It’s mine and Brad’s one year anniversary today, so we’re spending the day together, even though we really celebrated last night at a fancy-shmancy dinner. I’m not going to lie, I’ve been dying to dig into the top tier of our wedding cake for the past week. Maybe we should have a small cake made every year. 😉
Today I’m kicking the I’m a runner posts off with blog reader, runner, and graduate of my college’s rival, Lauren. I promised not to rib her too badly for being a Dook grad (whoops). I just can’t help myself.
Lauren is in need of some suggestions for getting out of a running slump. I’ve been there myself. So enjoy her questions below and feel free to give her some encouragement in the comment’s section.
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Name: Lauren
Age: 23
Blog: No Blog, but avid blog reader 🙂
1. How long have you been running?
I’ve been running for about 8 or 9 years now. I played Division 1 field hockey and spent time traveling abroad to play, so before last summer I was in training/running as long as I can remember.
2. How did you begin running?
I started training/ running long distance when I was 14 and had a goal to make the varsity field hockey team as a freshman in high school. I graduated from college in May of 2010 and have kept up the exercising/running but am no longer training for anything.
3. In how many races have you competed?
I’ve competed in about 5 races( 5Ks-10Ks), but nothing serious. I’ve ran races alone, with friends, as a team etc. but haven’t hit that point to dig in and start competing with running. I guess I’m still figuring out my running goal.
4. What is your favorite pre-run fuel?
Ezekiel toast with almond butter, GNU bars, and Thinkthin bars.
5. What is your favorite post-run snack or meal?
Any food will do, but usually I can’t stomach the idea of eating sweets right after a run (pretty much the only time I will ever turn down chocolate or any dessert haha).
6. What is the most embarrassing thing to ever happen to you while running?
I’m just going to come out and say it… I fell while running on a treadmill at the school gym. Sadly there is no special story with this, my shoes may have been a little slippery, but really I just wobbled, caught an edge and flipped around on the treadmill. Next thing I knew I was sitting and staring at the row of ellipticals behind me. I started laughing hysterically at myself. As I got up and dusted myself off (literally), I thought someone would laugh along with me. No one else in the gym was laughing, nor did they even acknowledge my wipe out/tumble. Super Awkward.
7. Do you like running buddies or do you prefer to run alone?
So this is the crux of it… I’m in a big running slump right now :(! My entire life I’ve enjoyed doing my training runs alone. When you’re part of a team it is so necessary for your teammates to help push you through the grueling sprint workouts, but the long distance runs have always been my alone time to decompress. Now that I haven’t played competitively for over a year, I’m really missing a workout buddy. Sometimes I still look forward to a de-stressing run by myself, but to be honest, I really miss the camaraderie of having a training buddy. I think it is important to have a balance with workout buddies; although you may think it is better to train alone, nothing compares to having another individual next to you going through the exact same feelings you are. Plus, who says no to some good chit-chat and gossip?
8. What’s your must-have object on a run?
I used to be addicted to my heart rate monitor—I even played games in it! Now the only thing I must have are my orthotics, or else it will be a loooong week.
9. Favorite place to run?
I waver, sometimes I prefer a treadmill and sometimes I prefer outside. One thing I really love is a scenic run. I grew up in Denver Colorado originally (huge shout out to CO), and I really miss the mountains, blue sky, thin (dry) air and 300 days of sunshine. Although NYC is great with central park, west side highway, and dare I say east river, nothing compares to the scenery of home. I also miss the trees/trails and rustic feeling of running in NC.
10. How has your running or your feelings toward running changed over the years?
My feelings towards running have changed over the years because running is no longer a training tool for my sport. Instead, running is my sport. Before I could always push myself through any run because I knew it would make me a better, stronger, faster player, but now I’m trying to find the new positives in running. I love exercising—I love to feel my heart racing, I love to feel the ache in my muscles, and I love to push myself out of my comfort zone. As I mentioned before, recently I’ve been in a slump, so now I am looking for more positives than just those. I know I will always feel better after I workout or run, I know it will help me de-stress, and I know it will help me live the healthy life style I love, but I’m still searching for a new exercise (and running) mantra for the next chapter of my life.
11. What or who inspires you to run?
I used to run for a lot of people- my team, my coach, my school, and of course myself. As I’ve grown older I’ve learned to be inspired by every person I walk past on the street. In Durham, one of my running routs would take me by the children’s hospital and the main entrance to the Duke medical center. Every time I passed by the hospital I would think to myself, “remember how lucky you are to have the ability to run; remember how lucky you are to even be outside.”
12. How has running changed or contributed to the person you are?
Running has taught me that I am in control of my destiny, to expect more from myself and to always push myself. Running has given me health, confidence, perseverance, work ethic, and as crazy as I am, running has given me sanity (it has probably contributed to some insanity as well haha). Running has helped shape me into the person that I am. I may not use running in the same way as I once did, and I know running will stay a part of my life, but I’m just trying to reignite the fire and find a new connection and appreciation for running J
As you can see from my answers, I’m open to suggestions as I battle the running rut. 🙂
Thanks Kelly for letting me participate!
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No, thank you Lauren! I love that you shared that you’re going through a slump right now.
I’ve been there several times in my running “career”. Having running buddies makes exercises so much more fun for me too. I really enjoyed participating in a running group when I first moved to Charlotte and NYC has to have something like that too.
I don’t actually participate much in my old running group much more because I’ve found several running buddies both through the running group and just by making friends with people like me.
Reach out to people and don’t be afraid to say, “Hey, did you say you’re a runner? Want a running buddy next Saturday?”. I know that’s easier for said than done, but what have you got to lose?
If you would like to be featured as part of the I’m a runner series, please email me at foodiefresh@gmail.com.