Thumbs Up Thursday...Kim

This week's spotlight is on Kim from Life in the Twin Lane (here).  Once you read her interview head on over to her blog and introduce yourself!!

Jodi:  How long have you been running?

Kim:  I have been running off and on most of my life, but really starting getting into the crazy running world about four years ago.

Jodi:  Why did you start running?
Kim:  At first it was a way to help me manage the anxiety that came along with quitting smoking, and then I immediately liked the challenge of going faster and farther.

Jodi:  How many years have you been racing?
Kim:  My first race was May of 2007 - the Soleburner 5k in Appleton, WI. I now have a few 5ks and half marathons that I try to do every year, and love trying new races.

Jodi:  What is your favorite distance to race and why?
Kim:  I can't decide! For the past few years, I've said that I like half marathons, but I also love the thrill of the speed and the twenty something minutes of hell that comes with a 5k.

Kim receving a tropy at a Veteran's Day 5K in 2008

Jodi:  What is your favorite race memory?
Kim:  Ahh, this a tough one - there are so many great memories. In 2008, I ran the Oshkosh half marathon - my first. It was cold and sleeting, and there weren't many runners or spectators. I remember being about 11 miles on a beautiful trail through the park, grinning ear to ear and being so proud of myself for running that far. I felt on top of the world.

Jodi:  What is your least favorite race memory?
Kim:  Hands down - being at mile nine or ten of the Chicago Rock 'n Roll Half Marathon this summer. Every muscle in my legs burned and my stomach just started heaving. I broke out in a cold sweat and goosebumps, and it was the first time I ever thought about quitting a race. I later found out I was running on a femoral stress fracture, and I think that breakdown was my body's way of telling me to stop and go sit on the couch.

Kim and Rachel (Running in Real Life) after the 2011 Rock 'N Roll Chicago Half Marathon

Jodi:  What is your proudest running moment to date?
Kim:  Another tough question! This one's hard because while I have definitely had moments where I feel proud of myself, it's been so long since I've set a PR that I feel good about or run longer than I ever have that it's difficult to remember. I guess I'll say when I crossed the finish line at the Team Hailey 5k in April of 2010 - it was four weeks after I had my twins, and I was proud that I ran the whole thing - even though my newly giant boobs were absolutely killing me the entire time. :)

Jodi:  What one item do you absolutely have to have with you on a training run?
Kim:  Water. I never run without water, and it's got to be in my Camelbak handheld. When you squeeze it, this things shoots water at about a million miles per hour. It's awesome.

Jodi:  What is your favorite fuel during a race?
Kim:  Black Cherry Shot Bloks! I've been known to snack on them if I'm hungry and I find a half-eaten package in my car. Delightful.

Jodi:  What is your favorite post race snack?
Kim:  Vanilla almond milk with chocolate whey protein. I've Pavloved myself into craving it towards the end of every run.

Jodi:  Do you have a favorite quote?
Kim:  I do. "Face piles of trials with smiles, it riles them to believe that you perceive the web they weave. Keep on thinking free." It's from my favorite Moody Blues album, and it's been my favorite since I was a little girl.

Jodi:  Finish this statement: When I run I feel _________.
Kim:  Strong and accomplished. Driven.

Jodi:  Who do you admire most and why?
Kim:  My mom. Aside from being super smart and fun to be around, she started the Couch to 5k program at 58 years old, and just completed her second half marathon. She inspires so many people, but she'd never admit it.

Kim with her beautiful mother!!

Jodi:  What is your current goal?
Kim:  Ugh. Can you hear my giant sigh through the computer screen? My goal is to be smart and safe as I continue this rehab process so my femur heals stronger than ever. Then I'd like to remain injury free and just be able to run again. And... maybe set some new PRs. And run Ragnar. And maybe a marathon. :)

Jodi:  Please feel free to add anything that will motivate others to lace up their shoes and get out there and run!
Kim:  If you've been injured, you know how difficult it is emotionally and mentally to be taken out of running. Remember that fire that burns when all you want is to run, and get out there and enjoy feeling your heart pumping and the wind on your face. Be thankful for the gift your body is giving you.

Thanks again for the opportunity to give you a Thumbs Up Kim!  Bewst of luck achieving your mainly goals and healing well!

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

Thumbs Up Thursday...Falon

This week's spotlight is on Falon of Falon Does Marathon (here).  Once you read her interview head on over to her blog and say hello.

Jodi:  How long have you been running?
Falon:  Since May 2010. I still remember my very first effort, I think it took a week to run a mile without stopping to walk. I started with a group of friends also hoping to get into running and I was the only one that fell in love and stuck with it.


Jodi:  Why did you start running?
Falon:  Well as a non-runner, it seemed RIDICULOUSLY hard. Then, as I started it was easy to measure progress and improve. Also, running is really a solo effort. Yes, crowds and friends help, but I love that I am the only one responsible for my successes and failures.

Jodi:  How many years have you been racing?
Falon:  My first race ever, a 5k, was July 4, 2010. It is addicting for sure.

Jodi:  What is your favorite distance to race and why?
Falon:  I love the half marathon, but truth be told I'm probably best in the 8-10k range. I can usually catch a pretty fierce 2nd wind around mile 4 and run my guts out to the finish.

Jodi:  What is your favorite race memory?
Falon:  Wow I have so many amazing memories from various races and few of them have to do with crossing the finish line. When I saw my mom and my husband at mile 16 in Chicago. Hi-fiving a cute baby in Chinatown. Feeling strong enough to encourage other runners on the course. The first racing milestone of breaking a 30 minute 5k.

Jodi:  What is your least favorite race memory?
Falon:  Anytime I have done a race where I expected to place and didn't. I hate competing in that way- it really sours the experience and it is a dumb way to run.

Jodi:  What is your proudest running moment to date?
Falon:  Finishing the Chicago freakin' Marathon. Not in the time or the temperature that I wanted, but I did it. I ran strong and took it all in and I didn't let myself down in any way.

Jodi:  What one item do you absolutely have to have with you on a training run?
Falon:  Just one? I have several essential items. Sunglasses (if there is a 1% chance of the sun appearing- I have to have them), Contact Lenses (who can run in eye glasses?), Moving Comfort "Fiona" Bra, Garmin Forerunner 305. I will not walk out the door without those items. I feel like running is hard enough... I have to have the things I love.

Jodi:  What is your favorite fuel during a race?
Falon:  I love Shot Blocks. Black Cherry and Strawberry have been my favorites so far. I also like the Double Espresso Cliff Shot when I can stomach the sweet. The caffeine always adds a nice zinnnngggg! Truth be told I wish race eating was not necessary because it is always SO unappealing at the time.

Jodi:  What is your favorite post race snack?
Falon:  Summer races- WATERMELON! Also, PIZZA and if that is wrong... I don't wanna be right.

Jodi:  Do you have a favorite quote?
Falon:  I don't really have a favorite running quote. I do have a mantra though. It was spray painted under a bridge along a trail I regularly ran. "More Action, More Passion" I try to repeat that to myself when times get tough.

Jodi:  Finish this statement: When I run a feel ________.
Falon:  untouchable and I believe that the world is still a place for dreams and possibilities.

Jodi:  Who do you admire most and why?
Falon:  Wowza. I don't really have one person I supremely admire. I admire all runners as they strive for faster times, stronger runs and bigger dreams. I also admire all the runner bloggers posting to help and motivate the entire running community! I admire my mother, she is such a kind hearted person that genuinely likes most people and she doesn't get bogged down in whiny crap very often.

Jodi:  What is your current goal?
Falon:  Great question, I am still trying to define my goals for 2012 as I look beyond the marathon. Do I want to improve speed or strive for distance? Yes, they usually come as a set, but where should my focus be? Hmmm right now all I know is that I'm going to dedicate the winter to improving overall strength, muscle tone and flexibility. I am hoping to become a more balanced athlete which will hopefully improve my running. I'd also like to become more regular with my mileage so I'm flirting with the 1,000 miles in 2012 goal. It scares and excites me, all at the same time.

Thanks again for the opportunity to give you a Thumbs Up Falon!  Best of luck achieving all of your awesome goals!

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

Thumbs Up Thursday...Dave P.

This week's spotlight is on Dave P. of Six Degrees of MVNUSID (here).  Once you read his interview head on over to his blog and say hello!

Jodi:  Why did you start running?
Dave P:  I’ve always managed to keep pretty active thanks in large part to working in the athletic department of a small college (Mount Vernon Nazarene University). I would typically play pick-up basketball or other team-oriented sports a couple times of week, so I felt like I was in fairly good shape. I suffered a wrist injury in intramural basketball last winter and that kept me from playing basketball. I started to notice that my pants were getting a little tight and I needed to do something about it. My wife had already run two half marathons at that point, so I thought I would give running a try. It was slow going at first, but as soon as I found a group of friends to run with it really took off. The rest is history. The story from when I started running is here and then the story on my first anniversary of running is here.


Jodi:  How many years have you been racing?

Dave P:  I ran my first race in August 2010. I was hooked! Races are the rewards for all the hard work you do in training. The running group that I'm in, the Mount Vernon Running Buddies, was born out of a group of friends that all ran that first race together. That group is the main reason why I'm still running!  You can read about it here. 

Dave P's very first race

Jodi:  What is your favorite distance to race and why?
Dave P:  I really like the half marathon distance. I’ve run four of them now and feel like I have a good plan in place when I set out to do one. It’s long enough that it’s a challenge for sure, but it’s short enough that you don’t have to totally re-arrange your life to train for it. Having just done my first full marathon two weeks ago, I’m looking forward to applying what I learned in a spring full and see how much I can improve. I also run a lot of shorter races, but I’m not a sprinter.

Jodi:  What is your favorite race memory?
Dave P:  My favorite race memory so far was running the Mount Vernon Nazarene University Homecoming 5K last November on my 39th birthday with my wife and two daughters. It was the first time that we had all done a race together and the first race of any kind for my two kids – Ashley (10) and Kylie (6). They did great and have since enjoyed running several races with me.

Dave P and his family at their first 5K race

Jodi:  What is your least favorite race memory?
Dave P:  My least favorite race memory is the final five miles of my first half marathon in Columbus last October. I started out WAY too fast and was pretty much out of it from mile eight on. I just wanted to crawl in a hole and die. I don’t remember much about the first 30 minutes after the race as I was definitely in a fog. However, that experience, which was my own fault, made me a better runner. I started running without music after that so that I could soak up all the energy on race day. I promised myself that my top priority from then on at races was to enjoy the experience, interact with the other runners, spectators, and volunteers, and be happy with the fact that I was going to finish. Time became a secondary consideration. Don’t get me wrong…I still want to do my best every time out. However, if you can’t enjoy the journey even when it might get painful, why bother to do it. This change in perspective really paid off when I had to walk a lot over the final six miles of my first marathon and helped me enjoy that part as much as the first 20 miles when I was on pace for a 3:29 finish.  You can read about my first marathon journey here.
Jodi:  What is your proudest running moment to date?
Dave P:  My proudest moment so far has been the four-mile local fundraiser race when I was forced to walk it due to injuries, but I got to witness my six-year-old daughter sprinting to the finish to complete her longest race to date. I still get chills and a little teary-eyed thinking about it.  Check it out here.  For me, it honestly is watching others have success or reaching their goals.

Proud father

Jodi:  What one item do you absolutely have to have with you on a training run?
Dave P:  I hate to run without my Garmin. I’m a numbers-driven guy and that’s probably why I’ve gotten so addicted to running. My 305 watch allows me to run whenever and wherever I want and still have all kinds of data. It has really helped me to improve my times.

Jodi:  What is your favorite fuel during a race?
Dave P:  This is the area that I really still struggle with especially the farther that I run. I do a better than average job of drinking lots of water and hydrating, but fueling during my long runs is still a challenge. For half marathons, I’ve started taking two G1 pouches with me and drinking one right before the race and then just getting water at most of the water stops. My stomach hasn’t mastered the gels yet, but I’m going to keep trying them on my training runs because I know that’s an important piece of the race day puzzle. This is probably one area that I constantly look for advice on, but it really comes down to each individual person’s preference.

Jodi:  What is your favorite post race snack?
Dave P:  My motto is “I run to eat”, so I’m looking for food as soon as the race ends. Panera’s cinnamon crunch bagels and ice cold chocolate milk are a favorite, but really I will eat about anything. In fact, I managed to score a blueberry cake donut at mile 23 of my marathon to help fuel me to the finish. LOL Now, if I could just get Outback to have a hot, juicy steak waiting at the finish line, I would be all set. (Hint, hint). :)

Jodi:  Do you have a favorite quote?
Dave P:  “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13

Jodi:  Finish this statement: When I run, I feel free ________________.
Dave P:  I love having all the time to think, decompress, and solve all the world’s problems on a long run. It’s my physical and mental health break.

Jodi:  Who do you admire most and why?
Dave P:  First of all, I admire my wife, Carla, and appreciate all that she does for our family as a wife and mother all the while working full-time. She spends a lot of time as basically a single mom due to my crazy work schedule that eats up nights and weekends. I also admire my parents. My dad, who is 64, recently rode his bike across the state of Indiana in one day this summer and my mom, who is also 64, walks several miles every day. They, along with my 89-year-old grandma who goes to Curves three times a week, have shown me the benefits of staying active. Finally, I really appreciate the entire running community because they inspire and encourage me on a daily basis.

Dave P. and his dad at the Memorial Day 5K

Jodi:  What is your current goal?
Dave P:  Well, my main goal for 2012 is to run smarter and thus stay healthy. I pushed myself too hard this year and paid the price in the two months leading up to my marathon. I would love to work towards attempting to BQ in a marathon, but 3:15 is a pretty fast pace to try to run. I train with some great people and follow the advice of others, so I have no doubt that I can at least give it my best shot now that I have a little more experience and knowledge.

Jodi:  Please feel free to add anything that will motivate others to lace up their shoes and get out there and run!
Dave P:  I tell people all the time that taking the first steps is the hardest part of the running journey. Also, if you can find at least one other person to run with, you will be much more likely to make it a habit that sticks. Also, for people who think that running isn’t for you, I encourage you to go watch or even volunteer at a local race. You will be inspired and might just take up running after all. That’s how I got started! :)

Dave P. having a blast running a 10 mile race

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

Keep running, you're simply the best, and Dave P. YOU inspire ME!!

Thumbs Up Thursday...The Columbus Marathon Photographers

This week's spotlight is on the Columbus Marathon Photographers.  Just look at the outstanding work they do!!

Thank you for capturing my pain, pride, and perserverance on Sunday morning.  You did an amazing job documenting me having the time of my life!!

Keep running, you're simply the best, and Columubs Marathon Photographers YOUR work INSPIRES me!!

Thumbs Up Thursday...Greg

This week's spotlight is on Greg of Predawn Runner (here).  Once you read Greg's interview head on over to his blog and say hello.  I promise you will be truly inspired.  Did I mention he won a marathon this past Sunday?

Jodi:  How long have you been running?
Greg:  Well, it's been around 22 years "elapsed time" I guess, but there was a bit of on and off in that - so maybe 3 years in high school with track (specialized in the mile), maybe 5 in college and after I got married (my early road-race era), inexplicably took a few years off, 4 years in the early '00's (where I experimented in marathons, but didn't inhale), and now 3 years of the really serious stuff - so 15 "net" years.

Jodi:  Why did you start running?
Greg:  There was a girl on the high school track team I was interested in. We only dated briefly, but fortunately the running lasted a lot longer. In my first track meet, I ran the fastest 2-mile time of the year thus far for the team with just a week of training, so I guess my soccer background had given me a good fitness base to build off of, and I was hooked on running. I stuck with track even when the girl became less of a motivation (though, admittedly, there was another one...).

Jodi:  How many years have you been racing?
Greg:  I did my first road races in college, right around 1993 when I met my now-wife. The peak of this was my first half-marathon, the Buckeye Half down in Peninsula (I went to college at Case Western Reserve University, in Cleveland). I honestly don't remember my time but I think it was around 1:40. I had to walk out one side stitch but otherwise the race went well. I didn't really run to race then, it was more to lose the "freshman 15" and get some time away from the hard-core engineering / economics curriculum.

Jodi:  What is your favorite distance to race and why?
Greg:  I am heart and soul a marathon runner. I love the event because it is something you can build your whole season around, and in doing so you can still put in some solid half-marathon's, 10K's, even 5K's. I may someday make the leap to ultras, but I like the fact that marathons are more "comparable" - while courses may vary on hilliness, time of year (and thus temperature), etc., you don't have the wild variety of surface that you typically see in the ultras. Thus, you can focus on your PR and continue to drill it down for years - well into your 40's, for example, especially if you come late to running. I have done 9 of them now (4 Chicago, 1 Cincinnati, 1 Boston, 1 Cleveland, 1 Akron, 1 Towpath), and plan to continue at a 2-3 per year pace for the foreseeable future.

Jodi:  What is your favorite race memory?
Greg:  I'm going to focus on the 2nd favorite here because my favorite is also my proudest, below. This was my first Boston Qualifier (BQ) marathon at Chicago in 2002. It was my third overall marathon, I had trained pretty well but still didn't know if I had a BQ in me. I went out too fast, but managed to hold on until mile 25, at which point I had to pull off, under McCormick Center, to stretch out a hamstring strain. The 3:10 pacers (my BQ time) passed me at that point, so I got back out on the road and put in a 7:40 mile, even including the stretching, to finish in 3:09:08.

Jodi:  What is your least favorite race memory?
Greg:  I skipped my first Boston opportunity as it was a few months after our first son was born - we now have three boys, and I was stupid enough with the first to think that I could train through those early months. I then ran Boston 2004, after "tuning up" at Chicago 2003. One thing about the Boston course is that it has no forgiveness for fools, especially when the high temperature is 85 degrees as it was that day. I don't think my training was particularly strong ahead of that race, but I didn't let that stop me from blowing out the first few miles, on the early downhills. By mile 9, I was cooked. There was a lot of walking the rest of the course, though I did manage to run Heartbreak Hill (my heart was broken long before then anyway). My final time was 3:56, my worst-ever marathon performance. Now I recognize that there is nothing wrong with a sub-4:00 marathon, so I don't want to come across as arrogant, but when you are running Boston and had qualified with a time nearly 50 minutes faster, you can probably appreciate the sense of disappointment. And my wife had stayed home with our son, so there wasn't really a shoulder to cry on. Not that I cry but, well, you know what I mean.

Jodi:  What is your proudest running moment to date?
Greg:  This one is easy - this past weekend I enjoyed a completely unexpected win at the Towpath Marathon. I had a strong season of training, logging many 70+ mile weeks and some of the best tempo and interval runs I've ever done (though also some absolute flops due to the summer humidity - which made me stronger in the long run). I felt very confident in my 3:00 goal. But I had no thought ever of actually winning the marathon. Through a fortunate series of events, mostly involving all the leaders fading while I held a steady pace throughout, I moved from fifth place at mile 21 (which I was fully content with) to first by mile 25, and ended up winning by over three minutes. If anyone is interested in more details, I posted a full race report on my blog.

Jodi:  What one item do you absolutely have to have with you on a training run?
Greg:  I'm pretty minimalist about gear, I rarely take water unless it's over 15 miles (maybe 12 if it's humid out), and I rarely use my iPod. My must-have item is my Garmin Forerunner 405, as I am really big on metrics. However, I've taken to running all of my recovery-type runs with leaving the watch on time of day and not automatically showing splits, so that I'm running by feel but still get the final miles and pace to calibrate my "feel" on an ongoing basis. Since I don't really care about pace while I'm running such runs, there is no disappointment if it's slower than normal, but plenty of satisfaction when an "easy" run comes in surprisingly fast, as it did on one of my runs the week before the Towpath - thought I was running around 7:40, ended up at 7:05.

Jodi:  What is your favorite fuel during a race?
Greg:  Turns out Gatorade from the aid stations is all I really need. I've taken gels offered during past races, but missed the opportunity to do so at the Towpath and suffered no bonk whatsoever. I think the fact that I run 90% of my miles before breakfast, including 20 milers, has helped me develop a pretty good ability to utilize my glycogen efficiently.

Jodi:  What is your favorite post race snack?
Greg:  I'm not real picky about this either, and with most of my marathons being local these days due to family commitments (I had to miss the awards ceremony at the Towpath to coach my son's soccer game), we don't really go out to celebrate either. So it's generally whatever we make for dinner that night, which is typically kid-friendly. We did go to Morton's for a nice porterhouse (well, I don't think my wife had a porterhouse) after my first marathon in Chicago, but haven't really done anything like that since. I do tend to indulge in beer during my post-race recovery period, whereas I forgo it during the two months or so before the marathon.

Jodi:  Do you have a favorite quote?
Greg:  It may seem a bit of an odd quote, but my favorite comes from Jack Welch, former CEO of GE, where I spent the first 13 years of my career. I'm not sure if he got it from someone else, but he once stated, "yesterday's news warps today's fish". To me, life, and running, is about looking ahead, not looking back. This is true whether your past has been successful or, well, less than you hoped for. So celebrate your accomplishment, or lament a tragedy, but at some point you have to realize that you can only influence what happens from this point on, not what has already happened. It is pointless to waste energy over the latter.

Jodi:  Finish this statement: When I run a feel _________.
Greg:  empowered. What I love about running is that you control your own fate. Yes, natural ability comes into play, but you control how you take that ability and apply it towards setting and reaching your goals. Your race is rarely against others (though it is fun when that starts to happen), but it is against your own self - thus the quality of competition doesn't matter, the abilities of other "team members" doesn't matter. It is all about your own heart, discipline, desire, and intelligence (the latter comes into play in sorting out the approach to running and gear that is right for you).

Jodi:  Who do you admire most and why?
Greg:  I'm pretty humble about this I guess, as I would say it is my own father and my father-in-law. Both were hard workers, good fathers, and good role models for their family, and that is all I have aspired to be. Anything beyond that is gravy. Yes, I have dreams and goals, advancing in business, stretching towards ever-better running accomplishments. But I want to be remembered for what I did with and for my family, and if I fail at that, then I've failed at life.

Jodi:  What is your current goal?
Greg:  I assume we are still talking about running here (my other goals are as stated above). Since my goal was a sub-3:00 marathon, I guess I need to adjust it now. I'm pretty simplistic about this in general - at a high level, my goal is to see how much longer I can continue to improve my marathon time before my age starts to catch up with me. I suspect I have a good 5-7 years to go on this. So as a next step, I'd like to work towards a 2:50 marathon, maybe 2:45 in the long run.

Since we all know pictures make Thumbs Up Thursday even better, I give you Greg.

2011 River Run Half Marathon

2011  Towpath Ten 3-Way Race

Greg and his beautiful family

Thanks again for the opportunity to give you a Thumbs Up Greg!  Best of luck achieving your new found goals.

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

Thumbs Up Thursday...Lisa

This week's spotlight is on Lisa.  Once you read her interview head on over to dailymile and check out her training (here).

Warrior Dash

Jodi: How long have you been running?
Lisa: I have been running for 1 year.

Jodi:  Why did you start running?
Lisa:  I was in the market for a treadmill, because I had always walked for fitness. About this time I transferred to a new dept. at work and met Kris, one of the CNP's and she was talking about how she took up running and how "great" it was. I thought she was crazy when she said, "Oh, you can do it." So, I thought I'd give it a try, ha, I don't even think I made it a minute the first time. Well, as soon as she found out I was trying, she jumped on the bandwagon and wanted some of us to sign up for a 5K, I couldn't believe it, I told her now I know you are crazy !!! So, me being me, with this new idea in my head, I mapped out a 3 mile loop around my neighborhood and started training. I figured if I could make it somewhat ok, then I would sign-up. I thought it would just be something I could cross off my bucket list, little did I know that I would love it so much.

Jodi:  How many years have you been racing?
Lisa:  It will be a year in October.

Jodi:  What is your favorite distacne to race and why?
Lisa:  I have done more 5K's than any other distance.

Jodi:  What is your favorite race memory?
Lisa:  During that first 5K, Kris came and ran with me about the last 100 yards to the finish line. They were already done, but she was watching for me to come around the bend into the stadium and she pushed me to run to the finish when all I wanted to do was walk, that was a very special moment and it meant alot to me.

Lisa's 1st 5k--Amherst Skeleton Run

Jodi:  What is your least favorite race memory?
Lisa:  Well, it's really not that bad, since it was still a major accomplishment. My friends and I signed up to walk the 2011 Cleveland 1/2 Marathon, at the time, I was already bitten by the running bug, the weren't yet. I am happy to report they are now !! Anyway, I really missed not being able to run over the finish line, we had to walk the whole way. But, I will get my chance at the Towpath 1/2 in Oct. and we have already signed up for the 2012 Cleveland 1/2 .

Jodi:  What is your proudest running moment to date?
Lisa:  Finishing my 1st 5K.

Jodi:  What one item do you absolutely have to have with you on a training run?
Lisa:  My Ironman watch, I am too obsessed with time..lol.

Jodi:  What is your favorite fuel during a race?
Lisa:  I like the strawberry banana GU.

Jodi:  What is your favorite post race snack?
Lisa:  Banana and later on a beer.

Jodi:  Do you have a favorite quote?
Lisa:  It takes as much courage to have tried and failed as it does to have tried and succeeded.- Anne Morrow Lindbergh

Jodi:  Finish this statement, when I run I feel _________.
Lisa:  a great sense of achievement.

Jodi:  Who do you admire most and why?
Lisa:  I admire people that go out and pursue their dreams no matter how many people tell them it can't be done.

Jodi:  What is your current goal?
Lisa:  To finish the Towpath 1/2 in under 3 hours.

Jodi:  Please feel free to add anything that will motivate others to lace up their shoes and get out there and run.
Lisa:  I would tell someone that if I can do it, anyone can !!! I have met alot of great people,be it in person or over the computer, it is amazing how other runners welcome you into the fold, just like they have known you forever. They are always willing to help out us newbies. So, I say buy some good running shoes, set some goals, and get out there !!!

Of course there can never be too many pictures on Thumbs Up Thursday so I give you these as well!!

St. Malachi

Lisa with Kathy and Jean at the Kerstetter 5K

Thanks again for the opportunity to give you a Thumbs Up Lisa! Best of luck achieving your sub-3hr half marathon!

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

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!!

Thumbs Up Thursday...Cindy

This week's spotlight is on Cindy.  Once you finish reading her interview head on over to dailymile and check out her training (here).

Jodi:  How long have you been running?
Cindy:  27 years


Jodi:  Why did you start running?
Cindy:  At first to stay fit (very casual)...as I began to have babies...to get back into shape. Once I hit 40...to complete a marathon.

Jodi:  How many years have you been racing?
Cindy:  Only about 8

Jodi:  What is your favorite distance to race & why?
Cindy:  Half Marathon is the easiest for me because it’s manageable to train with little injury. I love the marathon though for the “mental” challenge.

Jodi:  What is your favorite race memory?
Cindy:  End of Columbus Marathon – just crossed finish line & a friend called me on my cell to tell me I’d qualified for Boston.

Jodi:  What is your least favorite race memory?
Cindy:  Steamtown Marathon....completely bonked after mile 19...brutal to finish...completely dehydrated & felt horrible at the end.

Jodi:  What is your proudest running moment to date?
Cindy:  Starting Boston & Finishing Boston...having the medal draped around my neck after the finish.

Jodi:  What one item must you have with you on a training run?
Cindy:  My Garmin

Jodi:  What is your favorite fuel during a race?
Cindy:  gatorade & gu

Jodi:  What is your favorite post race snack?
Cindy:  banana & chocolate milk

Jodi:  Do you have a favorite quote?
Cindy:  “It’s not about winning, it’s about finishing.”

Jodi:  Finish this statement:  When I run I feel ___________.
Cindy:  exhilarated (when it’s a good run).

Jodi:  Who do you admire most and why?
Cindy:  Ryan Hall...besides being a phenomenal runner, he has deep faith & that’s what guides him.

Jodi:  What is your current goal?
Cindy:  To run New York City Marathon healthy & strong.

Thanks again for the opportunity to give you a Thumbs Up Cindy!

Best of luck at the New York City Marathon!

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

Thumbs Up Thursday...Nell

This week's spotlight is on Nell.  Once you read her interview head on over to dailymile and check out her training (here).

Jodi:  How long have you been running?
Nell:  It will be two years in October.


Jodi:  Why did you start running?
Nell:  Because I had been working out for a while and my boyfriend was a runner and introduced me to it - was ready for the challenge.

Jodi:  How many years have you been racing?
Nell:  Approximately a year and a half - my very first race was the Corktown in Detroit in 2010.

Jodi:  What is your favorite distance to race and why?
Nell:  My favorite distance race would probably be the half marathon. Long enough to make you feel it, but not as daunting a task as a full.

Jodi:  What is your favorite race memory?
Nell:  My favorite race memory would probably be my first 10-miler at the Crim last summer - couldn't believe I actually made it and felt great afterwards, plus I was given two free beers after that race. Good day!!

Jodi:  What is your least favorite race memory?
Nell:  When my ITB went out 23 miles into my full marathon and I had to walk the last three - the mental pain was worse than the physical.

Jodi:  What is your proudest running moment to date?
Nell:  Finishing the marathon even though I had to limp the last three miles.

Jodi:  What one item do you absolutely have to have with you on a training run?
Nell:  That's a tossup between my Ipod and hydration.

Jodi:  What is your favorite fuel during a race?
Nell:  GU (chocolate, to be exact).

Jodi:  What is your favorite post race snack?
Nell:  Any kind of breakfast pretty much. I also love cold watermelon after a hot race.

Jodi:  Do you have a favorite quote?
Nell:  "Whether you think you can or you can't, you're probably right". Henry Ford

Jodi:  Finish this statement: When I run a feel ________.
Nell:  empowered.

Jodi:  Who do you admire most and why?
Nell:  My boyfriend, Dave, because he took himself from an overweight couch potato to an Ironman/ultra runner.

Jodi:  What is your current goal?
Nell:  Finish another full marathon, but without having to walk the last three miles. Hopefully this will be in the beginning of November.

Jodi:  Please feel free to add anything that will motivate others to lace up their shoes and get out there and run!
Nell:  I never imagined myself a runner. I have bad knees (broke both kneecaps in a car accident as a child), bad back (twin pregnancy) and a plethora of other aches and pains. Never say never, folks. Once I started running and kept at it, I realized that my body is capable of far more than I give it credit for, and the activity actually helps with my aches and pains. It's such a feeling of accomplishment to run and you ALWAYS feel better after having done it. I have never regretted a run, but have regretted NOT going on a run. Also, it's so cleansing mentally - if you have something bothering you, a run will surely help you deal with it. And, like everyone says, the "runner's high" is such a fabulous feeling - it's like a burst of energy and happiness all at the same time after you've just pushed your body to the limits, almost a euphoric feeling.

Thanks for allowing me to be a part of your blog, Jodi! :o) RUN HAPPY!!!

No Thumbs Up Thursday is complete with out pictures!!

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

Keep runnning, you're simply the best, and Nell YOU inspire ME!!

Thumbs Up Thursday...Ginny

This week's spotlight is on Ginny of Neurosis of the Stay at Home Marathoner of 3 (Kids) here.  Once you read her interview head on over to her blog and say hello.  I promise you won't be disappointed.



Jodi:  How long have you been running?

Ginny:  I started running on April 22, 2008. Seems kinda specific, right? Yeah, I know. I think the fact that I noted the date is probably a testimony to what kind of OCD runner I was going to become.

Jodi:  Why did you start running?
Ginny:  Two reasons. 1 - to lose the baby weight. I mean, the baby was walking, talking in 3 word sentences feeding herself. It really just seemed like the baby weight needed to GO. The 2nd reason is a little stalker-ish sounding on paper. I met this woman who I just really connected with who was a marathoner. She kept insisting that I COULD DO THIS, after all, she'd only been doing it for a short time. I decided that in order to be friends with her, it was a good idea to be a runner too. Of course, that woman is my "running wife", TMB of Racing with Babes.

Jodi:  How many years have you been racing?
Ginny:  On April 26, 2008, four whole days after I took up running, I did my first 5K. It was brutal. I thought I would die. I had never run more than 2 miles in a row before, and that with walk breaks. Of course, training would have helped. These are the details that are important.

Jodi:  What is your favorite distance to race and why?
Ginny:  Tough to say. I really enjoyed the 10 miler I did last December, but it was one of THOSE DAYS. You know, where you wake up and own the race course, and all the other runners out there may as well just not show up because it's YOUR day? So if pressed, I might say that the 10 mile distance is my favorite. I also enjoy the 15K distance. Both of these distances require thought & strategy, but aren't so long that if I screw up I'm screwed.

Jodi:  What is your favorite race memory?
Ginny:  Two days before the Richmond Marathon I met Bart Yasso for the second time. It was a great evening with the team at the big MTT Pasta Party. Well, the guy I'd grabbed a ride with was chatting with his coach and I was stuck standing between my coach, Q, and Bart Yasso while we all sort of chatted and waited. I held the door ("I carried the water melon") for Bart on his way out of the building.

Flash forward to mile 16 or so of the Marathon. I came off the Lee Bridge running strong, and Bart Yasso was standing on the side of the course in a Red Runner's World shirt, and I yelled at the top of my lungs while pointing with both hands, "IT'S MY BEST FRIEND BART!". And he replied at the top of his lungs, "It's Green Plaid SOCK GIRL! Gotta get me a pair of those socks".

Bart's still one of my Runner's World BFFs.

Jodi:  What is your least favorite race memory?
Ginny:  That's so easy. In May of this year TMB and I raced a Muddy Buddy event. It was not a good day. The worst moment of my life was hearing, "We're taking Bib# xyz in the ambulance"... and I thought to myself, "hey that's my number... that's T...". I almost threw up on the spot. I had no idea what her status was, why they were bussing her out, or anything. I knew she'd wrecked the bike, and I imagined the worst. Thinking back on that moment now makes my stomach sour.

I always wondered, if I ever had to walk off a course, would I be able to do it? And of course, I learned on May 1, that walking off the course and taking the DNF is something I can do when the moment calls for it.

Jodi:  What is your proudest running moment to date?
Ginny:  That's tough for me. I am still proud of my Galactically Bada$$ marathon PR, because I totally trusted myself that day. I made a plan and executed it.

However, I am also proud of the first 5K I ran. It was scary, I had no friends doing it, and yet I lined up at the back of the running pack/in front of the walkers... I still wonder WHAT I was thinking.

Jodi:  What one item do you absolutely have to have with you on a training run?
Ginny:  I am very attached to my skirt/sock combo. I love my Runningskirts.com and lululemon skirts. Are they pricey? Yup. Are they worth it? Hellz to the yeah. I'm ~slightly~ obsessed.

Jodi:  What is your favorite fuel during a race?
Ginny:  I'll let you know when I nail that down.... I have a super sensitive stomach. Gu, Accel Gel, Clif blocks, Chomps, etc have all made me dry heave at some point. Next on the "list of things to dry heave after ingesting" is Honey Stingers. I'm planning to give them a go this week on a training run. On the above list, Chomps & Blocks are the least offensive to the stomach - but I think they smell like potpourri, then Accel Gel, then GU. Gu and I go way back, to the day I joined the Vom Squad for the first time on a run... ~ sigh~

Jodi:  What is your favorite post race snack?
Ginny:  CHOCOLATE MILK! Love that I can drink a serving without guilt. But I'm also into PB&J on really high quality whole grain bread.

Jodi:  Do you have a favorite quote?
Ginny:  I have two.

Try not. Do, or do not. There is no try ~ Yoda.

It's the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting. ~Paulo Coelho, (The Alchemist)

Jodi:  Finish this statement: When I run a feel _________.
Ginny:  empowered, rebellious, free, lifted, amazing, epic, freaktastic, strong, and hot. and sweaty.

Jodi:  Who do you admire most and why?
Ginny:  What makes a person the kind of person we should admire? A famous person? I know, and consider myself friendly, with quite a few famous people. An "elite" runner? I don't know any of those, but I know some better than epic sub 3 hour marathoers who are pretty amazing. But do I admire them for that? I don't know.

The people I admire aren't people that would make sense to anyone else. They're not "names", well, one of them is locally recognizable and one of them is fast on her way to being nationally recognizable. I admire people who balance selflessness with self.

For example, the runner I admire most is a person who knocks out 60+ miles a week, volunteers a million hours a year for our Richmond Road Runners Club, helps raise a daughter, and works a demanding "bread winning" full time job, and, yet, he always has time to answer my questions about running.

The mother I admire the most is raising confident daughters while wrangling an enviable training schedule and on her way to RULE THE WORLD....

So I guess it's fair to say, I admire normal people who are doing extraordinary things.

Jodi:  What is your current goal?
Ginny:  Rock a GBA PR 26.2 at Richmond this November. (GBA = Galactically Bada**)

Jodi:  Please feel free to add anything that will motivate others to lace up their shoes and get out there and run!
Ginny:  ~savor the run~.

Ginny:  When my coach asked me "How're you doing?" at mile 23 of the 2010 Richmond Marathon, my response was, "Galactically Bada**."  I nailed that PR because I made a race plan, and then trusted myself to race the plan to completion.

Ginny:  My Posse - Post Race at the Autism 5K. We were epic that day, bringing home several first place AG finishes, a few 3rd place AG finishes, and oh yeah, most importantly, supporting my Autistic daughter, who raced in honor of herself that day.



Ginny:  Tonia (TMB) & I at San Francisco Lululemon/Runners World shake out run, the day before my Half Marathon PR on the hilliest course I could ever imagine.

(Oh, and yeah, that's Bart Yasso in the background)

Thanks again for the opportunity to give you a Thumbs Up Ginny!  Best of luck chasing your goal at Richmond!

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