Jodi: How long have you been running?
Nancy: I have been running for 18 years....Wow saying that makes me feel a little old! It has been a journey with running for many different purposes. It began as a means to an ends and now has turned into a way of life! I really look at my running though sort of in three chapters, sports training, before baby, and after baby. I'm really loving this chapter the best I think! If only I had the energy and time from the first!!
Jodi: Why did you start running?
Nancy: I started running when I was a freshman in high school. My softball coach convinced me to try out for the soccer team, a sport which I had never played! I remember going to the captain's practices and running in the group. I used to almost hold my breathe because I didn't want the other girls to hear me breathing hard and think I was out of shape. Can we say silly?
Jodi: How many years have you been racing?
Nancy: My first race was a 5k in Providence, RI in 2000 and I finished in about 30 minutes. All I remember about the race was the last .1 was a HUGE uphill and I remember seeing my Dad at the bottom. He was so proud of me and cheering so loudly! My Mom was at the top ready to give me a big hug!
Jodi: What is your favorite distance to race and why?
Nancy: I waiver between a 5k and a Half marathon. The 5k is where you lay it all out on the line and take yourself just shy of throwing up....sounds like a blast right? No I just like how strong I feel at the end! The half is my new favorite. It is just the right distance to train for and is still a challenge of endurance and pace! Plus you can walk down the stairs the next day without wincing! I have logged 9 half marathons, mostly since I had my daughter!
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| Nancy with her 6 month old daughter at her first race post birth |
Jodi: What is your favorite race memory?
Nancy: Oh wow! I have so many! The Boston Marathon has so many great memories attached to it. I remember seeing my hubby tear up because he was so proud of me. It meant so much to me since he endured the training with me! Oh and the feeling I got turning the corner and seeing the finish line and having someone yell, "Don't cry yet!" Those memories still choke me up!
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| Nancy and her husband after the Boston Marathon |
Jodi: What is your least favorite race memory?
Nancy: A half marathon I ran in February of 2010 in Hyannis, MA. The race itself was great...good course and weather for February but I went out way too fast and was right on track for a sub 2 hour half but my body hit a wall at mile 11. It all went downhill from there. I actually cried on the course!
Jodi: What is your proudest running moment to date?
Nancy: Aside from finishing the Boston Marathon....wow I have quite a few! I would say right up there on the list is when I FINALLY broke the 2 hour barrier in my half marathon time! I ran it with my amazing friend Jill and it was so amazing to share that accomplishment with her!! My second proudest would have to be seeing my daughter run in a race and seeing her own pride spread across her face!
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| Nancy and her friend Jill after achieving her sub 2 hour half marathon |
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| Nancy with her daughter at her daughter's first race |
Jodi: What one item do you absolutely have to have with you on a training run?
Nancy: My Ipod when I am running alone. I need my tunes to help distract me! I'm not antisocial though and I leave it at home when I'm with a buddy!
Jodi: What is your favorite fuel during a race?
Nancy: I have a super cranky tummy and tend to not fuel during races....I know rule breaker! I do love GU though and admittedly eat it sometimes for dessert! Lol! I can't believe I told someone else that! When I was marathon training I ate sport jelly beans....can't stand the sight of them now!
Jodi: What is your favorite post race snack?
Nancy: I'm pretty basic....a water and banana or bagel. Some races, especially here in New England have the craziest things post race. Like who can eat clam chowder or fried haddock after racing 13.1 miles? I tend to take stuff home with me and enjoy it later!
Jodi: Who do you admire most and why?
Nancy: In running it's Kara Goucher for not only being a killer runner but for killing it in Boston just 7 months after having a baby! She rocks!! In life I admire my Mom the most. She is so amazingly supportive and loving through whatever life throws at her. Life hasn't dealt her the most fair hand but she never complains. Instead she gives all she has to those around her and praises God each day! I hope I can be an example like that with my daughter!
Jodi: Do you have a favorite quote?
Nancy: My Dad used to say to me, "Do your best and let God do the rest"! I need to remind myself of that from time to time. There are so many great ones out there that are so motivating! I love quotes about persevering and pushing yourself to the limit! Like you never know what you can do if you don't try type quotes!
Jodi: Finish this statement, when I run I feel___________.
Nancy: Driven
Jodi: What is your current goal?
Nancy: I'm a little goal crazy! I am currently shooting for 1500 miles this year, however I will be happy to beat last year's total of 1111 miles. For races I have a few, beat my 5k pr of 24 minutes, and break 1:50 for a half mary!
Jodi: Please feel free to add anything else you feel will help others lace up their shoes and get out there and run!!
Nancy: I would say the biggest revelation for me with running has been since I had my daughter 2 years ago and it's something I try to convey to anyone who is thinking about running. After I had my daughter, I thought running for me was over. I knew that I would still run but as far as racing, I thought I would never be able to reach my goals. Just the opposite has happened!! All of my current PRs have happened after I had her....and believe me I CRUSHED my prebaby PRs! The greatest thing that is holding so many of us back is ourselves! Nothing else is keeping us from reaching those goals. BELIEVE it can be done!
Thanks again for the opportunity to give you a Thumbs Up Nancy! Best of luck achieving your current goals!!
Keep running, you're simply the best, and Nancy YOU inspire ME!!
Great story! Thanks for sharing it with us!
ReplyDeleteNanc! Great interview! You're an inspiration.
ReplyDelete