Road Runner Girl: Runner Spotlights #45

How has everyone's weekend been? Mine has been great! And it's about to get even greater! Me and the boys are leaving this afternoon and heading to Destin for the next few days. We are going on a mission trip with our church. We are doing a Summer Bible Adventure for kids in three different parks in the Destin area. It's going to be awesome! We are going to be using our Vacation Bible School curriculum to teach children about Jesus. The boys are so excited! And so am I! :-)

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! I'm running low on spotlights so here's your chance! :-)

Today I am spotlighting Nanci from This Crazy Life of Mine! Nanci is an awesome runner and has lost weight on the Weight Watchers program. She runs a similar pace to mine so we could so be running partners! Keep reading to learn more about her!

Name: Nanci Cernak

State: FL

When and why did you start running? I lost my dad in December 2010 and I slowly started running again to take better care of myself. Between the loss of him, our infertility struggles, and the stress of life and work in general, I needed it. It is something I do for my mental health and well-being as much as for my weight loss journey.

What is your favorite race and race distance? I love running half marathons. My first one was in Feb. 2012 and just last month I completed my fifth. My next – and sixth one – will be in November. It’s a challenging distance and I get a little bit better each time I run it.

What is your race day routine? I get up REALLY early so I’m not rushed. I take my time getting ready and I eat breakfast which consists of a whole wheat English muffin with peanut butter and a banana. I like to arrive at the race early too, so I’m not stressed trying to find parking.

What is your most favorite piece of running gear? My shoes and my Garmin. I run in Brooks Glycerin 10 which I absolutely love. I also have the Garmin Forerunner 110. I would be lost without both.

Do you follow any diet or take any specific supplements that complement your running? I am currently on Weight Watchers. I went back on January 1^st and I am down 20 pounds. It’s not a diet; it’s a lifestyle of learning how to eat in moderation. I am not deprived of anything if I plan ahead. Running helps me to enjoy the foods and drinks that I love.

What do you wish you’d known when you first started running? When I first started running in 2006 it was just to help with my weight loss during my first time on Weight Watchers. I used to be a walker, I would walk every day. I did not enjoy running then. This time around, it’s taken on a whole new meaning as I continue to prove to myself that I can do it.

What is your fondest running memory? My first half marathon will always hold a special place in my heart, but I am also pretty darn proud of PR’ing at the Sarasota Half Marathon, coming in well under 3 hours which was always my goal.

What is one thing that most people do not know about you? I can’t swim! No joke, I have to hold my nose. This is the first and biggest reason I could never do a triathlon.