Thumbs Up Thursday...Pam

This week's spotlight is on Pam (here).    I had the pleasure of meeting and running with Pam last year when I was pacing Jenn at the River Run 1/2 Marathon.  Once you read her interview head on over to her training log and say hello.

Jodi:  How long have you been running?

Pam:  I have been running for 8 years now, that’s not including my years spent doing high school track.

Jodi:  Why did you start running?
Pam:  When my daughter started running C.Y.O Cross Country and Track, I asked the coach if they could use an extra hand and that’s where my second running life started. Once my daughter left the C.Y.O. Program I was on my own.

Jodi:  How many years have you been racing?
Pam:  About 6 years now. The most important person I race against is me. Each race I must run faster than the last and to never allow myself to be last.

Jodi:  What is your favorite distance to race and why?
Pam:  My favorite race to date is the half marathon. Each time I run a half I see my times improve. After words I analyze what I need to do differently. That helps me run better the next time.

Jodi:  What is your favorite race memory?
Pam:  I ran a 5-k this spring that I had no desire to do. Once I got to the race and saw all my running friends my attitude changed. I ended up placing within my Age Group.

Jodi:  What is your least favorite race memory?
Pam:  Running the 4 mile, Shot in the Dark. It was about 4 years ago and hotter than you could imagine. The race started late in the day and I threw my water bottle out before the race began. “Big Mistake” The only water I remember seeing was someone spraying us with a hose and at the finish.

Jodi:  What is your proudest running moment to date?
Pam:  That I have stuck with it. I have learned how to incorporate training into my daily life without letting it interfere with family responsibilities or my job.

Jodi:  What one item do you absolutely have to have with you on a training run?
Pam:  My water bottle. I’ve carried them so long that I can’t run without it.

Jodi:  What is your favorite fuel during a race?
Pam:  GU

Jodi:  What is your favorite post race snack?
Pam:  Chocolate Milk.

Jodi:  Do you have a favorite quote?
Pam:  “With God all things are possible.”

Jodi:  Finish this statement: When I run a feel _________.
Pam:  That this is my time.

Jodi:  Who do you admire most and why?
Pam:  I don’t admire one particular person. I have a large circle of running friends. They are the ones that have been with me since the start of my second running life. Most of us are in the 40 plus age group. They’ve all run some pretty amazing distances and times.

Jodi:  What is your current goal?
Pam:  To stay healthy. I’ve struggled with some injuries this year.

Jodi:  Please feel free to add anything that will motivate others to lace up their shoes and get out there and run.
Pam:  Getting out the door is the hardest part. Walk if you have to and than run some. It’s okay. You’ve taken the first steps. It eventually all comes together. You’re further ahead than the person who is sitting in front of the T.V. doing nothing.

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

Towpath 1/2 Marathon

Hermes 10 Miler 2011



Chili Bowl 5K 2011

Thanks again for the opportunity to give you a Thumbs Up Pam!  Best of luck staying healthy!

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