LexRunLadies

From day 1, Toa Green has been one of my biggest encouragers with this group. I wouldn’t have gotten things rolling as fast if she hadn’t had so much faith in me. So say hi to Toa! You can also find her at her blog, Thai and Mighty, and her restaurant Thai Orchid Cafe (and I would love both of them as much even if I didn’t know Toa personally!).

How long have you been running?

I’ve been running on and off since high school — about 16 years.

What keeps you motivated?

Having new goals, trying to improve my strength and speed, and trying to stay active so I can eat more.

Are you training for a race or an event?

I’m training for the Iron Horse Half Marathon in October and the Tri for Sight in September.  My training is a mix of classes at the Y (High Street!), and the training plan with Endurance Base Camp (yay, Gary!)  Training is going well so far. Staying strong and injury free.

What is your favorite race?

Markey Race for Women’s Cancer Sprint Triathlon and the Shamrock Shuffle 3K

Where is your favorite place to run?

I love running on the Legacy Trail and the Arboretum.  But mostly I just run in my neighborhood because it’s convenient.

What are your running fears?

Getting injured.  Again, sigh.

Do you measure your runs or do you just run for fun? Has it always been that way?

All runs are measured by my Garmin or in my brain they don’t count.  I’m neurotic in that way.  I also like to see my pace and measure if I’m improving.

Have you ever dealt with injury?

I’ve had a lot of athletic injuries.  The running specific ones were a torn meniscus (busted knee) and a strained foot tendon. I got better by resting — lots and lots of resting.  No running or other activity and then working slowly back to normal workouts.  Injuries suck.  So I felt really angry, a bit of self-pity, but then gratefulness for when it got better.  Take care of yourself and it will get better.

Do you do any cross-training?

Yup!  Swimming, biking and strength training.  I love biking outside on a beautiful day.  Lexington is an amazing place to cycle.  I also love strength training when I have help with knowing what to do.  Without a trainer, I’m pretty lost and unmotivated in that department.

Do you have a long-term running goal?

I want to finally finish a half marathon after a decade hiatus from the distance.  I’ve got my eye on the Iron Horse Half Marathon this fall.  I had planned on running a half this spring, but the foot injury had other plans.  So I’m hoping to build up my strength to complete this race injury free.   Long-term, I’d like to keep running consistently, mostly to just stay in shape.

What gear is absolutely necessary for you?

Garmin watch, tri shorts, hat and sunglasses.

What gear is on your wish list?

If one just dropped out of the sky, I’d love a Garmin bike computer.  Right now I just strap my running watch on there, which works fine.

Do you eat on the run? If so, what?

Clif Shot bloks (tropical punch) and Sports Beans.  I will be adding Very Cherry Jelly Belly Jelly beans to the mix for half marathon training this fall.   GU gels make me gag.

What is your favorite running song?  

Sooner or Later by Mat Kearney

Are you listening to any podcasts or audiobooks while you run?

Nope, I need something that’s really upbeat and loud to keep me going.

What are your favorite running/health-related websites or apps?

Healthy Tipping Point blog, myfitnesspal.com, Daily Garnish blog, Krissie’s blog! (http://myradicalcommitment.com/)

What is the strangest thing that happened on a run?

During my first sprint tri a couple of years ago, the race director told us in the pre-race meeting that the police might not be out on the bike course because there was a convict on the loose and if they catch him, they all might be called off of turn and traffic duty. Luckily, all the police were in place to keep us safe, but it was weird to think that we might be racing with an escaped convict running around.

Do you have a running pet-peeve?

Not really.  But I wish runners would give themselves more credit.  Be happy with your accomplishments, people! Be proud!  No matter how big or small.  Conquering challenges are not easy for anyone. Small steps take you a long way.

What are you reading right now?

Ben & Jerry’s Ice cream book.  There are a lot of books sitting on my nightstand, though.  But I haven’t gotten to them because I heart TiVo.

What is your one guilty pleasure?

Graters Toffee Chip ice cream. And “Dance Moms”

What is your favorite meal/restaurant/recipe?

Dim Sum (Chinese dumplings).  But my heart does belong to the food at Thai Orchid Cafe as well!