Thumbs Up Thursday...Anna

This week's spotlight is on Anna of Random Thoughts Of A Wanna Be Runner (here). Once you read her interview head on over to her blog and say hello!


Jodi: How long have you been running?
Anna: I have been running since last July.

Jodi: Why did you start running?
Anna: I LOVE being outside, and I need to workout, so I thought I would try running as a form of exercise and I fell for it. Hard. =) I have 5 small children, so I need to be in shape to keep up!


Jodi: How many years have you been racing?
Anna: I have only run 3 'official' races, all 5Ks...August (32:19), early October (29:00), late October (27:30), my goal is to get to sub27 this Spring!

Jodi: What is your favorite distance to race and why?
Anna: Have only raced a 5K but am planning on my first 1/2 marathon this May and hope to run my first 10K as well!

Jodi: What is your favorite race memory?
Anna: I have 2 (I can do that right?) =) 1st: early October at Race for the Cure, being surrounded by THAT many runners, and then coming in on the last 50 yards, I turned on the rocket boosters and powered past a good twenty people. SO excited to see that clock too, NEVER expected to get sub30 so soon! 2nd favorite, running the late Oct 5K with my hubby (who does NOT like running, but wanted to do it with me and looked like he was BARELY jogging. Poor guy probably could have run a sub25 with NO problem, but wanted to stick with me...he's a keeper) =)

Jodi: What is your least favorite race memory?
Anna: After the 2nd and 3rd 5Ks, waiting for that 'I am going to hurl at ANY time' moment to pass =)

Jodi: What is your proudest running moment to date?
Anna: I think powering thru (mentally) and doing 5 miles on the treadmill. Treadmill runs are so mental for me. It was tough at first to even get to THREE miles, so being able to go 5 is HUGE for me. I felt like a rockstar!

Jodi: What one item do you absolutely have to have with you on a training run?
Anna: Music! I LOVE running to music. An electic mix too...some Aguilera, Blackstreet, Alan Jackson, Jason Mraz, oh and Suade =) 2nd would probably be tissue. I go thru tissue like no tomorrow on my runs!

Jodi: What is your favorite fuel during a race?
Anna: So far I have never had to 'fuel' during a race. I think I will save that for if I ever EVER train for a marathon (we'll see if I survive the 1/2, first!).

Jodi: What is your favorite post race snack?
Anna: Dinner type foods, oddly enough. I can eat a plate of nachos or a whole plate of pizza like nobody's business after a long or hard run.

Jodi: Who do you admire most and why?
Anna: My AWESOME hubby. He is truly the most amazing hubby and father ever ever ever!!!

Jodi: Do you have a favorite quote?
Anna: 'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me' Phil 4:13... this verse has gotten me thru a lot!

Jodi: Finish this statement, when I run I feel___________.
Anna: Strong and powerful. Confident. Happy.

Jodi: What is your current goal?
Anna: Running goals: to hit a sub25 5K SOMETIME in this calendar year. To run an 8 minute mile (just one!), to run a sub55 10K and to run my first 1/2 in under 2:25.

Jodi: Please feel free to add anything else you feel will help others lace up their shoes and get out there and run!!
Anna: Anyone can do this. ANYONE. I was once the girl that loathed exercise. And then I discovered running and now I look FORWARD to my workouts. Every workout I do, I do to become a better (and hopefully faster!) runner. I will probably never win a race, but I like competing against myself and seeing what I am made of when it comes down to the wire. Its funny that NOW when I have a rest day, I am edgy and antsy and cant wait to 'get back to it'. I am exercising, usually, 6 days a week. Prior to running it was 3-4 at best. Lace up them shoes and see what you're made of!

Thanks again for the opportunity to give you a Thumbs Up Anna! Best of luck achieving your current goals!

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