Road Runner Girl: Runner Spotlights #81

Happy Sunday everyone! I've had a super busy weekend and can't wait to tell you all about it this next week! Yesterday I ran my last half marathon until the fall. It's already getting way too hot to race here on the Gulf Coast...and I really felt that heat yesterday!

Now it's time for another runner spotlight...my favorite time of the week! I love reading other runners' stories about their running journey! If you are interested in being spotlighted on my blog please email me at mindy@roadrunnergirl.com! I'd love to spotlight you! You don't have to have a blog to be spotlighted...you just have to be a runner! ;-) And I'm running low on spotlights so now's your time to shine!!!

Today I'm spotlighting Kim from This Runner's Fuel! She is a Boston Marathon finisher and super cute! Keep reading to learn more about her and her running journey!

Name: Kim Yohe

State: Pennsylvania

When and why did you start running?

I started running oddly enough after a drastic diet change. I was learning more about the ways food had become industrialized and decided to eat a whole foods plant-based diet. Once I eliminated meat and 90% of dairy from my diet, I had so much energy that I just started running. I decided to sign up for a 5K, ran it and fell in love with the feeling of confidence pushing myself gave me.

What is your favorite race and race distance?

That’s a tough one. I love half marathons because the distance is very challenging and the training is very manageable. However, the marathon, to me, is a true test of endurance. I haven’t mastered it yet and I’m still improving, learning and working towards a time that will satisfy me, if that’s possible. :-) The Boston Marathon was amazing and one of a kind, but Pittsburgh is my home town and they put on one awesome marathon!

What is your race day routine?

I like to get up at least 1.5 hours before I have to leave. I start by drinking black coffee followed by a pre-meal, typically toast with peanut butter and a banana. I usually get dressed after I eat and start drinking water. I stretch and roll while I wait to “digest”. While driving to the race, I usually listen to upbeat music and imagine myself running a strong race. So, really nothing unusual. I do tie and re-tie my shoes about 12 times before I start. :-)

What is your most favorite piece of running gear?

My running shoes of course. They’ve been through a lot with me. My Garmin 410 is a close second.

Do you follow any diet or take any specific supplements that complement your running?

I’m not as strict about my vegetarian diet as I used to be (I eat salmon often), but I am committed to easting as clean as possible. During training, I eliminate sugar, saturated fat and alcohol within reason. As far as supplements go, the only two things I really use are MSM Powder for recovery and Beet Crystals for vascular dilation.

What do you wish you’d known when you first started running?

I thought about this for a while and came up with nothing. I’ve learned so much along the way in my running journey and wouldn’t change a thing. All of the mistakes I’ve made and lessons I’ve learned the hard way are what make me the runner I am today.

What is your fondest running memory?

Running the Boston Marathon without a doubt. I was on cloud nine the entire way. The crowd support along the way made me feel like I was running in the Olympics for gold. A feeling I will never forget.

What is one thing that most people do not know about you?
I’m kind of an open book. I blog my life away, so pretty transparent.