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Showing posts with label runners. Show all posts
Showing posts with label runners. Show all posts

Sunday, June 23, 2013

Runner Spotlights #41

I hope everyone has had a great weekend! We got home late last night from our vacation! It feels good to be home! But oh the laundry lol!

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! :-)

Today I am spotlighting Heather from Operation Determination! I've gotten to know Heather through the Weekly Chase! I'm so glad she links up with us! Plus she is a mom of boys like me! Keep reading to learn more about her!


Name: Heather Wellendorf   
State: Wisconsin

When and why did you start running?
I started running in the Spring of 2010. I had just had my third baby in June 2009 and wanted to lose some weight. My dad quit smoking and started running in December of 2009 and amazed me in how great he was doing. I figured if my 50-something year old dad who had smoked most of my life could do it then I could too! I also had several friends that I was following on Facebook that were running and doing races and it sounded like something that I wanted to do. I had always been a walker so I just started to add spurts of running and built up from there. My husband and I signed up for our first 5k that was going to be in July and used that as motivation to push ourselves. Once we did that first race we were hooked!


What is your favorite race and race distance?
I love doing Half Marathons- It is long enough that it is a challenge and not everyone is willing to go for it but the training doesn’t totally consume me and interrupt my family life.

What is your race day routine?
I start by laying most of my running gear out the night before so I know if I am missing anything. The morning of the race I get up and eat something- usually oatmeal and drink a bottle of water. If I am traveling or staying with friends/family I may just have toast and a banana but I NEED to eat something! I get dressed and then I try to move around to “get things moving” if you know what I mean. :-) I like to head out to the race location early to find parking and get in line for the port-a-potties (sometimes multiple visits) and to give myself time to calm my nerves. I take lots of pictures so I always make sure to get a pre-race photo with whoever I am running with.

What is your most favorite piece of running gear?
I love my Saucony shoes! There are so many awesome running shoes out there and I have tried some of them and they just aren’t the same - I always go back to the comfort of Saucony. I also love my MotoActv watch. I am very type A and like to know my distance and time and like to keep track of all of my numbers so I can look back at them to see my progress.

Do you follow any diet or take any specific supplements that complement your running?
Not really! I try to make good choices and eat the best that I can. For the most part that happens but there are times that I slip. As a family we are working on moving in the direction of “clean eating”. We have made progress but we have a long way to go.

What do you wish you’d known when you first started running?
I wish I had known how much support was out there and how satisfying it would be. I have been able to meet and network with so many wonderful people that have health and fitness as a priority in their lives and it helps keep it as a priority in mine as well. I also wish I had known that I could inspire so many people in my life to start making healthy changes just by being an example to them.

What is your fondest running memory?
There are so many it is hard to pick! One of the top would have to be crossing the finish line of my first half marathon with my husband! We ran the whole race together and pushed each other when we needed to and supported each other when it was needed.
Completing and getting a PR in my second half marathon next to my husband ranks right up there too. I would also have to add running my first trail race (a half marathon) with my best friend and finishing beside her since she is much faster than me. I have even had some training runs that rank right up there. It is amazing to look back to when I first started running and it was a huge accomplishment to complete our “5K loop” or our “10K loop” or other various routes that we ran. But then to do a long training run and do all of the loops in one run is amazing to me! It gives me goose-bumps to reflect and realize how far we have come. I never want to forget that feeling because I remember when each of the loops themselves were tough!

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

This is a tough one! I am very shy and it takes me a while to open up to people. I like to take time to observe and get a feel for others around me before you will see the true me come out. Once that happens and I feel comfortable with you there isn’t much you won’t know about me.


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


Thanks so much for sharing with us Heather!!!

QOTD: What has been the highlight of your weekend so far?

Sunday, June 16, 2013

Runner Spotlights #40

While you're reading this...we are in Disney!!!! And of course we are having the most magical time on Earth!!! I can't wait to tell you all about it!

I also want to say Happy Father's Day to all the amazing Dads out there! I am super lucky to have a great Dad of my own! And my hubby is an amazing Dad to my two boys!

Me and my Dad a few years ago!

But now 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! :-)

Today I am spotlighting Phaedra from Blisters and Black Toenails! I love the name of her blog! Because as runners...we experience those two things at least once in our running career! Keep reading to learn more about Phaedra!



Name: Phaedra Kennedy
State: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

When and why did you start running? 

started running in 1998 as way to lose weight.

What is your favorite race and race distance? 

My favorite race would have to be the Boston Marathon. I'd say my favorite race distance would be the half marathon distance. It doesn't beat my body up as much as a marathon does. 



What is your race day routine? 
usually get up way earlier than need to. Eat breakfast at least couple of hours before the start and then get to the start with plenty of time to use the porta potty and do really good warm up. Getting warm up in is must for me.

What is your most favorite piece of running gear? 
This is tough one. have so many things that love. Right now, I’m loving my Zoot Ultra running jacket. 

Do you follow any diet or take any specific supplements that complement your running?
I actually eat a fairly low carb diet for an endurance athlete. I focus on low glycemic carbs like sweet potatoes, steel cut oats, and sprouted grain bread as well as using alternate flours like chick pea and coconut flour. I tend to eat a lot of protein and vegetables and I use protein powder on a regular basis. I guess you could say I kind of eat like a body builder, ha ha.

What do you wish you’d known when you first started running? 
wish knew about 1) Body Glide and 2) pacing.

What is your fondest running memory? 
Having my hubby pace me to my first Boston Qualifier at the Ottawa Marathon.

What is one thing that most people do not know about you? 
Not sure. am pretty much open about everything. Sometimes TOO open, ha ha.


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

Blog: http://blistersandblacktoenails.blogspot.ca
Twitter: https://twitter.com/redrunningshoe
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlistersAndBlackToenails
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/redrunningshoe/
Instagram: http://instagram.com/littleredrunningshoe

Thanks so much for sharing with us Phaedra!

QOTD: How has your weekend been? Any Father's Day plans?

Sunday, June 9, 2013

Runner Spotlights #39

I hope everyone's having an awesome weekend! Ours has been pretty low key. We are still resting up from our busy 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 would love to feature you! You don't have to have a blog to be spotlighted...you just have to be a runner! :-)

Today I am spotlighting Bryony from A Series of Beginnings! Bryony lives in England! She also does a lot of her running with her husband! Keep reading to learn more about her! 




Name: Bryony
Location: Hampshire, England

When and why did you start running?
I've been a runner since about 2008, and I started running because my boyfriend did! Well, he's my husband now, but at the time we started dating, I wasn't much of a runner and he definitely was. I went from 1 mile at a time on the treadmill to 5-milers twice a week, and now we're weeks away from my first competitive half marathon! Because my husband was so into running, I really just wanted to see what all the fuss was about. For someone who used to hate the idea of running, it grew on me quickly, and now it's a huge part of how I see myself.

What is your favorite race and race distance?
My favorite race is the Grim Challenge. It's an 8-mile cross country through mud and freezing puddles on the tank proving grounds nearby. I've run it twice now and it definitely kicks your butt, but the whole atmosphere is so laid-back and fun-loving that I keep coming back. My favorite distance has ended up being the half marathon. I ran my first one, the Fleet Half Marathon, back in March (2:14:10!): I take a while to get into my pace, and so longer distances suit me well.


What is your race day routine?
The night before we usually have a nice filling dinner, like homemade pizza or pasta, and try to get to bed at a decent time. Then in the morning, I set the alarm early so I can have time to get ready and eat a light breakfast about an hour or two before the start of the race. Last time our iPods and gear were all ready, but we had to make an emergency pit stop to get safety pins for our race bibs! So the next race will involve getting those out the night before to avoid the panic.

What is your most favorite piece of running gear?
That's a tough one. I got myself a Lululemon top for Christmas and I've been loving it. I'm a sweaty Betty and heat up really quickly, so I like that this is a thinner top that I can wear in nearly all weathers. Or at least, all of the cold and wet weather we get in an English winter! Otherwise, I'm a huge fan of my Shock Absorber sports bra. I'd consider running in no shoes before I'd consider running without that thing!

Do you follow any diet or take any specific supplements that compliment your running?
Not really. Anyone who knows me knows that I'm an unfortunately rubbish eater when it comes to being healthy. Though I do have a fondness for breakfasts that involve peanut butter and Nutella if I'm fueling before a morning run.

What do you wish you'd known when you first started running?
I wish I'd known how to fuel myself for longer runs. For a long time, I had no idea what worked for me as far as timing food and what to eat before a long run and so I'd end up making myself sick because I hadn't planned correctly, or didn't listen to my body. If you want to run for distance, that's definitely something to figure out early on.

What is your fondest running memory?
I love the first run I went on with my husband when we had just started dating. I was studying abroad and brought my trainers just because running seemed the only exercise I was likely to get. Anyway, he ran to meet me at my house, and we went together from there up to the top of Primrose Hill in London and then back to his place for breakfast. It was a gorgeous morning and between the view, the endorphins, and the company, it was perfect. Plus, I wasn't about to turn down an opportunity to check out my super fit boyfriend in his running shorts! He's still my favorite running partner because he pushes me harder than I would push myself.

What is one thing that most people do not know about you?
I know probably 95% of the Harry Potter books by heart. I have all 7 of the audiobooks as read by Stephen Fry and listen to them pretty much every night. I need background noise to go to sleep, and so that fits the bill. Plus, when I eventually work up the courage to run a marathon, I can pop these into a playlist since I'll need more than music to keep me in the zone over 26.2 miles!


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


Thanks so much for sharing with us Bryony!!!

QOTD: What's one active thing you did this weekend?

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

National Running Day!

Today is National Running Day! One of my favorite days of the year!!! I hope you get out there and RUN! I will be! :-) Here's a free bib you can use for your run too (courtesy of runningday.org)! I LOVE how they've added "Boston Strong" to this year's bib!


So what is National Running Day? It's a day where runners everywhere share and celebrate their passion for running. You can be a long time runner or a runner just starting out. 

How do you celebrate it? There are so many ways! The most obvious is to get out there and run...even if you only run a mile. You can also celebrate with group runs, signing up for a race, and/or kicking off a new running goal. 

National Running Day is also about declaring why you run. Here's my reason for running:


To celebrate National Running Day, the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series is offering a $20.00 discount on their races! I always run the Rock 'n' Roll race in New Orleans every year so this is a great discount!

Many running companies offer discounts on National Running Day. Keep an eye out for them!

Happy Running today!!!

QOTD: How would you complete this sentence? I run...

Sunday, June 2, 2013

Runner Spotlights #38

How's everyone's weekend been? Mine's been great! I've had lots of fun with great friends!

Now 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! :-)

Today I am spotlighting Ali from MSPRun! Ali is an amazing runner! I love reading her blog and all about the running and traveling that she does! Keep reading to learn more about her!




Name: Ali

State: Minnesota

When and why did you start running? My parents actually forced me to join the high school cross country team when I was a freshman! I ended up liking it and met a ton of friends, so ran all through high school and eventually became captain junior and senior year. When I went to college, I chose to play lacrosse instead, but after college I’m getting back into running.

What is your favorite race and race distance? My favorite distance is a 10K, and so far my favorite race is the Disneyland Half Marathon. I am very excited to be participating in Disneyland’s inaugural 10K as part of the Dumbo Challenge!

What is your race day routine? My race day routine begins the night before with applying KT tape. The morning before a race, I’ll have breakfast (I usually do half a bagel for races 10K and lower, and a full bagel for 10K and above) and 2 coffees a few hours before the race.

What is your most favorite piece of running gear? My favorite pieces of running gear are hats! I learned my lesson during the Disneyland half marathon with the sun rising, I could barely see where I was running for almost half the race.

Do you follow any diet or take any specific supplements that complement your running? I use Energybits for my long training runs and races. They help me stay energized and full through races.

What do you wish you’d known when you first started running? Mix up trainings. I thought by continuously running distances I’d improve, but in reality you need to mix up your trainings with distance runs and speedwork.

What is your fondest running memory? When my dad would attend all my cross country meets. He was very supportive of my running and would drive me to all my meets and early morning practices. He unexpectedly passed away 4 years ago, so every race I run I dedicate to him.

What is one thing that most people do not know about you?  I only listen to rap while I run. Usually people are surprised when they see my running playlist! During Goofy Challenge, I listened to Waka Flocka Flame’s CD Flockaveli.


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


QOTD: What did you do this weekend?

Sunday, May 26, 2013

Runner Spotlights #37

Happy Weekend everyone! I hope you are all enjoying this Memorial Day weekend! We've had a kid free weekend...and are having a blast! I DO miss my boys so much though. But they are having fun at their grandparents house! It's been some much needed time for me and Andy!


Now 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 am running low on spotlights and would love to feature you! You don't have to have a blog to be spotlighted...you just have to be a runner! :-)

Today I am spotlighting Amanda from Be A Fit Fox! She's been running since high school. And she's so funny! Amanda is also currently pregnant and is soooo cute! I wish I had looked as cute as her when I was pregnant (instead of looking like a beached whale!). Keep reading to learn more about Amanda!


Name: Amanda Fox
State: Utah (but a native Texan!)

When and why did you start running?
I ran cross country and track in high school and then became a 5-K’er in college. I was never serious about running until a few years ago. I started running and training for half marathons in 2010 as a way to both clear my head and push myself harder than ever before. Plus my mom and dad run Half Marathons and it is VERY cool to run/train with them when I visit Texas.

What is your favorite race and race distance?
My favorite race is the Top of Utah Half Marathon. I've completed it twice and it is a beautiful run! I plan to stick with the half marathons; my toenails already fall off as it is. No need to increase to full marathons! J


What is your race day routine?
3 hours before the race I eat a banana and a wheat sandwich thin with peanut butter and a little honey drizzle. Pair that with a piping hot cup of coffee and I am ready to R-U-N!

What is your most favorite piece of running gear?
I don’t have one favorite piece, I have a favorite outfit. Capris, racer back tank, bright Nikes and my IPod  I see so many people running with the water belts and what not but I can’t get into that-probably because I've got hips and they just don’t sit right.

Do you follow any diet or take any specific supplements that complement your running?
I don’t follow any diet, I eat clean. Eating clean is a lifestyle and something that I can do for the rest of my life.  I prep my meals on Sundays for the week and say no to processed foods (I still drink the occasional Fresca-I can’t help myself!).

What do you wish you’d known when you first started running?
Your thighs will rub raw. Nobody told me that. Probably because nobody really talks about it but I want to talk about it now. Your thighs rub together and it gets red and bumpy and burns. You've been told.

What is your fondest running memory?
My fondest running memory was a 5K my junior year in college at Texas A&M. It was the Run for the Ring 5K and I raced with my dog, Sonny. At the end of the race, they announced the one female and one male winner. The winners WIN the Texas A&M collegiate ring and I won! It was an awesome feeling and I am still surprised to this day. You’re welcome mom and dad for not having to pay for my college ring!

What is one thing that most people do not know about you?
I am an open book so there really aren't many surprises, however, most people don’t know that I can pull out my uvula (it’s the hangy thing in the back of your throat). Mine is quite long and I can grab it. I have officially lost readers at this point. Understood. 


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

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/amand35

Thanks so much for sharing with us Amanda!!!

QOTD: Do you have any plans for Memorial Day?

Sunday, May 5, 2013

Runner Spotlights #36

How's everyone's weekend going? We've enjoyed being outside this weekend...the weather was perfect! The temps were chilly (high 40's) in the morning but in the 70's by mid-day...odd temps for May here on the Gulf Coast but I love it!

It's Sunday which means it's time for another runner spotlight! If you would like to be spotlighted on my blog please email me at mindy@roadrunnergirl.com. I am running low on spotlights and would love to feature you! You don't have to have a blog to be spotlighted...you just have to be a runner! 
:-)

Today I am spotlighting a fellow Sweat Pink and Girls Gone Sporty ambassador...Megan from #runmeganrun! This girl loves to run and race! She is working on one of my goals...running a race in every state! Keep reading to learn more about her!




Name: Megan Johnston
State: Georgia (by way of Texas, California, Arizona, California!) :-)

When and why did you start running?
I played soccer growing up, basically from age 6 until I left for college (and still then played intramurals and in co-rec leagues). After two knee surgeries (2007 and 2009), I kinda sunk into a pit of “What now?” I’d relied on soccer for so long to stay in shape, I didn't know what “out of shape” was really like, but I knew that I didn't really like it. Soccer was out of the question though. I start running casually in spring of 2010, and say I started running seriously October of 2011, just after I had moved to Georgia, and I signed up for my first half marathon (January 2012). Here I am a year and a half later – I just completed half marathon #10 and ran my first full marathon in February!


What is your favorite race and race distance?
I’m not sure yet – every race gives a different kind of challenge. Right now, I’d say a half marathon – they've been the race distance I've constantly seen myself improve on (first half in January was 2:19:52 and my latest was 2:01:33) most consistently. I also think it’s long enough to push and challenge you most, but short enough that you shouldn't want to die at the end. I've been working on speed a lot these last two months, so I've also really started to enjoy 5 and 10Ks, just to see where my speed has improved too.


What is your race day routine?
My only constant is eating a half peanut butter sandwich, half a banana and drinking half a Gatorade before I leave the house (sense a theme?). I’ll usually finish the Gatorade while I’m waiting around at the start line along with a half-packet of Jelly Belly Sport Beans or Clif Shot Blox. Anything else, I leave up to whoever decides to control the weather, traffic, and conditions that day. I’m in for the adventure!

What is your most favorite piece of running gear?
I don’t know that I can pick a favorite! I just got my Garmin in September, and I’ll still pretty smitten with her (she’s still unnamed) and all I can get from one little watch when I upload workouts – so cool! But I like any excuse to buy a cute new tech jacket or long sleeve tee or really… anything cute that I can say “Oh, I can run in this!” about. :-)

Do you follow any diet or take any specific supplements that complement your running?
I am the worst running eater ever. I say that I validate my eating with running, but really… there’s lots of room for improvement. But at least I recognize that fact? :-)

What do you wish you’d known when you first started running?
How addicting races would be! I think part of the challenge there is that the races themselves are not necessarily the addicting part, so much as the endorphins of putting yourself all out there for a 5K, 10K or half (or full!), the rush of competing against yourself to keep bettering your times, and the sense of accomplishment that gets you going. And who doesn't like collecting bling? It’s a problem. :-) I’m trying to find more local races so they’re a) closer b) cheaper and c) are smaller and therefore usually more fun!

What is your fondest running memory?
Finishing that first half in January 2012. I don’t remember having any waves of doubt during the race, but upon finishing (and collapsing against my friend, half crying, half panting) I was just in awe that I had done it. The training, the early mornings, the work had been worth it and I DID IT – with just 8 seconds to go to my goal time! Such a feeling!

But similarly, finishing my first full. I anticipated breaking down in a crying, heaping mess at the finish line – I didn't (I don’t think I had anything left). But realizing all that work had come to life, I made my goal of sub-5 (4:58:42!) with just a minute to spare, and had conquered my first full. It was a surreal feeling, and one that I’m still not sure I understand. I eagerly anticipate signing up for my next full for either late 2013 or early 2014 and really being able to test my own limits!


What is one thing that most people do not know about you?
Oh gosh – well, in the online community, there’s lots people don’t know, I can imagine! Hm, by day, I work in higher education, in student affairs, or university administration in the simplest of terms! I used to work in residence life, managing residence halls on campus, and now I work in student life and student organizations! I don’t talk about work on my blog a whole lot, but it’s pretty much the day-time side of who I am! :-)


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


Thanks for sharing with us Megan!!!

QOTD: What did you do this weekend?



Sunday, April 28, 2013

Runner Spotlights #35

This weekend has been one of sadness (over Andy's grandmother passing away) but also joy as we are spending quality time with family that we don't get to see very often. The boys are having a blast being out at the beach! This has been just the weekend we needed to take our minds off so many things.

Now it's time for another runner spotlight! If you would like to be spotlighted on my blog please email me at mindy@roadrunnergirl.com. I am running low on spotlights and would love to feature you! You don't have to have a blog to be spotlighted...you just have to be a runner! :-)

Today I am super excited to be spotlighting Holly from Running and Baking, Oh My! If you read my race recaps then you know that this girl is my pace partner! She has an amazing story! And she is also wonder woman! She balances being a mom and wife and working full time and still manages to find time to run! Keep reading to learn more about her!



Name:  Holly Johnson
State:  Alabama

When and why did you start running? I started running in December 2011. I tried twice prior to this to run the C25K, but was unsuccessful. I recruited some ladies to join the Sole2Soul Sisters group in Daphne and most of us have been running ever since. It seems like for the past year and a half, my whole life has revolved around running, it’s been so much more than just a way to get fit though. It has helped me breakout of my shell, I tend to be a little shy. I think it has also helped to encourage my kids to be active.

What is your favorite race and race distance?  My favorite race distance is the half. I really enjoy running the longer distances and just getting out there and having two hours or more to run, talk and enjoy the moment. And to be honest, I love the medals, lol! My favorite race so far has been the Seaside Half, it was just a perfect run and beautiful scenery.  It was also a pretty big PR for me as well as  my first race-cation, I am really looking forward to running it again!


What is your race day routine?  I try to wake up an hour before I need to leave. Most of my stuff is laid out the night before and my running bag is packed. I showered the night before so all I need to do is get dressed and go. I eat a protein bar or drink a shake on the way to the race and also drink some water on my drive down. I like to ride with someone to the races so I can relax and take my mind off the race, I tend to get nervous prior to the race, it seems to help to have someone else there to distract me.

What is your most favorite piece of running gear?  My favorite pair of running gear is my shoes. Without great shoes, I couldn’t run all of these miles. I have a bad back and have had a hip injury. I need all the support and cushion I can get. My Asics 2170 GT are my current favorites.

Do you follow any diet or take any specific supplements that complement your running? I have gotten into trying different protein powder/shakes here lately. I usually drink a shake for brunch at work. Then have some sort of yogurt & granola or fruit snack.  I love the shakes before my runs. If there is one supplement I would recommend other than a multi vitamin, it would have to be Advocare O2. It helps to oxygenate your blood. Love it! It really gives you that extra kick!

What do you wish you’d known when you first started running?  I wish I had understood that it never gets easier, you just get better. I always doubted that I could do it. But once you build up and train, anyone (medically fit of course) could run these races. You just need to stop letting your head tell you different. Our legs and body can far outlast our doubting minds!


What is your fondest running memory?   I really cherish my group runs with Mindy and all of our Sole2Soul Sisters! I have not listened to music since I joined the group. We run and talk. Or run and listen. It is so nice to have the support of these great ladies.

What is one thing that most people do not know about you?  I am very shy!, I think running and blogging has helped me to be less shy, but it can really be an issue. 


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


Thanks so much for sharing with us Holly!

QOTD: What is the weather like where you live now? Is it still feeling like winter or has spring sprung?



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