Road Runner Girl: Runner Spotlights #116

I hope everyone has had a great weekend thus far! I'm enjoying being at home with my family since I've been out of town the past 3 weekends!

It's been a while since I've done a runner spotlight! I'm hoping to start these back up because I always find it so inspiring to read other people's running stories. 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! ;-)

Today I'm spotlighting Katie from Katie Lean! She's a college student majoring in nutrition. She loves to run and do yoga too. Keep reading to learn more about Katie and her running journey!

Name: Katie Lienhard

State: Massachusetts

When and why did you start running?

My dad has been running road races for as long as I can remember. I always played on lots of sports teams but when I was about twelve I ran my first 5k (with my dad), and from then on I was hooked on racing!

What is your favorite race and race distance?

I think my favorite race is any one that I’m running with friends and/or family. It’s so hard to choose a specific course, but my favorite distance (so far) is the 5k. I love the excitement of a quick race!

What is your race day routine?

Preparing for any race really starts the week of! I stay well hydrated and get plenty of sleep in the days leading up to it. I try not to change up my diet beforehand because I believe that if it’s worked during training it’ll work for the race! One thing I always make sure of is that I eat a couple of hours before start time; no one likes the feeling of a meal in their stomach while they’re running. I've also had troubles with asthma in the past, so I make sure to stay calm and control my breathing even before the race starts. And I've got to have my lucky socks on, of course!

What is your most favorite piece of running gear?

My favorite piece of running gear is my sneakers (I know, boring right?). I've been using the same model (Asics GEL-Cumulus) for years and I just buy the newest version and color when I need them. They’re always special to me because I wear them for so many miles! There’s a crazy amount of memories and emotions in a pair of running shoes.

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

I’m a vegetarian, but it’s just because I stopped like the taste of most animal products, not necessarily to complement my running (although I feel it doesn't hurt). Because of that, I’m really careful about making sure I get enough protein, iron, vitamin B12, calcium, and vitamin D, among other things. I take a B12 supplement and sometimes use protein powder in my smoothies after a long workout!

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

I wish I had known how much you have to push yourself to get as fast as you can be. If I had known that earlier I feel like I would have been much faster at a younger age. I believe that learning to test your limits is one of the most important lessons any runner can learn.

What is your fondest running memory?

It would probably be one of my races during high school cross-country. We were up against one of our rival teams on our home course. Starting one third of the way through I had a girl from the other team RIGHT behind me. For about three quarters of a mile she stayed on my tail and it felt like I was getting chased through the woods. The race came out onto a field where my coach was and she told me I HAD to beat this girl. I ran harder than I've ever run before! I think I finished second in the race, and we beat the other team for the first time in years. The girl and I shook hands near the finish line because we had really challenged each other. It was an amazing day!

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

Most people don’t know that I've competed in a lot of other sports besides cross-country. I was on varsity lacrosse and soccer teams. I've played basketball, taken tennis lessons, played in a few field hockey games, and I do a lot of yoga and other group fitness classes.

Is there anything else you would like to share with us?
I’m a college student majoring in nutrition, so if anyone ever wants to chat about health or fitness with me check out my blog and/or social media! I especially love talking to other runners and athletes about nutrition.