My next I’m a runner post comes from another close-to-Charlotte blogger with quite a long list of races that she has accomplished. Be sure to check out Keia’s blog!
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Name: Keia Mastrianni
Age: 30 years old
Blog: http://www.the-sunnysideup.com
1. How long have you been running?
I began running almost 14 years ago, but din’t begin to run races until about 2006.
2. How did you begin running?
I began running out of boredom. As a teenager, I would spend summers with my father in a sleepy suburban neighborhood outside of Memphis. I didn’t know anyone and so found myself bored. A lot. I began going for runs in the neighborhood because I thought that running was something “healthy” people did. I would get up really early or run at night to catch the cool weather. I remember loving the feeling that I owned the streets because I ran during times when most people were asleep. I still love that feeling.
3. In how many races have you competed?
Ummm….maybe about 25 or so.
I’ve done some 5 K’s, the USMC Mud Run was one of my favorites!
Lots of 8K’s
-Run Like a Girl, Charlotte, NC
-South Park Turkey Trot, Charlotte, NC
-Outward Bound Trail Race, Charlotte, NC
-Fall Harvest 8K, Huntersville, NC
-Hardcore Serious Trail Run, Huntersville, NC
One 10K
– Cooper River Bridge Run, Charleston, SC
One 15 K
– Miracle Miles, Orlando
3 Half-Marathons
-Sarasota Half-Marathon, Sarasota, FL
-Virginia Beach Rock-and Roll, Virginia Beach, VA
-Charlotte Racefest, Charlotte, NC
…and have just signed up to run my first full marathon this November 5 at the Savannah Rock-and Roll Marathon. Eeep!
4. What’s the most embarrassing thing to happen to you while running?
I moved to Charlotte about a year and a half ago from Florida where a speed bump is considered elevation. It took some time for me to adjust, but not before an embarrassing group run with a local Charlotte running club.
A friend of mine told me about a challenging four-miler in the Plaza Midwood area. I showed up a little late with my boyfriend (now fiancé) and we joined another latecomer who knew the route. She was obviously faster than us, but I did my best to keep up.
She told us about the “big” hill, which, for us, was every single hill along the route. She warned us that we would know the hill once we saw it. We were ¾ the way through totally and exhausted. Then, we saw it. The hill was massive and super intimidating. At this time, too, we actually caught up with some of the other runners whom I had never met. I put my head down, dug my heels in and took off, passing the group. It was intense to say the least.
As I made my final push to the top, in plain view of the other runners, complete and total strangers, I hurled a nasty hurl. It was terrible and oh-so-embarassing. Of course, I finished up and ran to the finish line like a champ. I had to redeem myself somehow. 🙂
5. Do you like running buddies or do you prefer to run alone?
I ran alone at first, partly because I like running alone and partly because I could never find someone who ran my pace. They were either too fast or too slow. When I moved to Charlotte, I found my running buddy and we’re training for our first marathon together. She’s the yin to my yang. It’s awesome. I still enjoy solo runs, but my running buddy really helps with the motivation and accountability factor.
6. What’s your must-have running object?
My white (er, off-white) Nike running hat. I wear it on every run. It’s my security blanket. I’m going to run in it until it evaporates off my head.
7. Favorite place to run?
I do most of my training in Davidson which is super-friendly to its large community of runners and bikers. There are these lovely trails owned by Davidson College in a secret spot behind the gymnasium. The trails are perfectly groomed and consist of an 8K and 5K loop. I think the cross-country team trains there. The trails take you through beautifully wooded areas and in the fall, you can smell wisteria everywhere. It’s a very special place.
8. How has your running or feelings towards running changed over the years?
I think I started running to test my physical fitness. The thought was, “healthy people run” and I wanted to be healthy, so I ran. Then, running became very meditative for me. I had these epiphanies when I ran, like the Universe could get in touch with me and vice versa. Now, I run for all reasons. I run to be healthy. I run to clear my head. I run for social activity. I run for solitude. It’s become a part of who I am.
9. What’s your favorite running memorabilia and why?
I like collecting my race numbers. I’ve made a collage on the side of my refrigerator and it’s a wonderful reminder of where I’ve been.
10. How has running contributed to the person you are?
Well, running is a lot like life and it has taught me valuable life lessons. I’ve stopped comparing myself so much to others and started to believe more in myself. In races, there is always going to be someone better than you and someone worse than you. I’ve learned that it’s not about the other racers. It’s about striving for my personal best and challenging myself. I do the same in life. The battle is within me and the goal is to keep moving forward and to keep improving along the way.
11. A friend just ran a mile and is inspired to start running regularly. What words of wisdom or inspiration do you have for them?
The hardest part is making a beginning. I used to think that I had to kill it during every run, which would prevent me from running sometimes. The key is to simply get out there and start running. It doesn’t have to be at light speed. Just run. You will find that there are good runs (hold onto those!) and there are not-so-good runs.
I also recommend having a mantra handy. I often repeat, “One foot in front of the other, that’s the way” or I start thinking of all the things I am grateful for beginning with the fact that I am able to run at that moment. Then I continue the list for as long as I can. Running is quite mental and I need those little tricks to help ease my mind.
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Those are some great tips for beginner Keia!
And that’s totally ironic that you’ve ran with the Plaza Midwood group because I have ran with them *many* times myself. 🙂
Thanks so much for sharing your running experiences!