Road Runner Girl: Runner Spotlights #24

Happy Super Bowl Sunday! What team are you rooting for? I'm indifferent...if it were the New Orleans Saints I would definitely be rooting for them. We will be watching the game at a friend's house. They are SF fans so we will probably root for them to win. Should be a great game!

It's time for another runner spotlight! If you are interested in being spotlighted please email me at mindy@roadrunnergirl.com! I'd love to spotlight you!

Today I'm spotlighting Jessie from Running a Healthy Family! She's just a mom who decided to run one day because she didn't have access to a gym. She ended up falling in love with it! Keep reading to learn more about Jessie!

Name: Jessie DiLucia

State: PA

When and why did you start running?

I was visiting family in Central PA 2 years ago, and didn’t have access to a gym for a week. I didn’t want to lose steam since I had been going regularly (and still had the baby weight), so I ran. I hated it, but I did it. I pushed my kids in a Joovy Caboose Ultralight, in my tread bare shoes, and I ran up and down the ridiculous hills of Bellefonte, PA. I lost 3 lbs that week, so I continued. In a few months, by the time I ran my first 5k (very slowly), I loved running. I have to say, that I may not have stuck with it had I not had an amazing support system (even though I totally didn’t deserve it considering that I made fun of runners relentlessly).

What is your favorite race and race distance?

I love the Rock n Roll series. It’s so much fun. My favorite distance is the Half Marathon.

What is your race day routine?

Up, pee, eat a banana and drink water, pee, dress, tape the knee, brace the ankle, pee, leave and eat a Power Bar Triple Threat on the way (or 30 mins before the race), and pray that I don’t have to pee again. Seriously, I have a really small bladder.

What is your most favorite piece of running gear?

Definitely my Garmin. It was a gift last Christmas. When I opened it, I stood there slack jawed and speechless…a rare occurence. I ran once without it and felt like a piece of me was missing.

Do you follow any diet or take any specific supplements that complement your running?

I eat a bowl of Lucky Charms every night. Ok, maybe that’s not what you meant. I’m a really healthy eater (aside from the Lucky Charms) to begin with. I’m not a fan of vitamins and supplements, as you can really get the nutrients your body needs from the right foods. When I’m training, I do raise my caloric intake and gleefully make carbs a bigger part of my diet.

What do you wish you’d known when you first started running?

I don’t think there is anything. I’m very lucky to have a friend who is an avid runner, and great resource. She really got me on the right track and had me well informed.

What is your fondest running memory?

I don’t think there will ever be a memory for me that will hold a candle to the moment I crossed the finish line at my first half marathon. At the start, I stood in my corral with my dear friend and mentor, who had been with me from the beginning. I was choked up thinking about everything that had happened in the year past that had brought me to this point, heartbreak and happiness, suffering and support, and so much more. When we neared the finish line, Katie sprinted ahead (yeah, she’s one of those who can sprint after running 13 miles and still not be worn out) to take a picture of me crossing the finish line. [Before I go on, you should know that I’m not a real warm fuzzy kinda gal, but…] The moment I crossed we just grabbed each other, and stood there hugging and crying together. It was pretty amazing.

What is one thing that most people do not know about you?

I don’t ever really believe I can do something until I’ve actually done it. My accomplishments are not at all about self-confidence, but stubbornness and persistence. Also, I ate Chef Boyardee beef ravioli out of the can once when I was pregnant.