Road Runner Girl: Runner Spotlights #109

Hey everyone! I hope you are all having a fantastic fall weekend! I can't wait to tell you all about my back to back 5K races this weekend! :-)

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 Jamie from Fit Approach! Yes...she is the co-founder and President of everything #SweatPink! I LOVE being a #SweatPink Ambassador and am thrilled to spotlight Jamie! She is an amazing athlete and runner! Keep reading to learn more about her and her running journey!

Name: Jamie Walker

State: San Francisco, CA

When and why did you start running?

I've been running for as long as I can remember; I first started running because my mom was always running to stay in shape and it was just that thing that we did. And as I got older, I used running as a way to keep in shape for all of my other sports. It became cross training for tennis, swimming, and even dance.

But it wasn't until my senior year of college that I got a little more serious about running. I had just returned from a year abroad in Italy and had way over indulged in pizza and wine. I started running that year with a goal in mind: to work off all the pizza and wine. But once I hit that goal, I realized I really liked running. I liked that it was my time – it was time when I could clear my head and think and it made me feel so good – and then I entered my first trail race and it was all downhill from there… I was hooked!

What is your favorite race and race distance?

Such a hard question to answer! I have so many favorite races. If I had to choose, I would have to say that my last big race – the Born to Run 100 miler – was my favorite race. Not only because I finally completed 100 miles but because I had so much amazing support from my friends and family. It was such an indescribably awesome day.

My favorite distance is the 50 miler. I like that I can go out, do something pretty huge and be back home in time for dinner…and maybe a drink!

What is your race day routine?

I don’t have much of a race day routine – but I do like to carve out a little time in the morning to clear my head before a race starts if at all possible. I prefer to start a race feeling really at ease so if I can get there a little earlier than need be, I like to be able to just relax around the starting area. It helps me get in the zone (and wake up a little) before I start running.

In terms of food, I also like to have a smoothie before I race (if possible) and if I’m camping (or otherwise not at home), I’ll do peanut butter toast and water with Vega electrolytes.

What is your most favorite piece of running gear?

My Nathan hydration pack is my all time favorite thing ever. I can pack just about everything I need in it – and it has been with me on some epic adventures!

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

Not really. I try to eat generally pretty healthy but I’m not one for diets or supplements.

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

I guess I wish I had known that running isn't all about the clock. When I first started running (or at least running seriously), I was training for marathons and became completely glued to my watch – splits, pace, mileage – I got to the point where I started to feel like I was only as good as my time. When I ditched marathons, my watch, and all my old habits and hit the trails, I really found running. I found my peace out on the trails and even when I was pushing myself, it didn't necessarily feel like as much work and definitely didn't stress me out.

What is your fondest running memory?
I think my fondest memory to date is crossing the finish line at my first ultra – the Dick Collins 50 miler – I was in so much pain and barely hobbling towards the finish but as soon as I saw it, my body allowed me to give it every last ounce and sprint in through the finish. It felt amazing. I remember laying down in the grass almost immediately and just relishing in my accomplishment.

What is one thing that most people do not know about you?
I think one thing most people don’t realize about me is that I’m not a huge gear head. I love running, sure. But not running gear. I like things that work and will stick with them until something else works better. People always assume I know everything about the next latest and greatest running watch or compression sock but I’m not really the go to for that kind of stuff. That being said, I don’t mind referring them elsewhere…I have plenty of gear head friends ;).