Road Runner Girl: Runner Spotlights #93

I hope everyone has had a great 4th of July weekend!!! We had a blast at my friend Rhonda's house! We swam in the pool, ate some yummy food, and watched the fireworks! It was so fun!

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 Annmarie from The Fit Foodie Mama! She always posts the most amazing recipes on her blog! Keep reading to learn more about her and her running journey!

Name: Annmarie

State: New York

When and why did you start running?

I started running after I had my first daughter, but it was sporadic and while I raced in a few 5k’s, I didn’t remain consistent. The past few months I have really gotten into running, signed up for races and have fallen in love. I still consider myself a “newbie” runner but that is slowly changing. I’m officially signed up for the Rock’n’Roll Half Marathon in Vegas, a Strollerderby AND a Ragnar Relay in the Adirondacks….I’ve got my game face on and I can’t wait to check these off my list!

What is your favorite race and race distance?

My favorite race that I have done is the Vino and the Beasts which is a 5k obstacle course run through a vineyard and you’re rewarded with wine…SO much fun! My favorite race distance is probably a 10k, I feel like I am challenged and can push myself without feeling like crap after. I have never competed in a race longer than a 10k though so maybe that will change after my 1^st half marathon!

What is your race day routine?

I don’t do anything crazy but my routine usually consists of waking up around 5:30 (if it’s a morning race), having a piece of gluten free toast with almond butter, huge glass of water and a cup of coffee. I always make sure that my race clothes and gear are laid out so that I don’t forget anything then I bust a move to get there and run on adrenaline. :-)

What is your most favorite piece of running gear?

My favorite piece of running gear is my Mio ALPHA. It is a strapless heart rate watch and I never leave for a run without it!

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

While I don’t consider it a diet, I do eat gluten free and avoid dairy. I have found that helps bloating and stomach upset which makes me feel better so I can perform. I also use Vega Sport Pre-Workout Energizer before any long run or workout as well as NUUN hydration tablets.

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

I wish I had known that you don’t have to be fast to be considered a runner. For the longest time I didn’t consider myself a runner because I never believed I was “good enough” to actually compete in races. Now I know it isn’t about how fast you run, it’s just that you run.

What is your fondest running memory?

My fondest running memory is a 5k race that I did where I ran it while holding onto memories of a lost loved one and I PR’d. When I picked up my race packet, my bib number was “his number” so I mentally dedicated the run to him, raced like heck and finished 2^nd in my age group. I have never run so fast in my life, I felt like I had wings!

What is one thing that most people do not know about you?

I have always wanted to be an FBI agent. In college I studied criminology and my plan was to work as a forensic psychologist with serial killers. I am fascinated by deviant behavior and if you saw my bookshelf full of sex crime and serial killer books you might think I have some real issues. I swear I’m normal, I just think crazy people are more interesting! :-)