Road Runner Girl: Runner Spotlights #33

I hope you're all having a wonderful weekend!!! I've had a great one! Friday night me and the hubby had date night! We went for a walk down by the bay, to dinner, and to a movie! Saturday the family spent the day at the Cub Scouts campsite! We didn't camp this time but still had a blast spending the day there!

My hubby and I got to enjoy the gorgeous sunset on our date! I often take for granted how awesome and blessed I am to live here on the Gulf Coast. It's amazing here!

Now it's time for another runner spotlight! If you are interested in being spotlighted on my blog please email me at mindy@roadrunnergirl.com! I am running low on spotlights and would love to feature you!

Today I'm spotlighting Sarah from My Mostly Healthy Life! Sarah is a runner from Canada!!! Keep reading to learn more about her!

Name: Sarah Ohm

~~State~~ Province: Toronto Ontario, Canada!

When and why did you start running?

I started running in January of 2012. I had never been a runner before, never thought of being a runner, just assumed it wasn’t for me. Until a colleague of mine decided to get all of our office gals together to train for 16 weeks to run a half-marathon. I was one of the few that was still standing at the end of the 16 weeks and I’ve continued running ever since, doing a total of 5 different races in 2012! (A half-marathon, 2x10 km’s, an 8 km and a 5km).

What is your favorite race and race distance?

Out of the races I’ve done this year, I think the 10km is my favourite distance, but I want to do another half-marathon to make sure. I like the 10km race because it’s not soooo long that it feels like an unreachable goal some days, but it’s definitely still challenging. My favourite 10km so far has been the Toronto Younge St. 10km race!! Everyone runs down Yonge St, one of the longest streets in Canada, the whole road is shut off, and when you’re at the top of a hill it’s amazing to see the full streets below you! So cool J

What is your race day routine?

I wake up about an hour and a half before the race starts, and I instantly start drinking water. I eat a light breakfast (yogurt, some form of meat like turkey or chicken, and a piece of fruit!) and I shower, feel good, get ready and out the door! Nerves hasn’t ever really been a big deal for me when it comes to getting pre-race jitters like I know some people do. I’m not sure why, it’s only a race with yourself, no one else cares! I do find the adrenaline helps me move my legs a bit faster sometimes though.

What is your most favorite piece of running gear?

Probably my ChickBands headbands. I just got into these recently, and they are the first headband that actually stays on my head while I run without needed a million bobby pins to hold them in place. When my hair gets in my face it’s super annoying and I can’t handle it, so thank GOD I found these headbands!! You can find these on Etsy if you’re interested!

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

I try and eat about 80% paleo, that’s really it! I don’t take a lot of supplements because I believe you can get all of the nutrients you need from the food you eat, and I know some people would differ, but to each their own! I take Nuun Hydration tabs when I’m done long runs, or I’ve sweat an abnormal amount.

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

To make the time to stretch after EVERY RUN. I was really bad for stretching during my half-marathon and it results in some serious pain…. Had I not been so silly I probably could have avoided some of the hip and calf pain that I endured! And to foam roll out my IT band 2-3 times per week…. It might be the most painful thing EVER, but it helps in the long run in preventing pain!

What is your fondest running memory?

Finishing my very first race (The Toronto Yonge St 10km)! I got a medal and was sooo proud! I did it in a great time (55 minutes) and didn’t have to walk at all and that was my main concern. I loved it, and it was definitely the race that gave me the running bug!

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

I’m a huge math/organizational person… It’s almost like OCD for me. I love number crunching, I almost went to school to become an accountant. Organizing is super important to me…. I think it bothers my boyfriend sometimes :P