Thumbs Up Thursday...Jamie Edge

I had the pleasure of meeting Jamie (here) at the Chicago Rock and Roll Half Marathon. She was exactly what I expected! Friendly, cheerful, and kind. Afterall, not many people are willing to give you a hug after you have just run 13.1 miles and are sweating like it's your job!

Jamie and I at the Chicago RNR 1/2

I contacted Jamie this week and asked her if she would be willing to allow me to spotlight her this week. Jamie replied with: "thanks for reaching out to me. I'd love to be featured on your blog." So, without further delay, I give you the question and answer portion of Thumbs Up Thursday!!

Jodi: How long have you been running?
Jamie: September 2005

Jodi: Why did you start running?
Jamie: I started running in 2005. I had one child who was a year and a half old. I had lost the baby weight, plus more, through diet. But I was not active. A friend of ours participated in Ironman Wisconsin. It was the first endurance event I ever attended. I was inspired. I couldn't imagine training for one of the components of the race, let alone all three. The next day, I got on our treadmill and pushed my way through an entire 5k! I was hooked and I have not stopped running ever since.

Until I discovered my passion for running, I had not done much of anything else for myself for the previous eighteen months. Since I am a constant multi-tasker, this was another way I could multi-task. I was stepping away from motherhood to do something for myself, and I was being active.

Jodi: How many years have you been racing?
Jamie: I ran my first 5k race (October 2005) one month after I started running.


Jodi: What is your favorite distance to race and why?
Jamie: The half marathon is my absolute favorite distance. Having a half marathon to train for keeps me motivated and consistent with my training. The distance is just long enough I feel like you've accomplished something major, yet you don't have to take a ton of time away from your family. You can also walk the next day!

Jodi: What is your favorite race memory?
Jamie: On my 29th birthday, my daughter ran in a Girls on the Run race with me. She said that was her birthday present to me. We ran a one mile race together and then I participated in a 5K. We both wore Bondi Bands as we ran together and I carried her water bottle. I loved seeing her put her hands over her head as she crossed that finish line. I even got bib #29 that day! It was a special birthday memory, for sure!


Jamie and her daughter

Jodi: What is your least favorite race memory?
Jamie: I once participated in a race where I was hoping to set a 5K PR. The lead bike took a wrong turn and cut the course short. We ended up running only 2.33 miles that day...but we all PR'ed that distance!

Jodi: What is your proudest running moment to date?
Jamie: Finishing the 2010 Madison Marathon on a "closed course", due to extreme heat. Course officials stopped the clock at four hours and we were allowed to finish the race, but our times would be posted as "unofficial". I ended up walking A LOT during the last half of the race, but still finished in just over 4:27; still within my 4:20-4:30 time goal. I can't wait to see what I can do at my next marathon!

Jodi: What one item can't you run without?
Jamie: Bondi Bands. They hold my mommy 'do in place and keep the sweat out of my eyes. They are also totally adorable.

Jodi: Given the choice, do you prefer runnin on a treadmill or outside?
Jamie: I prefer running outside. But, I also like the mental preparation that a long treadmill run gives you.

Jodi: Who do you admire most and why?
Jamie: I admire every person that decides to lace up their running shoes and set out for a run for the very first time. Starting something new can be very intimidating. It takes a lot of courage to get out there. I love that running brings together people of all ages, shapes, sizes, and abilities. Everyone is able to get out there and try it. But, it just takes someone admirable to get out there and actually do it.

Jodi: Do you have a favorite quote?
Jamie: My personal mantra is - I run for me.

Jodi: What is your current goal?
Jamie: My major goal is to stay consistent with my running and stay active. Without consistency and a training schedule, I would not hold myself accountable. I hope that my children continue to think that working out is a part of everyone's daily routine. I love that they request to workout with me and ask if I've gotten my run in for the day.

Jamie and her adorable children

Jodi: Finish this statement, running makes me feel ______.
Jamie: Like me.

Thanks again for the opportunity to spotlight you this week Jamie! Best of luck with your current and future goals. It is very evident to me that you have an amazing outlook on life and live it to the fullest! What a fantastic quality to have!!

Keep running, you're simply the best, and Jamie YOU inpsire ME!!