Road Runner Girl: Runner Spotlights #101

I hope everyone is having a great Labor Day weekend! We sure are!

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 Kaella from Kaella On the Run! She lives in Canada but has run a race in one of my bucket list cities...New York City! She also did a run streak...just like me! Keep reading to learn more about her and her running journey!

Name: Kaella

State: Alberta, Canada

When and why did you start running?

I started “officially” running in December 2012 as a way to lose the baby weight (60 pounds) and ran my first race in March 2013. I was hooked! I signed up and finished 9 more that year. In March, 2014 I completed the NYC half marathon (my dream race) and have many more on the horizon. My goal is to get faster and stronger and keep enjoying myself.

Along the way, I decided to start streaking (run streaking) and recently completed 397 days of running at least a mile every day. Thankfully my husband is (mostly) supportive of my crazy habit. I usually get up and run before my family is up (5-5:30am) or else I take my son, London, in the running stroller after work. You can read more about my running story here: http://www.kaellaontherun.com/2013/06/my-running-story.html

What is your favorite race and race distance?

The half marathon is my favorite running distance. My favorite race was the NYC Half. I love New York City and was so excited to get selected in the lottery. Running through Central Park was beautiful and the energy running through Times Square was amazing! I think I ran my fastest mile there, haha! It is also my half PR which is pretty cool! You can read about my NYC Race experience here: http://www.kaellaontherun.com/2014/03/2014-nyc-half-marathon.html

What is your race day routine?

I don’t eat before a 5 or 10K race but I also eat before a half marathon. I get up three hours before the start time and have a piece of toast, or waffle, with peanut butter and a glass of water. I’ve laid out my clothing, gear and fuel the night before so I don’t have to worry about that. I usually have to use the bathroom a number of times before I leave the house and at least once, or twice, before I line up to start. I have Crohn’s disease so I my stomach is also a little upset when I’m anxious, or nervous, about something! I like to be on site at least half an hour beforehand.

What is your most favorite piece of running gear?

My running shoes. I’ve always been a Mizuno Wave Rider girl. They are so comfortable and light! I wear my retired ones on park dates, and long walks, with my son. I own far too many to admit. I’m saving for a new Garmin, though, so that may be my favorite item soon ;)

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

I just wish I would have started sooner. The runner community is amazing, both where I live and online, and they motivate me every day!

What is your fondest running memory?

I know I’ve mentioned it three times now but the NYC half is my favorite running moment. You couldn’t wipe the smile off my face as I ran through Times Square or when I crossed the finish line in under two hours (my goal!)

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

I used to host a kids television show when I was a teenager. I got to learn how ice cream was made, meet some real-life heroes and go hang gliding. I was also an extra in some movies.

Is there anything else you would like to share with us?
I love meeting new people and interacting with other mother runners online. Thank you for reading my story!