Road Runner Girl: Runner Spotlights #113

Happy weekend everyone! Is anyone else already in the Christmas spirit? I guess the cold weather has made it feel like Christmas around here for me! I'm already listening to Christmas music...and I usually have a rule of no Christmas until after Thanksgiving. I'm obviously breaking that rule this year!

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 Ariana from Happy Life Healthy Life! Ariana lives in British Columbia, Canada! Keep reading to learn more about her and her running journey!

Name: Ariana Fotinakis

State: British Columbia, Canada!

When and why did you start running?

I started running in 2010 when I lived in the Yukon. I had a lot of area I wanted to explore and not a lot of free time, so running seemed like the most efficient way to do it! It didn’t take long before I realized how much I loved running.

What is your favorite race and race distance?

My favourite distance is the half marathon and my favourite race would be Lululemon’s SeaWheeze Half Marathon – it’s so much more than just a race! It’s a weekend party filled with yoga, limited edition Lululemon gear, awesome post-race swag, and tons of things to keep you entertained along the race course.

What is your race day routine?

My race day routine begins the night before a race. I drink as much water as humanly possible, get all my clothes and gear laid out, and of course have the much-anticipated pre-race dinner…lately I’ve been big on steak and potatoes. Weird, I know.

Morning of I chug water until two hours before the race then stop until I’m on the course – eliminates the need for bathroom breaks! I eat breakfast about two hours before, listen to some good music, and get my body prepared for the awesomeness that’s about to ensue.

What is your most favorite piece of running gear?

My fuel belt! I’m a hoarder when I run and I bring a ton of stuff. My Nathan belt holds everything and doesn’t bounce around when I run.

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

I follow the “food that makes you feel good” diet. It’s based primarily on whole, nutrient-dense foods that enhance performance and promote recovery, but it also includes things like frozen yogurt, dark chocolate, and nut butter. Lots and lots of nut butter. I’m more of a “fats” girl than a “carbs” girls.

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

I’m not indestructible! I have boasted in the past about how indestructible I am, having gone X number of years without any injuries from all the activities I participate in. Karma got me and I’ve been dealing with ITBS since July 2013. But there’s hope on the horizon and I’m positive I’m going to beat this thing once and for all.

What is your fondest running memory?

Running my first half marathon, the BMO Vancouver Half Marathon. There was such a mixture of emotions – I was so nervous I was shaking as I waited by myself at the starting line, I was elated at the time I was making, I had to hold back tears as I watched a blind man be led by his friend through the course, and I felt like I was going to puke a couple of times. It was awesome.

What is one thing that most people do not know about you?

I’m actually quite shy and introverted! I try to make this known so people don’t think I’m just being rude, but I think sometimes I give off the impression that I’m outgoing because I’m so open on my blog and on social media. Working as a Personal Trainer by day and at the front desk in a hotel at night I always have to be “on”, so when I do get my downtime I like to stay at home and be quiet.

Is there anything else you would like to share with us?

I spent a lot of years trying to hide who I was by trying to be something different; I went through my gangsta rap phase, my “life is abysmal” emo phase, my tree-hugging hippie phase, and my party girl phase. It took a long time to accept me for me – a kinda weird, kinda awkward girl who likes to eat, run, and get sweaty. And occasionally listen to gangsta rap.

But it’s totally liberating! Just DO YOU and enjoy life.