Dara and I have gotten to know each other through my blog. She writes a blog called Not In Jersey. She is also training for a half marathon on the same date as my half marathon. Of course, the race she is running is going to be a lot more fun than mine because she is running at Disney World! I’m a little jealous. Anyway, we got to know each other through my writing about training and decided it would be fun to swap blogs and learn a little more (and let you in on the fun, too!).
Please enjoy and when you are done, I would love for you to click over to Dara’s blog to read my answers. Interview with a Runner
How did you first get into running?I’ve never been a strong runner, back in elementary school we had to run a mile and it was really hard for me. I actually would avoid running at all costs and when I started working out again almost a year ago I would complain loudly every time my workout classes included jogging! However, I had started the Couch to5K more than once in the past and still had it in the back of my mind that I wanted to complete it. One day, our instructor was late to class and we were asked to warm up on the treadmill. I started jogging and made it 3 minutes without feeling like I was going to die. Hmm, I thought. This might be a good thing for going back to the program! And so I started again.
Why do you do it?Early on when I started the program (for the 3rd time), my husband told me that if I could run a 5K by the summer, we could go to Disney World for the half marathon. I believe he actually meant the Disney World Half Marathon which is in January. Instead, we discovered the Wine andDine Half Marathon which is a night run that actually takes place on my birthday. I set that as my goal and ran my first 5K (very slowly) in April! So as for why I run – it’s the motivation of training for the half. I don’t think I’d still be doing it if I didn’t have that goal in front of me! Of course, there was the other goal of losing weight, but I’m not sure running has helped me on it’s own with that. I also go to 2 classes at the gym and didn’t lose much of anything until I tried dieting!
How did you get started running long distances?
After I ran my first 5K, I signed up for another one. I also set the goal of running a 10K in June. I then used Runner’s World to create a plan and continued running according to the plan until my 10K. After that, I created a new plan to train for the 1/2 marathon!
What are your tips for how to continue running on a long run?
I have a hard time with continuing on when I run. I have to really make myself do it. What has helped greatly in the past few weeks has been running with my husband. It’s my job to figure out our route and it’s his job to keep us going! Otherwise, when I’m alone, I tend to do best when I think about other things. One thing I like to think about is future blog entries. Or I try to picture different parts of the 1/2 marathon course that I’m excited about! Of course, there’s also music. In this blog post I listed the songs I listen to!
What are your ultimate running goals right now?
Right now my goal is to finish the 1/2 marathon. I’d love to do so in under 3 hours. After I finish that, I think I’m going to try to train for an under 30 minute 5K. I can’t run a 10 minute mile, so I have to train myself to do that.
What is your favorite thing about running?
I think my favorite thing is finishing each run. I set a goal for myself each time and when I’m able to complete the goal as planned, it makes me happy. I hope someday I’ll learn to love running for the feeling of running, but right now I just love having done it.
Do you have a favorite gadget or article of clothing for running?
So far the only gadget I use is my iPod. I do have a cute t-shirt that I’ve worn to my 5Ks and my 10K. I had it made specially and you can see it here:
Any tips or advice for new runners?
Oh, I enjoyed reading this post. It provides me with more motivation. I get through my runs and I love the idea of running, but I’m waiting for the day when it feels easy to run or at least a little bit easier. Now I’m heading over to read your post on Dara’s blog.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! I really enjoyed swapping blogs with Dara, it was fun!
You are so sweet, I was just checking if there were any comments I needed to reply to on Not in Jersey…thanks for your kind words about me.
I ran three halves this summer because I love running. The best thing for me for my long runs are my hydration belt, powerbar gummies, and rap music. I also like running on trails because it’s so much more calming than the streets! Way to join the club
Wow! 3 halves in one summer! You must really love running. I’ve thought of getting a hydration belt. Do you really like yours? I’ve thought they seem like they could be great or they could be really annoying (if they bounce around). Thanks so much for stopping by!