ALL ABOUT LINDSAY
How did you start running?
I was a collegiate basketball player, that was always my sport. But in my college town of Duluth, MN that famous Grandma’s Marathon happens every summer. I would always watch and hang out with my friend, but seeing the runners cross the finish line and struggle, yet continue to push was so inspiring to me. Being the competitive person I am I wanted to run a marathon and cross if off my bucket list. But everything changed during that race. I fell in love with the distance, the runners community and the feeling of crossing the finish line was amazing an unmatched. The triumph or earning the title of marathoner. I was hooked and knew I wanted to run more, to set big goals, achieve and learn more.
What goals do you have for running in the future?
Continue to BQ and improve my marathon time-I am aiming for a marathon PR next fall. I just kicked off training for my first 100-mile ultra marathon in March 2021. My goal is to just complete it within the required time and reevaluate ultra running and whether that’s a path I want to pursue or jump back into more marathons.
What is your favorite distance to race?
26.2
What is your favorite race memory?
The Rock n Roll San Diego Marathon in 2017. This was my first marathon without wearing my wig. I had taken it off mid run just 2 week prior. I had finally reached the point where I felt strong and empowered and beautiful without it. I was nervous though. I felt so exposed, but the race was such an incredible feeling. I felt like everyone was cheering 10x louder for me. All of the runners, volunteers and spectators were so supportive and kind. And crossing that finish line wasn’t just another marathon, but was the moment I truly knew I would be ok and truly didn’t need my wig anymore. I will never forget it. The city and race are forever so special to me.
Do you have a special routine before running a race?
Always a prayer of gratitude. It truly is a gift to have a strong body and be healthy and get to run and train. I always stretch before, and turn on music to help get in the mindset.
Where do you love to run?
The neighborhoods around my house, the street are quiet. I feel safe, it is peaceful and familiar to me. I also have the spot where I took my wig off that I run past when I am feeling upset/frustrated and always before a marathon. It makes me feel so strong. I love to just get outside.
What was is like to run the 2020 Virtual Boston Marathon?
It was bittersweet. It was of course not even close to being in Boston, and all of the excitement of race weekend and race day. It is hard to run a marathon without the huge crowds and support. But it was also such a time of gratitude and empowerment for me. I thought of all my finish lines and how much I love running. And truly how fortunate I truly am. It helped to keep me motivated to get back there and set an even bigger goal for myself. I truly am proud of all the runners who did it virtually, a finish is a finish and I am proud to get another unicorn.
What were your highest, lowest and most memorable points during your virtual Boston Marathon experience?
Crossing the finish line was the highest moment, though it was in my neighborhood to know you earned a unicorn and let alone did it alone made me proud, because I didn’t have to. I was excited in the beginning, then it faded a bit, but hit excitement again at mile 24. I definitely had moments throughout the middle miles where the streets were quiet that it felt sad and lonely. It was special and definitely memorable, but again there is nothing like the crowds and energy of actually being in Boston.
Do you have a positive affirmation or mantra?
‘get to’ I think this is so important and really helps me when it gets tough. Having the chance and opportunity to do something and be feeling great truly is a gift. Though it may not be how I wanted it, or I am tired etc. I try to always look at the positive, because I know if I were to be sitting on the sideline for whatever reason I would be so upset.
Do you have advice for other runners?
Stick with it and never compare yourself to someone else. We all have different journeys, different goals and the way we train. You are never less then because you are running a shorter distance or running a slower pace. There will be days that are really tough and you will get frustrated, but stick with it, because when you finally break through it will be the greatest feeling. And tomorrow is always a new day. I have definitely had a lot of runs that were terrible, and have learned to shake it off and go about my day not thinking of it, then lace up the next day and start again. It should be fun.
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