Thumbs Up Thursday...Kim

These week's spotlight is on Kim of Book Worm Runs (here). Stop on over to her blog and say hello after you read her interview! I love that Kim and I have a goal in common...you will have to read her answers to see what I mean! :)

Jodi: How long have you been running?
Kim: I started running in January 2009 using the couch to 5k program. When I started I could barely run for 1 minute at a time!! I definitely credit that program for getting me hooked on running. There is nothing like seeing progress week after week to keep me motivated!

Jodi: Why did you start running?
Kim: In 2008 my husband and I decided to start trying to have children. Unfortunately I went on to suffer 3 miscarriages and was subsequently diagnosed with a chromosomal abnormality. I was told that the likelihood of me carrying a healthy pregnancy to term was slim to none. Needless to say my husband and I were devastated. The miscarriages really took a toll on us mentally and I slipped into a deep depression. When the New Year (2009) came I decided I wanted to reclaim control over my body and my life. I decided to start running not only for my mental health but also because I wanted to prove that my body wasn't a complete failure. That I could still achieve goals that I set my mind to and that my body was still capable of doing amazing things even if carrying a baby was not one of them. Running has been my saving grace and really was instrumental in pulling me out of my depression.


Jodi: How many years have you been racing?
Kim: My first race was a 5k in May 2009, just 4 months after I started running. My Mom is a breast cancer survivor so I decided my first race would benefit breast cancer research. I raised over $300 and ran my first race dedicated to her! I have since gone on to run 6 more 5k's, 3 10k's and a Half Marathon :o)


Jodi: What is your favorite distance to race and why?
Kim: Honestly, anything other than a 5k!! I am really short and run really slow so I am just not built for the speed that the 5k requires! I definitely prefer the longer races because I don't have to run at full speed and I really feel like I earned that medal! LOL!


Jodi: What is your favorite race memory?
Kim: It would have to be running my very first 5k and coming around the corner with 1/2 mile to go and seeing all my family and friends there cheering for me! It was amazing to know I was going to finish my first race and that all the people I loved were there to see me do it! :o)


Jodi: What is your least favorite race memory?
Kim: I don't really have any bad race memories!! I honestly have had awesome experiences at every race I go to! I always go and have fun no matter what. I feel truly blessed to even be able to run and be active so even if I am having an "off" day and am not running the best I am still having fun!


Jodi: What is your proudest running moment to date?
Kim: For sure it is crossing the finish line at my first Half Marathon :o) I trained really hard all summer to run that race and every moment was amazing. I will never forget rounding the corner and seeing the finish line and just bursting into tears! :o) So many emotions were rushing through me it was overwhelming. I was so extremely proud of myself that day!


Jodi: What one item do you absolutely have to have with you on a training run?
Kim: My Garmin!! I am addicted to that thing! LOL! Also, I love my Camelbak. It got me through those 90 degree long runs this summer! :o)


Jodi: What is your favorite fuel during a race?
Kim: I have always just used Gatorade! I find it works the best at giving me that extra push and also quenches my thirst. As I start to train for my Marathon, though, I will have to experiment with other fuel like Gu.


Jodi: What is your favorite post race snack?
Kim: Chocolate milk!! I also love eggs...either scrambled or an egg sandwich :o)


Jodi: Who do you admire most and why?
Kim: I really really admire and am in awe of people like Matt Long who have suffered a horrible tragedy and who have emerged from that tragedy and done something amazing. I only hope I have the spirit and the will to do the same thing if ever I am in their position.


Jodi: Do you have a favorite quote?
Kim: I have a few but my absolute favorite is from John Bingham: "The miracle isn't that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start".


Jodi: Finish this statement, when I run I feel ________.

Kim: Alive!!!!

Jodi: What is your current goal?
Kim: To run the Cleveland Marathon in May 2011!!! People have asked me why I want to run a Marathon and I always tell them that once I run a Marathon I know there is nothing I can't conquer! :o)

Because you can never have enough race pictures, here are a few more of Kim!!

1st 10K- August 2009

2nd 10K- June 2010

2nd 10K- June 2010

5k- March 2010

5k- March 2010

5K- May 2010

Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to give you a Thumbs Up Kim! Best of luck in accomplishing your current goal (which happens to be one of my goals as well)! See you in Cleveland!!

Keep running, you're simply the best and Kim YOU inspire ME!!