Jodi: How long have you been running?
Maggie: I've been running for about 2 - 2 1/2 years.
Jodi: Why did you start running?
Maggie: Anytime something negative has happened in our lives my husband (and I) believe the answer is to become physically active and heal through exercise.
Several years ago when my husband was traveling and in Japan I had a miscarriage. Twins. He got home as soon as he could and of course with a lot of hormones, etc. I felt very depressed. So my husband as he always does; tried to fix things. So.... he bought a treadmill "to help me feel better". I got on it each day and slowly increased my speed to running and then hit the roads.
Jodi: How many years have you been racing?
Maggie: The first race I signed up for was a 5k with a little help from my friends. (sounds like a song) I was so frustrated that I couldn't run the whole thing that I signed up for another and another and another until literally 10 months later I ran an entire race without stopping!
Jodi: What is your favorite distance to race and why?
Maggie: I really enjoy running 10k and/or 15k's. I always have a tough, slow start and it's long enough for me to get my pace going and I often feel energized and refreshed after. Unfortunately there aren't enough of those type races in my area.
Jodi: What is your favorite race memory?
Maggie: Finishing the San Diego marathon. My cousin encouraged me to join her and raise money for cancer research. My Father was very sick at the time with non smokers lung cancer and told me that if I did the training and raised the money; he would meet me at the finish line. Together with a lot of help from my cousin we raised over $15,000.00. My Father and Mother who live in the same town as me flew out to California with our kids. When I crossed the finish line I looked into the stands and the very first person I saw was my Dad. His arms stretched out in celebration with the biggest smile I had seen in a long time across his face! It is something I will never forget.
Jodi: What is your least favorite race memory?
Maggie: Kiawah 1/2 Marathon. It was miserable. Cold, wet, rain. On mile two I stepped into a deep puddle. So I ran with wet shoes to boot... Which felt like boots! Although I had a personal record, after I crossed the finish line I was ready to quit! Then I met someone who qualified for Boston who said "your not allowed to give yourself any negative talk before, during or after a race for at least 48 hours! Go home and sign up for the next one." I haven't done that yet but I know there will be a next one.
Jodi: What is your proudest running moment to date?
Maggie: Other than San Diego; the Spinx 1/2 last October. It was in my hometown and I had a great time with friends and family. The atmosphere and weather was wonderful.
Jodi: What one item do you absolutely have to have with you on a training run?
Maggie: A clean bathroom! I actually map out my route to run past clean bathrooms where I can wash my hands, etc. My friends laugh at me all the time!
Jodi: What is your favorite fuel during a race?
Maggie: I am terrible with fueling! I have terrible eating habits. Unfortunately I always seem to get so caught up in things that I forget to drink, eat, etc. I am trying to learn more about it but I'm an auditory learner and if someone is not next to me telling me to 'fuel up'.... I end up running out of steam. It's really been a frustrating crutch.
Jodi: What is your favorite post race snack?
Maggie: I wish I could give a really smart answer but as I stated previously diet is my biggest downfall! I try to drink water but often I feel too sick to eat after a race. Perhaps reading up on nutrition will be my news years resolution... after I eat this last piece of chocolate!
Jodi: Who do you admire most and why?
Maggie: My Father. He was an amazing man. Even as a little girl I was in awe of my Dad. I can remember thinking that I wanted to be just like him in everything. As I grew older he became my personal mentor, helping me through a lot of difficulties in my life and my education. When my Dad got sick with non smokers lung cancer he was given a 3 month prognosis. He fought for about 5 years and did every treatment available. It was so difficult for him. However, I used it as fuel for me to keep running. I used to think, "if he can keep going - so can I". On one of the last days of his life - I was talking to him and he asked me how far I ran today and I said 2 miles. He said 12? I said no 2. He looked at me, rolled his eyes, smiled and gave me a thumbs down. It was such a sweet moment. Now that he is gone; I miss him terribly but I have to tell you I greatly admire my Mother as well. My parents were married for 58 years. They had a very strong and loving marriage. The courage, poise and love she has shown all of my brothers and sisters in this past year gives us all the hope and promise that there is life after death. She is indeed the strongest woman I have ever known and I am one lucky daughter to have been born to such an incredible family.
Jodi: Do you have a favorite quote?
Maggie: "Take care of yourself first, dear. Everything else will fall into place." Bill Finnell, SR. (My Dad)
Jodi: Finish this statement, when I run I feel___________.
Maggie: My Father's presence. His smile and his encouragement. At times during my runs I feel like I can hear his voice giving me advice.
Jodi: What is your current goal?
Maggie: My Mother bought some clothes for me for Christmas that are a bit too small. I was delighted with the size and the thought that she felt I looked good enough to fit into them - So one goal is to fit into those jeans! Drink more water and nutrition.
As far as races - I am not sure. I haven't signed up for anything as of yet. I finished Kiawah on Dec 12th. I would like to run another marathon. I actually have three in mind and not sure which one but I am thinking about the Marine Corp, Chicago and/or Goofy.
Another goal for the coming year is to try a tri. ;-) Someday I have aspirations of doing an Iron Man 1/2.
Jodi: Please feel free to add anything else you feel will help others lace up their shoes and get out there and run!!
Maggie: The first time I heard someone call me an athlete I almost passed out! I still don't feel that I am where I would like to be physically but I think that one of the things that has helped me is to stay consistent. I do something everyday even if it's a sit up or two. Also I have a support team of close girlfriends and family who are faster and better than me - so I often have them in mind as I reach for their fitness level, always trying to achieve to reach them. I work really hard to keep up with an amazing group of women and when I want to stop I think of people like my Father and others who struggle/struggled with their health. Although I continue to constantly struggle with poor eating habits having people in my life like my husband, kids, friends and support like the daily mile who continue to encourage me. In fact, one of my Christmas presents this year was a piggy bank from my kids that they made and decorated themselves - Mom's Marathon Fund.
Yes you are seeing the picture below correctly...it is in fact SC's First White Christmas and Maggie is in fact dressed to run!!
Thanks again for the opportunity to give you a Thumbs Up Maggie. Thanks for the great answers. I know your father is looking down on you and is so very proud of everything you have accomplished! Best of luck in achieving your 2011 goals! You will be great!!
Keep running, you're simply the best, and Maggie YOU inspire ME!!
Thanks again Jodi for the opportunity. I've enjoyed reading the other post. Have a very Happy New Year! Maggie
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