Road Runner Girl: Runner Spotlights #14

So the Color Run was so much fun!!!! I can't wait to tell you all about it!

For now I will spotlight another fabulous runner for ya! If you are interested in being spotlighted please email me at mindy@roadrunnergirl.com. I'd love to spotlight you!!!

Today I am spotlighting the other half of Naturally Fit Sisters....Cassey! I just love how these two sisters are such a team from so far away from each other! Keep reading to learn more about Cassey!

Name: Cassey

State: California (Military)

When and why did you start running? I was never a runner. EVER. I have always been the overweight, less active one of my family. Back in 2007, I graduated college and got my first job as a teacher. I knew I did not want to go to my first year teaching so overweight… it was then I began running. I ran and ran and ran some more. A friend asked me to do a ½ marathon and I thought she was nuts… but we did it! March of 2008, we ran the Rock in Roll ½ in Little Rock. It was the best time ever. I had lost about 70 lbs and felt awesome. We moved to Japan and I put on a little weight and didn't run as much. I got pregnant in 2009 and pretty much became… LAZY. I didn't run again until March of this year, 3 years later. Sadly. But I am running again and loving it. I feel healthier than ever and love how I am impacting my sons life by showing him how to live an active lifestyle.

What is your favorite race and race distance? Favorite race was the ½ in Little Rock. 13.1 miles. I did a few 5Ks and 10Ks back in 2007/2008. Currently I have done quite a few 5Ks this year, one 10K, and a few fun runs. The fun runs.. are FUN! I am signed up for lots more in the coming months and am running a ½ in Texas with my sister in October, while my mom does a 10K with my son. My sister, my best friend, and myself will be participating in the Disney Princess ½ Marathon in February 2013. I have a feeling that will be my new favorite. I am SO excited.

What is your race day routine? I get up early and usually eat a banana. Depending on how far I have to drive my little one may be up or may not be up. I LOVE running races with him. He completed his first ‘race’ a couple of weeks ago. My two year old did ½ a mile and did not want to stop. I am so proud of him. We usually get to our race about 30-45 minutes early and get signed in. I never go up before hand to get my Swag because it is normally a decent drive. Then we always, ALWAYS ask someone to take a before picture… and then we relax. After the race I always, ALWAYS get an after picture. I want him to always have these memories with his mom.

What is your most favorite piece of running gear? I have a new favorite and that would be my SPIbelt. I am loving it. It really helps me when I run alone. When I have the stroller, it isn't as big of a deal. However, when I do run alone it is nice to have it to put my ID, money, credit card, keys, and phone. I love wearing it because it doesn't weigh me down, nor does it FALL down! I actually forget it is even there! I highly suggest any runner to invest in one of these… they are only like $20.

Do you follow any diet or take any specific supplements that complement your running? No, but I should. Lil Sis and I have actually been talking about writing a blog to get feedback on what other runners do in regards to this. We are both fairly new to running and don’t really understand or know supplements we should be taking to help our running. Any tips are MORE than welcomed.

What do you wish you’d known when you first started running? That it would be so addicting and that it could be so expensive. NEVER did I imagine that running would be something I love so much. I certainly didn't realize that people actually PAY to run! But I do now.. and I love it. Paying for the races I want to do is my own personal splurge on myself and I love doing them.

What is your fondest running memory? In 2007/2008 when I first began running I had the BEST running partner. She is the one that asked me to do the ½ Marathon. Preparing for that race and going to do it together really tightened our bond. I have yet to find another good, dedicated running partner like she was and I am so thankful that I had her in my first go around as a runner. Now I am content with just me and my boy.

What is one thing that most people do not know about you? Hmmm… I am a very self-conscious person and sadly I have a low self-esteem. Usually people do not know that about me unless they really know me… on a deeper level. I would dare to say that running and getting in shape has definitely helped me to begin to overcome these things… which is awesome.