Road Runner Girl: Runner Spotlights #52

Hey everyone! We've had an awesome time at the beach this weekend! I didn't want to come home! But we had church responsibilities today and the boys have Cub Scouts this afternoon. So back to reality!

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 don't hesitate to send me that email! :-)

Today I am spotlighting a fellow Gulf Coast blogger...my friend Nicole! I met Nicole last December at the Woman's Half Marathon..she was a fellow Run Pink ambassador for that race. She is precious! I've loved getting to know her better and I know you will too! Keep reading to learn more about her!

Name: Nicole Decker

State: Louisiana

When and why did you start running? I started running in 2011 as a new way to maintain my weight loss from a size 16 to a size 8. I signed up for my first half marathon the Rock ‘n’ Roll New Orleans Marathon in which I completed in February 2011. I find keeping the weight off is just as challenging as losing the weight to begin with but by changing it up, setting new goals and rewarding yourself keeps you motivated. Since then I have completed 8- Half Marathons, 2-10miler, 4- 10k's, 22- 5k's, 1-mudrace, 2 trail runs (5ks), 1 Triathlon and 1 Duathlon.

Experiences & friendships made= Priceless!!

What is your favorite race and race distance? I was able to run the “Disney Princess Half Marathon” this February. I literally just wanted to soak up every second and that is exactly what I did. It was “Magical”. The Half Marathon for me is the perfect race distance. You can train regularly to stay in shape, it is still challenging but you don’t feel like you are overexerting yourself.

What is your race day routine? My routine starts the day before by making sure my Garmin and music are charged and ready. The night before I always lay out my gear and make a list of items to grab in the morning so I don’t forget. A couple hours before a race I eat a slice of bread with honey to avoid bonking. Thirty minutes before a race I use a GU or Sports Beans for that extra push. Lastly I try to get in an easy jog and stretch to warm up before the race starts.

What is your most favorite piece of running gear? Besides my Asics GT 1000 running shoes I would say my Sony wireless Walkman headphones. They are very light, not intrusive to my ear drums and no wires to get away.

Do you follow any diet or take any specific supplements that complement your running? The week before and week of a race I eat oatmeal for breakfast, tuna, salmon, brown rice and spinach for lunch and/or dinner along with a cup of Naked Green Machine. I make sure to take my vitamins every day when I am training or have a race coming up. (Calcium with Vitamin D3, Centrum Multivitamin for Women, Flaxseed Oil, and Glucosamine Chondroitin MSM for extra joint care) because I have to face it I am not 20 anymore. In fact I turn 40 this October YIKES!!!!!

What do you wish you’d known when you first started running? The rule about not adding more than 10% of your mileage from week to week as well as proper stretching after a run.

I am still suffering from an IT Band injury from early 2012.

What is your fondest running memory? There are several to pick from but I would probably say “The Color Run” New Orleans from 11-17-12. I did that one with a couple of close friends and my daughter for fun. It was a bonding moment for all of us. It’s one I always reflect on and smile.