Road Runner Girl: Runner Spotlights #43

Happy Sunday! I've a busy but fun weekend so far! Friday afternoon we went and saw Despicable Me 2! I LOVED the first movie and this one did not disappoint! It had me laughing! I love those little yellow minion guys!!! Saturday morning I ran 5 miles with some friends. Then we had a day of watching movies and being lazy because it was raining all day. It's been a great weekend so far!

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 Beth from Read Hard Run Harder! I first met Beth at the Gulf Coast Half Marathon on Pensacola Beach. While we were running she saw me and told me she loved my blog (now what girl doesn't like hearing that)! Since then Beth has started her own blog and I love reading it! Keep reading to learn more about her!

Name: Beth

State: Alabama

When and why did you start running?

I really started running seriously in September 2012. To be honest, I really kind of started running to force myself to quit complaining about running. So here is the story: Forever, as long as I can remember, I hated running--I was slow, and it was really, really painful. Last summer, I decided to enter into a local sprint triathlon down here at the beach. I trained all summer. The swimming and biking portions were no problem for me (I swam for a team in another life and was an avid spinning class attendee), but the measly 2 mile run killed me. Come race day, I blazed (OK that may be an exaggeration) through the open water swim and the bike, but literally doubled by overall race time during that sad, painful 2 mile run. Right then and there, I told myself that I was going to train for and run a half marathon so that I will not suck at running anymore. And I did it. I ran my first half marathon, Rock N Roll New Orleans, this February. What I didn't anticipate was for my general loathing of all things running to turn into a love. I am so happy that I found this wonderful sport. While I still plan on participating in some triathlons this season, my true new love is the road race!

What is your favorite race and race distance?

I am really not super built for speed, so I really prefer long distance, slower paced running. I love the half marathon; it is long enough to feel like a super challenge, but not body wrecking like the marathon, or so I have heard. It is a total accomplishment to finish one alive. I have never run a marathon and right now, I really have no desire to start training for one (OK, maybe a little desire). As of right now, I have only run 2 half marathons (a condition I plan to remedy when it cools down here in the South), but I really enjoyed the Gulf Coast Half Marathon at Pensacola Beach. The scenery was gorgeous—I love the beach—I ran a 27 minute PR, and those finisher’s medals are just awesome!

What is your race day routine?

I get up at whatever time gives me at least 2 hours before I need to leave for the race. I take a shower as ridiculous as that is before I get my sweat on (I don’t feel awake without one), drink at least 1 cup of coffee, and eat toast and peanut butter with a glass of water (I have been hydrating before with Nuun—the best ever!). Since all my clothes are laid out the night before, there is no stress over where stuff is or what I am going to wear…instead, I obsess about going to the bathroom! Am I the only one who is in total panic about that? I do run in makeup, so I put my face on before I leave. I try to calm my nerves and go!

What is your most favorite piece of running gear?

I am obsessed with running skirts! For the longest time, I only ran in capris because I was convinced that my thigh chub-rub prevented me from running in a skirt. What a waste of non-running skirt-wearing-time that was! These things are awesome! They don’t ride up like shorts; they are cooler than capris, and are much, much cuter! Do you think running skirt collecting is a legitimate hobby? But oh, I forgot about SweatyBands headbands…

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

Considering that I still trying to drop those last 15 lbs., I try to eat as cleanly as possible, but I have to be honest, and say that I could use some work in that department. I do really well during the week, but kind of lose it on the weekends. I’m hoping that the accountability of my blog will help with my clean eating plan, and help me stay on track. Regarding supplements, I really don’t take or use anything. I am thinking about starting to use a protein powder when I finish doing my strength training sessions. Does anybody have any suggestions? I think I’m looking for something that is low in carbs and sugar.

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

That you should take out another mortgage on your house so you can get all the cool running gear! No not really, but there are some awesome bits of running gear out there, and if you are like me—if it’s bright and colorful—then you want it.

What is your fondest running memory?

Crossing the finish line at the Gulf Coast Half Marathon at Pensacola Beach this last April. It was my second half marathon and a PR by 27 minutes! I was so stoked. But the best part was seeing my boyfriend at the finish and hearing him screaming his head off for me. The fact that he was so proud of me and my time really made the whole experience even more awesome!

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

There’s not much that people who know me don’t know about me—I am pretty much an open book—but, I am allergic to corn which really makes eating Mexican food (which I LOVE!) really difficult.