When and why did you start running? What’s your story?
Fall 2010 I was at my son’s baseball game and talking with another mother who was an avid runner. I said something to the effect that ‘I wish I could run’ and she said ‘well why can’t you? Just start running!’. So the following week I talked a couple of moms from my daughter’s pre-school to try a “Couch to 5k” program. As they say, the rest is history.
Favorite distance? And /or favorite race you have run?
My favorite distance is the 10K. With my injury prone leg, I feel like it’s still an easily attainable goal/race that I can train for. My favorite race though was the 2014 Newport (RI) Half Marathon I did with a bunch of friends. The course was a perfect mix of great scenery and topography.
If you could go on a run anywhere, where would it be? Your ideal run?
I would love to run through Central Park. My ideal run has rolling hills but more important are the conditions: overcast skies, low humidity and temperature with a slight breeze 😊
Favorite pre or post run food?
Depending on the mileage, I like to eat peanut butter toast and maybe a banana pre-run. A glass of chocolate milk post-run.
Do you cross train?
I tried to run through an injury to my hamstring in the fall of 2014 and ended up having to stop running for the better part of 1½ years. It was awful but on the plus side I started rowing (scull and sweep) which has been amazing and is now a sport I love as much as running. I also do daily Pilates, regularly bicycle and will occasionally swim.
{ Wearing her Trail Skirt at Pilates }
Do you use a GPS or track your mileage and if so, which one?
I’m not too much of a techno-geek but I like to track my mileage and times. I have the Garmin Forerunner 15 which also tracks my daily steps.
What have you learned/gained through running?
I have asthma and have never considered myself athletic but through running I’ve realized that I am strong and can really have a positive impact on my health through my choices. I’ve also learned to never *ever* run through another injury.
Your next running goal?
I’ve just started being able to run regularly without pain and am hoping to run a ½ Marathon in February with some of the group that ran the Newport ½. Ultimately, my goal is to be able to go on a 5-8 mile run anytime I want for the rest of my life.
Find Your Blyss,
Alyson
{If you'd like to be featured in our monthly series, Blyss Champion, please email me at alyson@blyssrunning.com We'd love to share your story!}