Thumbs Up Thursday....Fran

This week's spotlight is on Fran.

Believe me when I tell you that you will be inspired by her reasons for running!

Jodi:  How long have you been running?
Fran:  I've been running since February 2003.


Jodi:  Why did you start running?
Fran:  I had a Forrest Gump moment of sorts. My Beloved Grandmother was mugged and beaten to death in Feb. 2003. The day after her funeral I sat in my house with a broken heart and severe anxiety. I remember it felt like there was an elephant on my chest. As hard as I tried I couldn't seem to catch my breath. I decided then & there I need air. I needed to get outside and try to fully inhale/exhale. It had just snowed the day before. I put on sweatpants, sweatshirt, knit hat, gloves, & and old pair of Nike sneakers. I stepped outside planning to walk around the block. Within a quarter mile it was so cold I started running. I just kept running. I ran and cried so hard for almost 3 miles. When I got to my doorstep I felt so relieved. I knew it was the release I needed during my mourning process. I decided to do it again the next day. Now I know this was a gift from my Grandmother. I always think of her when I run & say a little prayer to thank her for being my running angel!

Jodi:  How many years have you been racing?
Fran:  I ran my first race, the Salt Lake City Inaugural 5k, in May 2005. I've only been racing for six years.

Jodi:  What is your favorite distance to race and why?
Fran:  10k is my favorite distance. I can't properly pace myself in a 5k. A 10k is not too short yet long enough to pace myself properly and strategize.

Jodi:  What is your favorite race memory?
Fran:  I can't choose just one! At the 2010 Philadelphia Marathon my daughter jumped in before the finish line, held my hand and ran to the finish with me. At the 2011 Poconos Run for the Red Marathon my closest friends surprised me by taking the 3+ hour drive up, placing signs for me along the course before the marathon and ultimately surprising me at the finish. I am so lucky to have wonderful friends & family!

Jodi:  What is your least favorite race memory?
Fran:  Running the Long Island Marathon 5/1/11. Unfortunately I got strep throat 4 days before and was still on antibiotics when I decided to run the marathon. Let's just say I left a calling card (vomit) from mile 13-19 but, I finished! Lesson learned!

Jodi:  What is your proudest running moment to date?
Fran:  Finishing New York City Marathon, my first marathon, with my family cheering me on at the finish.

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

Jodi:  What is your favorite fuel during a race?
Fran:  Clif Shot Blocks and my new fave FRS chews.

Jodi:  What is your favorite post race snack?
Fran:  Swedish Fish!!

Jodi:  Do you have a favorite quote?
Fran:  "There's going to be a day when you won't be able to do this. Today is not that day." ~Unknown

Jodi:  Finish this statement: When I run a feel _________.
Fran:  LIBERATED!!

Jodi:  Who do you admire most and why?
Fran:  I truly admire Amy Palmiero-Winters. Amy lost her left leg below the knee in a motorcyle accident 17 yrs ago. Since then she continues to run, compete in triathlons and most recently became the first female to finish Badwater Ultramarathon, a 135-mile race from Death Valley to Mount Whitney.

Jodi:  What is your current goal?
Fran:  To eventually qualify for Boston. When I started running it was never an option. As the years go on and I learn more about myself, in addition to missing a BQ by 3 minutes and 42 seconds, I know that if I work hard enough I can make it happen. After all, A dream is just a goal realized.

Jodi:  Please feel free to add anything that will motivate others to lace up their shoes and get out there and run!
Fran:  As a Personal Trainer I tell my clients to just do what YOU love. Whether it's running, biking, yoga, or swimming. Doing what you love guarantees success and happiness! When you're happy in what you're doing you will always succeed, motivate and have support! 
Thanks for the opportunity to share my life as I have enjoyed reading about you and others as well!

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

Keep running, you're simply the best, and Fran YOU inpsire ME!!