Road Runner Girl: Runner Spotlights #48

How's everyone's weekend going? I've been trying to spend as much time with the boys as I can. They are leaving this afternoon to spend the next week with their Grandma and Papa. It is the last week of summer vacation for them and it should be a fun time for them! I officially start my new job tomorrow!!! We have teacher training and meetings all week and I can't have the boys with me so that's the main reason they are staying with their grandparents. I'm going to miss my boys but I know they will be having fun! And that means...me and Andy can have a few date nights while they're gone! :-)

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 Elinor from Goodbye Clutter, Hello Freedom! She is a professional organizer...how cool is that job? And of course...she's an awesome runner too! She has run in places I have only dreamed about! Keep reading to learn more about her!

Name: Elinor Warkentin
Province: Vancouver, BC, Canada

When and why did you start running?
At age 44, I decided I needed to do something for my health before it was too late. A friend had just run a 10k, so I was inspired to follow suit. My first week's one hour training started with 30 second run, 4.5 minute walk cycles. It took effort. To celebrate turning 50, I ran my first marathon in Iceland!

What is your favorite race and race distance?
I like races that are in interesting places and give medals. I've run everything from a 1 mile to a marathon, everywhere from Vancouver to Iceland, and now France. Sometimes it's the destination that's the draw, sometimes the challenge.

What is your race day routine?
Wake up around 3am with race-day insomnia, try to get more sleep. Wake up again well in advance of the run, have a coffee, a chocolate protein shake with banana. I try to remember to drink water. Drink more coffee, drink more water, shower to loosen up my muscles and relax, then carefully put on my gear and check that I have everything that I need, but am carrying as little as possible.

What is your most favorite piece of running gear?
In summer I love my running skort. I like the feel of the fabric fluttering against my legs when I run. In winter it's my jacket, ear-bags, merino wool shirt… ok so all my running clothes feel good. So good in fact, that after a serious injury in 2010, when it was uncertain if I would ever run again, I sometimes simply wore my running clothes around the house to feel better. In my running gear, I feel healthy and happy!

Do you follow any diet or take any specific supplements that complement your running?
I try to eat as healthy as possible, eating clean where I can. Before my morning runs, I have a chocolate almond milk protein shake, with a banana and blueberries. Quinoa is big on my list, as is bison from my sister's farm. I eat often, never skip breakfast, and stay away from processed foods. On my recent trip to Paris, much of that fell by the wayside, the wine, cheese and baguettes were just too tempting and apparently a daily spiritual ritual for the French.

What do you wish you’d known when you first started running?
How to take better care of my feet and avoid bunions. Then later: how to avoid falling down granite steps in a dark lobby.

What is your fondest running memory?
I have just finished one of the most fun races in all my running. The www.lachampenoisedelavalleedelamarne.com was crazy! Crazy fun. Almost everyone came in costumes, champagne was enjoyed before, during and after the run, and the parties along the way were super fun. Plus the views and quaint villages enroute were superb. My first and only full marathon, in Reykjavik, to celebrate turning 50, is probably my proudest moment and fondest memory.