;)  

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

I run because it gives me an outlet, a passion and it is so much fun! 

Do you hope to be a lifelong runner? 

Yes I do! 

What is your dream or biggest goals? 

My dreams include completing my goal of 26 half marathons before I turn 26, running 50 marathons, and I want to become a triathlete. I have a long way to go but I am slowly making my way. 

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

I run alone. With my schedule I don’t think anyone would want to run with me at 5am.  

Have you ever run a relay race? 

No, but I love the idea! 

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

Absolutely! My two favorite songs would be Applause by Lady Gaga and Firework by Katy Perry. 

Tell me what you are most excited for in your upcoming marathon this month?  What inspired you to pick a "Rock and Roll Race Series"? 

I am most excited to finish my first marathon. It will be the end of a long training season but the start of a new beginning for me! I chose this race because it is in my hometown. I also have run a few Rock and Roll half marathons and wanted to complete my first marathon with this series.  

When you're not out on a run, What other hobbies/sports do you do? 

I love all things fitness, which includes swimming, yoga, and cardio classes at the gym. I play flute in the orchestra at my church. I love fashion and shopping. And I like to attempt cooking and baking. I’m not very good but practice makes perfect, right? 

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

Seeing other peoples accomplishments motivate me to keep going. When I see that people are completing marathons or triathlons I realize it isn’t impossible and that I can do it too.  

What is your must have running accessory? 

Anything from Lululemon! 

Favorite pre and post run food? 

Pre run would be apples and a protein shake and post run is a Clif bar with Gatorade.  

Water or Sports drink? 

Sports drink.  

What do you do with your race t-shirts and medals? 

I keep my race t-shirts in my closet but I have a medal rack for all my medals! 

What are your tips to someone who is looking to start running? 

I would say start slow and short. The hardest run is the very first one but after that it gets fun! 

You Can Find Sara Blogging At:

http://runsararun.blogspot.com/

You Can Also Follow Sara Via Twitter

Runners Spotlight, Let Me Introduce Laura

Today is Spotlight Thursday

This week I'd like to introduce Laura. 

I asked Laura several questions, to tell part of her story and introduce you all to her. 

Laura Blogs at

Project Lovely Laura

What distances you like to run?  

I love 5K's, but I just completed my first 10K this fall, which was a big challenge for me, but also incredibly enjoyable, so I'm excited to do more races at that distance.  

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

I began running earlier this year (in January), but I think I really committed to running and found my groove this summer (late June - early July).  I spent my youth dreading running in gym class and was surprised to find that at 31 years of age, I actually love running and how it makes me feel mentally and physically. 

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

I began running initially to lose weight.  I've tried (many) other ways to lose weight, only to gain it all back over time.  I also often hear other runners talk about running with a sparkle in their eye, so I wanted to give it a try.  I keep running because, in addition to helping me lose weight and keep it of, it also provides an incredible amount of self-confidence.  Running makes me feel unstoppable, like I can do anything and that is a great feeling that spills over into all areas of my life!

What is the furthest distance or race you have ever run?  

To date, the furthest distance I have run is 10K, but I'm looking forward to running my first 1/2 marathon in April 2014. 

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

My favorite race so far was the GO! St. Louis Halloween 10K that I did in October.  I love Halloween and this race was a lot of fun for me since it was tied to my favorite holiday!  Costumes were encouraged and I kept pace with Rainbow Brite, Tweety Bird, and Bugs Bunny.  I loved seeing all of the costumes and it helped the miles go by.  The race was also my favorite distance, because it was such a proud accomplishment for me.  I had just completed my first 5K a few weeks prior and I wasn't sure I was ready mentally or physically for this race.  I desperately wanted to run the entire race to prove to myself that I could and to confirm that I could tackle a 1/2 marathon next year.  I will never forget the sense of joy and pride I felt when I crossed that finish line and I know that the 1/2 marathon is within my grasp. 

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

My dream race would be the Paris 1/2 marathon.  Paris is my favorite city in the world and I would love to have the opportunity to go back and see the city from the vantage point of a runner.  

Do you run for fun?  Or run to compete?  Both?  

For fun, although I am always in competition with myself to PR.  

I noticed on your blog you've lost 61 pounds.  That is amazing, tell us where you find your inspiration, what has kept you going?  

I find my inspiration from others and, in fact, I began my weight loss journey after reading about a friend's success story on Facebook.  I was so inspired by her story and decided it was time to take control of my life and my health. I have also found some amazing groups and communities on-line, which provide great inspiration.  I wanted to lose weight and become healthier, though for my boys and they keep me going.  I want to be around for a long time to watch them grow up and I want to set a positive example for them.  I love that this summer our favorite pastime became our evening family walks and it makes my heart happy when my oldest son asks to go for a run with me. 

Tell me what crossing the finish line feels like to you.  

I feel like Super Woman when I cross the finish line and I have only felt like that two other times in my life, after the birth of my sons.  I feel an incredible sense of accomplishment and a rush of self-confidence that is hard to replicate, which is why I keep running!

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

I am incredibly proud of the 10K I completed last month and it was my proudest running accomplishment to-date, because I never thought in my wildest dreams that I could run 6.2 miles.  I also recently had a sub-40:00 5K PR, which I am also extremely proud of.  When I first started running, I was averaging a 45 minute 5K, so this was a huge accomplishment and improvement for me.  Someday, I hope to complete a sub-30:00 5K! 

Saw you dressed as Ms Incredible in your last 10k, was it fun running in costume?  

It was so much fun running in costume!  It's definitely a balance between finding (or making) a great looking costume, but also one that is comfortable to run in and functional.  I made my shirt and bought a moisture-wicking technical shirt to help keep me cool and dry during the race.  I ran in my usual compression capris, although I had hoped to find a red pair that were a little more Incredible-esque, but I was still pleased with how the costume turned out.  That particular race was a Halloween race and the costumes really added to the joy of the race, not to mention it gave me great ideas for next year's race.  It was my first costumed race, but given how much I love Halloween and costumes, it will definitely not be my last!  There are a lot of great websites out there for inspiration if you are interested in running a costumed race. 

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

I run to prove to myself that I can.  I struggle with self-confidence in all areas of my life and running has proved to me that I can do anything I set my mind to.  It only took me 31 years to figure that out! :) 

Do you hope to be a lifelong runner?  

Absolutely.  Apart from helping me lose a substantial amount of weight, running has given me an incredible boost of self-confidence, clarity, and an outlet for stress and worry.  

What is your dream or biggest goals?  

My biggest running related goal is to complete a 1/2 marathon and my weight loss goal is to ultimately lose 100 lbs and keep it off for good!

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

I prefer running solo; between working full-time and being a wife and mother, it's time to myself.  Sometimes, it is the only time I have to myself and I love the solitude and the opportunity to clear my head.  

Have you ever run a relay race?  

I have!  I completed a marathon relay in April and it was a blast.  I don't know if running a full marathon is ever in the cards for me (never say never, I guess), so this was a great opportunity for me to be a part of a marathon at a distance that was attainable for me.  I completed the last leg of the relay and ended up doing just over 6 miles.  Our team was raising funds for a great local organization and it was a fantastic experience.  I've read a lot of great recaps of other, longer relay races and I'm mulling over the possibilities of those races, too!

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

Lately, I've been listening to podcasts while I run, but my go-to power song is "Girl on Fire" by Alicia Keys and one of my new favorites is "Tightrope" by Walk the Moon. 

Do you cross train?  What types?  

I am a work in progress in regards to cross training and I certainly need to step up my game!  When I do cross train, I love bike riding, swimming, and the elliptical machine. 

When your not out on a run, What other hobbies/sports do you do?  

I love to spend time with my husband and my sons, read, shop, travel, and sleep!

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

I have a wonderfully supportive family and group of friends who motivate me and keep me going during good days and bad.  There are definitely good days and bad when you are trying to lose weight and when you are a runner, but I always try to remember how far I've come.  Looking back on where I was and where I am now is huge motivation to keep me on this path!

What is your must have running accessory?  

My Yurbuds and Another Mother Runner podcasts.  My Yurbuds always stay in place even during the most strenuous workout and they never hurt my ears.  I love listening to AMR podcasts; it's like running with your girlfriends and it makes the time fly by!

Favorite pre and post run food?  

Applesauce is my usual pre-run snack and post-race, I love to eat a peanut butter sandwich. 

Water or Sports drink? 

Water during my runs, sports drinks for post-running hydration. 

Tell us something unique about you.  

I'm a history geek and Francophile and I spent my 17th birthday on the beaches of Normandy.  A dream come true for this girl! 

What are your tips to someone who is looking to start running? 

Don't let mental barriers get in the way of your success.  I have had so many people tell me, after they hear my story, that they will never be a runner and I tell them that I said the same thing less than a year ago.  I thought I was too overweight, too weak, and not built to be a runner.  What I've found, though, is that the true barriers to my success are mental, not physical.  Once I learned how to quiet the voice inside my head saying I can't, I found that anything was possible.  You do have the strength and you can be a runner.  My favorite line is "I got this" and you have to believe that "you've got this" too. 

You Can Find Laura Blogging at

http://projectlovelylaura.blogspot.com/ 

This is where I talk about the good, the bad, and the ugly parts of my weight loss journey. 

You Can Also Follow Laura Via