Road Runner Girl: Runner Spotlights #56

Well fortunately Karen has shifted and weakened and will only be hitting us as a tropical depression. I was able to run my 11 miles yesterday morning...but it was super hot and humid thanks to Karen.

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'd love to spotlight you! I'm running pretty low on spotlights so don't hesitate to email me!!! You don't have to have a blog to be spotlighted...you just have to be a runner! ;-)

Today I am spotlighting Michelle from Two Moms on the Run! She just recently started writing her blog so you should definitely go check it out! She shares the blog with her friend Denise! Keep reading to learn more about Michelle!

Name: Michelle Tucker

State: Arkansas

When and why did you start running?

In March of 2010 I started running to get in better shape. I needed to lose about 70 pounds and my husband convinced me to try running.

What is your favorite race and race distance?

My favorite race is the Oklahoma City Memorial Half Marathon. The moment of silence that they take at the beginning of the race for each victim of the bombing is breathtaking and along the course there are banners honoring each of the victims of the attack. Half marathons are by far my favorite race distance. They are just long enough to really feel like you have gone a long way but not as grueling as a full marathon!

What is your race day routine?

I always wake up pretty early and have a turkey sandwich for breakfast! I know it’s strange but it really works for me. I always like to get to the start line pretty early so after eating my sandwich I usually head out. I love talking to people while I’m waiting to start!

What is your most favorite piece of running gear?

Right now it is my Nathan Intensity running vest. Training for a marathon in the summer with all the heat and humidity has been brutal but staying hydrated has made it much easier. I hate wearing anything on my hips so the vest works out great. I do not even notice it’s there! A close second would have to be my Zensah Compression Sleeves. They really help keep my legs from being sore after a long run.

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

I usually eat pretty clean. I follow about a 90% clean diet. Whenever I eat junk I just do not have enough energy and I just feel awful which makes running difficult!

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

I think the one thing I wish I would have know is to find a training plan that works for you. After my first year of running and several 5Ks I was talked into running a half marathon. I followed the training plan that the half marathon put out and it just didn't work for me. I ended up with a pretty serious case of hip bursitis and was just burnt out from a training plan that didn't meet my needs. But now I have ran 3 half marathons and I love the distance and can cross the finish line free of pain or injury. The right training plan really does make a huge difference!

What is your fondest running memory?

Crossing the finish line of my first half marathon the Rock n Roll Dallas Half was something that I can’t even describe. I had gone from someone who was very much overweight and couldn't run from one mailbox to the next to a runner who had just completed a half marathon and was 70 pounds lighter. The feeling is something that I will never forget!