Road Runner Girl: Runner Spotlights #108

Hey everyone! I am running my 25th half marathon this morning!!! Hopefully I am running fast and strong and having an awesome race! ;-)

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 Bri from Run Lift Yoga! She is a very well rounded athlete...she does a lot more than just run! Keep reading to learn more about her and her running journey!

Name: Bri Wilson

State: BC - Canada

When and why did you start running?

I've always been into hiking, biking and going to the gym, but I used to hate running. I was always last in track and field and despised having to do any sort of running for gym class in high school. But about seven years ago, when I heard a friend talk about training for a half marathon, I decided to see if I could run that distance. I have no idea why, since I hated running. But he made it sound like fun.

I started with 1 km and got winded, wondering to myself why I thought I could do this. But slowly, each week, I ran for another kilometre. And another. Within a year I was up to 20 km, and signed up for my first race, a half marathon. After that, I was hooked.

What is your favorite race and race distance?

I will always have a special place in my heart for the Goodlife Fitness Victoria Marathon here on Vancouver Island. It’s at sea level, the scenery is beautiful (it’s along the ocean), and the route is just steps from my front door, which makes it convenient to train for. I’m doing the full marathon at this race this year to attempt to qualify for Boston (my third time running the full), but the half marathon is definitely my favorite distance. It’s long enough to be challenging, but short enough that you can push yourself a bit.

What is your race day routine?

I’m usually up about 3-4 hours before the race, and have breakfast (oatmeal with goji berries, blueberries and plain Greek yyogurt with coffee right away. Then I hang out for a bit, get all my gear on (Garmin, compression socks if it’s longer than 15km, Oiselle roga shorts, whatever tank top I feel like sporting for that race, Brooks PureFlow shoes) and head to the starting line about 15-20 minutes before the start. I usually do a light jog and dynamic warm-up before the gun goes off.

What is your most favorite piece of running gear?

Can’t run without shoes! I've been running in Brooks PureFlow shoes for the last few years (since they first came out). Best shoes I've ever had; perfect for my flat feet.

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

I eat a whole foods plants based diet, and increase my carb intake slightly when I get into high mileage marathon training (about 300-350 grams a day). I should probably take iron supplements, but I don’t like them. I try to get as much iron as I can from food. Otherwise there isn't anything special I take that’s different from my normal diet.

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

That I should have been strength training and fixing my running form from the start -- I would have prevented lots of injuries and pain in that first year if I did! I got a coach after a year of running who helped me a lot in that regard. I've gotten stronger, faster and haven’t been injured in two years thanks to lifting weights and training smarter.

What is your fondest running memory?

Crossing the finish line after 11 hours of running at the Squamish 50K trail ultra. I thought I wasn't going to make it before the cut off. That was the hardest race I've ever done, and I had never been so happy to see people again after 11 hours alone in the wilds of the BC mountains. My boyfriend was standing there waiting for me at the finish line and handed me a bottle of champagne. All I wanted to do was take my shoes off and stuff a burger into my mouth.

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

Even though I’m a certified strength coach, I don’t like team sports. I’m so uncoordinated, and am not a natural athlete at all. It’s taken me almost eight year of running to get to the fitness level I’m at now. I went from a 4:36 marathon time to a 3:41 -- I think anything is possible with enough hard work and dedication.

Is there anything else you would like to share with us?
I just launched my personal training business, Koru Personal Training, and will be offering online coaching, marathon training programs and nutrition plans.