Road Runner Girl: Runner Spotlights #107

How's your weekend been? Mine has been great but it's HOT again! We got spoiled with the nice fall weather last weekend. This weekend it was back in the 80's and humid. Yuck! I'm really hoping for fall temps for next weekend's half.

Did anyone keep up with IRONMAN Kona yesterday? I was so proud of Apolo and Jen!!! They did amazing for Team Chocolate Milk!!!

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 Amanda from Positively Amanda! She's awesome because she has been running since the 5th grade!!! Keep reading to learn more about her and her running journey!

Name: Amanda
State: NY

When and why did you start running?
I started running in 5th grade. My school had a 5th/6th grade cross country meet to compete against the other schools in my town. I don’t remember why I decided I wanted to participate in this race, but I did, and it ended up being the best decision I’ve ever made. I’ve been in love with running since that day.

What is your favorite race and race distance?
Oh golly, I’ve raced everything from 400 to 10k to steeplechase. As of now, the 5k is my favorite race distance. Although, I am running my first marathon in October in Chicago, so who knows, I think I’ll instantly fall in love with that race as well!

What is your race day routine?
I normally race 5k’s so I will go with my 5k race day routine. I start out as soon as I wake up with a 1-2 mile super easy shakeout run, to wake up my body and get my blood pumping. Then I have oatmeal with almond butter and some water to hydrate. I will do my warm up 1-2 miles about 45 minutes out from race time once I get to the course. Then I’ll do some dynamic stretches and then put on my racing flats.

What is your most favorite piece of running gear?
Especially during the summer I really need sweat wicking tank tops. The New Balance Boylston singlet is by far the most perfect running tank top i’ve ever worn. It has gotten me through my long run days when it’s been 80+ degrees.

Do you follow any diet or take any specific supplements that complement your running?
I just eat a lot of proteins, fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Nothing out of the ordinary. I make sure I get fuel in right away after my runs and workouts. It’s very important to recovering properly.

What do you wish you’d known when you first started running?
Although I eventually learned this in high school, I wish I knew that the harder I work in practice the better I will race. My little 5th grade self didn’t grasp that concept right away.

What is your fondest running memory?
I have so many great running memories. But, the ones I love the most are with all the friends I have met along the way. Whether it’s lifelong friends or runners I just know for a day. The running community is one incredible community to be apart of!

What is one thing that most people do not know about you?
I once got chased by a deer while running down a running path. This was of course after I saw on the news that some deer had jumped on/licked a runner because of his salty sweat. All I was thinking was “I DON’T WANT THIS DEER TO LICK ME!!” while I frantically ran away. It was terrifying, and yet hilarious to look back on. Needless to say I freak out every time I see a deer on a run!