Thumbs Up Thursday...Zoe

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

Jodi:  How long have you been running?

Zoe:  I started running when I was in middle school at the age of 10. My first race was with my Uncle Doug at 11 in Cape Cod, MA, and it was so much fun. I remember feeling like a rockstar having people cheer me on at the finish line, and I was hooked. I've had a love/hate relationship with running since I started.

Jodi:  Why did you start running?
Zoe:  I started running because my Uncle was a runner and I admired him so much. My middle school had a x-country team and I enjoyed the longer distances and running around neighborhoods instead of just the track.

Jodi:  How many years have you been racing?
Zoe:  I was on the x-country team in middle school and high school, took a break from racing/running in college and then restarted racing back in 2008 when I realized I really missed it!

Jodi:  What is your favorite distance to race and why?
Zoe:  The 5K is a distance I enjoy because it's quick, but I'm a fan of the half marathon because I feel invincible afterward. It's the perfect distance!

Jodi:  What is your favorite race memory?
Zoe:  The last x-country meet my Mum attended, two days before my 16th birthday. It was a Friday night and she was yelling "Run, Zoe, run!" and "Long strides, Zoe!" from a picnic blanket with my sister and her friend. I PR'd the course that night, and was "kidnapped" by my friends for a surprise birthday dinner and football game. It was a great race day, and it holds a very special place in my heart as my Mum's last race with me.

Jodi:  What is your least favorite race memory?
Zoe:  Oh boy, the Torchlight 8K back in 2009. ARGH! I over-hydrated for the race because it was in the 80s and humid, and I ended up pretty much needing to pee and maybeevenpeeingmypantsalittle during the race. So mad! I need to get back at that race and kick its butt next year.

Jodi:  What is your proudest running moment to date?
Zoe:  Besides running while pregnant with my daughter, Goober, I would have to say completing my first marathon 7 months post-partum. Crap, it was TOUGH! It was a complete mental battle at the end, and I was in pain, but finishing it was the best feeling ever...and then seeing my husband and daughter at the finish line made it absolutely perfect.

Zoe, 8 months pregnant, at the Iron Girl 5K September 2010

Zoe and her family after the Rock N Roll Seattle Marathon June 2011

Jodi:  What one item do you absolutely have to have with you on a training run?
Zoe:  Oh boy, it's both my Garmin Forerunner "Gus" and my iPhone for music. Can't run without either.

Jodi:  What is your favorite fuel during a race?
Zoe:  I'm a huge fan of Clif Shot Bloks in Tropical Punch and Strawberry. So delicious! But GU Watermelon Chomps are pretty tasty too.

Jodi:  What is your favorite post race snack?
Zoe:  After a race I love a big, cold glass of chocolate milk. Mmmm.

Jodi:  Who do you admire most and why?
Zoe:  All the women/men I've met in the running blog world that balance careers, parenthood, training, family, etc. I think it's amazing. Oh, and I admire Ryan Reynolds' abs.

Jodi:  Do you have a favorite quote?
Zoe:  "Even if you are on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there." - Will Rogers

Jodi:  Finish this statement, when I run I feel___________.
Zoe:  ...like the world is my oyster...except then I remember that I don't like seafood...so it makes me feel like a million bucks (the monetary kind, not the male deer).

Jodi:  What is your current goal?
Zoe:  I would love to shatter some of my current PRs in the 5K, 8K and 10K races...maybe even a sub 1:55 half soon.

Thanks again for the opportunity to give you a Thumbs Up Zoe!  Best of luck shattering those current PRs!!

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