Weekly Pace Setter: Morning Runner

Name

"J"

Blog

Morning Runner

I run in

I am currently running in Asics GT-2130, I usually only run in Asics.

Why do you run

I run to clear my head, to see new places, to enjoy the outdoors. I especially love to run in the mornings because it is quiet and there is no traffic – this way I can enjoy the sunrise and get some alone time to wake up and get ready for the day.

How long you’ve been running

I have been running since I started playing basketball in 4th grade (age 10) which was about 13 years ago. I got into serious running when I reached 8th grade and wanted to try out for the JV soccer team. Since then my running has continued to develop as I ran track in high school. I became serious about running in college where I played 4 years of intercollegiate basketball.

Are you training for anything right now?

Right now I am on the Indoor/Outdoor Track and Field team at my college. I run the 400m relay, 800m, hurdles, as well as high jump, long jump, and throw shot. (I will compete in Pentathlon/Heptathlon later on.) Right now I like the fact that I am able to focus on and increase my speed and I look forward to the time after college when I can get back to increasing my mileage and running in road races.

Running Pet Peeve

I hate it when you are in a race and you come upon a runner and they speed up because they don’t want you to pass them.

Favorite Running Song

Right now I like “What’s your name” by Usher

Favorite race

My favorite race would have to be the Boilermaker 15k – it is the largest 15k in America (or something like that) with over 11,000 runners!

Favorite place to run

My favorite place to run is on the canal trail or through a nice town with good sidewalks. I usually end up just running on the road and I don’t like playing chicken with cars. I really like to run in new places because the scenery changes and I can explore.

Short Term Running Goal

My short term running goal would be to run my fastest 400m and 800m races in track. I only have the next 6 months to complete this.

Long Term Running Goal

My long term goal would be to run a sub 20 minute 5k and also a sub 8 minute/mile pace for a 15k race.

Favorite Cross-training activity

I love love love to go swimming. My boyfriend is a swimmer on the college swim team and he has helped me get into it. It’s low impact which is great because my legs get tired from all the pounding but it still offers a great workout for the whole body.

Favorite inspiring quote

I have two very favorite quotes –

“To Give Anything Less Than Your Best Is To Sacrifice The Gift” -- Steve Prefontaine

“When your legs get tired, Run with your Heart” –From my high school soccer team

Post Run Guilty Pleasure Food

I love to eat raw cookie dough after any workout. I usually crave sweets about 2 hours after a run – it’s weird.

Running Gear Wish List

For Christmas I asked for the Brooks Nightlife yellow reflective jacket as well as a pair of Under Armour long spandex!

Proudest Running Moment

My proudest running moment would have to be running my first half marathon with my best friend this past September.

What’s the best piece of running advice you’ve ever received?

Train hard, trust your instincts, listen to your body, and run with your heart.

Favorite Race Fuel

I love sports beans – they are so yummy!

Magazines you currently have subscriptions to

I asked for a subscription to Runner’s World for Christmas!!

What is at the top of list for places you’d love to visit?

I would love to go to Colorado.

What are you listening to lately?

Lately I have been listening to Christmas music plus whatever is on the radio.

What is on your nightstand?

My journal, light, nail polish, keys, camera, phone, watch, Yankee candle – Balsam and cedar, multivitamin bottle, books I am currently reading and want to read, lots of pens…the list goes on!


Thanks J!