Good morning! About now, Brad and I are headed to Hot Spring’s, VA for his company’s management retreat. This is our first year attending and I’m looking forward to seeing friends and a particularly adorable little girl.
I had really great responses to my request to participate in I am a runner posts. Get ready to hear from some awesome and inspirational runners for the next four days. Hopefully, I’ll be popping in here and there to say hello too.
Here’s my first I’m a runner poster, Shayne!
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Name: Shayne
Age: 24
Blog: Just Gathering (http://www.justgathering.com)
1. How long have you been running?
I tried to get into running a few times in high school and college, but it didn’t really stick until 2007, so about 4 years.
2. How did you begin running?
I moved to Dublin for grad school and found myself with a lot of time on my hands. I was just getting into food and fitness blogs, and they inspired me to give running a go. When I started, all I could do was jog (very slowly) for about a minute, followed by a few minutes of walking. It took a while, but after a few months I made it to my first milestone: 3 miles without stopping.
3. In how many races have you competed?
12, and I’m signed up for 4 more in the next 3 months.
4. What is your favorite pre-run fuel?
When I run first thing in the morning, usually just a sip of coffee. But if I have some time to digest before a run, I love to have a half a banana or a slice of toast with almond butter. When I’m thinking ahead, I make a big batch of these incredibly easy banana oat muffins and have one of those before a run.
5. What is your favorite post-run snack or meal?
After a morning run: a giant green smoothie. At night: a sunny side up egg with hummus and hot sauce and a beer. (It’s summer–don’t judge!)
6. What is the most embarrassing thing to ever happen to you while running?
I should probably be embarrassed of most of the outfits I wear while running… but I’m not.
7. Do you like running buddies or do you prefer to run alone?
I’ve always been a lone wolf by default because I didn’t have many runner friends, but lately my blog has led me to a whole group of lovely ladies who also run NYC. I’ve been running with people more often than not lately, and I’m loving it. Every run is totally different, and the miles fly by when someone is talking. (Usually that someone is me. I think my running buddies kind of love the fact that I don’t shut up.)
8. What’s your must-have object on a run?
I am sort of addicted to my Garmin. Who cares about a ipod? I will happily run sans music, but I really like to know how many miles I covered. I’m all about numbers and beating my own personal records, and the Garmin is a stat lover’s best friend.
9. What’s your favorite running outfit?
As long as I’ve got my bright blue Mizunos, I’m a happy camper. But the more loud color, the better. Day glo clothes make me want to run fast.
10. Favorite place to run?
I love running New York. It makes for good people watching, and you can run this city for years and see something new every day. I love to explore neighborhoods by running them. And nothing beats Central Park.
11. What is the worst race in which you have ever participated?
The New York Road Runners 4 Miler in April. It was cold and rainy — not a refreshing mist but a downpour. I ran as fast as I could just to get it over with.
12. What’s your favorite race distance and why?
I love the half marathon. It’s a long enough race that you really have to train and condition yourself and feel proud and accomplished at the end… but it’s not so long that training takes over your life, as with the marathon.
13. How many times a week do you typically run?
Usually 4, sometimes 5.
14. How has your running or your feelings toward running changed over the years?
My life as a runner gets better and better. Every few months I realize that I’ve reached some point I never thought I would. I can run faster and longer now than I ever would have imagined possible three years ago. Running has taught me that I can always surprise myself.
15. What’s your pie-in-the sky running dream?
To run the ING New York City Marathon. It will happen at some point!
16. Any running or race superstitions?
Nope. As long as I’m relaxed and ready to enjoy myself, I’m in good shape.
17. What or who inspires you to run?
Running blogs. Anytime I’m feeling disenchanted with the sport, I read a few blog posts and I’m instantly itching to hit the pavement.
18. What’s your favorite running memorabilia and why?
The first half marathon I ever ran, I placed second in my age group. (To be fair, I think there were only a handful of us.) The race raised money for my hometown’s literacy council and was sponsored by a brewery, so I won a pint glass that says “The race that’s worth a thousand words.” I use it almost every day.
19. How has running changed or contributed to the person you are?
I recently made the comment to my mom that I think running saved my life. To my surprise, she nodded and agreed right away. I didn’t realize it was so apparent to those around me, but it’s true; running totally changed me as person. It gave me confidence and helped me not only believe in myself but know myself. I know my limits and how to push beyond them. I know how to pep talk myself through just about anything. I know how strong I am.
20. A friend just ran a mile and is inspired to start running regularly. What words of wisdom or inspiration do you have for them?
Cherish the running milestones. Every little bit you push yourself is a new personal distance record. Be proud and, most importantly, enjoy the journey.
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Shayne, you’re adorable! And you should totally milk the whole “coming in 2nd in your age group” during your first half. We don’t need to know it was a small race. Embrace it! 🙂
Thanks so much for sharing your love for running with me and my readers!
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If you want to participate in I’m a runner posts, email me at foodiefresh@gmail.com. I’ve had a great response so far, so I look forward to hearing from more of you.