Thumbs Up Thursday...Beth (B.O.B)

This week's spotlight is on Beth who many of you know as B.O.B of Discom-BOB-ulated Running (here).  I had the pleasure of meeting Beth at the Cleveland Marathon this year where she totally rocked the 1/2 marathon!!  Without further delay I give you the question and answer portion of Thumbs Up Thursday!!

Jodi:  How long have you been running?
Beth:  I've been running off and on my whole life, mostly 5Ks here and there but I didn't really get into running until after my first marathon in January 2009. Granted it was a total trainwreck due to poor training but I knew I could do better if I gave myself the chance and worked harder and smarter.

Jodi:  Why did you start running?
Beth:  I trained for that first marathon as sort of a bucket list thing. I wanted to run a marathon before I turned 30 and I got so addicted that I wound up running five before I turned even 31.

Jodi:  How many years have you been racing?
Beth:  Well, I don't know if you would call my first marathon "racing." LOL! Let's just say I didn't start to feel like I was really racing amongst my age group until I got a third place age group award at a 5K on Father's Day. I've never been more thrilled and obnoxious about racing! My sister was like shut up already. LOL!

First Age Group Award

Jodi:  What is your favorite distance to race and why?
Beth:  I am definitely a fan of the 5K and now the 1/2 marathon. I like the 5K cause it's over so quickly and it's just balls to the wall. And after this last half, I love that 13.1! You get to train less than a full and can walk the next day. It's great!

Jodi:  What is your favorite race memory?
Beth:  Hm. This is a tough one Jodi. I have so many and I'm sure everyone says that, but it's hard to choose one. I would probably say the Gasparilla full marathon 2010. My sister and her husband, my stepmom, my mom, and all of the folks from my running group were there plus Red was running and we both had great days. I felt good the entire race and it was just a great day with a big celebration.

Gasparilla 2010- Red, Beth, P-Funk, Hollster

Jodi:  What is your least favorite race memory?
Beth:  I hate to say Marine Corps Marathon cause it's really such an amazing, historical course, but Marine Corps Marathon. It was just such a brutal race for me. I knew by mile ten that I was going to have to gut it out and after the race I felt so sick that I had to stop and sit down every few steps.

Jodi:  What is your proudest running moment to date?
Beth:  Probably the Ragnar Relays I've done with team Half Nuts. I did Ragner Florida Central two years in a row and have had such a great time and felt really honored to run with these people. Each year was a total blast and I was so proud that we finished 2nd in our division last year when we really just set out to have fun. It shows you can accomplish both sometimes!

Ragnar Relays

Jodi:  What one item do you absolutely have to have with you on a training run?
Beth:  Gu. I'll take any flavor except chocolate or coffee. I really like the Vanilla for a little caffeine boost.

Jodi:  What is your favorite fuel during a race?
Beth:  See above. But also really like Clif Shot Bloks and Honey Stinger Waffles. Both work really well on the bike.

Jodi:  What is your favorite post race snack?
Beth:  Cheez-Its. Actually, I like both before and after a race! And of course, a coca-cola!

Jodi:  Who do you admire most and why?
Beth:  It's hard to choose just one person but I would definitely say as a group I admire the challanged athletes, those who get out there and compete against all odds. I find them inspiring and amazing. I admire their courage and it's a great reminder about perserverance and strength.

Jodi:  Do you have a favorite quote?
Beth:  I like to try to live by "There's less traffic on the high road." and I love the Winnie the Pooh quote "You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think."

Jodi:  Finish this statement, when I run I feel___________.
Beth:  Free and happy.

Jodi:  What is your current goal?
Beth:  This has changed so much lately since I've added the triathlon stuff. I'd like to hit a 50 mile bike ride and I'd love to break 22 in a 5K.

Thanks again for the opportunity to give you a Thumbs Up Beth!  Best of luck hitting 50 miles on the bike and breaking 22 in the 5K!!

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