Thumbs Up Thursday...Jessica

This week's spotlight is on Jessica of Mojamala2 (here).  Once you read her interview head on over to her blog and say hello!!

Jodi:  How long have you been running?

Jessica:  Started running in track in 7th grade and continued to run track in high school and then ran to stay in shape so umm, 11 years.

Jodi:  Why did you start running?

Jessica:  When I was younger it was just for fun and I enjoyed. Now I continue to run so I can live a happy healthy lifestyle…and I still enjoy it.

Jodi:  How many years have you been racing?

Jessica:  Started road racing after college to continue to stay in shape, first race was in the spring of 2007, so I have been racing for 4 years now.

Jodi:  What is your favorite distance to race and why?

Jessica:  The 10K is my favorite. They are hard to find around here, there are usually only a couple a year but I love them. It’s a tough distance to actually race and you really have to push yourself at this distance.  It’s slower than a 5K pace and faster than a 10 mile or ½ marathon pace.

Jodi:  What is your favorite race memory?

Jessica:  Favorite race memory is qualifying for Boston at the Cleveland Marathon in 2009.  I worked my butt off in training and it paid off! I have never trained so hard for anything in my life and I will never forget crossing the finish line and knowing I had qualified.

Jodi:  What is your least favorite race memory?

Jessica:  My least favorite race memory is the Akron Marathon in 2008, my first marathon. I am one of the clumsiest people in the world and around mile 10 I tripped, not over an untied shoe or a rock or something

reasonable but over my own two feet. I crashed into the ground at full speed and was embarrassed and in pain. The fall caused my legs and butt to cramp up. The medical tent was close enough to hear me screaming in pain and came to my rescue. Nothing like a total stranger massaging your goods while other racers watch. But they did a good job and got me up and running again and I finished. I was in a lot of pain during the race but I finished.

2008 Akron Marathon

Jodi:  What is your proudest running moment to date?

Jessica:  Running the Boston Marathon. The journey to get there is amazing but once you are there the experience in unbelievable. Running the Boston Marathon is a race I will never forget and will always hold a special place in my heart. How can you not feel proud saying that you ran the most prestigious race?

Jodi:  What one item do you absolutely have to have with you on a training run?

Jessica:  A clothing item with a pocket. Whether it be in my shorts, capris, jacket or top I must have a pocket.

Jodi:  What is your favorite fuel during a race?

Jessica:  Vanilla Bean Gu. I have tried a bazillion different flavors and brands and Vanilla Bean Gu is my favorite. Espresso Gu is a close second, I take it for my early training runs to trick myself into thinking I am having actual coffee.

Jodi:  What is your favorite post race snack?
Jessica:  Chocolate Milk! I love chocolate milk in general but after a long run or marathon it is a must have.

Jodi:  Who do you admire most and why?
Jessica:  Running Moms. I seriously do not know how they do it, must be some kind of superpower to be able to run and raise kids. I have no kids or even pets and sometimes I have a hard time finding time to run.

Jodi:  Do you have a favorite quote?
Jessica:  “Dig Deep” I saw it on a sign while running the Chicago Marathon and it’s been my favorite quote ever since. When running these long distance races you really do have to “Dig Deep” to finish.

Jodi:  Finish this statement, when I run I feel___________.
Jessica:  Happy, whether I have a good run or a bad run I always feel happy after my run. I could have the worst day in the world and a run will put me right back on track.

Jodi:  What is your current goal?
Jessica:  I would really like to PR this year in any race at any distance. I have come close a couple times but have not had a PR in almost 2 years. I have changed up some of my training and am working hard to reach this goal. I also want to qualify for Boston again. Once was just not enough. Perhaps the Vegas Marathon in December will be my chance!

Jodi:  Feel free to add anything else you feel will help people lace up their shoes and get out there.
Jessica:  Anyone can run, it’s as simple as getting out there and putting one step in front of the other.


Of course no Thumbs Up Thursday is complete without running pictures!! 

2011 Buffalo Marathon

2010 Stomp The Grapes 1/2 Marathon

2009 River Run 1/2 Marathon

2008 St. Malachi 5 Miler

2011 Hyland Software 5K

Mile 25 of the 2011 Cleveland Marathon

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

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