Runners Spotlight Let Me Introduce HEATHER

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

Heather Blogs at

Heather Runs Fast

Tell us what distances you like to run?

I like to run any distance, but I love to race the marathon!

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

If you consider playing soccer, I've been running since I was 10ish, but running as a sport, for about 6 years.

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

At first it was to loose the freshman 15, err 20, but now I run because I love it. I love challenging myself and seeing what my mind and body can do.

You have a lot of Bling pictured on your blog, brag a bit for us.  How many marathon's, halfs have you done to get a beautiful set of medals like those? 

Marathons: 8 Halfs: 8 and a dozen or so 5/10ks. As we runners know, the best medals come from fulls and halfs though :)

You travel a lot to do marathons, tell us some of your favorite parts about traveling to different races?

My husband and I love to make vacations out of races. Being from FL, we don't have too many local races to PR in, as there is a short window of good running weather. Traveling lets us experience all four seasons, haha. We also get to explore different parts of the good ole USA! Two birds with one stone :)

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

This is a super hard question! Here's my best summary: Marine Corps was cool because I ran it with the hubs and the scenery was awesome, plus it was our first. CIM was memorable because we ran it on our honeymoon! Chicago was our first big marathon and it didn't disappoint. Virginia Beach=PR... enough said. Boston, well, it's Boston. 

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

Another tough question, but I'd have to go with the Athens Classic Marathon in Athens, Greece, back where it all started. And it doesn't hurt that it's in November... my wedding anniversary month! Hope my husband reads this post!

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

Both for sure! If I am running to compete I look for a course than is conducive to setting a PR. But if I'm running for fun, the course or weather won't really matter, it's more the destination :)

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

I have won one 5k (a race distance I rarely run) and one half marathon. Not going to lie, I was pretty stoked winning a race! I typically place in my age group in local races, but not in the larger marathons like Chicago, Boston, etc.

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

Ugh. Yes I have. About 4 years ago I had plantar fasciitis, the beginning of this year I hurt my knee and currently I'm nursing a tight glute. As with all running injuries I did a lot of resting and active recovery like stretching and foam rolling. I hurt my knee by banging it on the corner of our coffee table. It was about a month before a big race I was hoping to PR at and totally crushed my spirits. I ended up scraping the race to heal up before Boston. As much as it sucked, I'm glad I didn't race, as Boston was an amazing experience, all things considered. 

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

Crossing the finish line, I am overwhelmed with happiness and feel a huge sense of accomplishment every time.

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

I am pretty darn proud of my Marathon PR of 3:13:48. It was at Virginia Beach and as happy as I am with it, I KNOW I could have done even better had the weather been nicer. I don't think I stopped smiling for a week after running that race :)

Have you ever ran a race in costume?  Would you?  

I have not, but totally would!

Do you have running goals?  If so tell us about them.

My main running goal is to qualify for the Olympic Trials one day. I know I have a loooooong way to go, but I know I can do it. My knee and glute injuries have held me back this year, and starting a family is going to "set me back" another year, but of course it will worth it!

What states/races are in your future outlook that you can't wait to go run in?

I can't wait to run NY. I have never been there so, like so many places/race in our past, it would be an awesome vacay! I also really want to run Big Sur. I LOVE California and if it weren't for my parents, I'd move there in a heart beat! There are probably too many to list.

Have you run races in any other countries?

Unfortunately, no. One day though!

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

On most occasions, running solo is my preference, but once a week with a friend would be awesome!

Do you listen to music while you run?

Nope. It's just me, my thoughts and my footsteps.

Do you cross train?  What types?

Not really, unless I'm injured. I do lift weights and take Pilate's/yoga, but I consider that more complimentary training than cross training.

Do you have any tips of suggestions for someone who is thinking of starting up running?  

Run for the fun of it. Don't worry about pace, distance or comparing yourself to others. Just.Run. Once you get hooked and genuinely love running, you can start to think about adding the other stuff in. The only thing you should worry about in the beginning is looking cute... get yourself a colorful bright outfit :) 

What is your must have running accessory?

I immediately think Garmin. I love recording each run and seeing my progress. Plus, it makes doing speed work alone that much easier. I do believe that you should run GPS-less once a week or so, though. It's important to remember that we run for fun just as much as we do for the competition and this allows me to do so. A visor is my next go to accessory, keeping the sweat out of my eyes and sun off of my face.

Favorite pre and post run food?

Depends on distance. Pre food for runs less than 10 miles, toast with jam or something small, more than 10 miles I opt for oatmeal. For marathons I eat a large bagel and a half. Post run, of any distance, pancakes and a protein shake :) And by pancakes I mean, good ole carby pancakes, not those Greek yogurt/protein/low carb wannabees, haha.

Your a pretty fast runner, tell us what are your favorite types of speedworkouts?

I love tempo workouts. I definitely prefer longer distance speed than the shorter 400's and such. Hence why I hate racing a 5k and love racing a marathon, haha. 800's is about the shortest distance I mind. I'd run a 6 x 1m tempo over a 6 x 800's any day, but I know those shorter faster runs are the base to faster marathons so I do them anyway.

Tell us something unique about you.

I have a playful dog-ter Riley (human kids are in our near future), I am super corny and sarcastic, speaking of corny... I love candy corn, my husband and sister are my best friends, sometimes I put ketchup on my broccoli, I live in workout clothes when I can, I eat oatmeal every day and froyo WAY too much, I like to smile, smiling is my favorite :)

If you are a blogger, what types of things do you blog about?  What can readers expect if they start following your blog?

I blog about a lot and most of it is so random. Obviously my blog, HeatherRunsFast.com, is about running (shocker!), but I also share recipes, advice and just general happenings in my life. Kind of like a journal, oh wait ;)

You Can Follow Heather On Her Blog

www.HeatherRunsFast.com

Heather, thank you so much for letting me spotlight you!  I seriously love that one of your goals is to make the Olympic trials!  You'll make it, and one day I am going to see you on T.V. cheering for you, and telling people, I did a spotlight on that awesome girl:)  Oh and I hope your husband reads this, and takes ya to Athen's in November for the Marathon!  I also hope you run NY and Big Sur one day, both of those are incredible races and on my top 5 favorite list, you'll love them!  Look forward to following you on your blog as you work toward conquering all your goals!!!

Hawaii Marathon - State #19 on my Goal to 50

Sunrise view at the summit of Haleakala

     Hawaii was my 19th state marathon, which I decided to run on the beautiful island of Maui.  I arrived in Maui a few days before the marathon, and continued to prepare for the likely higher temperatures I would be running in by drinking plenty of water and avoiding too much sun.

     Race morning I woke up at the lovely 2am hour, got ready and left for my 40 minute drive to the finish line to hop onto a shuttle bus to the start.
The Maui Ocean Front Marathon is a bit smaller, they started out by reading out a few stats and giving props to some marathon veterans who were at the race.  Then they had a Hawaiian blessing for us and the race, with individuals dressed in native attire blowing Conch shell's and then some singing in the Hawaiian language.  Then they took us to the start which was just fire lit tiki torches lining the road, then I believe a Conch shell was blown to signify the start of the race.

West Coastal View

     Then we were off, started off down some steady downhill.  I had to pace myself to keep from going out too fast, because I don't usually warm up before a marathon, I like my first few miles to be the warm up period...
By mile 2 we were right next to the coast, and even though it was completely pitch black dark it was neat listening to the crashing waves on the shoreline.  I was worried about tripping because I couldn't see the road at all, thankfully the roads were great and no problems there.
The first few water stops were okay, but I noticed right off that the less than 1/2 an inch of water in the cup they were handing me wasn't enough.  I knew I may not feel the need for the water at that point, but knew I would need it later when the sun came up.  So by the 3rd water stop I began grabbing two cups instead of one.  Unfortunately, even with two cups with so little water in them it wasn't much.  Then there were a few stops that they were out of water, and I had to drink some other drink that left a nasty after taste (in my opinion).

Waterfall in the National Park

     Around mile 7 running past the central part of the island, the wind kicked up something fierce and of course we had to be running into it head strong.  Man, this took SO much out of me I cannot even tell you.  I had to run just over two miles in this and the only good thing at this point is the sun hadn't quite came up over the mountain just yet.
By the time I rounded the corner I was exhausted but loving the fact that I now had the crazy strong wind at my back, and running downhill felt effortless and then coming into mile 10 the gradual uphill felt flat because the wind was as a helping hand pushing me up.  I was still really enjoying the run.  The sun was up, and the Ocean was turning from gray to those several shades of blue, it was absolutely beautiful.

Waterfall at the National Park

    This was one of those times where all good things have to come to an end.  As I approached the several miles of the climbing up the coastal cliffs, the fierce wind kicked up and was again right into my face.  It was like running into a wall, at one point it almost stopped me right in my step.  Tucking my head down to avoid dirt from getting in my eyes, I pushed on.  The water stops, had continued to either be out of water/cups all together or not handing out much...  I guess the officials just didn't plan ahead for cups, and the volunteers not filling them well, wasn't helping.  If I was taking two cups to get by at some, I know I wasn't the only one.  So because of that, it makes sense why they ran out.
By the time I made it to the half way point I was still okay, but I could feel that something wasn't right but couldn't quite put my finger on it.  So I just pushed the thought out of my mind and watched the ocean and the jumping humpback whales in the distance.

Hiking through a bamboo forest

     This marathon, instead of listing the miles starting at 1.  The race started with the .2 and then counted down from 26.  So near 10 miles to go, things were not going well, and I could feel myself slipping.  It was the oddest feeling, something I had never experienced before.
I pushed on, but could feel my body wanting to just shut down.  It was weird, almost like I knew my body could handle pushing it more, but it just wouldn't react and nothing I could do would change it.

     Shortly after that, that is when things went from bad to worse.  Frankly, I don't remember much of those last 10 miles, only bits and pieces.  I literally lost my mind, and I think it was my subconscious which was making my body continue on.
I was having a hard time keeping upright, and I am pretty sure I wasn't running/walking at this point in a straight line.  I believe this went on for a few miles, I seriously don't remember much.
Somewhere between miles 8 and 7 to go, I saw and heard an ambulance rush by me, then another and another, I think I counted five and that is when I came too a little and realized I was in BIG trouble.  More than anything I didn't want that to be me getting taken from the race and I just wanted to finish.

Lava Sea Cave at a black sand beach

    I remember praying, a lot...  And then somehow I had these moments in-between the loss of my mind that made me alert enough to do what I needed to do.  By now, when I would get to a water stop, I drank the water because I knew I needed it, but I remember having to force it down me.  I had slight stomach cramps which may have been the reason I didn't want to drink it...  At this point hate to admit it, but I was pretty out of it.
The sun was beating hot now on me and had been for a couple of hours, and hitting me straight in the back with 85+ degree heat.   The only good thing, I remember the wind at some point was no longer quite as strong as it was before.

There was this lady, I called her the blond in the blue dress lady.  She had been cheering along the entire course.  At first I just figured she had a runner behind me, and she would ride her little motorcycle ahead a few miles and wait, and this was the reason I kept seeing her.  Sometimes she handed out  boxes of chocolates, and others she just smiled and cheered and said really nice things to all of us runners.  You would have thought she was there to cheer you on, so I eventually remember looking forward to seeing her along the way, and having a short chat.  Eventually I learned she didn't even have a runner in the race, she was just out there to support our group of runners.  (Wonder if they had people do that along the entire course, for all the different paces???)  However, I thought it was nice.
Even when I was losing my mind, I made sure to try and smile at her and say something to her...  Even though I was out of it, even I knew deep down if people see you doing badly they can alert officials and have you pulled from the race.
As bad as I was, I didn't want that to happen.
Even when for the first time EVER in all my 26 marathon history I wondered HOW in the heck I was ever going to finish.

Couple of Spinner Dolphins

     It was very bad, I "Hit the Wall" for the first time "for real".  I thought I hit it once several years ago.  I may have a little, but now I know what it really means...  It means you are done, finished, your body is exhausted beyond your control and there is little you can do about it.
Even though I was pretty out of it, during my coherent moments I would remember what to do, how to get my body to go.  Dug deep and pushed my stride a little more. (Of course that is what I think I remember doing or telling myself to do, the reality may have been a bit different.. I just don't really know for sure.)
I remember having to do a stride change it in short burst increments, and I did this for I remember vaguely the last 6 miles of the race.  Other than that, and remembering the heat I don't remember almost anything else of those miles.

View from a south beach

     Finally I do remember seeing the 1 mile to go marker, and there is just something about that point, you know you will make it even if you have to crawl.  (thankfully I didn't have to crawl:)  But I am sure I was a pathetic sight as I trudged along.
As I crossed the finish line who was there to congratulate and greet me?  Well the blond in the blue dress lady.  They must have been talking about me over the intercom system and about my marathon's because I remember her saying "Oh my gosh you have ran 26 of these?"  I wanted to be nice to her, but I seriously didn't know how much longer I could stay standing.  I remember thanking her, and telling her I enjoyed her cheering along the way.  Someone else put the medal around my neck, I don't even think I looked at them..
I feel bad now, because I really like to thank the volunteers who assist, but oh well...

Sunset Beach View

   I was REALLY glad at that point I had decided to wake up earlier and drive my rental car to the finish, because if I had, had to walk and take the public bus system...  Well I doubt I would have made it.
When I did reach my car, I was in no shape to drive and even totally out of it, I knew that.  I seriously had no idea how I was going to find my hotel, strange sort of feeling of being out of control with your mind.  It's like being drugged or something, I hated it.
I took a while to just sit and regroup, and then figured if I used the GPS and had someone (thing) telling me where to go (even as simple as it was to get back) I could drive.
Now, I don't recommend driving as I did, I was probably a hazard to myself and others.  But what can I say I did it...  I just remember every time the fog started to come in my head I did as I would just shake it off, and tell myself don't drive off the cliff and stay between the lines...  It was crazy, I remember nothing else other than I passed a group of dolphins, at least I think I did...

Iao Needle State Park

     Well that was it, now as to what happened.  Well it took me a few hours after I got back to the hotel I passed out a for a bit, then woke up and started drinking water again then more rest, then more water...  Well after a phone call to my dad, he knew right away what happened to me.  I of course was a bit dehydrated, but I also had early stage heat exhaustion...  All my symptoms and crazy thinking fit....

By evening I was doing much better, and was doing everything I needed to, to get the kidney's functioning normal again... Of course it took well into the 2nd day to get rid of the horrible headache..  But other than a very sore body all was good!

Lush coastal lava area

     If you had asked me at the end of the marathon if I was going to do another, I am not sure what I would have told you.  But thankfully now, I am 100% back and ready to continue with my goal.
I now have 19 states completed and 31 plus D.C. to go and I am excited to continue on!!!!   This race was an experience, one I have never gone through before and lets be honest, one I hope to NEVER have to go through again!
So all I can say to the next state, Bring it On!!!

Black Sand Beach

     Maui is a beautiful place and I couldn't help explore it, hike it and discover some of it's hidden treasures.  So for fun I have included several of my favorites from some of the pictures I took.
In addition to the Marathon, I woke up at before dawn to visit Haleakala National Park and watch the sunrise.  Such a beautiful experience!!!
I went diving in a Coral Reef at the Molakini Crater, and visited the beautiful red cliff Island Lana'i and became surrounded by pods of spinner dolphins.
I saw dozen's and dozens of humpback whales, both up close and in the distance.  I even got to see a bunch of green sea turtles swimming.
I went Hiking in Haleakala National Park to see beautiful Waterfalls.  Took the drive on the long road to Hana, to see the breathtaking coastal views and walk on black sand beaches.  Explored coastal lava caves, and hiked to blow holes.

Lana'i Island Cliffs (Dolphin hang out here by the dozens during the day)

I had sunset picnic's at the beach many evenings, while I would sit and watch the hundred's of humpback whales playing around in the ocean.  Just to name a few of the things I did while spending 13 days in Maui.  Of and of course I came back with a great dark tan:)

Sunset