It's time for another Runner Spotlight! If you are interested in being spotlighted on my blog please send me an email at mindy@roadrunnergirl.com! I'd love to spotlight YOU! :-)
This week it is Darlena from Run Find Your Happy Pace's turn! This lady is super inspiring as she started running in her late thirties! And...she runs for cupcakes!!! Keep reading to learn more about her!
Name: Darlena - Run Find your Happy Pace
State: Virginia
When and why did you start running? I started running at the ripe “old” age of 38 while my husband was deployed in Afghanistan for 14 months. I really needed some “me” time on that long deployment. However I didn’t start any serious distance running until I was 40.
What is your favorite race and race distance? I feel like a super hero when I finish a half but I love a good 10k!
What is your race day routine? Get up way too early ;) get dressed, eat toast with peanut butter and hope to “download” (eww!) before leaving for the race. I also take a snickers energy bar with me and a bottle of water.
What is your most favorite piece of running gear? My Zensha Compression Sleeves no question.
Do you follow any diet or take any specific supplements that complement your running? No, trying to stick to the healthy whole food diet most of the time. However I do have a tradition of chicken fajitas the night before a race and a big old cupcake as a post race treat!
What do you wish you’d known when you first started running? Chirunning form and cross training to prevent injury
What is your fondest running memory? My fondest memory would have to be when I finished my first Half Marathon (Rock n Roll Half Virginia Beach in 2011). I actually cried tears of joy after I crossed the line and walked around for a week thinking I just ran 13.1 miles. 13.1 MILES! Something I NEVER thought I would do. It changed my whole perspective of myself.
What is one thing that most people do not know about you? I am quite goofy and don’t like to take myself too seriously. Life is short...Love the Lord and make it happy and fun.
Here are all the different ways you can connect with Darlena!
Blog: www.runfindyourhappypace.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/runfyhp
Facebook: www.facebook.com/runfindyourhappypace
Instagram: @runfyhp
QOTD: Do you have a sibling you are close to? Do you get to spend a lot of time with them?
