All About Amity

ALL ABOUT AMITY

Team Bic Chick

Absolutely Loves:  YOGA and Hiking

When did you start doing Yoga?

Growing up, I struggled with my weight because genetics are not on my side.  After having kids, I was over 200 pounds.  For my 30th birthday, I decided to give myself a gift of getting healthy.  I wanted to be as lean and fit as possible.

Within months of starting this fitness journey, my sister passed away.  Fitness, gave me an outlet and something to focus on.  I put all of my energy towards exercising.  For a year, I was doing everything.  Unfortunately, too much lifting and cardio broke my body. 

A friend invited me to a yoga class, and I fell in love.  At the same time, yoga put up some red-flags.  I could not push myself into poses my body was not ready for.  Instead, I needed to slow down and give myself grace. 

When I first started yoga, I was very emotional, it transformed my entire outlook on life. 

What is your favorite type of Yoga?

I love all of my yoga equally. Each branch of yoga I have tried, has been powerfully beneficial.  Yin class is amazing.  I often do Hot-Power-Yoga to burn the most calories. This also releases the lactic-acid and sooths connective tissues. 

It is important to get into a yoga class at least once a week.  Yoga has helped my weightlifting, immensely.  My instructor teaches me how to hold everything in alignment.  Now while I am running, I make sure my knees are not turned into each other!

If someone is looking to start a yoga practice, they should look for instructors that will adjust their form to get the maximum benefit.

 

Do you have a favorite Yoga Pose?

The pose I always come back to is the Pigeon.  This is the first pose I ever tried, it took me a while to perfect.  I was so tight, it was painful in the beginning.  Now, I can do an advanced version of the pose, called the Flying Pigeon!

I love the Butterfly pose, too!

How does your typical week of exercise look?

Everything is about balance.  When I backed off of doing cardio with weightlifting and focused solely on Yoga, I gained weight.  I would love to do yoga five days a week, but my body needs to burn calories. 

Currently I have one to three times a week devoted to yoga.  I balance my yoga with running and lifting.  In one week, I workout six to ten times.  

Sometimes for the summer months I double-up, with a morning and night session.  Cali girls are in bathing suits 7 months out of the year, but the rest of the time I don't push so hard!

How do you balance exercise with your life?

I see my fitness as a priority.  Remembering how I felt about myself while struggling with weight, makes my eyes tear-up.

Every morning, I get a good workout in.  I feel more confident, healthy and strong.

My daughter has the same genes, and it is important for me to show her a healthy life-style takes hard work.  Both of my kids come to yoga with me, and we go hiking together.  I try to include them with everything I do!

Who are your greatest supporters?

My kids and husband.

 

Where do you like to go hiking?

Hiking is a great workout, you can get a decent calorie-burn in one hour.  I go several times a month.  My friends and I can spend an entire day exploring trails of Mt Baldy, Big Bear and Idyllwild.  I mostly hike in Crafton Hills.

I always bring a camel-pack, lunch, and micro-spikes for my shoes in icy conditions.  Winter-hiking is very dangerous, so I usually stick to the warmer seasons.

 

What are some of your favorite workouts?

I love spin class.  I mix it up with high intensity intervals, 20 minutes of cardio and then weightlifting. My body really needs to mix it up, work-outs change all the time. 

Do you have a motto?

Be stubborn with your goals and flexible with your methods.

Do you listen to work-out music?

Yes!! My favorite artist is Rob Zombie, and second favorite is Nick Jonas!

What do you wear exercising?

I love Beyond Yoga, yoga pants. They fit my curves just the right way, whatever will stay over my butt!  You move in so many different directions doing Yoga.

 

How do you wear your hair while exercising?

I throw it back in a ponytail, with a Bic Band.

 

Do you have advice for other fitness Lovers?

Love yourself no matter what stage of the game you are in.  If you are just getting started, do not make a goal as far as wanting to look a certain way.  Do not look at the hottest super-model in a magazine right now, then aspire to have their physique.  If you love yourself, you want to do right for yourself and be healthy.

How did you become a Bic Chick?

Sandy, the founder of Bic Bands, sends her kids to the same school as mine!  For years, I have been wearing Bic's and following the company. 

When Sandy put up the application for Bic Band Ambassadors, I thought that it would be very cool.  I was surprised, and happy to be chosen!

Photography, courtesy of Amity Huizinga. 

That Pretty Runner

All About Jenn

All About Jenn

Team Bic Chick

Teacher

Loves to Run:  5k-Marathon

how do you feel, running for a cause?

I always wanted to run for a cause, and chose Autism Speaks because my son is on the spectrum.  As my way of giving-back, I have run two races fundraising for Autism Speaks.  Racing as a charity-runner is such a rewarding experience.  I highly encourage others to find a cause that fits their heart.

Fundraising was intimidating at first, but I always met my goals.  I raised over $2000 for the Tinker Bell Half-Marathon and $1500 for the 2016 LA Marathon!  Everyone I know donated to help me exceed my goals.  It is humbling and amazing at the same time. 

In one conversation your whole world changes.  My husband and I knew something was going on, and the pediatrician was the first one to use the word Asperger’s.  From that point we started researching, but did not have an official diagnosis until Nick was six.  Yes, if he is going to be on the spectrum that is the way to go because it is high-functioning.   Nick, has an amazing support system at school. The psychiatrist, a year ago started him on an ADHD and anxiety medications which helps immensely.

How did you start running?

About five years ago, afterschool, my teaching partner and friend Shari said, “Hey Jenn, we are going to run the LA marathon!”

At first I told Shari, “We do not run.  You do not run, I do not run… you do not even belong to a gym!”

Nevertheless, we officially put the 2013 LA Marathon on our bucket-list. 

What was your first race?

Couch to 5k!  We completed an eight week 5k project, and followed it to a T!  The two of us trained on the treadmill, track and outside.  Shari and I finished our first 5k together!

The first time we went to the gym, Shari was so afraid to fall off the back of the treadmill, she would not let go of the handles.  I reached over to change to change the tempo, for her!  We have come a long way. 

How was the LA Marathon?

The course is amazing.  I love LA because I grew up there.   

Everything starts in Dodgers Stadium and goes to Santa Monica.  We run through all iconic parts of LA, Echo Park, China Town, Hollywood Boulevard, and Rodeo Drive.

My aunt and uncle live right off of mile 19.  My entire family supported me with signs, cowbells, and everything!  I just ran LA in February,  it was really hot this year. 

How was running Disney?

I love the Disney Half-Marathons!  I have done quite a few Disney races. The Disneyland Half-Marathon, Tinker Bell Half-Marathon, Star Wars Half-Marathon, Avengers Half-Marathon, and almost all of the 10k’s!  They are less than an hour away from my home.

Everything starts early, 5:30 am!

The 5ks and 10ks are actually in the parks.  Half-Marathons, are in the park 4-5 miles and the rest is in the surrounding neighborhood.  You can take pictures with all the Disney characters!

How do you fuel? 

Chomps, not the gels! 

Salt tabs are great for the heat. I had a few salt-tabs during training, before trying them in a race.

My running club is the best!  The LA Leggers, have been training people for the LA Marathon, over 25 years!  We have three food stations with PBJ sandwiches, candy, and water.  I also leave my own stuff with a zip-lock bag and name.  My bag has a hydration tab and water bottle with a bag of pretzels, gum, and chomps. 

Have you ever been injured?

Yes.  After running a few 5k’s, I tore my plantar fascia in the right foot.  For six weeks, I wore a walking boot.  Then, for another eight weeks I went to physical therapy. 

Who are your greatest supporters?

My husband and kids!  I love when they come to my races.

Nick and Mady are the reason I run. They are my, why.  Mady comes home from school excited to tell me, “I ran a whole lap today.”  Mady wants be a runner like mamma.  

I always bring my medals to my third grade classroom! 

How do you balance running and life?

I became a runner at age 35, while married, with a five and two year old.   Now my children are nine and seven!  Planning ahead and being organized is huge. On weekends, I tell my husband a certain time I will be running and he lets me know, “Don’t worry, I’ve got it!”

Do you have a motto?

1. Believe in yourself and what you are doing.
2. One day at a time.

Where is your favorite place to go running?

The beach!  I live four miles from the beach.  A couple times I have run by myself to the beach, and then turned around to run back. 

On Saturday and Sunday, Shari and I go on a long run together, around 7am.  The big decision is whether to run north towards LA or south towards Manhattan Beach.

What is your favorite running memory?

Finishing my the LA Marathon in 2013.  Shari and I have a friend who ran with us the last 6-7 miles.  In the LA Marathon you run down San Vicente a really long time, and mile 25.5 you go onto a street called Ocean.  We made the turn and our friend goes, “You are on your own girls.”

The finish-line was coming, so we grabbed each other’s hands, holding our arms up.  When we crossed the finish-line, I started crying.  We always hold hands to cross the finish-line, together.

Do you have a Fun running memory?

Last year, on a visit to NYC, I went running through Central Park!  We went to the Statue of Liberty, rode the subway, explored Times Square, and took selfie-stick pictures!

Then, we spent a week in Syracuse visiting relatives and loved the elephant exhibit at the zoo!

How do you cross-train?

Beach Body workouts.  Insanity and PiYo. 

I found those about two and a half years ago, when I reinjured my Plantar Fascia.  Physical therapy was not helping.  I stopped running for nine months.  In that time I found the PiYo workout, it is low impact with lots of stretching.  That did more for me than physical therapy.  My foot totally healed from not running.

What do you like to wear, running?

• Shorts and capris from Old Navy.
• I run in tank-tops, even during winter, except I throw a long-sleeve shirt on top.
• Pro-Compression socks and KT Tape saved my foot while running. 
• Love my Bic-Band trucker hat!  Usually, I wear a sparkle skirt for races!

How do you like to wear your hair?

I wear my hair up in a ponytail, out of my face!

What type of sneaker do you wear?

I love the Asics, Kayano!

Do you enjoy listening to music, on the run?

I love Brand New by Ben Rector and Good to be alive by Andy Grammar. 

ROAR by Katy Perry is my power song.  My daughter likes her too!  We were listening to the radio in our car and Maddy starts singing it.  She said, “Mommy stop it’s my turn!”  So I started lip singing, and some guy in the car to the left was laughing at me!  Busted.

Do you have any races coming up?

The Tinker Bell 10k and half-marathon on Mother’s Day weekend.  Then the Rock Wall San Diego in June!

How did you become a Bic Chick?

I had known about Bic Bands from the Rock’n’Rock LA Expo. I bought a black California Runner Trucker Hat, and wore it all the time. 

Sandy posted about the ambassador application on Instagram, I filled out the paperwork not knowing I would be picked!

I love our group of Ambassadors.  There are lots of us in Southern California, running San Diego this June.  Recently, I ran into Sandy with another Bic Band Ambassador at the LA Marathon Expo.

Follow Jenn's story on Twitter and Instagram!!

@JennMascari

Photography, courtesy of Jenn Mascari.

That Pretty Runner

All About Sydney

All About Sydney

Colorado State University

Rock'n'Roll Marathon ROCKSTAR

Loves to run: Marathon, 5k, 10k

How did you start running?

During high-school, I ran cross-country to stay in shape for soccer.  Freshman year, I hated running XC, but knew I had to do the conditioning.  Sophomore year, I improved my 5k PR of 29 minutes all the way to 21 minutes.  My coach promoted me to varsity the next season.  Senior year, I loved it!

How do you balance college with running?

I use running as a study-break!  Usually, I finish my running by 4:00.  Days I have too much homework, I finish everything and go run treadmill at the gym. 

Who are your greatest supporters?

Both of my parents are extremely supportive of my running ambitions!  My high-school cross-country coach still checks in, to make sure I keep running.

How did you decide to run a full-marathon?

Hannah and I have known each other since we were five-years-old.  The two of us, have been going to school together since kindergarten.  Right after high-school, we talked about running a 5k or 10k, then Hannah decided to train for a full-marathon.  My reaction was, "OMG! I guess we can do that instead!"    

Which marathon did you run?!

Rock’n’Roll Denver!!!

Was it fun marathon training with a friend?

We ran our first practice together, but then started training separately.  Hannah is a morning person, while I enjoy running in the afternoon.  We texted all the time, linked up the Nike Running App together, and kept each other accountable for our training.

How did you set-up your training plan?

We used the Nike Running App, and loved it. 

What is your favorite work-out?

I run three miles, inside or outside, and do 30 minutes of cross-training involving upper-body weight work.

How did you feel about the race-course?

Disappointed, because the race was supposed to be all in downtown Denver.  They changed the course, because the city cannot shut down for the duration of a full-marathon.  We ran all the way from the Adams County Fair Grounds, and did not see the city until mile 22!  I was a little sad.  I wanted everything to be prettier, not dry-walk and dry-grass.  However, the crowd was wonderful, with all their fun signs. 

What did you eat the night before your marathon?

Three nights before, I started carb-loading.  Spaghetti the first day, lasagna the next, I just kept carb loading!  My body was not depleted on race-day!

How did you fuel during the race?

Every water-station had energy-gue, which was helpful in the end after running out of my gummies.  My college professor, who has actually won a few marathons, told me to eat some gummies every five miles.  Gels are so disgusting, they are a weird jelly-texture.   

What was your most memorable marathon moment?

Hitting mile 21, I started feeling the pain in my legs, from running for such a long time.  Then something happened, this inner-drive came out the last few miles, I was so close and had to finish my 26.2. 

How did you feel crossing the finish line?

I was very happy crossing that finish-line.  During my four years of cross-country, I never felt as accomplished as I did on the day I ran my first marathon.

How do you cross-train?

I love Yoga and Pilates!

Where is your favorite place to run?

My favorite place to run is the Ralston Creek Trail, up at my high-school.  At first it is on a busy road, then, turns to the trail with big oak-trees and creeks!  It is really nice to see all the people with their dogs.  Scenery on my trail is never boring!

Do you listen to music while running?

Of course, I love music!  My marathon playlist was a collaboration of power-songs, especially, for when I knew I would be tired. 

Sometimes on short-runs I do not listen to music. 

My favorite songs depend on the day.  If I am trying to relax I will listen to the Beetles.  My favorite song for running is, Say My Name, by Odesza.

How do you like to wear your hair, on the run?

My hair needs to be up in a ponytail, sometimes a bun, or else hair will whip me in the eyes!  Braids, always fall out.

Do you love a special pair of sneakers?

Nike Pegasus! I have experienced a lot of shoes, running cross-country.  Brooks were too heavy and gave me shin-splints, even the lightest models.  Nikes are light, comfy and never wear out!  My Nike sneakers, lasted me for more than half of my marathon training.

What do you like to wear running?

That all depends on the time of year!  During the fall, I love leggings and thin long-sleeve pull-overs.  In warmer weather, I am good with a t-shirt and shorts.  

What was your biggest obstacle, as an athlete?

A girl fell on me during a soccer game, and snapped my arm in half.  My arm split a half-inch away from the growth-plate, thankfully I did not need surgery.  It took two years to do pushups, again. 

What is your funniest running story?

One time, I went to practice with my leggings on inside-out.  We ran five miles and no one told me until after practice!  So embarrassing!  

Are you in a running club?

Hopefully, next semester I will join the running club, here on campus!

Any fun races coming up?

Hannah and I are doing a Fro-Yo 10k in May!  It is so exciting, because after all of our long runs, we go out for Fro-Yo!  This race is perfect for us!!

Do you have any advice for other runners?

I recommend wearing very thin athletic socks!  The last week of my training, I found these great socks and did not have any blisters.  Everyone should take care of their feet, because you do not want blisters on marathon day.

Photography, courtesy of Sydney Heuvelman. 

That Pretty Runner

All About Hannah

All About Hannah

Colorado State University 

Rock'n'Roll Marathon ROCKSTAR

Loves to run: Marathons

 

 

How did you start running?

Running a marathon had always been on my bucket list.  I played soccer my entire life.  This past summer, going into my freshman year of college, I switched gears to long-distance running.

My Beach Body teammate, posted a picture of herself finishing a marathon.  Seeing that picture, really made me feel motivated to run my first marathon.

I decided to run, 26.2, while I am young!

What marathon did you run?

The Rock’ n’ Roll, Denver Marathon!

Did you have a running buddy?

Yes!  My friend Sydney and me trained together and raced together!

 

How was marathon training?

My marathon was on October 18th.  During the summer, I started training with the Nike running app.  The Nike running app, gave me the best training plan!

Once school started, every day I woke up, went running, showered and made it to class on time!  Whenever I had a long-run, I woke up at 5am.  Completing my long-run early in the morning, gave me freedom for the entire day.  I love watching the sunrise, while running. 

Did you enjoy the marathon?

Yes!  Going into my race, I had three goals. 

1. Finish. 
2. Do not stop running. 
3. Run under 4 hours. 

Happily, I accomplished all three of my goals!

What are your favorite race memories?

The entire marathon, I managed to stay in front of the 4 hour pacer.  Whenever I stopped for a bathroom-break, I always had to run really fast to catch up and pass them! 

At mile 24, I heard something through my headphones and looked back.  The 4-hour pacer was right behind me.  I kicked it into gear the last few miles, and finished in 3:56!

I was running alongside the same guy, on and off throughout my race.  At mile 13.1, we high-fived each other.  It was awesome!

 

How did you feel during your race?

Pretty good, surprisingly, no side-stitches until mile 22.  I ate my gummies and hydration formulas throughout the 26.2.

 

How did you feel, crossing the finish-line?

Physically, very tired.  Emotionally, very happy.  My dad was filming my entire race finish!  It felt so special having the marathon medal placed around my neck.  Then,  I grabbed some chocolate-milk and laid down in the grass, to recover.

What motivated you to become a beach-body coach?

My sophomore year of high-school, my soccer coach wanted the team to stay in shape during the off-season.  To stay in shape, I used my mom’s P90X and Insanity workout videos.  That season, I came back stronger and faster, both of my parents as well as teammates noticed a difference. 

Those Beach Body workout videos, fueled my fire, truly making me fall in love with fitness. 

My Beach Body Coach, on Instagram invited me to coach, too! Becoming a coach is probably one of the best decisions I have ever made.  I love helping others reach their goals to be fit and happy.

 

Where is your absolute favorite place to run?

I love running on a trail near home, Ralston Creek Trail.  I really feel in touch with nature, running on my trail. 

 

What is your favorite distance to run?

I enjoy running longer distances, because I zone-out and run through some very cool places.

How do you cross-train?

I love my jumble, of different Beach Body workouts.  T25, Asylum, Insanity Max 30…

Do you belong to a running club?

No.  I have thought about joining the Colorado State University Running Club.

 

What is your favorite apparel?

Totally, I am addicted to Fabletics!  Every month, I have a new outfit coming in the mail.  Those leggings are so cute, such fun patterns.  Love Fabletics!

What type of sneakers do you have?

Newton’s!  They have extra-cushion on the ball of foot which helps me run on my toes.  My sneakers are aqua-green with an orange accent. 

 

How do you style your hair while running?

While training for my marathon, my hair was longer, I threw it back in a ponytail with a small braid at the end.  Now, that my hair is shorter, all I need is a ponytail.

 

What are your running goals?

I hope in my next marathon, to run faster and set a new PR. 

 

 

Check out Hannah's, fitness BLOG!

http://www.hannahlemmonsfitness.com/

Photography, courtesy of Hannah Lemmons.

That Pretty Runner

All About Cheryl

 

7 Marathons on 7 Continents in 12 Months

All About Cheryl Hile

Running with Multiple Sclerosis

Team Bic Chick

Loves to Run:  Marathons, Half-Marathons, 5k's

What is your inspiration, to become the first person with Multiple Sclerosis to run 7 marathons on 7 continents in 12 months?

My dream is to be the first person living with MS to run 7 marathons on 7 continents in 12 months.  I want to give-back to the Multiple Sclerosis Society.  When I was first diagnosed, the MS Society gave me hope to continue living my life with high expectations.  During this journey, I am running for everyone living with Multiple Sclerosis.  My fundraiser, will help the National Multiple Sclerosis Society support exciting research projects, as well as provide support programs for people living with MS. 

I hope to raise $50,000 for the Multiple Sclerosis Society. 

My husband needs to be my running partner throughout this journey, I could not run marathons without him.  Travelling for two people is very expensive, and I am having a second fundraiser to help with travel-expenses such as flights, hotels, and race-registrations. 

I feel confident that I will cross the finish-lines strong!

 

How did this goal come to you?

I wanted to do something big and giveback to the MS Society.  I thought about riding my bike across America.

The idea never really hit me until my 5k, on the fourth of July.  Standing in a beer-garden, after my race, the idea came over me!  Suddenly I thought to myself, I can be the first person with Multiple Sclerosis to run 7 marathons on 7 continents in 12 months!

What marathons are you running?!

1. September, 2016.  Cape Town
2. October, 2016.  Buenos Aries Marathon
3. December, 2016.  Honolulu Marathon
4. March, 2016.  Antarctica Marathon
5. February, 2017. Tokyo Marathon
6. April 2017. London Marathon  
7. June 2017.  ChristchurchNew Zealand

I am very much looking forward to experiencing and learning more about different cultures around the world.   Hopefully, I will make life-long friends and meet some readers from the blog!

Which marathon, are you most excited to run?

Antarctica!  Even though it is going to be so cold, and I am a Californian runner...  everyone says it is so spectacular!   There is a ten hour time-limit, hopefully I finish in time.

How were you diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis?

During a half-marathon, I tripped and fell twice.  Thinking the tripping feeling and falling were due to overtraining, I cut back on mileage.  However, even after cutting back on running, I still felt the tripping feeling.  After seeing a doctor in 2006, I was officially diagnosed with MS.

My tripping feeling is a symptom of MS, called drop-foot.  The signal from my shin to brain is not strong enough, therefore causing my foot to fall and drag. 

I was depressed after being diagnosed, especially when my neurologist said to lower my expectations.  The suggestion to lower my expectations, seriously made me livid.  I will never lower my expectations.

How can you manage your drop-foot symptoms?

My orthopedist, made a custom carbon-fiber ankle-brace.  Straps go around my legs and angle my foot a little upward.  The brace supports my foot from tripping, dragging, and falling.  There are still times during a marathon my leg feels heavy.

My brace leg, does not activate while running, so my left-calf is more developed than my right.  Though I have lost some speed, I am extremely happy being able to run!

Do you always wear your ankle brace, while running?

I have been running with a carbon fiber ankle-foot orthotic (AFO) since 2008.  I have run 30 marathons and 30 half marathons wearing an AFO.  You can see why I have had so many!  AFO's are not really made for running, so they wear out after about a year.

 

How did you start running?

My husband (boyfriend at the time) was competing in races and coming home very sore.  Out of twisted curiosity, I wanted to know exactly how he felt after running.  That, was my motivation to sign up for my first marathon. 

Yes, my first race was a full marathon!

Training hard for my marathon was very gratifying.  During the race, I felt like I could make it to the finish-line after reaching mile 20.  I finished my first marathon in 5:01!

How did you feel crossing your first marathon finish-line?

Did I really do that!?!  I felt so much joy, truly my proudest moment.  Afterwards, I could not wait to run another marathon!

Do you have a running buddy?

Yes!  My husband runs with me, every marathon.  During races he helps open my energy-gels, when my hands become numb, and makes sure I do not fall.  We run our half-marathons and 5k’s separately, because of our different race paces!

 

How many marathons and half-marathons have you ran?

48 Marathons!  My husband and I love to travel and run marathons everywhere we go.  I just ran my 50th half-marathon, in Palm Desert a couple weeks ago!

Where do you keep all of your medals?!

My husband, put a bar across a beam in our tall cathedral-style ceiling!  We have all our marathon medals hanging on display.

The picture of the medals are all marathons.  The long row to the right are my husbands.  He has completed 80 marathons.  The row to the left are mine.  I think I have about 35 of my 48 metals hanging.  We are in the middle of moving, so it will come down soon.

 

How do you balance work and running?

When I first started working for the University of California in San Diego, everyday I went to the gym during my lunch break.   Recently, I have began exercising before work.  Every morning, I roll out of bed at 5:30am, have my coffee and hit the treadmill.  Working out in the morning, there are no excuses to skip!  Plus, I ride my bicycle to work, everyday.

How do you marathon train?

I really enjoy running a few half-marathons to prepare for a full-marathon.  I put the same effort into a 13.1 race, as I would in an 18 mile long-run.  Running in races is just more fun than doing long runs, alone.  Love the medals!

How many miles do you run weekly?

Atleast 20-25 miles every week.  I love cross-training!

How do you cross-train?

My road-bike!  On weekends, I cycle thirty-miles up and down the cost with my husband.   Love the coast, it is calm, I enjoy the ocean waves and relax.

How does running make you feel?

Running makes me feel like I am beating MS, and it is not taking my legs.  I went out and ran through the tiredness, and made sacrifices.  It helps me feel strong and confident!

MEB!!!

How do you fuel on the run?

The night before a marathon, I do not carb-load, but instead eat several small meals throughout the day.   Every race morning, I have a bagel with almond butter.  I love cliff bars!

What is your typical diet?

Growing up in a Phillipino home, seeing fish with the head still attached and pigs roasting on a fire, turned me off to meat.  For twelve years, I have been a vegetarian.  I still eat eggs and cheese!

We make everything at home, and pack lunches for work every day.  Mainly because some foods make, MS, symptoms worse.  White-flour and white-sugar make my entire right arm feel numb and twitchy.  I love cookies, but need to limit myself.   Healthfully, I eat lots of vegetables.

How do you style your hair, on the run?

I throw my hair back, with a Bic Band! These headbands, stay in place and makes the fly-aways vanish.

Why did you become a Bic-Chick?

I started buying Bic Bands at a marathon expo, after talking to a representative.  Sandy started Bic Bands before her first marathon, to raise money for leukemia.  Every month, she donates a percentage of each Bic Band sold to a different charity.  I loves the product and the company very much!

What is your favorite running apparel?

My ankle brace, without it I cannot run! I have had 5-6 over the years and all of them have names.  Currently, my brace’s name is Jackson.  My first marathon, we ran together was the Jacksonville Marathon.   Another, was named Franky.  We ran the Frankfurt Marathon, together.

Running technical shirts, are fabulous because they are so soft.  I wear form fitting shorts.  My favorite colors are pink and purple!

New Balance sneakers are the best, because the ankle-foot-orthotic fits nicely inside.  They have the lightest toe-box on the market. 

Do you have a funny race memory?

In the Madrid Marathon, there were not very many women, only 200.  At one point I had to pee, but there were not any porta-potties!  I ran into the bushes, peed in the woods, looked to the left and there were 5 or 6 men peeing in the bushes, too.  They were giving me looks!

Do you have advice for other runners?

New runners should start off slow.  I want people to make this a lifelong commitment.  Do not increase your mileage, too quickly, prevent injuries.  Embrace it.  Find joy in running, so it will become a part of you! 

 

 

Please learn more about Cheryl's journey to 7 Marathons on 7 Continents in 12 months!

http://www.everydayhealth.com/multiple-sclerosis/living-with/going-distance-miles-with-ms/

Please support Cheryl's fundraisers for the Multiple Sclerosis Society, and her journey to 7 Marathons on 7 Continents in 12 Months.

http://main.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR?px=3100384&fr_id=26346&pg=personal

https://www.crowdrise.com/1stPersonWithMStoRun7on7in12

Photography, courtesy of Cheryl Hile.

That Pretty Runner