Thumbs Up Thursday..Mallory

This week's spotlight is on Mallory of Sit for your job. Run for your life. (here) Once you read her interview head on over to her blog and throw some motivation her way since she has been looking for it as of late!!

Jodi: How long have you been running?
Mallory: As an adult, I began running May 2007 on a fairly consistent basis. As a kid, I ran during sports and was on the track team in junior high.

Jodi: Why did you start running?
Mallory: I started running first and foremost for the health benefits. I had just gotten out of a bad relationship and I needed something to feel good about. It gave me the confidence I had been lacking for quite some time and it was good mental exercise for me as well. Plus I had a lot of extra time on my hands!

Jodi: How many years have you been racing?
Mallory: My first race was on October 17, 2009, so almost a year and a half.

Jodi: What is your favorite distance to race and why?
Mallory: I've only run two distances, the 5k and the half marathon and I think that I prefer the half marathon distance. I was a fast runner when I was younger but only in the 100m and the relay. Never a substantial distance though. So I am not a big fan of 5ks because I am not a speedy runner. Plus, I enjoy the mental strength it takes to run a half marathon.

Jodi: What is your favorite race memory?
Mallory: My favorite race memory is from my second half marathon (United Healthcare Half Marathon, Newport, RI) and as I rounded the last corner before the straightaway to the finish, I saw my spouse standing there cheering for me. It brought tears to my eyes and a big smile to my face. Everything seemed to align for me in that race, including the weather. I knocked 30:03 off of my previous half marathon time!

Jodi: What is your least favorite race memory?
Mallory: My least favorite race memory is from my first half marathon (Chicago RnR). At about mile 6 I wasn't sure that I was going to be able to finish the race. The race was on August 1 in Chicago so it was hotter than heck. It was 80* when the race started and 95* by the time I finished. There was very little shade and hardly any breeze off the lake. I felt so defeated at that moment. I texted my spouse as I was walking along saying I didn't think I could finish. The text I received back said, "Yes, you can." It's exactly what I needed at that moment but it was an awful race. I was so happy when it was over!

Jodi: What is your proudest running moment to date?
Mallory: My proudest running moment was my first ever race. It was a 5k to support Lung Cancer. I raised money for the cause and just felt so accomplished doing the race. I cried as I crossed the finish line.

Jodi: What one item do you absolutely have to have with you on a training run?
Mallory: Road ID!! I never go for a run without my Road ID! I am the girl who wears it at the gym too. Who knows how long it would take for them to figure out who I was if I fell off a treadmill!

Jodi: What is your favorite fuel during a race?
Mallory: During a race I like Gu Jet Blackberry. I didn't think I would like it but it turns out I love it!

Jodi: What is your favorite post race snack?
Mallory: I find that I'm usually pretty nauseous after a race but once I finally feel like eating again, I usually want eggs or pizza. I never have been the type that's been able to enjoy a post-race beer unfortunately!

Jodi: Who do you admire most and why?
Mallory: I can't think of who I admire "most." I definitely take bits and pieces of encouragement and motivation from various people, including real life friends and blogger friends. Although I will say that I admire my mother's strength as a woman and as a mother. If it weren't for her love and support I wouldn't be where I am today.

Jodi: Do you have a favorite quote?
Mallory: "Live your life." You have to live your life as you want it and make it what you will. If you don't, you only have yourself to blame!

Jodi: Finish this statement, when I run I feel___________.
Mallory: like I am the strongest woman in the world.

Jodi: What is your current goal?
Mallory: My current goal is another half marathon on May 1. I am hoping to beat my current PR, even if it's only by one second!

Jodi: Please feel free to add anything else you feel will help others lace up their shoes and get out there and run!!
Mallory: I think the important thing to remember with running, and with anything, is that too much will burn you out. I've struggled with motivation in times and I've found that if I cut myself a break that I end up falling in love with running all over again and have come back even stronger and faster each time. Just like anything in life, you get out of it what you put into it! No matter how many minutes or miles you do each day, the important thing is to get out there.

Thanks again for the opportunity to give you a Thumbs Up Mallory! Best of luck achieving your half marathon PR goal in May!

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