Runner Spotlights #76

Happy Sunday! I hope you are all enjoying your weekend! We had some fabulous weather yesterday! It made my long run amazing!

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! ;-)

Today I'm spotlighting Heather from Divas Run For Bling! She is a fellow runDisney fanatic like me! Keep reading to learn more about her and her running journey!

Name: Heather

State: Tennessee

When and why did you start running? 

I started running seriously in the spring of 2012. I was trying to find a way to get in shape and lose some weight. One of my good friends from college suggested I try to run a RunDisney race so I started training for my first half marathon.

What is your favorite race and race distance? 

My favorite distance is the half marathon.  So far my favorite race I’ve completed has been the Dumbo Double Dare at Disneyland in Aneheim, CA this year. It was a two day event with the 10K on Saturday and the Half Marathon on Sunday.

What is your race day routine? 

My typical race day routine includes waking up early to have a protein shake and a banana for breakfast.  All my gear has been laid out the night before so I  get everything ready and head to the race where I enjoy people watching as I am stretching and getting ready for the start.

What is your most favorite piece of running gear? 

My favorite piece of running gear is my NiteBeams pink lighted armband.  I don’t always have to wear it, but when I do it makes me smile with the pink LED blinking lights.

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

I just try to eat as healthy as possible. I usually will have a Dymatize Nutrition Elite Fusion 7 protein shake and an Oh Yeah Nutrition Good Grab size protein bar at some point during the day to ensure I get the fiber, protein and nutrients for the day.

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

I wish I’d known how much fun and life-changing taking up running was going to be – I’d have done it sooner.

What is your fondest running memory? 

Crossing the finish line at the Disneyland Half Marathon 2013 to complete the Dumbo Double Dare. I had plantar faciatis related pain and had to walk the entire 13 miles but I was able to do it and receive the bling (I also got to high five Chip and Dale while doing so)! :-)

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

Most people don’t know that I am very crafty. Aside from running and reading my Kindle, I love scrapbooking and have begun to learn to sew as well.

Here are all the different ways you can connect with Heather!

Blog: http://divasrunforbling.com/

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/divasrunbling

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/divasrunforbling

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/hsheinlein/divas-run-for-bling

Instagram: http://instagram.com/hsheinlein

QOTD: What was the temperature this weekend where you live? Cold or hot?

Runner Spotlights #68

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas! I know we did! It was just awesome to relax with the family! And we all racked up with Christmas gifts. I'm so very blessed!

This morning I am in Panama City Beach with my friend Paige. We are running The Biggest Loser RunWalk Half Marathon! I'm so excited! This will be my 19th half marathon and my last race of the year! Wish me luck!

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! ;-)

Today I'm spotlighting Angela from Happy Fit Mama! I love that she is a mom like me who still manages to make the time to run! Keep reading to learn more about her!

Name: Angela

State: New Hampshire

When and why did you start running? I've run off and on since high school. More for exercise/weight control. I didn't get really serious till after my kids were born in 2010. I didn't have a gym membership anymore and running was a good way to stay in shape. I soon found running is much, much more than exercise. It’s my sanity keeper. My alone time. My happy place. My time to push my potential.

What is your favorite race and race distance? My favorite race is the Seacoast Half Marathon. I've run it almost every year since it started. You just can’t beat the scenery along the ocean! The half marathon distance is great too. You still need to train but it doesn't exhaust you as much as full marathon training.

What is your race day routine? Wake up, eat a piece of toast with almond butter and banana, drink water. With two 3 year olds fighting for my attention that’s all I can fit in!

What is your most favorite piece of running gear? My Garmin 405. Not so much for seeing pace but for seeing distance. I love that I can just wander, get lost and still get my distance in.

Do you follow any diet or take any specific supplements that complement your running? I try to eat the most nutritious, whole foods to fuel me.  You can’t expect your body to perform at its top potential if you are eating garbage all the time. With that being said, I also don’t deprive myself of treats. Moderation works for me!

What do you wish you’d known when you first started running? Never, ever judge the first mile of a run. Even after all these years of running, the first mile is always the most awkward.  

What is your fondest running memory? Oh that’s a tough one! So many! I’d have to say spontaneously grabbing my son (and my daughter refusing!) to run across the finish line with me during a race this past summer. This picture makes me one happy mother runner!

What is one thing that most people do not know about you? Hmmmm…I think I've spilled most of my secrets since I've had a blog. 

Here are all the different ways you can connect with Angela!

Blog: http://happyfitmama.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/happyfitmama

Facebook: http://facebook.com/happyfitmama

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/happyfitmama

Instagram: http://instagram.com/happyfitmama

Thanks so much for sharing with us Angela!

QOTD: Any New Year's Eve plans?

Runner Spotlights #67

Happy it's only 3 more days until Christmas!!! I can't believe it's almost here! I still have lots of wrapping to do...aacckk!

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! ;-)

Today I am spotlighting Tammy from Ginger Mantra! I was lucky enough to get to meet her at the Pensacola Half Marathon last month! She is super sweet! Keep reading to learn more about Tammy!

Name:  Tammy Means

State:  Florida

When and why did you start running?

I was a tomboy growing up.  I loved what we called “field day” when I was in elementary school.  I would always compete in all the running competitions and I was so excited to consistently get 1^st and 2^nd place in my races (for a girl) and thankfully, my Mom is a sentimental Mom and she has kept those precious ribbons in safe keeping for me all these years!  I also dabbled in running in high school, but never fully committed to it as my sport of choice since I was also a volleyball player.  After turning 25 I found myself in the rut of my mid-twenties on the slide to 30 and I had gotten out of shape, so I joined a gym and began working out and taking aerobics classes 6 days a week.  In between workouts I would hit the treadmill for 6 miles every day.  Then after turning 35 I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease and found myself right back at the threshold of needing to get back into better shape.  I began working out at a gym and then took several months of bootcamp classes and then a long-time friend reunited me with my love of running I had found in my mid-twenties and I have never looked back.

What is your favorite race and race distance? 

My favorite race distance is the half marathon, though I have not participated in a full marathon yet, that is on the calendar for 2014.  Completing the half marathon is such a feeling of accomplishment.  Defeating the elements, proving to yourself that you can push through anything and crossing the finish line with so much emotion that you are chomping at the bit for the next one!  It’s my total runner high and I live for it!

What is your race day routine?

For me it is all about being organized and ready to go the morning of.  I place all my gear out in what we call a “Flat Mama” the night before so that it is ready to go in the morning.  I like to get up early on race morning, mostly because I am always terrified of being late to the start (bad race experience this year being stuck in traffic and almost missing the start) so early rising race day is #1 on my list of TO-DO’s.  Making sure that I have enough water, but not too much and that I eat my banana and bread with peanut butter, it’s a crazy ritual that I started earlier this year and I make sure it’s all out and ready to grab when I am ready.  There’s always a lot of trips to the bathroom before the race start, just to make sure I’m good to NOT HAVE TO GO during the race!

What is your most favorite piece of running gear?

Oh for me, the runner, it's all about the shoes!  For many years I was a Nike girl, but last year I was introduced to Mizuno's line of running shoes and have trained and raced with them ever since.  When I run I have an odd foot plant which makes me supinate (land on the outsides of my heels instead of neutral or inward) and if I do not have the proper shoe or foot bed in my running shoe it makes my legs fatigue much faster.  I know a lot of people would say a certain brand of clothing or maybe their favorite piece of equipment, but for me it's all about the shoes!

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

I don't follow what society calls the traditional version of "diet" but I am a newbie vegetarian, about 2 months now.  I do not eat dairy at all and I only consume meat once a week if at all, but must know where it came from and how it was raised.  My requirement for all food I eat is that it is hormone-free and pesticide-free and I do not eat fast food or traditional processed food items.  Other than that, I pretty much keep it simple and on race day my energy source when I am feeling a little low is Extreme Sport Beans and I keep them in my FuelBelt for when I need them.

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

Running is a race with yourself and you must find what fuels your passion for running.  Run your race or train for you with all your heart.  Putting time limits on your running will cause quick burnout, which I experienced in my first six months of running again.  When I checked out and stopped focusing on time and focused more on quality of my runs, I truly found my stride and began to enjoy it even more. 

What is your fondest running memory?

Completing the Breast Cancer Half Marathon this past February.  It was my first and most memorable race to date.  I think I cried at least once every single mile, but tears of joy and not angst.

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

I am an extremely shy person until you get to know me.  It comes from growing up being picked on for having red hair.  My Mom always said, one day they will be sorry they ever picked on you, you are beautiful and they will be sorry.  Though it was tough, I always hung onto that little joy that she brought me with those words.  Words hurt, but they can also be very inspiring and comforting in our darkest hours.

Here are all the different ways you can connect with Tammy!

Blog:  http://gingermantra.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/gingermantra

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/gingermantra

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/gingermantra

Instagram: http://instagram.com/gingermantra

Thanks so much for sharing with us Tammy!

QOTD: Are you staying home or traveling for Christmas?

Runner Spotlights #59

I hope everyone is having a great weekend! We've had some cold weather this weekend and it's been fabulous!!! It really feels like fall! Of course this week the highs will be back in the 80's! Joy of living on the Gulf Coast!

It's time for another runner spotlight!!! If you are interested in being spotlighted on my blog please email me at mindy@roadrunnergirl.com! I'd love to spotlight you! I'm running pretty low on spotlights so don't hesitate to email me!!! You don't have to have a blog to be spotlighted...you just have to be a runner! ;-)

Today I am spotlighting April from My Real Food Family! She loves half marathons and has run over 50 of them!!! Keep reading to learn more about her!

Name:  April Mims

State:  TX

When and why did you start running?  I started running in 2006 when I was in my early 30s.  Although I wasn't overweight, I was starting to gain a few extra pounds and knew that I wasn't healthy.  After I walked my first 5K race, I saw the variety of people that participated and decided that I would try running so I found a Couch to 5K program and struggled through that.  After a few 5K races, I really enjoyed trying to beat my previous times.

What is your favorite race and race distance?  The half is my favorite distance.  I would try to run several each year and keep my training up.  Just before I turned 40, I decided that I wanted to complete 40 half marathons by 40.  A few days before my 40^th birthday, I crossed the finish line for the 40^th time.  Then I went on to run 10 more half marathons before my next birthday.  Kind of hard to deny that I love the half!  I have had so many amazing experiences in different cities at different races so it’s hard to pick one favorite.  I ran San Francisco this past June and it was really amazing to run across the Golden Gate Bridge.  Another favorite was the Texas Independence Relay, a 202 mile relay.  It was 10 women in 2 vans running across Texas with no sleep.  What’s not to love about that?!?

What is your race day routine?  My typical race day routine is to have a cup or two of coffee and a bowl of oatmeal before heading to the start line.  I don’t really have any pre-race rituals or habits.  I do always like to proclaim that my bib number is my lucky number.  That probably makes me a big dork but I like to keep my thoughts silly, light, and positive before the race.  And 18,479 might really be my lucky number!

What is your most favorite piece of running gear?  Hmmm, this is a tough question.  I love my Garmin and analyzing the split data.  I also love my Race Ready shorts because of all the pockets for fuel, keys, phone, etc.  Can friends/training partners count as running gear?  The ladies I train with each week are completely amazing and definitely my favorite thing about running.  Having an incredible group to run with makes grueling training runs fun and make the time pass quickly.  So I don’t know if that’s technically running “gear” but I wouldn't want to run without them!

Do you follow any diet or take any specific supplements that complement your running?  I only eat real, unprocessed foods.  I never eat fast food and try to make sure that the foods I consume are as close to nature as possible.  I was really amazed that healthy eating could be so delicious.  I didn't even have to give up dessert! 

What do you wish you’d known when you first started running?  I wish I would have known how much my life would change because of running.  I was never athletic or into sports and never thought I would be a marathon runner.  I amazed myself with what I am capable of and carry that confidence into other areas of my life.  And if I would have known about the incredible friendships that would result, I would have started running much earlier!

What is your fondest running memory?  I have so many fond memories from running.  I have run several half marathons with my daughters, have run in several different states, seen many beautiful sights.  If I had to narrow it down to just one, I would say it was crossing the finish line of my first half marathon.  That was the moment that I realized how strong I was and that I could do anything I worked hard enough for.

What is one thing that most people do not know about you?  One thing most people don’t know about me is when I actually considered myself a runner.  I had run at least 4 half marathons, a ton of 5Ks, 10Ks, and a couple 15Ks.  I guess because I wasn't fast I didn't think I was a real runner.  I’m not an Olympic runner and will never win a race, but I am a runner just the same!

Here are all the different ways you can connect with April!

Blog: http://myrealfoodfamily.wordpress.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/1RealFoodFamily

Facebook: http://facebook.com/myrealfoodfamily

Pinterest:  http://pinterest.com/1realfoodfamily

Instagram: http://instagram.com/myrealfoodfamily

Thanks so much for sharing with us April!!!

QOTD: Do you prefer cold or hot weather?

Runner Spotlights #58

Hey everyone! Today I am attempting my 17th half marathon in Louisiana! Hopefully my hip is cooperating and I am having a great and fun run! I'll have a recap up for you this week! Make sure to check out my Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for all my updates about my race.

It's time for another runner spotlight!!! If you are interested in being spotlighted on my blog please email me at mindy@roadrunnergirl.com! I'd love to spotlight you! I'm running pretty low on spotlights so don't hesitate to email me!!! You don't have to have a blog to be spotlighted...you just have to be a runner! ;-)

Today I am spotlighting Jodi from 13.1 Miles to Disney! She is a fellow Gulf Coast blogger AND a Disney fan! Keep reading to learn more about her and her incredible journey!

Name: Jodi

State: Florida

When and why did you start running? I started trying to run in 2011 but didn't get really serious about it until Fall of 2012 when I discovered the Galloway run/walk/run method. I made a goal of running the 2014 Disney Princess Half Marathon and that’s what’s kept me motivated ever since.

What is your favorite race and race distance? So far I've only completed 5Ks but I’m looking forward to trying out some new distances this season. My favorite race so far was the Great Pumpkin Race. It was my first race as a runner and the first race I completed on my own. I can’t wait to run it again this year.

What is your race day routine? I’m still working on perfecting this but usually I wake up about 2 hours before the start time (for local races), start hydrating, go to the bathroom, eat something small like a banana or peanut butter on toast, hydrate some more, get dressed, and then leave for the race.

What is your most favorite piece of running gear? Right now my Headsweats visor. Since I’m growing my hair out it helps to keep the shorter layers in a ponytail and it’s been very nice to keep the sun and sweat out of my face this summer.

Do you follow any diet or take any specific supplements that complement your running? I’m a Weight Watchers member and track my food and activity using eTools. Weight loss has kind of taken a back seat while I’m training for my first half marathon since it’s hard to lose weight and eat enough to fuel my body. Keeping to the WW goals and healthy checks helps me remember to choose wisely when I eat. As for supplements I like Nuun for after a long run to replace electrolytes and I’m currently experimenting with different types of fuel during my runs. Huma Gels are my favorite so far.

What do you wish you’d known when you first started running? So many things! Mostly that my pace is my pace and it doesn't matter if I run/walk or run the distance as long as I’m happy with my results.

What is your fondest running memory? Running my first mile without walking is a great memory. I was so excited that I stopped running and went inside to tell my husband and all of social media.

What is one thing that most people do not know about you? Geez, that’s hard. I’m kind of an open book. I guess that I’m still struggling to love working out and running. I love it after I complete a run or a group fitness class and I usually love the alone time during my runs but sometimes the 230 pound couch potato that still lives inside of me takes over and I just want to quit. Lucky for me the 190 pound version of me is usually much stronger and wins those battles. 

Here are all the different ways you can connect with Jodi!

Blog: http://www.13point1milestodisney.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jodippls

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/131MilesToDisney

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/jodippls/

Instagram: http://instagram.com/13point1milestodisney

Thanks so much for sharing with us Jodi!!!

QOTD: Who raced this weekend? How did it go?

Runner Spotlights #57

Hey everyone! We are camping this weekend! We have been blessed with some gorgeous weather! I can't wait to tell you all about it this week!

It's time for another runner spotlight!!! If you are interested in being spotlighted on my blog please email me at mindy@roadrunnergirl.com! I'd love to spotlight you! I'm running pretty low on spotlights so don't hesitate to email me!!! You don't have to have a blog to be spotlighted...you just have to be a runner! ;-)

Today I am spotlighting Kim from Fabulous Fit Foodie! She is an inspiration...I love her blog! Keep reading to learn more about her!

Name:  Kim Estess

State:  Ohio

When and why did you start running?  I started out training for my first 5k while I was in college for a news magazine article about going from couch potato to 5k finisher. I was the editor of the magazine and it was my idea to do a piece like that—but I somehow ended up being the one to train and write it! I never thought that I was capable of running before that but I quickly learned that not only could I run, but I even enjoyed it!

What is your favorite race and race distance?  Right now probably still a 5k but the half marathon is growing on me!

What is your race day routine? Wake up, eat something immediately to give myself time to digest, drink a little coffee if needed. Then go back and get dressed, usually check in on Facebook and Instagram for a little motivation and support, and then it’s go time! My favorite races are the ones I do with friends and in those instances I am able to meet up with them ahead of time. When we do races out of town (we've done a lot in Cincinnati this year) my best friend Stephanie and I like to get a hotel room the night before and go have a good dinner and relax!

What is your most favorite piece of running gear?  My pink Garmin Forerunner!

Do you follow any diet or take any specific supplements that complement your running?  I am just trying to focus on eating healthier foods that fuel my body and making sure that I get enough water! I often drink Nuun hydration the day of a run or sometimes the day before or earlier in the day before a long run. I’m currently following the Weight Watchers program to help me lose weight because I know that running will only get easier if I drop a few pounds!!

What do you wish you’d known when you first started running?  That taking walk breaks is not a bad thing! I ran my first half marathon training to run the whole way and it was a miserable training experience and I felt very frustrated on race day when I hit hills and found myself needing to walk a lot, especially near the end. This time around, I am following the Jeff Galloway run/walk/run method and it has transformed my running. I don’t dread my long runs like I used to because they are no longer miserable. The brief walk breaks throughout the run give my body a chance to recover. I am following a method of running 3 minutes and then walking for 1. I do this from the get-go of a run and it has been fantastic. My mile time has decreased dramatically for both short distances and long ones because I am able to push myself to run faster on my run intervals knowing there is a walk break no more than 3 minutes away. Walking does not make you less of a runner!

What is your fondest running memory? I have two—either the feeling of success from crossing the finish line at my first half marathon last fall or the Turkey Trot last Thanksgiving. The Turkey Trot is my favorite race of the year, my mom and I ran the entire thing together, and it was absolutely perfect weather. What a great way to start Thanksgiving!

What is one thing that most people do not know about you?  I met my husband online! We don’t usually go around broadcasting that (although I guess I am now) and most people just assume we met at law school since we both went to the same school. He was actually a class ahead of me in law school and we probably never would have met if it wasn't for Match.com!

Here are all the different ways you can connect with Kim!

Blog: http://www.fabulousfitfoodie.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/fabfit_foodie

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Fabulous-Fit-Foodie/449630305107468

Instagram: http://instagram.com/fabulousfitfoodie

Thanks so much for sharing with us Kim!!!

QOTD: What did you do this weekend? Any races?

Runner Spotlights #48

How's everyone's weekend going? I've been trying to spend as much time with the boys as I can. They are leaving this afternoon to spend the next week with their Grandma and Papa. It is the last week of summer vacation for them and it should be a fun time for them! I officially start my new job tomorrow!!! We have teacher training and meetings all week and I can't have the boys with me so that's the main reason they are staying with their grandparents. I'm going to miss my boys but I know they will be having fun! And that means...me and Andy can have a few date nights while they're gone! :-)

It's time for another runner spotlight! If you are interested in being spotlighted on my blog please email me at mindy@roadrunnergirl.com. I would love to feature you! You don't have to have a blog to be spotlighted...you just have to be a runner! I'm running low on spotlights so here's your chance! :-)

Today I am spotlighting Elinor from Goodbye Clutter, Hello Freedom! She is a professional organizer...how cool is that job? And of course...she's an awesome runner too! She has run in places I have only dreamed about! Keep reading to learn more about her!

Name: Elinor Warkentin
Province: Vancouver, BC, Canada

When and why did you start running?
At age 44, I decided I needed to do something for my health before it was too late. A friend had just run a 10k, so I was inspired to follow suit. My first week's one hour training started with 30 second run, 4.5 minute walk cycles. It took effort. To celebrate turning 50, I ran my first marathon in Iceland!

What is your favorite race and race distance?
I like races that are in interesting places and give medals. I've run everything from a 1 mile to a marathon, everywhere from Vancouver to Iceland, and now France. Sometimes it's the destination that's the draw, sometimes the challenge.

What is your race day routine?
Wake up around 3am with race-day insomnia, try to get more sleep. Wake up again well in advance of the run, have a coffee, a chocolate protein shake with banana. I try to remember to drink water. Drink more coffee, drink more water, shower to loosen up my muscles and relax, then carefully put on my gear and check that I have everything that I need, but am carrying as little as possible.

What is your most favorite piece of running gear?
In summer I love my running skort. I like the feel of the fabric fluttering against my legs when I run. In winter it's my jacket, ear-bags, merino wool shirt… ok so all my running clothes feel good. So good in fact, that after a serious injury in 2010, when it was uncertain if I would ever run again, I sometimes simply wore my running clothes around the house to feel better. In my running gear, I feel healthy and happy!

Do you follow any diet or take any specific supplements that complement your running?
I try to eat as healthy as possible, eating clean where I can. Before my morning runs, I have a chocolate almond milk protein shake, with a banana and blueberries. Quinoa is big on my list, as is bison from my sister's farm. I eat often, never skip breakfast, and stay away from processed foods. On my recent trip to Paris, much of that fell by the wayside, the wine, cheese and baguettes were just too tempting and apparently a daily spiritual ritual for the French.

What do you wish you’d known when you first started running?
How to take better care of my feet and avoid bunions. Then later: how to avoid falling down granite steps in a dark lobby.

What is your fondest running memory?
I have just finished one of the most fun races in all my running. The www.lachampenoisedelavalleedelamarne.com was crazy! Crazy fun. Almost everyone came in costumes, champagne was enjoyed before, during and after the run, and the parties along the way were super fun. Plus the views and quaint villages enroute were superb. My first and only full marathon, in Reykjavik, to celebrate turning 50, is probably my proudest moment and fondest memory.

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

Surprising as it may sound to those who know me, I actually have occasional shy moments!

Here are the different ways you can connect with Elinor!

Twitter: https://twitter.com/GoodbyeClutter
Blog: http://goodbyeclutterhellofreedom.blogspot.ca
Website: www.goodbyeclutter.ca

Thanks for sharing with us Elinor!

QOTD: Has school started where you live? 

Runner Spotlights #47

Hey everyone! I hope you are all having a fabulous weekend! I ran 5 miles yesterday morning in the sweltering heat and humidity. Yeah...it was NOT a good run at all. We have spent lots of time in the pool because it is super super super hot out there!

It's time for another runner spotlight!!! If you are interested in being spotlighted on my blog please email me at mindy@roadrunnergirl.com. I would love to feature you! You don't have to have a blog to be spotlighted...you just have to be a runner! I'm running low on spotlights so here's your chance! :-)

Today I'm spotlighting Liz from Feet Dominating Pavement! She's another runDisney fan like me!!! Keep reading to learn more about her!

Name: Liz Finch

State: Kansas, but now living in North Dakota.

When and why did you start running?

I started running when I was about 17 years old. I was abused growing up, and I turned to self abuse to cope. One day I drove to a park and went for a “run”. Translation: I ran until I was out of breath, stopped to breathe, and then ran again. I don’t remember what inspired me to run, only that the endorphins and the freedom that it  gave me was so great that I was eventually able to stop my self abusive habit and turned to running to cope. Sadly, I ran off and on, and didn’t fully grasp how helpful running can be to your mental health until recently.

What is your favorite race and race distance?

That’s a tough one. I loved running the Disney Princess Half marathon, but my fondest race memory is running the Mother’s Day 5k with my mom. It was my first 5k ever and she came to support me and run with me. It got me hooked on racing and I will treasure that memory. I think my favorite distance is either the 10k or the ½ marathon. 10k is long enough to be a challenge and the half you need to actually train for.

What is your race day routine?

Does freaking out count? No? Darn. I actually start a day in advance laying out everything I will need for race morning, making sure my Garmin and iPod are charging, etc. I lay out all my food items (I have celiacs disease so I need to be sure I eat gluten free and have no issues on race morning!). The night before I make sure I carb load (does it help? Who knows, but it is fun!) and drink a ton of water or sports drink. Because I have taken care of gathering everything in one place, on race day morning I am able to shut off my brain and just get ready without freaking out about where my gear is or wondering if I forgot anything. I blast my music and just shut the world out. It’s my race day baby!

What is your most favorite piece of running gear?

I have a hemp necklace that I made with the charm that I got from my first ever half marathon that I wear every race.  It’s a good luck charm and reassurance mixed into one. Otherwise I love my Garmin! I have a Forerunner 305 but I’ve got my eye on a 10. Pink, of course. Is there any other color?

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

I’m slightly picky when it comes to supplements. I love Nuun because it’s a lot healthier than most other sports drinks, so I make sure I have some in my water belt or handheld water bottle. I’m also addicted to Gatorade Prime. I take that about 15 minutes before a big race starts. The last thing is Zipfizz. They sell it online or sometimes at Walmart. It’s an energy drink for athletes. I can take it in the mornings because it doesn’t bother me like coffee does. As far as diet goes… I’m still figuring that one out.

              

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

I wish I had known that most runners run their own race and really aren’t looking at your clothes/body/weight/etc. It’s hard because as a larger runner I’m self conscious about my body, but I really don’t need to be. Just run your own race and don’t worry about the rest.

What is your fondest running memory?

I already mentioned that I ran with my mom and that’s a huge memory I hold onto but another one is when I ran the Disney Princess Half Marathon. I hadn’t trained like I should have and was tempted to drop out at mile 2. Yes, you read that right. TWO.  Then I saw huge butterfly flags beside the road. The butterfly is my insect, and then I knew that I could keep going. It was my dream to run that race and I still cry when I think about it and how I defied the odds and finished.

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

My dream is to someday run ultras (anything longer than a marathon is considered an ultra). I have a lot of weight to lose and a long way to go, but I’m on my way! 

Here are all the different ways you can connect with Liz!

Blog: http://feetdominatingpavement.blogspot.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/feet2road

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FeetDominatingPavement

Thanks for sharing with us Liz!

QOTD: Is is still really hot where you live? Or is it starting to cool off?