Road Runner Girl: Runner Spotlights #39

I hope everyone's having an awesome weekend! Ours has been pretty low key. We are still resting up from our busy week.

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 would love to feature you! You don't have to have a blog to be spotlighted...you just have to be a runner! :-)

Today I am spotlighting Bryony from A Series of Beginnings! Bryony lives in England! She also does a lot of her running with her husband! Keep reading to learn more about her!

Name: Bryony

Location: Hampshire, England

When and why did you start running?

I've been a runner since about 2008, and I started running because my boyfriend did! Well, he's my husband now, but at the time we started dating, I wasn't much of a runner and he definitely was. I went from 1 mile at a time on the treadmill to 5-milers twice a week, and now we're weeks away from my first competitive half marathon! Because my husband was so into running, I really just wanted to see what all the fuss was about. For someone who used to hate the idea of running, it grew on me quickly, and now it's a huge part of how I see myself.

What is your favorite race and race distance?

My favorite race is the Grim Challenge. It's an 8-mile cross country through mud and freezing puddles on the tank proving grounds nearby. I've run it twice now and it definitely kicks your butt, but the whole atmosphere is so laid-back and fun-loving that I keep coming back. My favorite distance has ended up being the half marathon. I ran my first one, the Fleet Half Marathon, back in March (2:14:10!): I take a while to get into my pace, and so longer distances suit me well.

What is your race day routine?

The night before we usually have a nice filling dinner, like homemade pizza or pasta, and try to get to bed at a decent time. Then in the morning, I set the alarm early so I can have time to get ready and eat a light breakfast about an hour or two before the start of the race. Last time our iPods and gear were all ready, but we had to make an emergency pit stop to get safety pins for our race bibs! So the next race will involve getting those out the night before to avoid the panic.

What is your most favorite piece of running gear?

That's a tough one. I got myself a Lululemon top for Christmas and I've been loving it. I'm a sweaty Betty and heat up really quickly, so I like that this is a thinner top that I can wear in nearly all weathers. Or at least, all of the cold and wet weather we get in an English winter! Otherwise, I'm a huge fan of my Shock Absorber sports bra. I'd consider running in no shoes before I'd consider running without that thing!

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

Not really. Anyone who knows me knows that I'm an unfortunately rubbish eater when it comes to being healthy. Though I do have a fondness for breakfasts that involve peanut butter and Nutella if I'm fueling before a morning run.

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

I wish I'd known how to fuel myself for longer runs. For a long time, I had no idea what worked for me as far as timing food and what to eat before a long run and so I'd end up making myself sick because I hadn't planned correctly, or didn't listen to my body. If you want to run for distance, that's definitely something to figure out early on.

What is your fondest running memory?

I love the first run I went on with my husband when we had just started dating. I was studying abroad and brought my trainers just because running seemed the only exercise I was likely to get. Anyway, he ran to meet me at my house, and we went together from there up to the top of Primrose Hill in London and then back to his place for breakfast. It was a gorgeous morning and between the view, the endorphins, and the company, it was perfect. Plus, I wasn't about to turn down an opportunity to check out my super fit boyfriend in his running shorts! He's still my favorite running partner because he pushes me harder than I would push myself.

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

I know probably 95% of the Harry Potter books by heart. I have all 7 of the audiobooks as read by Stephen Fry and listen to them pretty much every night. I need background noise to go to sleep, and so that fits the bill. Plus, when I eventually work up the courage to run a marathon, I can pop these into a playlist since I'll need more than music to keep me in the zone over 26.2 miles!