Thumbs Up Thursday...Megan

This week's spotlight is on yet another Megan who just so happens to run with the Megan that was spotlighted last week.  You can follow this week's Megan at On The Road Again (here).

Megan during a training run with the "other" Megan

Jodi:  How long have you been running?
Megan:  I've been running on and off for nearly 8 years, but I only really got quasi-serious about running in 2008.

Megan with her husband after her first long race ever- The Crim 10-Miler 2008

Jodi:  Why did you start running?
Megan:  I'm very bad at keeping up with hobbies. So it's surprising that I not only started running, but kept it with it as the years have passed. Running, for me, began as one of those hobbies back in college. It helped me to get back into shape post-Freshman 15 (ok, more like Freshman 25) and stay in shape well after I graduated. Plus, I always thought I looked pretty hardcore running my three miles up and down the main road in my college town.

Jodi:  How many years have you been racing?
Megan:  My first official races were a few 5k's back in 2003; I took up running longer distance races in 2008.

Jodi:  What is your favorite distance to race and why?
Megan:  While nothing beats the feeling of crossing a marathon finish line, I'd have to say the half-marathon is actually my favorite race. The distance is much easier and less time consuming to train for (when compared with a marathon), yet it still provides me with a sense of real accomplishment and excitement.

Jodi:  What is your favorite race memory?
Megan:  Coming into mile 25 during my first marathon (Detroit, 2009), "All These Things I've Done" by The Killers kicked on my iPod shuffle as I ran/walked/limped my way down the road between crowds of cheering spectators. My legs were as good as dead, but my heart was exploding with every emotion possible: happy to be nearly finished, yet sad to see it all nearly finished, too. It's a 1.2 miles I'll never forget.

Megan's first marathon bib

Jodi:  What is your least favorite race memory?
Megan:  Although I've had my share of bad races - crappy weather, poor performances - I can't really say I have a least favorite memory. Every race I've ever competed in has been absolutely worth it. Even the bad races and worst memories have made me a better, stronger runner.

Jodi:  What is your proudest running moment to date?
Megan:  Can I cheat and have two? Ok, I'm gonna cheat. #1: Running across the finish line in Detroit in '09 and #2: completing a sprint triathlon last summer and not completing drowning in the swim leg.

Megan coming out of the water in her first triathlon

Jodi:  What one item do you absolutely have to have with you on a training run?
Megan:  Music! It keeps me occupied and motivated to keep on keepin' on no matter the situation.

Jodi:  What is your favorite fuel during a race?
Megan:  I'm a big fan of GU Energy Gels for long runs and races in fruity flavors like Orange Burst and Lemon Sublime.

Jodi:  What is your favorite post race snack?
Megan:  I wish I could say something super healthy, like a fat salad or a grilled chicken sandwich. But truthfully, I love a good meaty piece (or 6) of pizza - deep dish, with lots of cheese. And cookies. Lots of cookies. I'm one of those people who run a 5k and pig out like I ran an ultra.

Jodi:  Who do you admire most and why?
Megan:  Inspiration can be found in everyone. I admire my husband, who can bang out 6 miles even when his training schedule calls for 4. I admire a lady I see every year at the Crim 10-Mile race who runs in a cheetah outfit, complete with ears and a tail (and does the race very fast, I might add). I admire any person who gets out and runs a mile here and there. People inspire me to keep moving.

Jodi:  Do you have a favorite quote?
Megan:  "Aim above morality. Be not simply good; be good for something." - Henry David Thoreau. (I'm an English teacher and a literature nerd, so I love Thoreau but you've got to agree that this quote says it all!)

Jodi:  Finish this statement, when I run I feel___________.
Megan:  When I run, I feel FREE.

Jodi:  What is your current goal?
Megan:  Well, I'm currently almost 14 weeks pregnant, so my typical training goals are on hold for the rest of the year. Instead, I'm planning on entering a few shorter races just for fun this summer. After that, I'm going to run for as long as I comfortably can, which will hopefully be right up until my due date in January.

Kalamazoo Marathon May 2011- yes Megan ran the marathon pregnant!!

Jodi:  Please feel free to add anything else you feel will help others lace up their shoes and get out there and run!!
Megan:  I like to consider myself a very average runner. I get out there for every run not because I think it will lead to a Boston qualifier or a gold medal or a sweet sponsorship (although any and all of those would be welcomed!). I get out there because it makes me feel good. I compete against myself and my abilities, and that's good enough for me. You don't need to be fast or have cool gear to be a runner; you just have to have the desire to want to feel the ground move beneath your feet.

Thanks again for the opportunity to give you a Thumbs Up Megan!  Best of luck with the arrival of the baby and continued success in your running!!

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