Road Runner Girl: Runner Spotlights #85

It's been another great weekend here! Yesterday I ran 5 miles and then the whole family did a walk for ALS! One of my former preschooler's Dad was diagnosed with this so walking in honor of him meant so much to me. I'll have a recap up later this week.

Now it's time for another runner spotlight...my favorite time of the week! I love reading other runners' stories about their running journey! If you are interested in being spotlighted on my blog please email me at mindy@roadrunnergirl.com! I'd love to spotlight you! You don't have to have a blog to be spotlighted...you just have to be a runner! ;-) And I'm running low on spotlights so now's your time to shine!!!

Today I'm spotlighting Kathryn from From Dancing to Running! I am a new reader to her blog. I started reading it after the Walt Disney Marathon Weekend in January. She ran her first half marathon in Disney and I loved reading all her recaps. From then on...she's been on my daily blog list to read. And...she's a teacher like me! Keep reading to learn more about her and her running journey!

Name: Kathryn Thayer

State: Virginia

When and why did you start running?

I started running in March 2013 after being inspired by my husband’s completion of his first marathon in January 2013. Since my mom signed me up for my first dance class at age four, most people have associated me with dancing in one way or another. Because I’ve always been told “Dancers don’t run,” I previously had never taken on the challenge of running as a sport. However, my husband’s completion of the Disney World Marathon inspired me to try running for myself. I signed up for and trained for my first half marathon, the Disney World Half Marathon, which I ran in January, and now I’m hooked!

What is your favorite race and race distance?

To date, the race distances that I have run are 5k, 10k, half marathon, and three miler. At the moment my favorite distance is 10k, but I’m sure this will change as I log more mileage. Because I’ve found great success in using run-walk intervals, I’ve found that I can’t comfortably get into a good run-walk pattern during a 5k because of how short it is. I’ve also only completed one half marathon thus far. My favorite 10k race is currently Potomac River Running’s Perfect 10 10k, but my favorite race overall is the Disney World Half Marathon, as it was this race that allowed me to prove to myself that I could defy the odds of the dancing world and could complete a half marathon.

What is your race day routine?

Most runners are in disbelief when I tell them that I shower on race morning, but for me, taking a shower helps me to wake up and be more ready for a race. My race day breakfast usually includes a peanut butter sandwich and a banana. About fifteen minutes before the race starts I take a Gu Energy Gel.

What is your most favorite piece of running gear?

I discovered last fall the importance of being properly fit for running shoes. I absolutely love the feel and fit of my Mizuno Wave Inspire shoes.

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

I try to eat as healthy as possible and limit my salt intake. I usually eat at least one salad every day. As for supplements I take an over the counter women’s vitamin and iron pills (I’m anemic).

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

You can do whatever you put your mind to no matter how challenging or daunting the task may seem. For the longest time I was told that dancers can't run, so I never thought about giving running a try. I'm so glad that I haven't let myself continue to fall victim to the idea that dancers don't run, because running has opened me up to an entirely new sphere of fitness that I now cannot imagine myself living outside of.

What is your fondest running memory?

I will never forget the moment that I crossed the finish line of the Disney World Half Marathon holding my husband’s hand. That moment capped off an absolutely magical race and I’m beyond thankful that he opted to run my first half marathon with me at my running speed.

What is one thing that most people do not know about you?
Although I’ve sprained my right ankle countless times, the only bone I’ve broken is my right ring finger. I broke it sophomore year of high school during a game of Flickerball in PE class. To this day, I still can’t completely straighten that finger.