Runners Spotlight Let Me Introduce Shawn

Every runner has a story, which pushes and drives them to do what they do. It's fascinating learning about others, and in return it also inspires and motivates.

This week I'd like to introduce Shawn. I asked Shawn several questions, to tell part of his story and introduce you to him. 

Shawn Blogs at

TopRunnersReview

Color Me Run

Tell us what distances you like to run? 

Right now I am focusing on around a 5k. I plan to reach marathon distance, but honestly, the distance that I like to run is where I just run. I have had times where I just end up in the zone and gone 6 miles when I meant to do 3. Those are my favorite runs.

How long have you been running?

I have always liked running. I did not do track because I had a fat track coach, but I was focused on sprints back then. I got into more distance when I went to college. That way I could spend a lot of time on the treadmill next to cute girls.

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

For me it is a huge stress relief. Also, when I run I have ridiculously deep thoughts, I think that I kind of fun.

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

The furthest that I have ever gone is 12 miles, but by this time the farthest that I will have gone will be more than 26 miles.

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

I have only ran 2 official races at this point; the first was color me rad. That was just for fun...and it was. The second was a real 5k and I was proud of my finish. I finished 92 out of 666 racers, that is not bad for it only being my second race, and I was in the top 11 of my age category...I did get beat by two 11 year olds and a 10 year old...but they were not in my age category!

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

 I think it would be fun to run through the trails of the Amazon...I don't know if that is a race...maybe I should start it.

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

 I run mostly for fun, but sometimes my competitiveness comes out.

 

Bum Run

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

 In 4th grade we had a bobsled race. We had groups of 3 that designed the bobsleds, ours was a cardboard box that a fridge came in cut and duct taped to make it more aerodynamic. We had one person from our group sit in the sled, and then the other 2 pulled the sled in a race...we won that one. They gave us a rock, about the size and shape of the Olympic medals, painted it gold, and tied it with ribbon around our necks. Life was great back then.

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

 We have all had trials, but in regards to running...When I was 22 I had an operation in my chest. The Dr burned some of my nerves off on my spine. While he was doing this he accidentally burned little holes in my lungs. About a week and a half later my lungs had separated from the chest cavity and were mostly deflated. I had to have an emergency chest surgery (WITH NO ANETHSTETIC!) to press my lungs against my chest, re-inflate them, and let the holes heal. I have not been able to breath like I use to since. When I work out my breathing always sounds so labored.

I also had my ankle ran over by a 1/2 ton truck about 3 months ago, and I had a torn meniscus about 2 years ago, but this cant stop me from running.

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

I race against myself mostly. I really don't care right now where I finish in relation to others, my goal is usually to beat my PR.

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

NEVER NEVER NEVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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

 There are a lot of people who like to walk on the trail that I run on. I love to sneak up on people as I am running (usually they are talking and not really paying attention) then as I pass them, just inches separating our shoulders, I kick it in a gear. Usually I get 'oh' they stop walking for a sec, then they laugh. I was doing this to a couple who was about 60. She let the sharpest shrill out like she had seen a mouse and ended up stumbling into her husband. She tripped on his feet and fell to the ground. Then she started laughing. I felt bad and went back to help her up and we had a good laugh about it.

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

 I tell them that when I run it is just me and the wind. That is what I love about running.

 Do you hope to be a lifelong runner?

You mean do I want to finish a 5k with a walker...I think that would be awesome, and would probably get me on the news.

 What states have you run races in?

Utah

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

 I love solo running. I have not found someone who works with me as far as a group run.

 Do you cross train?  What types?

Right now I am playing with the idea of a tri. So I have upped the amount of time that I spend on a bike. I know that I should get in the pool more, but I am not the champion swimmer, and so I am putting it off.

What other hobbies/sports do you do besides running?

Ultimate Frisbee every Thursday!!! Does NASCAR count as a hobby...or a sport? My dad says that it does not. Reading: The Ant and the Elephant is the best book ever.

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

Find your schedule and stick to it! With that schedule include stretching and nutrition too. Also include breaks and rewards, these will help prevent running from seaming like a chore.

 What is your must have running accessory?

 Shorts

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

The best thing that I have learned from being a runner, solving life's problems. Running does not have all the answers to life, but I can not tell you how many times I have been stressed or confused or lost in life and I go for a run to find a solution.

What do you do with your race t-shirts and medals?  Do you wear them proud or display them for all your guests to see?  Do you do something unique with them?

The races I have gone to put out cotton shirts. Running in cotton is not the best for your training. The shirts usually are not cool enough for me to wear in everyday things, so they turn into my kids PJs and my play shirts.

Tell us something unique about you.

My secret dream is to get a pilots license and buy a Cessna 172.

I am a published Poet (only one poem and it was in 8th grade)

I recently looked over my drivers license and it does not have the correct height, weight, or eye color.

 What is something I didn't ask that you would have liked me to ask?

My favorite color is Green.

You Can Find Shawn's Blog At:

http://TopRunnersReview.com

Shawn is also on Facebook At:

https://www.facebook.com/toprunnersreview

Thanks for letting me spotlight you Shawn!  I agree with you, running is SUCH a stress reliever!!!  I love your sense of humor through your answers, I look forward to reading your blog!  I bet you will be finishing a 5k one day in a walker at 100.  Best of luck with getting into the triathlons and marathon that you'd like to do!  Oh, and I have to say how impressed I am that you are running after having your ankle run over a few months back, that is incredible!  You must be blessed with fast healing powers:)  Good luck!

Runners Spotlight, Let Me Introduce Tyly

Every runner has a story, which pushes and drives them to do what they do. It's fascinating learning about others, and in return it also inspires and motivates.

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

Tyly Blogs at
 OneMileAtATimeBlog

Tell us what distances you like to run?

I have run way more 5ks than anything else, mainly because there's a local race series that offers them.  I sign up for all the local races I can find, because I absolutely love the race setting!  I have run one 10k, and I enjoyed it, and I also love the half marathon distance.  
How long have you been running?  Or at what age did you start running?

I started running in 2008, so that would make me 26 at the time.  Time flies when you're having fun!

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

Initially I started running as a way to lose weight.  I was at my all time heaviest, and I was so unhappy.  I started with the couch to 5k program, and it was exactly what I needed at the time.  What keeps me going now is the sense of pride and accomplishment running gives me.  There's no better feeling than conquering something you never thought you'd be able to do!

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

The longest distance I've run is a half marathon. 

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

I would love to run a race at Walt Disney World!!!  I love that place so much, and I think it would be really neat to have an entirely different perspective of the parks.  I have seen recaps and photos from those who have done it, and it seems like Disney really goes all out to make it a special event!

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

I run for both.  If I had to pick, I would say I run to compete with myself.  I am not fast enough to place in races, but I always try to do better than I did the last time.

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

Actually, I have once!  I couldn't believe it!  It was awesome, even though I know it was just because it was a teeny-tiny race.  :)

You have an amazing weight loss story, tell us a little about it, what motivated you to do what you did and now become a runner?

Thank you!  As I mentioned before, I was very overweight.  I had never been so big in my entire life!  I let the weight slowly creep up on me, and it took me a long time to really see just how bad I had let things get.  I read somewhere that running was a great way to lose weight, so I decided to give it a shot.  The first few weeks of couch to 5k were so difficult for me even though I was only running one minute at a time with breaks in between!  Almost immediately after I started the program, I signed up for my very first 5k as motivation.  I knew the program was nine weeks long, so I picked a race that was nine weeks away.  Once it was race day, I couldn't believe I was actually at the starting line of my very first 5k.  I felt amazing the entire time and cried tears of joy at the end.  I had never been so proud of myself!  That feeling of accomplishment is still with me, and that's what keeps me running.

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

I'm most proud of the fact that one point, I consistently ran sub thirty minute 5ks.  I chased that dream for quite a while, and it felt amazing when I finally made it happen.  Unfortunately I let my training fall off for several months, and I'm not quite as fast as I once was anymore.  I'll get there again, though!

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

I did a Challenge Nation city wide scavenger hunt event dressed as Waldo, but I've never run a race in costume.  I totally would, though!  It would have to be a costume I could stay cool in, though.  I have run many of my races in crazy / themed long socks!  I love doing that.

Do you hope to be a lifelong runner?

Absolutely!!!  I intend to run for as long as my body will allow!

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

Definitely.  I have only run 2 races without it, and that was due to technical difficulties!  My two favorite songs to run to right now are Blurred Lines by Robin Thicke and Holy Grail by Jay Z.  They keep me moving!

Do you cross train?  What types?

Yep!  I take a Vixen Muscle class at my gym twice a week for weight training, and I'm going to start taking a power up weight lifting class as well.  I also enjoy taking spin class, cardio challenge class, and any other classes that are high energy and fun!  

What other hobbies/sports do you do besides running?

Other than my run and classes at the gym, I don't have time for much else.  I'm a teacher and a grad student, so I do well to fit in my runs and classes!

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

I give most of my race t shirts to my family.  I run so many races that I'd have way too many otherwise.  I know they wear them, so it makes me happy to let them have them!  As far as medals, I really want a display rack for them!  I've seen some really nice, custom ones.  Now that I've collected several of them, I feel I have earned it!  :) 

Saw your a Steelers fan, do you try to go to the games?

Oh, how I wish!!!!!  I am a HUGE Steelers fan, and nothing would make me happier than to wave a terrible towel at a live game!

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

Baby steps!  It's great to have big goals in mind, but if you try to take on too much too fast, you'll only end up discouraged. Do what you can with where you're at.  Don't worry about the pace or distance anyone else is running.  Do the best that YOU can do.  Run your own race and be proud of every single accomplishment along the way!

What is your must have running accessory?

My Garmin, for sure!

If you blog, tell us a bit about your blog.  What can readers expect to see when they follow you.

My blog is a mixture of all kinds of things!  I talk about my daily life, my running, my journey to lose weight and get fit, struggles, victories, and everything in between.  Nothing is off limits! 

Take a minute and go and check out Tyly's blog or Facebook page, or follow her on Twitter

https://www.onemileatatimeblog.net

https://www.facebook.com/OneMileAtATimeBlog

You can also find Tyly on Twitter @tylyshab

Thanks for letting my spotlight you Tyly!!  I hope you make it to Disney World to run one day, you'll have a blast with it.  Your right, they do put on a great race!!!  I look forward to following you on your blog as you continue your journey as a runner:)

Beat the Heat, Hydrate Properly!

So for Fitness Friday today, and with the summer heat increasing daily.  I thought I would offer some of my own hydration tips I have used through the years to avoid dehydration and get proper hydration while out running.

FIRST the best times to run to beat the heat.  Early in the morning before the heat comes on.  If this isn't possible run in the evening when the sun is going down.

DO Set water bottles out on your course in places you'll know where they are to pick them up.  I generally pick area's that I can hid them, but still recognize the spot. I do this a lot in my long runs of 16-20 miles.

DON'T carry a water bottle in your hand.  If you are just going a mile or so, it might not be so bad.  But if you are going to be going several, just that small imbalance can effect your running and believe it or not, has been known in some cases to cause knee or leg injuries.  (I know it sounds funny, but it's true.)  Besides, who really can enjoy running with a heavy bottle of water sloshing around in their hand???

DO Pick a course that has parks or stores that have drinking fountains you can stop at.  For me I have several of these on many of my favorite courses.  I don't mind a bit walking into my local Walmart all sweaty and taking a nice cold drink out of the fountain:)  They don't mind either, (I spend a lot of money there at times.)  Besides, its Walmart my sweaty running attire is still far more classy than what most wear who venture into the store! (You know you just smiled because that is true!  If you didn't smile and are clueless to that, then maybe you should re-think your shopping wardrobe, just saying:) ha ha

DO carry a camel pack.  Okay, I am not going to lie, I don't actually do this (but I hike with one!)  However, I have talked to a lot of runners who do and they seem to like it for longer runs, and say they even freeze part of it to keep things cool.  One tip if you do this, I have been told the chaffing can be a nightmare (I believe them on that).  So make sure the shoulder straps are either over a shirt, or you use lots of glide or Vaseline and take some with you!  I would imagine if the pack bounces at all, even something to protect your back or more glide on that would be helpful...

DON'T take a nice ice cold drink after a long hard run that you feel slightly dehydrated from!  It's not good for your body to get an immediate swish of cold after a hard workout, especially if you might be a little dehydrated.  It might not sound as great, but you'd do better to drink just tap cold water until your system is ready to take something cooler.  Let me just say if you don't, that cold rush of water in your system may cause some vomiting... Just a warning:)

DO drink Gatorade or other Sports Drinks.  Normally I don't drink these, just to save myself the calories.  But running in the sun, can deplete your body of its salts.  Drinking one after a run can help replenish some of these at the same time as hydrating you.

DON'T think that running shirtless or in just a runners bra will help keep you cooler on your run.  It will actually do the opposite, letting the sun just bake your skin.  Even though you may feel a t-shirt is too much clothing on a hot day, a light weight moisture wicking fabric will actually keep you cooler than bare skin will! 

DO wear a runners moisture wicking hat.  I know the cute headbands are all the trend right now.  But if you want to keep some heat off your head and additionally provide a little protection from the sun on your face as well as a little shade for your eyes.  Pick up the hat and leave the cute band behind!  I know this from many years of running.  That hat will keep shade on your head, which will in return help you keep a lot cooler and reduce your overheating chances.  (You can save that cute stylish headband for a shorter early morning race:)

A FEW OTHER TIPS THAT MAY HELP

*  Keep hydrated all the time, in your daily life!  It may sound gross, but you should keep an eye on your pee color.  A light hint of yellow is the perfect color.  Clear, you are drinking too much.  Dark yellow or brownish, you need to get water in your system.  You should be having to use the bathroom every 3-5 hours, that is normal!
*  Drink regularly and get the liquids in early on in a run or race!  If you start getting thirsty in a long run or race, it's too late to do anything about it.  What you drink in miles 3-8 determine how you are going to feel in miles 16-26.2...

HUMIDITY VS. DRY CLIMATES - This is one of the biggest mistakes I see runners make who travel to run.  A person training in a humid climate goes to a dry climate to run.  They are used to seeing the sweat (humidity) all over their body, and they're used to using that for their subconscious to tell them it's a sign to drink water to replenish.  They go to a dry climate and notice they are not sweating much, so they figure they don't need to drink as much.. (BIG MISTAKE!)
I've also seen dry climate training runners go to a humid climate to run a race and make mistakes too.  They feel they are sweating to death and think they need more water than they do.  What they don't realize is in a humid climate all the moisture they see on their skin clothes is not all entirely sweat, they end up over drinking.
Knowing how to drink correctly, and knowing what your body needs through practice and training will help you combat any climate!  Sure at times and on super hot days, your going to need more water than on cooler days.  But practice in training running in different conditions or times of the day!  It's all about learning and becoming a smart properly hydrated runner!  Training to run a race isn't just about the fitness part.  Training means, experimenting and learning all aspects of the sport and hydration is a BIG part of the training process!

ALSO - Do you ever see those runners who pull over to the side early on in a race, even before miles 5 because they have muscle cramps and they are making an over dramatic fuss?  (And you are like, what is their problem it's only mile 3?) Or has this ever been you? (Hope not:)  Did you know there is a pretty good chance that this person was not hydrated properly before starting the race?  It's true, not being properly hydrated before running can cause muscle cramping early on...

A WARNING - Don't over drink in the heat or in a hot race.  I'm not going to go into all the problems for this, but google it or speak to your doctor for more info.  But you can actually poison yourself by drinking too much water, and in extreme cases it can cause death.
If you are running in a hot race and you get dehydrated and start chugging and chugging the water down in large quantities hoping to get the hydration back, its not gonna won't work!!!  Your best chance is to pull out of the race, or even better don't allow yourself to get into that situation to start with!  
Drink properly in a race.  Most people start drinking water at mile 3 (some at mile 2).  Drink as you have been training.  Just because some larger races have water stops every mile, doesn't mean you should stop every mile for a drink.  Drink smart, don't over drink and don't under drink!
- A person can't really tell you how much to drink or when to start drinking when running even though generally a runner will drink a cup or cup and a half every 2-3 miles.  You need to be your own judge of that.  Practice in training, after all that is what training is for.  Learn what your body needs to drink smart and get the liquids in early so that when you do enter a race, you already know how much you need!

Okay, I could go into this more, but I think that is enough for now:)  Be a smart runner, and stay hydrated properly!!!  You don't want to be one of the ones I run past early on in a race and roll my eyes at because I can't believe someone who spent so much $$$ to enter a race wouldn't spend a little time learning about how to hydrate properly for it!  Ha ha.. (Yes I do that!  In fact I also roll my eyes at the ones who come to a race under-trained too, but that is post for another day:) ha ha ha...

(If I offended you with my sarcastic humor because you've made any of these mistakes before, I am sorry!  But on the plus side, maybe you've got enough info now to put you on the right track so hydration isn't a problem in the future!)

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MY PERSONAL INJURY UPDATE

So on a side note, I have some good news about my injury that has kept me from running for the better part of the past 5 months.  You may know I took several weeks off work, and then only walked around on crutches and avoided walking on my injured foot/ankle as much as possible for the past 4 weeks.

The good news is, I felt a significant difference yesterday when I started walking on it again (even if for only a short time).  I can feel it is on the mend now.  It's an odd feeling, the pain is pretty much non-existent.  But I have a sense that its teetering beyond the brink of healed and injury.  So I know I need to be careful not to cause re-injury.
Originally, I had a predetermined date that I set a few weeks back in my mind.  I was bound and determined to start slowly running on it again next Monday.  However, after careful thought I believe at least one more week is needed to allow the healing time to really set in.  So next week, I only have plans to start walking on it, likely a little more each day.  Additionally, I will begin some physical therapy to strengthen the weakened areas.  I will see how next week goes, before I decide when actual running will begin!

I've been off running for this long, and I have spend a lot of money on doctors bills and then there is the loss of income from not working for the past 4 weeks.  I think it would be stupid of me to get to "runner happy" and get out there running on the recently healed areas too soon.  I'd hate to have to start this process all this over again.  One more week may or may not be all it needs, but the fact that I can walk on it now virtually pain free is a very, very excellent sign!  I have a really good feeling about it all this time, so I guess we will see:)

 

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Runners Spotlight - Let Me Introduce BETH

Every runner has a story, that pushes them and drives them to do what they do.  I find it fascinating to learn about others, and in return it also inspires and motivates me.  I know I am not the only one who feels this way.  

This week I'd like to introduce you to Beth.

I asked Beth several questions, to help tell her story and why she is proud to be a runner.  As well as introduce you all to her. 

You’re a newer to the sport, tell us why you started running.

Well to be honest I really kind of started running to force myself to quit complaining about running.  So here is the story:  Forever, as long as I can remember, I hated running--I was slow, and it was really, really painful.  Last summer, I decided to enter into a local sprint triathlon down here at the beach.  I trained all summer.  The swimming and biking portions were no problem for me (I swam for a team in another life and was an avid spinning class attendee), but the measly 2 mile run killed me.  Come race day, I blazed (OK that may be an exaggeration)  through the open water swim and the bike, but literally doubled by overall race time during that sad, painful 2 mile run.  Right then and there, I told myself that I was going to train for and run a half marathon so that I will not suck at running anymore.  And I did it.  I ran my first half marathon, Rock N Roll New Orleans, this February.  What I didn't anticipate was for my general loathing of all things running to turn into a love.  I am so happy that I found this wonderful sport.  While I still plan on participating in some triathlons this season, my true new love is the road race! 

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

I guess both, in a weird, never-will-be-placing-in-my-age-group kind of way.  I run because it's fun, and I love it, but I also run to compete against myself.  I know I will never be one of those people that places in their age group at races (unless I give up bourbon and pizza and I don't see that happening), so really my competition is with myself to get better, faster, and stronger.  What is it they say? Running never gets any easier, you just get better.  I hope that is case.  Right now, I am competing with my inner naysayer who is telling me that I will never run a half marathon in 2 hours or less...hush self-doubt.  Also, in all honesty, I would be lying if I said that I didn't count road-kills on my races. You know you do too...

What distances to you run/race?

I run a lot of local 5ks, but I really like long distance running.  I am really not super built for speed, so a sub 30 minute 5k is killer for me.  I love the half marathon; it is long enough to feel like a super challenge, but not body wrecking like the marathon, or so I have heard.  It is a total accomplishment to finish one alive.  I have never run a marathon and right now, I really have no desire to start training for one (OK, maybe a little desire).  I have only run one 10k, but I really enjoyed it--short enough to throw some speed in, but long enough to feel like an accomplishment.  Is it just me or are there like no 10ks anymore? 

Have you ever won or placed in a race?

Are you kidding? Nope. And I'm totally OK with that. 

Your blog puts you as a person who loves to have a lot of fun.  Tell us about the race you had the most fun at, and why. 

Thanks! I do love to have a good time.  I guess the most fun race I have been to would be my first half marathon--the Rock N Roll New Orleans. I mean who doesn't like New Orleans?  No seriously, I ran it with my best friend--The Ginger (she makes regular appearances on my blog)--and her boyfriend.  My boyfriend--The Boy--came to be an awesome cheerleader.  The race itself was really fun--lots of bands on the course and everyone was really high energy.  There were tons of people there! like 16,000!  We stayed the night after the half marathon to do all the fun New Orleans stuff (hint...hint).  It was a total blast!

If you could run ANY race/distance in the entire world what/where would it be?

After the tragic events of this past April, I would love to run the Boston Marathon.  I think that being a part of the marathon next year would be an awesome and super fulfilling experience.  Just to participate in something that would stand for the solidarity of the the running community would be completely stellar.  However, there are some significant things standing in my way:  I will have to run a marathon, and I will have to do it in less than 3:35:00.  Which would be almost like having a pet unicorn who poops rainbows!  

Besides running what other sports/hobbies do you participate in?

Well obviously, I love to read.  I also really, really love to eat...everything.  I also collect mid-century furniture, pottery, and art.  My awesome boyfriend, The Boy, gave me an awesome 1960's Telefunken stereo for Christmas so I have recently begun a vinyl record collection.  There is nothing better than that hiss and pop of a record.  I also really, really, really love college football--in particular my LSU Fighting Tigers! From August to January, I am a rabid Bayou Bengals fan, and will be talking non-stop about football.  My dad is a super fan as well, so all season long we talk football (much to the dismay of my mom and boyfriend).

Per your blog, you love to read.  What are your favorite books?

Wow, for a librarian that is really hard question.  It is super tough to narrow it to just a few books.  Can we do it categories?  I will.

Classic Fiction: Tender is the Night F. Scott Fitzgerald & The Sun Also Rises Ernest Hemingway

Contemporary Fiction: Wolf Whistle Lewis Nordan 

Southern Fiction (too hard to narrow it to just one): Delta Wedding Eudora Welty, As I Lay Dying WIlliam Faulkner, The Moviegoer Walker Percy

Non-Fiction: Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide Nicholas Kristoff and Sheryl WuDunn

A lot of people who love reading, like writing.  Do you ever come up with great book ideas while you’re out on your runs?

Yea, I really think about all the funny/ ridiculous things that happen at work and seriously think about writing a book about it. While you may not think so, but an academic library is a crazy place. When you deal with overly-excited, stressed out freshmen all day long, you hear and see some insane stuff (think study rooms...boys and girls...together).   I am seriously thinking about writing a memoir about the day in the life of a librarian.  If you see me out running, you will see me jamming to some tunes and cracking up thinking about all the stuff that happened at work.  Ya'll be on the lookout for my upcoming memoir.....

Do you run and listen to tunes?  If so, what are your top 3 favorite to pound the pavement too?

Yea, I do listen to tunes when I run alone.  When I am running with a group, I really like to chat and laugh, but when I'm alone I really need the energy of music to keep me upbeat and moving.  I know a lot of runners suggest that you should listen to your own breathing, but my breathing is just not that much fun.  Right now, I am really jamming to How You Like Me Now by The Heavy, Baby Come Back by Scissor Sisters, and Underdog by Imagine Dragons.

Tell us how you juggle work and life and still get your runs in.  What motivates you to put on your running shoes and head out the door?

Well besides the commitments my job, my boyfriend, and my parents (who do live in same city as I do), my time is really my own.  I'm not sure how you Mother Runners out there do it.  Ya'll manage to kick running butt and get home in time to make dinner and change diapers.  Insane!  For me, it's really a matter of planning my runs.  I am really a calendar oriented person, so having a structured, mapped-out training plan really keeps me motivated and on-track.  If I am just running-by-the-seat-of-my-pants without a plan, I tend to slack off and skip runs and workouts.  I am also a really goal-oriented person--I really need a future race or PR to shoot for to get my butt up and go.  Like right now, I am gunning for both a sub 30-minute 5k and sub-2 hour half marathon.

Do you hope to be a lifelong runner?

I would love to be a lifelong runner; running is something that I really, really enjoy.  I guess the test will be when I do eventually have a family and how I juggle running with all of my other life stuff. Stay tuned to find out...

When you go around looking for new blogs to follow, what types of things are you looking for?  What blogs/topics grab your interest and make you want to come back to read more?

I know this is totally sexist, but I really do enjoy reading running blogs written by women, more so than those by men.  Besides that, I really like looking for bloggers who are honest about their accomplishments and weaknesses.  I also look for good tips about running and food, awesome race reports, gear reviews, and a good sense of humor.  I really like to get a mix of bloggers who are running at different paces; the speedsters make push for better times, and I feel a bond with the "slower" (a term I don't like, but there is nothing else, perhaps..."pace challenged") runners out there. 

Tell us about your blog, what do you post about?  What topics do you cover?  What can people expect when they visit?

My blog is about my adventures running, reading, and living through my life with my sanity intact.  I really talk honestly about my running--both my successes and failures, my weight loss goals, and my life in general.  You can expect training reports, race reports, gear reviews (I am starting a YouTube channel to do vlog reviews), book reviews (what kind of librarian would I be if I did not plug books), and just general running mayhem.  I hope that you will stop by and stay awhile.  

What are your fitness/ running related goals for 2013?

My goals for this year are to 1) run a 5k in less than 30 minutes 2) run a half marathon in less than 2 hours 3) lose the last 15 lbs 4) tone up my upper body.  Think that's enough?  I do...wish me luck. 

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Beth's Blog:

http://www.readhardrunharder.com/

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