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! ;-)
Today I'm spotlighting Nikki from Will Run for Pizza! You know how I feel about my pizza so I really think Nikki and I are destined to be besties! ;-) Keep reading to learn more about her and her running journey!
Name: Nikki Gilson
State: O-H!
When and why did you start running?
I initially started running when I was about 13 years old – just for fun & to lose weight. Running was up and down for me during my 20’s, but going into my 30’s, it has been a consistent staple.
What is your favorite race and race distance?
What is your favorite race and race distance?
So far, Cap City half in Columbus, OH is my favorite race. The crowd and energy is amazing. And I LOVE the half marathon distance! I’m doing my first full marathon in October, but even through all these long training runs, I know the half marathon will continue to be my fave.
What is your race day routine?
TRY to get some shut-eye the night before…wake up about 2 hours before I need to leave…drink 2 glasses of water…make an egg, cheese and fake sausage biscuit…eat my breakfast and drink 1 cup of coffee…go to the bathroom about 4 times…do some yoga moves to stretch out…double check that I have all my stuff…and leave!
What is your most favorite piece of running gear?
What is your most favorite piece of running gear?
Oh gosh. I’d have to say my Garmin and compression socks. They are fun, cute, and extremely purposeful!
Do you follow any diet or take any specific supplements that complement your running?
Do you follow any diet or take any specific supplements that complement your running?
I’m not very strict, but I just try to eat healthy. Ya know, lots-o fruits and veggies, 16+ glasses of water a day, keep meat-eating to a minimum, and consume lots-o pizza. J I notice when I eat crappy, I run crappy. Eat healthy, run healthy. I take a multi-vitamin, zinc, and cayenne, but I don’t notice that they complement my running…just my life. :-)
What do you wish you’d known when you first started running?
What do you wish you’d known when you first started running?
How to choose running shoes, using insoles, and the power of cross-training, strength training, and stretching! Actually, I wish I had known a whole lot when I first started running!
What is your fondest running memory?
Hmmm, I would have to say the training runs with my friend, Rachel, leading up to my very first half marathon. I had never run with anyone before, and had never done a race before, so it was a whole new playground for me. I LOVED our Saturday morning runs and then running the race with her!
What is one thing that most people do not know about you?
What is one thing that most people do not know about you?
I went to such a small, private school, that we didn’t even have track or cross-country. We had volleyball, soccer, basketball, and cheerleading. I ran for fun, alone – but never for a team/school sport or with any coaching.
Is there anything else you would like to share with us?
Is there anything else you would like to share with us?
I like pizza. It makes a great pre-run meal, AND a great post-run meal. ;) But most of you might already know that. :)
Here are all the different ways you can connect with Nikki!
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Nikki_
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/
Instagram: http://instagram.com/
Thanks so much for sharing with us Nikki!
QOTD: Does it feel like spring where you live?
