Everyone say hi to Stephanie (yep, another one!), a beginning runner and cyclist training for her first half marathon. She’s also in the process of preparing for a big move overseas. Though she may be leaving the Milwaukee area, you can continue to follow her quest to become an athlete on her blog: Trainers and My Bike.
How long have you been running/biking?
I have been running for two months now and I started cycling last summer. I was really enjoying cycling but then it started getting cold and dark and that was reason (or excuse) enough for me to stop. Like thousands of others, I’ve never used my gym membership with any consistency.
What keeps you motivated to work out?
I have a really strong desire to be healthy. I would like to loose 10lbs but I’ve also longed for that for 15 years now. I am close to starting a family and its important that I start with a healthy body because I don’t want to become huge and sedentary throughout my pregnancy. I want to be an active pregnant lady and an active mum.
Was there a moment when everything “clicked” for you in your training?
Oh boy did it click. I was getting frustrated with myself for not maintaining a exercise plan. I have always been someone who exercises for a few months and then it tapers off. It’s always been a chore for me to work out. For a few months now though, I have been following some running blogs and Danica the Chicrunner has really inspired me. She always says that anyone can run. On another blog I came across, the author decided to sign up for a triathlon one day- even though she isn’t really a cyclist or a swimmer. It was a combo of reading about this spontaneous decision and the great inspirational posts from Danica that really touched me. So one morning at work I signed up to run a half marathon. Just like that. I was nervous and excited and started to gobble up as much info on running as i could. Since then my whole attitude has changed. I no longer see running, cycling, or even strength and core work as a chore. Now it’s a big ball of positive drive and man, it feels good! I know my body is getting stronger and healthier and my legs are getting faster. My whole outlook has changed too. Bring it on, make me sweat, and if i hurt tomorrow all the better! I even look at food a little different. I see it as fuel as well as something to enjoy.
What’s the most difficult thing about being a runner? What’s the best thing?
The most difficult thing I have come across so far is not overdoing it. It’s really important to gradually increase those miles, but all I want to do is go on a five miler every day. Holding back is the thing I’m struggling with right now. That makes me smile.
The best thing? Well, I’m sure if i weren’t returning the the UK soon, it would be the Milwaukee running community. The races, the atmosphere, and the people. Just joining Daily Mile has opened doors to friendships, potential running partners and support from my kind. (I like that runners are now MY kind – I’m in that club.) Another great thing about being a runner is health, which now comes easy. I look forward to my runs- even in fifteen degree weather. I never thought I’d do that! I feel my body is stronger, and though not thinner yet, it will come in time and I’m fine with that.
Do you have any favorite training gear?
Apart from my closet of cold weather under armour, I just got a Garmin 305 for my birthday and LOVE IT. I run faster than I thought I did, so that rocks. Also, I will most likely be running alone for a while so I hope to make use of the training partner feature. I love to see all the mile splits, heart rate, and the graphs and charts. It’s a good motivator-which is also why I like Daily Mile so much too!
What are some of your goals? Any races you are training for?
My first goal is to finish the Blarney Run in under 30 minutes and with a a smile on my face. I’m also entered to run the 5K Race for Life in July with my Mum. That will be special. I plan to run a half marathon in October and hopefully a 10K in between sometime. I forsee myself entering triathlons since I love to cycle too and I have even been swimming as part of my cross training. I really want to become an athlete. I never thought that possible before I signed up for that half marathon. Now its totally achievable.
What advice would you give to somebody just starting out?
Read up on how to get started, as if you start out too hard it could all just backfire. Listen to all the advice out there. For example, Runnersworld.com is a very valuable resource. Join Dailymile or an equivalent and ask your friends to join. It’s a good way to track your progress and it also makes you feel somewhat obligated to continue. Most of all though, have a goal. My weight loss goal wasn’t enough for me. Sign up for a race! It doesn’t necessarily have to be a half marathon. Just sign up, tell people, and ask others to join you. Even if you have to do it alone, make sure you support yourself with positive words of encouragement. You CAN do it.
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