LexRunLadies

I remember the specific day I met this chick out on Polo Club. Her smile and laugh are infectious. And she can bake like nobody’s business – just come out to West Sixth on someone’s birthday and you’ll understand. And if you got a high five from the Big Hand at Midsummer Night’s Run, she was the girl holding the hand. Say hi to my friend, Katie!

How long have you been running?

I’ve been running off and on for just over three years now. regularly for the last year. at first, running started as an escape to my every day life, but now it helps keep me sane.

What keeps you motivated?

friends! feeling better about myself than I ever have, even when I played sports in my childhood…I never felt good about myself. running has increased my self confidence.

Are you training for a race or an event? How is that going?

Iron Horse Half Marathon…eh, its going okay, not as well as I had planned. I started off my training with horrid shin splints and had to stop for a little while. I’m not able to do the full mileage per week right now due to time constraints, but next week once all my kids are in school I’ll at least have the mornings to run.

What is your favorite race?

Shamrock Shuffle 3k! I’ve done it for the last four years and I just love it.

Where is your favorite place to run?

Probably Midway, but I don’t run regularly in one spot…so wherever my running buddies are is my favorite

What are your running fears?

injuries. now that I’ve dealt with a minor one that took me out of running for almost a month, I’m definitely more cautious.

Do you measure your runs?

I do. I started with RunKeeper on my phone, then got a Garmin earlier this year. I love seeing the numbers and measuring my progress.

Have you ever dealt with injury?

I had really bad shin splints and what I think was probably a calf strain as well. I had to rest. Did a lot of icing and stretching. I took 3.5 weeks off and it stunk to high heaven. I now have to wear a compression sleeve just on that leg to help with the shin splints. I’ve run without and it feels okay while running, but its the after…I’d like to not think about that.

Do you do any cross-training?

I really enjoy boot camp type classes, swimming, and biking. I’ve been doing some of Trainer Bob’s workout DVD’s at home mostly to work on my core.

Do you have a long-term running goal?

I was considering a marathon next year to celebrate my 30th birthday, but due to things I can’t take care of, its not in the cards. So my goals for the next year-ish is to work on my 5k/10k racing. I want to get faster.

What gear is absolutely necessary for you?

My Garmin. I don’t run without it. If I do, I feel lost.

What gear is on your wish list?

maybe the foot pod that goes with the Garmin for when I do use the treadmill…there is nothing I really want. though more running clothes are definitely up there.

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

I try not to. However, when I need to, I like the PowerBar Energy Gel things that you chew. I tried Gu and it makes me want to vomit.

What is your favorite running song?

I don’t listen to music often when I run, but on the occasion that I do, I enjoy “I Gotta Feeling” by Black Eyed Peas

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

no, I run with my thoughts…which in and of itself is quite scary.

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

MyFitnessPal to track food/exercise.

What are you reading right now?

I’m reading random novels, but going to finish one I started awhile back “The Emperor of All Maladies”

What is your one guilty pleasure?

I would say sweet tea, but I’ve changed that to unsweet tea (yes, I will turn in my “I live in the South” card) Hmm…I’m a sucker for Goldfish . I buy them “for my kids”…but really? they’re all for me!

What is your favorite meal/restaurant/recipe?

I love a good Thanksgiving meal, bring on the turkey, gravy, and stuffing. I also will never turn down a good Hawaiian pizza.