Thumbs Up Thursday....Kelly

This week's spotlight is on Kelly of Running (Kell)ometers (here).  Kelly just recently started blogging so after you read her interview head on over to her blog and introduce yourself!!

Jodi:  How long have you been running?
Kelly:  Since I joined the high school track team when I was 14 years old.

Jodi:  Why did you start running?
Kelly:  I had family members that were into running and thought I would give it a try. This was high school, the big leagues! I wanted to give it a try. When I made the team and figured out I could go fast, I was hooked.

Jodi:  How many years have you been racing?
Kelly:  I ran the 400m race in high school but didn’t do any distances much farther than that. I ran my first 5k in 2006 and have been doing them ever since.

Jodi:  What is your favorite distance to race and why?
Kelly:  If you would have asked me this a year ago, I would have said the 5K, hands down. I love to run fast so a quick 3.1 mile run was perfect. However, since completing my first marathon in 2011, I’m much happier with a 5 mile, or 8-10k distance. But with how many half marathons I’m considering in 2012, that distance may change yet again!

Jodi:  What is your favorite race memory?
Kelly:  There are so many to choose from, it is hard to think of just one. Aside from finishing my first marathon (which is also my proudest moment), I’d have to pick the 2010 Shamrock Shuffle 8K. I always run this race with 2 of my friends. We drive there together, but most times we don’t run the race together. Based on the different paces and feelings that day, we’ve never finished the race together. That year, we had a lot of weddings and weren’t in the mode to go out fast and PR, so we decided to run the race together. For the entire 8K, we were 3 across (and probably annoyed others behind us trying to pass us). Two of us weren’t racing for time, just encouraging each other along the way. Our friend that was racing for time, PRed, and felt great afterwards. We crossed the finish line with our hands in the air, showing the sign language letter K (because all 3 of our names start with K… Kelly, Kate, Kate). It was a great memory that we all share, together.

Jodi:  What is your least favorite race memory?
Kelly:  Sitting in the medical tent at mile 15 of the Chicago Marathon. I threw up at mile 13 and knew I had to stop based on the heat, etc. I walked into the medical tent with no sweat (despite temperatures in the high 70’s) and immediately needed an IV. I know I made the right decision, but that didn’t make me feel like less of a failure at that time. However, I didn’t give up. I had to complete my marathon and Chicago just wasn’t my race. With the support of my husband, family, and running buddies, I signed up for Grand Rapids the very next weekend. I was determined to finish.

Jodi:  What is your proudest running moment to date?
Kelly:  This one is easy. Crossing the finish line of the Grand Rapids Marathon in 2011, completing my first marathon. I couldn't have done it without my outstanding support group. The race was 3 hours away, and despite the distance I had quite a crowd there to cheer me on. My husband was there along with his mom and 3 cousins. They made signs and t-shirts too! My friend Amanda, who I started with at the Chicago Marathon, also drove up and surprised me! (She completed the Chicago Marathon the week before!) She met up with me at a spot where I was really struggling and she helped me through to the end. I was disappointed with my time, but Amanda helped me to stay positive. I still completed a marathon, no matter what the clock said!

Jodi:  What one item do you absolutely have to have with you on a training run?
Kelly:  My Garmin (Forerunner 405). If I don’t keep track of the time, I feel lost. There is a sense of accountability and accomplishment when you have a diary or journal of the training runs and races you’ve completed.

Jodi:  What is your favorite fuel during a race?
Kelly:  For the longer runs, I couldn’t live without my Gu Roctane Pineapple. But during shorter runs, I really love the taste of plain lemon-lime Gatorade. Even after all the training and all the years, it is still my favorite flavor.

Jodi:  What is your favorite post race snack?
Kelly:  Banana, hands down! When a race doesn’t have them, it is like there is something missing.

Jodi:  Do you have a favorite quote?
Kelly:  “There will be a day when I can no longer do this. Today is not that day.”

Running an unexpected PR at the Hot Chocolate 5K

Kelly's running buddy

Jodi:  Finish this statement: When I run a feel ____________.
Kelly:  refreshed and inspired.

Jodi:  Who do you admire most and why?
Kelly:  The running community overall is very inspiring. I’ve met lots of folks through my Chicago Marathon training group, my friend’s Team in Training marathon training group, my local running group, and now the blogging community. There are so many folks out there rooting for you to do a good job and meet your goals. Runners, we are our own kind of animal and we understand each other. There is always support when you need it, whether you need to ask or not. It really is quite amazing.

Jodi:  What is your current goal?
Kelly:  I have two current goals. 1) to finish the Shamrock Shuffle 8K on March 25 in 40:00 or less (previous PR is 40:49 in 2009), 2) to complete the Southwest Bank Half Marathon on May 6 with a time around 1:45 (I completed a 10 mile race at 1:28 also in 2009)

Jodi:  Please feel free to add anything that will motivate others to lace up their shoes and get out there and run!
Kelly:  I feel like there is no “can’t” in running. If you want to, anything is possible. I took a year off from running in 2010 while I was planning my wedding. I could barely run 1 mile in January 2011 and completed a marathon in October 2011. Anything is possible if you put your mind to it! Getting out there and running 0.6 miles is still getting out there and running!!

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

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

Thumbs Up Thursday...Rachel

This week's spotlight is on Rachel from Running In Real Life (here).  Once you read her interview head on over to her blog and say hello!


Jodi:  How long have you been running?

Rachel:  5 years

Jodi:  Why did you start running?
Rachel:  My friend Kim was getting into running and convinced me to sign up for a 5k. I'm not really sure why I agreed to do it, I thought running was awful! I started running with her and could barely make it a few blocks. I kept at it though and by the end of that first 5k I was hooked! I have always been drawn to things that are a challenge for me, and running is definitely a challenge! When I started I was so slow, but I loved competing with myself to improve at each race.

Jodi:  How many years have you been racing?
Rachel:  5 Years - that first 5k got me started and I haven't stopped yet!

Jodi:  What is your favorite distance to race and why?
Rachel:  The Half Marathon. I love the challenge of that distance, yet I don't have to spend all my free time training. I am also much better at being slow and steady than running all out like a 5k requires.

Jodi:  What is your favorite race memory?
Rachel:  Finishing under 2 hours at the Chicago Rock n Roll Half marathon this summer. I wasn't even trying to do that! I was in the middle of marathon training and not really aiming for any particular time. My previous PR was 2:09 and I blew it away. I still get butterflies in my stomach thinking about it.

Jodi:  What is your least favorite race memory?
Rachel:  My very first half marathon. I had been very stressed out from both my husband and I changing jobs suddenly and moving to a new city. I was severely undertrained and didn't know how to fuel or pace myself. To top it off, it was cold, windy and sleeting the whole race. I was miserable by mile 3 and walked quite a bit. I still finished, but I hated every minute of it. Luckily, I am too stubborn to give up after a bad experience and have run many half marathons since then!

Jodi:  What is your proudest running moment to date?
Rachel:  Besides the sub-2 I talked about above it would be finishing my first marathon this fall. I trained through a hot and busy summer and made it to race day uninjured and excited to go. It wasn't as pretty as I had hoped it would be, but I did it! I also get an immense feeling of pride seeing my friends and other runners achieve a goal they had been working towards.

Jodi:  What one item do you absolutely have to have with you on a training run?
Rachel:  I don't have a Garmin and I go back and forth with listening to my iPod, so I would say a good pair of Saucony shoes. I like to keep it simple.

Jodi:  What is your favorite fuel during a race?
Rachel:  Strawberry Banana flavored GU.

Jodi:  What is your favorite post race snack?
Rachel:  Beer! Luckily I live in Wisconsin where many of the races have beer at the post-race celebrations. :) Bananas are good too.

Rachel with a celebratory beer

Jodi:  Do you have a favorite quote?
Rachel:  "If you run, you are a runner. It doesn't matter how fast or how far. It doesn't matter if today is your first day or if you've been running for twenty years. There is no test to pass, no license to earn, no membership card to get. You just run." - John Bingham

I like to remind myself of this quote whenever I am feeling not good enough. It doesn't matter if I am not as fast as I would like to be - I am still out there running and that is all that matters.

Jodi:  Finish this statement: When I run I feel _________.
Rachel:  alone - but a good alone. I can zone out and forget about the stress of everyday life. I like to take in all the scenery around me and not think about anything. If I ever get crabby my husband tells me to go for a run - he knows I will be in a much better mood once I get back.

Jodi:  Who do you admire most and why?
Rachel:  My dad. He has battled diabetes and epilepsy his entire life. While it affects his quality of life on a daily basis he doesn't let it bring him down. I get a lot of my stubbornness from him. I think being stubborn is good when you are a runner.

Rachel with her mom and dad post marathon

Jodi:  What is your current goal?
Rachel:  To keep up my fitness throughout the winter and try to improve my half marathon time once the spring comes. I would like to do another marathon next year as well.

Mile 10 stretch during the marathon

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

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

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!!

Thumbs Up Thursday...Kerrie

This week's spotlight is on Kerrie of  MOM VS MARATHON: HOW TO RUN A MARATHON AND A HOUSEHOLD WITHOUT LOSING YOUR MIND (here).  Once you read her interview stop on over to her blog and say hello!

Jodi:   How long have you been running?
Kerrie:  This is hard for me to answer. You can break my running life up in two parts: high school and present day.  In high school, and even before, I ran a lot. I ran to train for sports, like soccer and basketball, but I was also on the track and cross country teams. After high school, I occasionally ran around the campus or on the track at Washington State University, or I ran during intramural soccer games. After that, though, I didn’t run much at all (except for a few months before my wedding when I was losing weight). Typically, I would get the urge to run, it would last a few days, and then I’d get “too busy” to go anymore.

Kerrie in her sweet cross country uniform in high school

 I didn’t know what busy meant. Now, I am way too busy, but I still fit running into my life. I started running “for real” on July 18, 2009, to get back into shape. So, if we are talking about present-day running, then
it’s been just over two years.
Jodi:  Why did you start running?
Kerrie:  I began running again in 2009 because I was overweight and out of shape – I gained about 60 pounds during my pregnancy and lost what little muscle I’d had. In my lower back, a bulging disc was causing me to be in pain 24x7, making everything difficult. I was also depressed. There was talk of
surgery, but it wasn’t a guarantee that the disc would not rupture again, so I opted to get healthy instead (the disc can usually heal itself if you give it time). A cortisone shot around my sciatic nerve – where the disc
was pushing up against – helped me get some relief in the short-term, then I began walking. During my walks, I would dream about running like I used to when I was younger. One day, I tentatively tried a few strides in my flip flops and it didn’t hurt. I went home, decided to train for a marathon (a dream I’d had when I was younger), and started a blog to keep myself motivated.

Kerrie a couple of weeks before she began running in 2009

Jodi:  How many years have you been racing?
Kerrie:  I raced in high school on the track (the mile, which I sucked at – it’s a sprint!) and the cross country team (which was much more my thing). If I remember correctly, our girls varsity cross country team, which I was on during my junior year, placed first in state that year. I wasn’t a top runner, but I was number 5 or something. I think my best 3-mile time was 21-something.  My first race of my present-day running life was a 10K in October 2009. I signed up because a friend who inspires me was running it. My first half marathon, also inspired by her, was the following month.
Jodi:  What is your favorite distance to race and why?
Kerrie:  I really like the half marathon because it’s a challenge mentally and physically, but training doesn’t take away much time from family like a full marathon.
Jodi:  What is your favorite race memory?
Kerrie:  My favorite race memory is from my full marathon: My husband called me around Mile 19 to tell me that he and my son, who is 3, were there. My son wanted to talk to me. He said, “Hi, Mommy. Are you running the race?” in his little munchkin voice and my heart nearly exploded. I also loved rounding the south end of Qwest Field and seeing my son and my husband at Mile 26.

Kerrie, her hubs, and her son after the marathon

Jodi:  What is your least favorite race memory?
Kerrie:  Crossing the finish line of my first half marathon (Nov. 2009).  I had told my husband to stay home with our son – he was about 30 months at the time.  I’d thought it would be too stressful on them and me to fight the crowds to be there, but I really wish I’d had someone there. I was very sad when I crossed the finish line and was all alone, and I really had to pee!
Jodi:  What is your proudest running moment to date?
Kerrie:  Finishing my first full marathon with a friend, a huge smile on my face and energy left in the tank. It was a wonderful experience and I can’t wait to do it again! 

Kerrie in the shorts running her first marathon with the first runner she met through blogging (Zoe of Run, Zoe, Run)

Jodi:  What one item do you absolutely have to have with you on a training run?
Kerrie:  My phone – it’s my blankie. I feel safer with it, plus it has my music on it.
Jodi:  What is your favorite fuel during a race?
Kerrie:  I ate a full peanut butter and jelly sandwich about 30 minutes before my last two races (full marathon and half marathon) and it was a success!  During the full, I only needed to fuel with gels 5 times (I took one every hour and then one around Mile 24). I like Hammer Gels the best, then Power Bar Gels. GU is a little thick for my taste, but I can manage with it.  During the half, I did not need to refuel at all. I experimented during my long runs recently: one full PB&J before a 10-miler and there were no gels needed; one half of a PB&J before an 11-miler and I need a gel BADLY around Mile 7. I also drink Nuun during my races and long runs – no plain water for me.
Jodi:  What is your favorite post race snack?
Kerrie:  After the North Olympic Discovery Half Marathon in 2010, they had croissants and Nutella. It was awesome. They also had Top Ramen, which scored high with me. But, the best thing I’ve found post-race is chocolate milk – thanks to it, I did not pass out after my first half.
Jodi:  Who do you admire most and why?
Kerrie:  I really admire people who have had to overcome some sort of physiologica barrier to running, be it weight, injuries, illnesses or body mechanics.  So…pretty much every runner!
Jodi:  Do you have a favorite quote?
Kerrie:  Not really. I like quotes and find them inspirational, but I don’t really have a famous go-to quote. I do, however, say to myself often, “Don’t think about it, just do it.” This, obviously, should not be applied in all situations in life, but it works for me when it comes to something I’ve been putting off, whether it’s exercise or writing. I tend to overthink things and get weighed down by the thought of doing it before I’ve done anything at all. It can be paralyzing. I need to not think about it and just do it.
Jodi:  Finish this statement, when I run I feel…
Kerrie:  Free. I’m not a wife, a mom, a writer. I’m just a runner.
Jodi:  What is your current goal?
Kerrie:  Sub-2-hour half in September, baby! It’s mine!  Also running the Hood to Coast Relay this month on a team sponsored by Nuun with a ton of other bloggers. :)

Jodi:  Feel free to add anything else that you think will help others lace up their shoes and get out there and run.
Kerrie:  I just want to add that having friends that are runners really helps me stay motivated and makes running so fun! So, my advice to new runners would be to find a local running club or a store that has a running group and join!

All friends Kerrie has met through blogging!

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

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

Thumbs Up Thursday...Elizabeth

This week's spotlight is on Elizabeth of Girls Go Running (here). Once you read her interview, head on over and say hello!!

Jodi: How long have you been running?

Elizabeth: I loved to run as a child. As the baby of the family, I played alone a lot and running was usually a big part of my play. I ran track in high school when I was a senior. It was a new sport that spring at our school, and at the time, there were not many sports for girls. I became serious about running in late 1993 or 1994.

Jodi: Why did you start running?

Elizabeth: My neighbor was a runner, and when I found out she was running, I wanted to try it too. She was a great inspiration. I kept running because it helped me to fight depression, and I discovered that I felt like a completely different person when I was running. I have enjoyed running with my daughters—the other members of girlsgorunning—and I loved running with my son who I recall ran with me the first time I went running in the rain. I will never forget it.

Jodi: How many years have you been racing?

Elizabeth: I ran my first post-high school race in 1997. I wasn’t prepared and didn’t really know what to expect. I finished that 10K, but I didn’t enjoy it. For a long time, racing stressed me out. I thought it was about being faster than I actually was and I didn’t have much fun during a race. I did keep running races off and on. When I turned 54, I made a promise to myself to run a marathon before my next birthday. It seemed like I had talked about it my whole life, and I decided at that moment if I didn’t do it soon, I would never do it. So my new year’s resolution in 2010 was to finish a marathon. Megan decided to run it with me. We found Red River Runners Grand Forks to help us train, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Jodi: What is your favorite distance to race and why?

Elizabeth: I think my favorite distance would be a half marathon. The sneaky part about that is it is a distance I have never run. I have done all kinds of others but never a half. However, I think it is a distance that is short enough and long enough for me. As I get older, I think I would love to run some half marathons to help me keep my fitness.

Jodi: What is your favorite race memory?

Elizabeth: My favorite race memory is when I saw my family on the marathon course. My husband has been such an unwavering supporter, and over the years, he has documented my runs in photographs. It is a powerful thing to have someone believe in you, and then, be there to cheer you on. The other special memory is my sister running part of the course with Megan and me that day. She has inspired me time and again over the race training and on that day.

Jodi: What is your least favorite race memory?

Elizabeth: I believe my least favorite memory is the last 5 miles of the marathon. I bonked big time, and I wasn’t really anticipating it. It was a mental struggle of mammoth proportions for me, BUT I managed to keep running, and it was totally worth the struggle.

Jodi: What is your proudest running moment to date?

Elizabeth: My proudest running moment will always be crossing the finish line at the Fargo Marathon in May 2010. I will never forget how it felt to finish the 26.2 miles with my daughter, Megan, right beside me. It was amazing! I enjoyed training together and running the race together. I had officially kept the promise I made to myself, and we ran together for my nephew, Matt, who was battling brain cancer at the time. It gave us so much purpose because I felt like every mile was for him.

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

Elizabeth: I have to have on a headband. I can’t stand being bothered by my hair so a headband is critical for me. I also love my Garmin GPS, but I could live without it if I had to, but I have to have my headband.

Jodi: What is your favorite fuel during a race?

Elizabeth: Honey Stinger waffles are my new favorite.

Jodi: What is your favorite post race snack?

Elizabeth: Something from Starbucks or Caribou Coffee is a favorite post race or post long-run treat. My choices vary, but I love celebrating around coffee.

Jodi: Who do you admire most and why?

Elizabeth: I admire a number of runners, but I am filled with admiration for my daughters. Megan has survived a couple of bouts with thyroid cancer, and she has come back strong. I feel so fortunate that I have had an opportunity to train with her. We have a fairly lengthy running history. Carrie has so much drive and she is a great encourager and has been her whole life. She couldn’t run with us last year because she had just given birth to her own little girl, but she came out on the course and ran the final miles with us, and it was great. I also admire my niece’s husband, a great runner in his own right, who came out and helped us through those last agonizing miles. Thanks, Brian!

Jodi: Do you have a favorite quote?

Elizabeth: Oh, yes, I have a quote that I have loved for years. I think it is often credited to George Eliot, but I am not sure if it belongs to Eliot or not. It has kept me going many times when I thought I might give up. “It is never too late to become what you might have been.” I figure I am living proof; I became a marathoner in my fifth decade of life!

Jodi: Finish this statement, when I run I feel _____.

Elizabeth: whole. Running fills me with hope and makes life richer. I believe it has changed my life.

Jodi: What is your current goal?

Elizabeth: My current goal is to finish the Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon with Carrie and Megan. I am looking forward to running this big race together. The best advice anyone ever gave me was to have fun with the race. I plan on having the most fun ever.

As you can see, Elizabeth is dedicated to her training. The photo below is of Elizabeth and her daughter Megan after a training run in Minnesota!! Now that's dedication!!

Thanks again for the opportunity to give you a Thumbs Up Elizabeth! Best of luck at the Cleveland Marathon and have a fantastic time having the most fun ever!!

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