Starting us off today on my I’m a runner blog post series, is Carolina who co-writes a blog I frequent quite often. Definitely check it out for yummy vegetarian recipes and fun stories!
Name: Carolina
Age: 29 (butting in to say that I’m calling bull on this — Carolina looks like she’s in her early 20’s as most!)
Blog: http://peasinablog.com
1. How long have you been running?
I’m a fairly new runner; I’ve been running for a year & a half. I can’t believe the time has gone by so fast!
2. How did you begin running?
Confession: I began running thanks to heartbreak. My ex boyfriend & I had broken up & I was very sad, decided I needed to pick up new hobbies/things to occupy my time. It was at this time that I discovered cake decorating classes & met a girl who was training for a marathon. We became good friends, she knew I was looking for constructive things to do & suggested I try running. I took a look at upcoming races, saw Disney’s Princess Half Marathon was a few months away & that it was on my birthday – I took that as a sign & the rest is history. Running gave me a healthy outlet to focus on something positive & kept me busy. I guess you can say I replaced my ex boyfriend with running & I’ve been dating running ever since!
3. In how many races have you competed?
I’ve done two half marathons, two 15Ks, one 10K & countless 5Ks. I’m currently training for the NYC Marathon, my very first, taking place in November.
4. What is your favorite pre-run fuel?
For short runs I sometimes have a banana topped with almond butter. Before long runs my favorite pre-run fuel is a piece of wheat or whole grain toast with almond butter & bananas. I’m a tad bit obsessed with nut butters, almond is my favorite. The toast gives me carbs to burn, the banana helps with cramping throughout the run.
5. What is your favorite post-run snack or meal?
The very first thing I have after a run is a tall glass of cold water, and then I make a huge protein smoothie. I change the ingredients in it a lot based on what I’m craving & what’s in season. My base is always water, ice, spinach & vanilla protein powder, then I have fun adding my favorite fruits or almond milk. It’s satisfying, refreshing & delicious!
6. Do you like running buddies or do you prefer to run alone?
I really enjoy running my short runs alone; I get my best ideas while running. One of the things I love about running alone is how clear my mind feels, everything seems to align for me & make sense. I sometimes take my mini schnauzer Rocco with me on short runs, he’s a good running buddy. For longer runs I enjoy company, when you’re out there for over two hours it can get a little boring after a while. One thing I’ve found helpful has been to tell my friends when & where I’m doing long runs & having them join me for portions of it. It breaks up my runs nicely, gives me a distraction & makes them fly by.
8. What’s your must-have object on a run?
My ipod, hands down. Music really gets me going; nothing beats a good power song when you’re starting to feel tired. I once had my ipod die on me mid run & the last half of the run was brutal for me. Like Kelly, I can deal if my Garmin dies (mapmyrun & I are good buds) but I can’t deal if I don’t have music to run to. I need my tunes!
13. How many times a week do you typically run?
When I’m training I run 3-4 times a week & mix up my runs by alternating speed, intervals, tempo. You can see my schedule this week here. When I’m not training I still run 3-4 times a week but don’t necessarily alternate speeds, I just run for the love of running.
14. How has your running or your feelings toward running changed over the years?
My opinion of running has done a total 180. When I was younger I detested running. Even in college, whenever I tried to run in a treadmill the minutes seemed to drag, I couldn’t imagine how anyone would enjoy running. But now, I feel the complete opposite – how could anyone not love running? It gives you a chance to explore your surroundings, to enjoy fresh air, makes you feel alive, helps you get in better shape & is probably the only sport you can do anywhere. Running gives so much back to you.
15. What’s your pie-in-the sky running dream?
The marathon was named after a Greek messenger who ran from Marathon to Athens to announce a war victory (the story goes after he reached Athens he kneeled over & died, marathons are no joke, ha!). In honor of this event they hold a marathon in Greece every year, along the path he took. The Humanities geek in me (I’m currently getting a Masters in Humanities) would love to run that race!
Thanks so much for the opportunity to share a little bit about my running journey Kelly. I hope my answers inspire you to lace up your shoes & hit the pavement today. When in doubt, run!
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Carolina, I’m so glad you participated in my I’m a runner post series. I love that you started running to mend a broken heart. I’m sure we would all be in a better place if we ran a little whenever we felt a bit sad. I know I would! Running does so much more beyond making our bodies healthy. I can attest to the wonders it does for mental health as well.
Please stop by Carolina’s blog and give her some love. I always enjoy reading it! 🙂