Runners Spotlight Let Me Introduce HEATHER

Every runner has a story, which pushes and drives them to do what they do. Because it's fascinating learning about others.  In return it also inspires and motivates us, so each Thursday I run a Runners Spotlight.

This week I'd like to introduce Heather. I asked Heather several questions, to tell part of her story and introduce you all to her. 

Heather Blogs at

Heather Runs Fast

Tell us what distances you like to run?

I like to run any distance, but I love to race the marathon!

How long have you been running?  Or at what age did you start running?

If you consider playing soccer, I've been running since I was 10ish, but running as a sport, for about 6 years.

What made you want to become a runner?  What is it that keeps you at it?

At first it was to loose the freshman 15, err 20, but now I run because I love it. I love challenging myself and seeing what my mind and body can do.

You have a lot of Bling pictured on your blog, brag a bit for us.  How many marathon's, halfs have you done to get a beautiful set of medals like those? 

Marathons: 8 Halfs: 8 and a dozen or so 5/10ks. As we runners know, the best medals come from fulls and halfs though :)

You travel a lot to do marathons, tell us some of your favorite parts about traveling to different races?

My husband and I love to make vacations out of races. Being from FL, we don't have too many local races to PR in, as there is a short window of good running weather. Traveling lets us experience all four seasons, haha. We also get to explore different parts of the good ole USA! Two birds with one stone :)

What has been your favorite race and distance you have run?  Tell us why?

This is a super hard question! Here's my best summary: Marine Corps was cool because I ran it with the hubs and the scenery was awesome, plus it was our first. CIM was memorable because we ran it on our honeymoon! Chicago was our first big marathon and it didn't disappoint. Virginia Beach=PR... enough said. Boston, well, it's Boston. 

If you could run any race in the entire world, where would it be and why?

Another tough question, but I'd have to go with the Athens Classic Marathon in Athens, Greece, back where it all started. And it doesn't hurt that it's in November... my wedding anniversary month! Hope my husband reads this post!

Do you run for fun?  Or run to compete?  Both?

Both for sure! If I am running to compete I look for a course than is conducive to setting a PR. But if I'm running for fun, the course or weather won't really matter, it's more the destination :)

Have you ever won a race or placed in your age group?

I have won one 5k (a race distance I rarely run) and one half marathon. Not going to lie, I was pretty stoked winning a race! I typically place in my age group in local races, but not in the larger marathons like Chicago, Boston, etc.

Have you experienced any trials/injuries/health issues that you have had to overcome?  Tell us about them.

Ugh. Yes I have. About 4 years ago I had plantar fasciitis, the beginning of this year I hurt my knee and currently I'm nursing a tight glute. As with all running injuries I did a lot of resting and active recovery like stretching and foam rolling. I hurt my knee by banging it on the corner of our coffee table. It was about a month before a big race I was hoping to PR at and totally crushed my spirits. I ended up scraping the race to heal up before Boston. As much as it sucked, I'm glad I didn't race, as Boston was an amazing experience, all things considered. 

Tell us what crossing the finish line feels like to you.

Crossing the finish line, I am overwhelmed with happiness and feel a huge sense of accomplishment every time.

Do you have a specific distance and PR that you are proud of?  Tell us about it.

I am pretty darn proud of my Marathon PR of 3:13:48. It was at Virginia Beach and as happy as I am with it, I KNOW I could have done even better had the weather been nicer. I don't think I stopped smiling for a week after running that race :)

Have you ever ran a race in costume?  Would you?  

I have not, but totally would!

Do you have running goals?  If so tell us about them.

My main running goal is to qualify for the Olympic Trials one day. I know I have a loooooong way to go, but I know I can do it. My knee and glute injuries have held me back this year, and starting a family is going to "set me back" another year, but of course it will worth it!

What states/races are in your future outlook that you can't wait to go run in?

I can't wait to run NY. I have never been there so, like so many places/race in our past, it would be an awesome vacay! I also really want to run Big Sur. I LOVE California and if it weren't for my parents, I'd move there in a heart beat! There are probably too many to list.

Have you run races in any other countries?

Unfortunately, no. One day though!

What is your favorite kind of running, solo running or running with a friend or group?

On most occasions, running solo is my preference, but once a week with a friend would be awesome!

Do you listen to music while you run?

Nope. It's just me, my thoughts and my footsteps.

Do you cross train?  What types?

Not really, unless I'm injured. I do lift weights and take Pilate's/yoga, but I consider that more complimentary training than cross training.

Do you have any tips of suggestions for someone who is thinking of starting up running?  

Run for the fun of it. Don't worry about pace, distance or comparing yourself to others. Just.Run. Once you get hooked and genuinely love running, you can start to think about adding the other stuff in. The only thing you should worry about in the beginning is looking cute... get yourself a colorful bright outfit :) 

What is your must have running accessory?

I immediately think Garmin. I love recording each run and seeing my progress. Plus, it makes doing speed work alone that much easier. I do believe that you should run GPS-less once a week or so, though. It's important to remember that we run for fun just as much as we do for the competition and this allows me to do so. A visor is my next go to accessory, keeping the sweat out of my eyes and sun off of my face.

Favorite pre and post run food?

Depends on distance. Pre food for runs less than 10 miles, toast with jam or something small, more than 10 miles I opt for oatmeal. For marathons I eat a large bagel and a half. Post run, of any distance, pancakes and a protein shake :) And by pancakes I mean, good ole carby pancakes, not those Greek yogurt/protein/low carb wannabees, haha.

Your a pretty fast runner, tell us what are your favorite types of speedworkouts?

I love tempo workouts. I definitely prefer longer distance speed than the shorter 400's and such. Hence why I hate racing a 5k and love racing a marathon, haha. 800's is about the shortest distance I mind. I'd run a 6 x 1m tempo over a 6 x 800's any day, but I know those shorter faster runs are the base to faster marathons so I do them anyway.

Tell us something unique about you.

I have a playful dog-ter Riley (human kids are in our near future), I am super corny and sarcastic, speaking of corny... I love candy corn, my husband and sister are my best friends, sometimes I put ketchup on my broccoli, I live in workout clothes when I can, I eat oatmeal every day and froyo WAY too much, I like to smile, smiling is my favorite :)

If you are a blogger, what types of things do you blog about?  What can readers expect if they start following your blog?

I blog about a lot and most of it is so random. Obviously my blog, HeatherRunsFast.com, is about running (shocker!), but I also share recipes, advice and just general happenings in my life. Kind of like a journal, oh wait ;)

You Can Follow Heather On Her Blog

www.HeatherRunsFast.com

Heather, thank you so much for letting me spotlight you!  I seriously love that one of your goals is to make the Olympic trials!  You'll make it, and one day I am going to see you on T.V. cheering for you, and telling people, I did a spotlight on that awesome girl:)  Oh and I hope your husband reads this, and takes ya to Athen's in November for the Marathon!  I also hope you run NY and Big Sur one day, both of those are incredible races and on my top 5 favorite list, you'll love them!  Look forward to following you on your blog as you work toward conquering all your goals!!!

So One Day You Woke Up and Decided to Run a Marathon...

So one day you woke up and realized you wanted to run a marathon. You didn't know the first thing about what to do, so maybe you googled it, or spoke to someone else who was a runner who had never run a full marathon. No matter how it happened, you were given the advice or you researched running plans and then possibly came up with a brilliant (thought to yourself ) idea.

What was this brilliant idea??? You discovered a plan that said something along the lines of Marathon Training Made Easy or How to train for a marathon in only 3 days a week or maybe someone told you, you only need one long run of 16 miles, or if you can run a half marathon, you don't need to do much more to finish a full... The list could be endless, but lets just say you fell into believing in one of these crazy words of bad advice.

A work acquaintance of mine and a small group of runners actually inspired this post. They don't know I blog, so there is no chance to offend them. However, their situation made me realize they are likely not the only ones who have done this. Having run many full marathons, if there is anything I have learned, it is how to train or how not train properly for a race.

This acquaintance of mine said: They researched running a marathon on google and found a book (won't mention it since I never asked the name of it) that some person wrote that said they could pull this off by only running 3 days a week... Me, *looking at them dumbfounded*
They figured, if that was all it really took, this could be possible for anyone to fit into their life and schedule... Me, *rolling my eyes*

Then the kicker, they said a small group of us at work are going to give the book and the marathon a try. He said, "most of us have never really liked running or have never even ran a mile. But with this plan, we think we can all pull it off." Me, well if your a runner, and a marathon runner you know exactly what I was thinking!

Of course after I took a deep breath so I wouldn't hurt their feelings with their good and now misguided intentions. I calmly told them the real truth, that some guy was just trying to sell a book and that I completely disagree with this training method, as likely would their doctor if they ran it by one (which I recommended they do.)
I did tell them, if you don't enjoy running, or don't want to spend the time to actually run and put the miles in, a marathon is not exactly cut out for you. But that is fine, there are several other distances like a 5k or 10k that 3 day a week training is more fitted for and can be just as rewarding for a person to finish.
I said, if you really want to train for a marathon you have 10 months until your race, it is still possible at this point to train correctly and learn to not only enjoy running, but put the training in so you will actually enjoy the race itself and set yourself up from the start to finish without all the risks of hurting yourself.

I gave this person a short rundown on what would be required.  I didn't even go into it much, just gave them some basic direction.
This person just looked at me and said, well you don't have a book out (note to self, write a book:) and this guy does have one so I think we will go off of of his methods. I just said, okay.. Good luck... Walked away and rolled my eyes.

I didn't think too much of it these past months, but this big race they trained for is coming up in a few weeks. So I thought I would ask how it was going last time I saw them.
First, all but two people in their group of 3 day a week runners had already dropped out. (Not surprised!)
Second, this person says to me. "I am worried you might have been right, I don't feel like I am all that much in shape. I went out for my one long run last week of 16 miles, and I walked over half of it, it was miserable."

Now all the thoughts of "I told you so" were running through my mind, and although I was tempted to say it.
I decided to do the polite thing and NOT go with my first instincts and instead keep most my opinions to myself. (For the most part).  After all, in a lot of ways it is impressive they'd gone so far as to no miles to sixteen!
So I said:  Well I wish you the best. However, if you don't feel like your ready, don't risk it, and if there is a shorter distance you can switch to, maybe that is something to consider and try for the full again next year.

After I walked away I thought to myself - What stupid author writes a book that tells a wannabe marathon runner to only run 3 days a week, and that they only need to get in one or two 16 milers and this will put them in great shape to run and finish a marathon???
But I already knew the answer as soon as the thought popped in my head.  Someone wanted to make money and a publisher that knew it would be an easy sell to newbie runners.

Two years ago I was running a marathon in Alaska, and I passed this guy around mile 7 that looked like death warned over. He was telling anyone who would listen his story, sounding more and more like an idiot by the sentence. He said he signed up 4 weeks ago, and figured it would be not hard at all since he was young and in shape.  He couldn't figure out why he was having so much trouble and said it was likely because we were going up a hill or the elevation (we were maybe at 500 feet??? LOL).
I kept my mouth shut as I passed him as he was now walking - But heard a lady tell him, after she asked him if he wanted her to send medical support back. "This is why the rest of us train." I loved her comment and just smiled. When I got to mile 9, I saw a medical 4 wheeler heading past me fast, I pretty much knew exactly where they were going.

On another note, for those considering running a marathon with minimal or little to no training. Do a little research on how many runners (per race) end up having a heart attack, or believe it or not die during that race! I remember running a series of races in different states 2 years ago and sadly hearing of 1 or 2 deaths in each race. It's unbelievable how many underestimate the marathon! Just ask the medics on the course!

The truth is, marathon training isn't easy, and really shouldn't be. I know people these days train for a race with the (just to finish) mentality. And that is completely fine, I am not putting that down. But even if you are training just to finish or walk a marathon, I still completely believe in training!

I disagree with any 3 or even 4 day a week training plans. I believe in 6 days and a rest day. I also 100% believe you have to put in the distance and several long runs of 18-20 miles! Get your body ready for what is to come, ahead of time!
If you don't enjoy running, or don't want to run much to train, then most likely a marathon is not for you. Not that you can't make your self eventually enjoy it, but I still believe if you are going to run a race, this is going to require running and very possibly depending on the race distance, lots of it!

Now I know there are those rare individuals (that the rest of us runners love to hate, or envy likely a little of both) who can go out and run almost any distance with little to no training, like it was nothing. Or do exceptionally well and fast at the minimalist of training - These so called Runner Naturals... (We all probably either know of have heard of one) Well as much as we would all like to believe we have that in us, these individuals are rare!
But for the rest of the normal people out there, I think its safe to say adequate training will be needed, and you can definitely count on a lot of running and time spent getting ready for it!

I don't want to put anyone down, I think it is totally awesome that people wake up and have these incredible or insane goals! In fact I love people that have many and fabulous goals!!
But sometimes an incredible goal won't happen over night, and most the time to achieve that goal, you are going to have to put the time and work into it. Some goals can take weeks to achieve, and others years to a lifetime... It just depends on what you are hoping to achieve.
Personally I believe a great positive goal is worth all the time and effort put into it to get there! I also believe the harder you are forced to work, the greater the reward and feeling of achievement after!

Hopefully, this situation sounds absolutely nothing like what you are doing. However, if it is you. Know I did not share this to offend, but to present as a reality check.
Although it may be true, that a person can train for a marathon by logging fewer miles and taking days off, my personal recommendation is that you don't follow this (newer - train less) mentality. Train to train, run for the love of it, enjoy the hard days and long miles, put in the time and enjoy the finishing reward in the end! If you don't believe me, visit a doctor who is a runner, and let him decide what is best for you!

So my questions are: Have you met people like this? If by some chance this was you at one point, and you are willing to admit it, what did you learn from the experience? 

Runners Spotlight Let Me Introduce LINDSAY

Every runner has a story, which pushes and drives them to do what they do. Because it's fascinating learning about others.  In return it also inspires and motivates us, so each Thursday I run a Runners Spotlight.

This week I'd like to introduce Lindsay. I asked Lindsay several questions, to tell part of her story and introduce you all to her. 

Lindsay Blogs at

Lindsay in Training

Tell us what distances you like to run?

So far I’ve only done a handful of races but I think half marathon’s are going to end up being my race of choice.  It’s long enough to be a challenge but not so bad that you don’t know if you’ll finish.  I’m currently training for a marathon and my shortest runs are 3 miles so I think 5K’s in the future will be a goal for pace improvement.  I’m hoping to one day run a sub 30 minute 5K!

How long have you been running?  Or at what age did you start running?

I’m 25 and I’ve been running really only this year.  I’m in week 20 of my 30 week Hal Higdon marathon training plan and before that I wouldn’t call myself a runner.  I did a half marathon using a timed run/walk method but didn’t FEEL like a runner.  It was definitely a good way to start and a great way to work my way into consistent running.

What made you want to become a runner?  What is it that keeps you at it?

I always hated running.  I played softball and I was in the band and a cheerleader in high school.  I quit cheering as I had gained weight but continued with my other activities.  I always tried to get out of sprints or even the mile timed run in gym class.  My boyfriend’s sister told me I could finish a half marathon, even if I walked.   I didn’t know people even walked half or full marathons!  She talked me into going to a running group but didn’t tell me the first day was 4 miles!  I wouldn’t have gone if she had told me but looking back now  - I’m glad she didn’t tell me. 

That first half marathon I was in the process of undergoing genetic testing for Huntington’s disease.  My father has been sick for the last 20 years suffering from this incurable, genetic disease that affects a persons ability to walk, talk, and reason.  Every child with a parent who has Huntington’s disease (HD) has a 50/50 chance of inheriting the disease.  I woke up every day thinking and wondering if I was going to be just like my dad – living in a nursing home from the age of 49 with my life robbed from me.  I knew I always wanted to go through the testing process and knew I had to have all my “ducks in a row” to do that.  I had just finished college, I had a job and both life and health insurance before I was given the label of having a “pre-existing condition”.  

The half marathon was the Columbus Marathon on October 16^th, 2011 and I was scheduled to receive my genetic test results on October 14^th.  My birthday is October 20^th and I was moving 2 hours away to join my boyfriend in Cincinnati after all of this.  He let me know that no matter what my results that he was not going anywhere and he was going to take care of me no matter the outcome.  That was the most important thing he could have told me in the days before I got my results and such a burden for him to accept but I love him and I’d do the same for him.  

My test results were negative.  I did not carry the gene.  I would never pass it on to future children and I personally would never, ever have Huntington’s disease.  The weight of the world was lifted off my shoulders in that moment with my step-mom, grandmother, boyfriend and genetic counselor at the Huntington’s Disease Center of Excellence at The Ohio State University.  My life would be forever changed.

I decided I needed to live my life to the fullest and never take anything my body can do for granted.  I fundraised for the local HD chapter and had a shirt made for the race that said “Doin’ it for Dad” and “Ask me about HD” on it to wear no matter what my results were that day. It was for him and his fight over the last two decades and my fight to regain my life.

I trained for the half and actually gained weight.  I was in the 200 pound range since the end of high school and college hadn’t been kind on my weight either.  I worked full time throughout my years of school and struggled to make it on my own through nursing school but I did it.  I finished the half marathon in pain, tired but with tears in my eyes of pride.  At the end I remember so many people at the finish yelling at me “Your dad would be so proud!” and I know he was too.  I broke down as they put my medal around my neck and felt strong and like I could do anything.  Two weeks later I signed up for the Cincinnati Flying Pig half marathon.

I walked that half with no real training and took a break from everything for the rest of 2012.  I was 245 pounds on my 25^th birthday while I was celebrating with friends in Columbus and it was the night before the 2012 Columbus marathon.  Remembering my feelings crossing that finish line the year before I looked up the date for the 2013 race and it fell on my birthday – October 20^th, 2013.  My 26^th birthday.  I remember telling my girlfriends, “wouldn’t it be funny if I ran 26 miles for my 26^th birthday?”…. the thought never left my mind the next day.  Or the next.  Or the next.  I needed to get on track and I needed to not take advantage of any more days of my life.  I researched training plans and found Hal Higdon’s 30 week plan and it started out slow and low mileage and I knew I could do it.  In January I made the official moves to change my life.  Completely cutting out pop (I drank a 32oz fountain Pepsi every day for lunch and Diet Coke when I was out to eat), counting calories using My Fitness Pal and getting moving.  I have a husky puppy that loved walking and we headed out for walks many nights a week.  I started on the elliptical soon after and at the end of March I began marathon training.  I started out running 13-14 minute/miles and now I consistently run 11:30-12 minute miles for my shorter runs and a goal of 12:30 for my race pace long runs.  This past weekend I completed a 12 mile run and this and next weekends I have half marathon training runs.  In the last 20 weeks I have come so far in my running and I couldn’t be happier with where I am today.  What keeps me going is knowing how far I’ve come and that I’m so close to the finish line.  I look at my dad for inspiration and those who support me in my fundraising as well.  In total since January I have also lost 44 pounds and this morning weighed in at 201 – I am so close to Onederland and that motivates me more than anything right now!

What is the furthest distance or race you have ever run?

To date I have completed two half marathons but I have two more in the next two weeks to add to that!

Have you experienced any trials/injuries/health issues that you have had to overcome? Tell us about them.

My second week of training I was finishing up a run down a hill (at 3.46 of 3.5 miles for the day) and I fell.  I sprained my ankle pretty badly and I was feeling defeated – I had just started!  I took 8 days of rest, stretched and iced it and got a brace and was back on my feet.

You had an incredible weight loss journey, tell us about it.  What pushed you to do it, and what tips do you have for someone who is struggling and in need of motivation?

I think I had finally stopped denying what I was seeing in pictures.  On the day to day I thought I carried the weight pretty well.  But my clothes didn’t fit anymore.  I’m a cardiac nurse and what kind of example was I setting at 245 pounds for my patients and co-workers?  I was walking up the stairs one day from my lunch break and I was winded after one flight.  I’m too young to feel like this!  I tried everything – Body by Vi, beachbody products, Weight Watchers and Adkins.  I had a food addiction and would sneak through drive thru’s on the way home and get something and eat dinner with my boyfriend.  I’d overeat to the point I had to unbutton my pants so I didn’t feel like I was going to explode.  I could feel how high my blood pressure must have been while lying down on my back and having this horrible feeling in my neck and chest.  I was getting scared and I knew I needed to change.  I haven’t even had kids yet and I was this overweight and had this body I was ashamed of.  I couldn’t believe I had gone so far off the path.  I took it one day at a time and cut out pop and counted calories to start.  In June I started working with an online trainer, Sara, at Fearfully and Wonderfully Made Physiques on Facebook.  The power of social media is amazing!  She made me a meal plan and gave me a weight training schedule to follow with my running. I knew I needed to add cross training and eat better foods than I was eating – even if they were in my calorie allotment for the day. I lost 14 pounds in July following her plan and I feel amazing!  When you don’t know what else to do there are all kinds of resources for help and support out there online and via Instagram and Facebook that I have found.  When you want it bad enough, it’ll happen!

Tell us what crossing the finish line feels like to you.

The finish line is always emotional for me. I know I’m doing it for myself but also for things much bigger and beyond me and I always cry.  Always.  I’m such a sap!   It’s such a cathartic moment.

Do you hope to be a lifelong runner?

I hope to be a lifelong runner but more importantly I hope to have activity and fitness be apart of my life for the rest of my life.  Always taking steps forward and not back!

You're training for your first marathon, how did that come to be?  Can we ask what race did you pick for your first?

I picked the Columbus Marathon because not only did it fall on my 26^th birthday but Columbus, Ohio is my hometown.  My family is there, my friends are there.  I am so happy to have the opportunity for them to be at the finish line cheering me on after these last 30 weeks of training and changing my life.  They are all my biggest cheerleaders and I’m thankful for all of them!

What has been your favorite part of training for distance running so far, and your preparations for a marathon? 

My favorite part has just been finishing each long run.  Going just a little further than your previous longest distance each week is encouraging and challenging at the same time.  When I actually RAN 10 miles a few weeks ago it was a big deal to me because before I had never truly run that distance.  Double digits is a crazy awesome feeling!  Just knowing you are always stronger than you ever thought possible is my motto throughout this training process.

What is your favorite kind of running, solo running or running with a friend or group?

I’m a solo runner.  Music on and go.  If I need a short walk break to hydrate or get a bite of whatever I’ve brought with me to nibble on makes me feel like I’m not holding anyone back or slowing anyone else down.

Do you listen to music while you run?  Give us the top 2 running songs on your playlist.

I’m definitely a music runner!  I love anything that can get my feet moving from current pop to country music to the oldies.  My two favorite songs right now are “My Body” by Young the Giant and “Blurred Lines” by Robin Thicke has such a catchy beat I can’t help but jam out to it.

Do you cross train?  What types?

I weight train 4 times a week focusing on a specific body area with each session.  I also like to Zumba to mix up my off days from running!

What other hobbies/sports do you do besides running?

I’m very into concerts, travelling, and movies.  I’m also a nurse so the inner nerd in me likes going to science museums when we travel.

Do you have any tips of suggestions for someone who is thinking of starting up running?  

Slow and steady!  Go slow enough that you’re not out of breath and feeling like you’re going to die from the get go, it’ll only discourage you!  Get good shoes from a running store that fits you properly and get dri-fit socks, they make all the difference in the world when it comes to blisters!

What is your must have running accessory?

Iphone and fuel belt for long runs.

Favorite pre and post run food?

Pre-run I don’t eat anything – I eat more carbs the few days before a long run and eat honey stinger wafers while I run.  I have a very touchy stomach and have run into some bathroom issues on long runs.  Afterwards I love bananas with peanut butter!

Tell us something unique about you.

I’m a part time cardiac surgery nurse and I work full time as a pediatric cardiac intensive care nurse. I love my job(s)!  I want to eventually go back to school in the next few years to be a nurse anesthetist.

If you are a blogger, what types of things do you blog about?  What can readers expect if they start following your blog?

I am a new blogger as of this year as well!  I blog about my running and weight loss and the day to day’s of life.  Readers can expect me to be 100% honest and often times I over share but I don’t care.  I’m hoping others will see what I have done an be inspired to change their lives too.  One day at a time, one workout at a time, one meal at a time.

Lindsay Blogs at

www.traininglindsay.blogspot.com

Lindsay's fundraising page for those kind souls who may be interested in donating is

www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/lindsayintraining/columbusmarathon

You Can Also Follow Lindsay Via Facebook, Twitter or Instagram by Clicking On The Buttons Below

Lindsay thank you for letting me spotlight you!  Wow, your story about getting tested just before your half marathon and getting your results just before.  I bet it was such an amazing feeling to get the negative, and as well a fabulous Birthday present!!!  So impressive!  I know you'll do great with your training and future runs/races I look forward to reading about your first marathon.  What a great way to spend your 26th!!!  Maybe with this new trend, this means you'll do 50 by your 50th:)  Thanks again for telling us about your journey VERY inspirational!!!