All About Kelly Spitko

March 06, 2017 by That Pretty Runner

All About Kelly Spitko

Actress

TRI

Loves to Run

How do you want triathletes to feel as they watch TRI?

I want them to feel inspired and supported. What is most important to me is how tiathletes in training feel as they watch TRI. Someone who might be training to compete in their first race or getting back into the sport unsure of their abilities. I think I relate the most to this group because my character, Natalie is training to compete in her first triathlon. She starts from scratch and goes through the whole process of pushing her mind and body like that for the first time, wondering if she has what it takes to BE a triathlete. I want people who may be questioning themselves see her struggle and growth and be able to connect to that. I want that to help inspire them to keep going and believe in themselves and know they are not alone and that it can be done.

Are you a triathlete? Do you plan to compete in a future triathlon?

I am not. I am very into fitness and I have competed in difficult races but not a triathlon...yet. Honestly, the respect I have gained for the sport through making the movie and then meeting and talking to a lot of triathletes at the screenings made me release how much time and focus it takes to prepare yourself for one of these. Right now, I am trying to throw that energy and time into building my skills as an actor, but I am not ruling out training for one in the near future. I like to challenge myself and I would like to be part of the amazing community.

Do you prefer running, biking or swimming?

Definitely running! I enjoy running and do it regularly. I LOVE putting on a good playlist and going for a run.

How do you want cancer patients to feel as they watch TRI?

My mother is a cancer survivor. I remember after she saw the movie for the first time, one of the first things she said was how much she related to Candice's story. To the credit of the writers and Shawn Pelofsky's performance, she said it depicted the struggle and the fear and all of feelings and doubts she experienced very truthfully. I think it was kind of cathartic for her to watch, to see her experience played back to her and understood and validated. I want that for and cancer patient watching the film. I want them to not feel alone.

In what ways do you personally relate to the characters in this movie?

Who does not relate to Natalie? Anyone who has ever doubted themselves can relate I think. I absolutely have not completed things or stayed away from challenges, because I let fear and self doubt get in the way. I still do...in my career and in my personal life too. There are times I have been at screenings and I HAVE been inspired by Natalie- as crazy as that sounds! A little reminder that we are not alone in our struggles with self confidence and our ability to overcome challenges that just seem to big is something everyone needs sometimes.

What is your personal journey in relation to health and wellness?

I actually had a very similar experience to Natalie. I had never been into sports or fitness growing up. In my mid 20s I decided to join a gym, at that time more for the sake of vanity. I started working with this amazing trainer, Sandra Yewdall, who convinced me to join a group who would train together to do a Tough Mudder. At that point I could not run a mile or barely do a push up. I started getting together with this group of people, all ages and types, just like the movie. To go on group runs and do different types strength training together. I will never forget that feeling when I completed a race for the first time. I ended up doing a couple Super Spartans with that group too. It was such a wonderful, supportive group of people. If it weren't for that team and completing those races with them, I never would have gotten the part in this movie. I actually got the audition because someone saw a picture of me competing in one of the Spartan races. A bunch of them actually all showed up for one of our screenings in Philadelphia. It makes me tear up thinking of all of them standing in the audience clapping and cheering, seeing how everything comes full circle.

What is your favorite scene, and why?

My favorite scene is the finish line scene. That is for more personal reasons as an actor. The scene involved Natalie running towards the finish line with her husband Rex, played by Jaylen Moore, pushing her on from the sidelines. As an actor, we are always told to be in the truth of the moment, but moments when you are REALLY there, completely immersed and connected are special. Jaylen was so wonderful to work with through the whole movie, but we really had each other's backs in that scene. I felt so connected filming that and it felt so true to me. I think that comes across on screen.

Do you have a special message for movie viewers?

TRI something. Challenge yourself. Keep going. No matter the challenge, know that a lot of time it is fear and doubt that define what we see as our limitations, not reality...You are capable of more than you think. I promise.

That Pretty Runner

All About Jacob Running the Dopey Challenge!

February 06, 2017 by That Pretty Runner

All About Jacob

CSULB

19 Loves to Run: 5k-Marathon

How did you decide to sign up for the Dopey Challenge?

It is a buck-list race. I signed up in Disney Land for the Dumbo Double Dare. I love Disney and I love running. Afterwards, I wanted to run more Disney races and found the Dopey Challenge.

How did you prepare?

Everyday I run, sometimes I take rest days depending on how I feel. During high school cross-country, I would run 45-60 miles a week and I like to stick with that distance every week.

I was training so long for the Dopey Challenge. I had so many thoughts going through my head training and doing the race by myself. The Dopey Challenge is a very accomplishing race.

Were you nervous about running all those races?

Yes. During training all year, I was excited to run it. Then, I started doubting myself thinking it was too much to do a marathon after all these races. In the end, I decided I would finish the Dopey Challenge even if I have to crawl.

How was traveling to Disney?

The plane ride was smooth, landing and navigating to Disney itself was good. It is completely different than Disney Land. Disney World, is hard because you see one sign and take the train. Then, all of the sudden there are more unexpected turns to take. It was a family trip with me and my parents. The Dopey Challenge was my Christmas and birthday gift. I was very happy and thankful.

How was the race expo?

The expo was in the ESPN World Wide Sports Complex, it was very big and had three parts. One building was for packet pick-up, then you go across to a different building for venders, and then there was another building for official merchandise. I bought a lot of race merchandise. My favorite is my new Disney World Marathon jacket, it is red with Mickey Mouse and the phrase, “running around the world in 26.2 miles.”

Where were your favorite places in Disney?

After the 5k and 10k, I went into the parks. Epcot was my favorite. I loved all the countries, because it was all so different. I loved Germany! Only Disney World can make me like sauerkraut and bratwurst.

Do you have special memories from the 5k?

Seeing the park for the first time. I did not go to Epcot before the Dopey Challenge. It was special the first time I could see all of it, running at night. The Fireworks were awesome, I could see them from my hotel room every night.

Do you have special memories from the 10k?

Running through the castle, it was very nice. I must admit, I like Frozen. I loved seeing Elsa and Anna in the castle waving at everybody. Then, I met almost every Disney Character along the race course. My favorite was meeting Chip and Dale. I also loved seeing Mickey Mouse, Goofy and Donald Duck outside the Hall of Presidents wearing their colonial outfits.

Do you have any special memories from the half-marathon?

The half-marathon was cancelled, it was unfortunate, but what happened afterwards was amazing. They had to cancel because of thunderstorms, now I realize safety is more important than running. However, I was determined to run when the rain calmed down.

Every resort has a one mile race course in Disney. Despite the canceled race, there were hundreds of runners still racing and cheering each other on. Truly amazing determination in the running community, everyone still racing in the rain.

Do you have special memories from the marathon?

The 5k and 10k were awesome, the weather was great. The half-marathon was canceled and, the race-coordinator said everything for the marathon would be fine except it was going be below 40 with high winds. Coming from California, I am not used to that type of weather. I stepped out of the car for the start-line, felt the winds and cold, and then told my dad to get back in the car. My mom asked, “What is wrong?” I said, “I do not think I can do this. I know I run a lot, but I do not see how anyone can do this.” So, I had to sit in the car and get mentally prepared. Seeing people walk to the starting-line, thousands and thousands of people, I thought I could do it too!

The 5k and 10k starting-lines were in the same place, but for the marathon they have you walk almost a mile out somewhere else. I was thinking, “Where is the start line?” We eventually made it there but the corrals were going all ready. They were on Corral E and I was supposed to be in Corral C. I told myself, “It is too cold to worry about corrals, just get there!” I made it to Corral H.

Yes, I made it to the start and started. Yes, it was cold. Once I started, I never stopped. It was not a race to go fast in, I went 9 minute pace. Normally, I stop at mile 20 if I have to, but I kept going. This was the first marathon I ran the entire 26.2. It was a great race once everything started.

What did you bring running?

I had my Cal State sweatshirt on, wanted to take it off, but did not want to lose it. I tied it around my neck, which kept my neck warm and I had gloves.

No food or anything, just took what they supplied like bananas. A very nice lady was giving out cookies at mile 12. I was getting a little tired, she said just take one and I accidently took 3! I ate those and I swear, I felt so much better. Thank you to the lady giving out cookies!

How did you feel crossing the finish-lines?

The 5K and 10K were good!

The marathon was the one that definitely counted the most. All the people were watching, there were Disney characters and announcers. Crossing the Disney Marathon finish-line felt magical.

Do you love all of your medals?!

There are 6 medals for 4 races: 5k, 10k half-marathon and full-marathon. I like the 5k medal, because it has Pluto on it. The 10k medal is nice, it is very different. The half-marathon medal is nice, with Donald Duck. My Disney Marathon medal looks very unique, and my Dopey Challenge medal is unique. I love them all equally.

I have my Fear No Distance medal rack with all the medals from racing. A year ago my parents surprised me for my birthday with a Magic Miles medal rack, all of my Disney medals go there. I love it.

What is your most memorable Disney experience?

Probably not a specific moment, but just being with all the other racers at the time. I talked to all different kinds of runners from all different kinds of places. Even in the parks you see everyone wearing medals and say congratulations to each other. Runners are the nicest people to talk to!

Did you go on the rides?

I loved the Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Mine Ride. This was the one ride I wanted, because it is new and they do not have it at Disney Land.

Do you have advice for everyone who wants to run the Dopey Challenge?

Even though the distance is long and seems tough, do it anyway. The Dopey Challenge is worth doing, a goal worth setting and definitely a buck-list race, you have to do it!

Photography, courtesy of Jacob Abrego!

Follow Jacob on Instagram!

https://www.instagram.com/nicerunnerguy26.2/

That Pretty Runner

All About KP Kelly

December 08, 2016 by That Pretty Runner

All About KP Kelly

Business Consultant

Loves to Run: Marathons and More

Running 100 Marathons in 100 Days for 100 Charities!

What is your goal?

I am running a marathon every day, for one-hundred days, for one-hundred different charities!

I picked 12 different cities, across the United States of America. Each city has an official marathon course, so I will run their course every day.

What charities are you running for during your 100 marathons in 100 days?

I sent out a call of action to see if there were charities interested in being a part of my 100 Marathons in 100 Days. I had a lot of requests. It took a while to choose. I feel very passionate about helping Veterans, research for Cystic Fibrosis and Alzheimer’s Disease. I also have ten slots open to work in different causes I hear about along the way, for example if a child needs funding for a surgery. It is a lot of work organizing all one-hundred fundraisers. I will be posting everything about this journey on my Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages.

My mom has Alzheimer's. I am fundraising for multiple charities for Alzheimer’s disease. My goal is to make a difference for smaller cities and organizations. I found local chapters such as the Central Ohio Alzheimer’s Chapter.

I have a nephew with Cystic Fibrosis, and will be focusing on fundraising for this cause.

There will be a fundraiser for the action to help children with severe scars.

I will be fundraising for an organization that gives the homeless running shoes to help them to feel empowered. Perhaps, I will run with some members for a few hours and hear their stories.

Have you ever completed a run similar to this before?

At first, I wanted to do a point to point run. However, that would not work well, because I have to work while I am running. Running for a different charity every single day involves a lot of promotions and I need internet access.

I ran up to Ohio twice. The first time, I did it in 6 days which required running 40 miles a day. My friend drove alongside me as I was running. One day, in 96 degree heat, I passed out. Nevertheless, I finished in 22 hours. A year later, I went out for the first time and ran 100 miles in 69.5 hours.

When did you start running?

My sisters have always been runners, and they signed me up for a 5K. I love running with my twin sister.

I ran my first marathon when I was 18.

I actually trained on my own for five mile races. I ran a race in my division training for my first marathon, Chicago. Then, I did a couple more marathons. Originally, I was running about one or two marathons a year. Three years ago, I started being an official pacer. I have never run an Ultra marathon, I have only done them as a pacer.

How many marathons have you run?

150 marathons!

Do you have a diet planned for your 100 marathons in 100 days?

In preparation of my 100 marathons in 100 days, I consulted a dietitian. As long as I keep my weight loss under 36 pounds, it will be okay. The goal is to keep my weight loss under 10 pounds a month.

I need more than the standard gels when I am running. The recommend daily amount of calories is not enough for me. I have found if I consume more throughout the run, it helps. This required me carrying more food. During my run to Ohio, I carried 64 pounds of gear on my back.

What are your favorite foods for fuel before all of your running?

Pizza. I actually have a whole pizza following, because I travel and have so many different varieties.

I will eat a large pizza every night of my 100 marathons in 100 days. I try to find a healthier crust, limit the cheese and triple the chicken for protein.

What do you like to have for fuel while running?

I am always trying to find healthy things I enjoy, that will give me the most calories. For example, I find protein shakes with the highest protein and lowest amount of sugar.

What obstacles have you faced throughout your athletic career?

I was really lucky for a long time, but then I actually broke a bone in the heal of my foot running the Cleveland Marathon. It was a stress fracture I did not know was there. Before mile seven, I jumped up on this curve and then noticed it did not feel right. I tore my LCL. I have had those in the past two and a half years. Right now, I have the same LCL tear and two small breaks on right foot.

I would never recommend anyone to run through these types of injuries. I am lucky they found it and there was a quick recovery. I have also been amazed by the body’s ability to adjust to injuries.

How do you run through these injuries?

Strong will power and Aleve. I have a gel cup brace, and I wear an air cast in between running. Ice and elevation helps.

What is your favorite distance?

I like 100 miles. I really want to race it, because I think I may be able to be competitive in 100 milers. My first run across Ohio, my first hundred was under 20 hours.

Eventually, I hope to run a 100 mile race on each continent, through five deserts and end with Antarctica.

What are some of your favorite marathons?

Chicago is my PR, however I have not done it in 10 years. I like Chicago because there is tons of fan support!

I love the Boston Marathon, you cannot beat it.

Burlington Vermont is a hidden gem, similar to Boston in elevation. Massive hill at mile 18, scenic all along there and finishes at the original Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream Shop.

Do you have a favorite ice cream flavor?

I like coffee flavor with chocolate chips.

Where is your favorite place to run?

My favorite place to run is around water. I love to go to a huge city and load up my Camel Back with water and run/walk/jog a bit for five hours. Mostly, I love doing that along water like a lake, ocean or a river.

How does running make you feel?

A lot of times it energizes me, and calms me at the same time. I tell people, make sure you make running a part of your every day.

What do you like to wear running?

I like to wear free gear. Aerotech Designs is a great company, they make custom fit clothes. They have made a bunch of extra-long shirts for me. What I have is a bike jersey, really tight in the sleeves with pockets in the back.

I have a really good long tech jacket for once it gets below 25 degrees.

I like to keep it simple.

What type of sneakers do you wear?

ASICS GT 2000.

I wear a size 16, whenever I can find them I stock up. I have three pairs of black and one pair of lime green.

Every 30 miles of a run, I change my shoes and socks.

Do you have a motto?

I feel like we are called out to live bold lives, but we try hard not to, because it is more convenient to fit in and do what everyone else does. My motto is, be bold enough to be yourself.

Do you have advice for other runners?

With marathons I always tell runners, keep it simple. Do not over-complicate the process. Put one foot in front of the other and keep going!

Photography, courtesy of KP Kelly.

Follow KP Kelly's journey!

@KP_Kelly

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/kp_kelly?lang=en

Instagram:

@ kp_kelly

https://www.instagram.com/kp_kelly/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/KPKellyPage/

That Pretty Runner

All About Jesse

December 03, 2016 by That Pretty Runner

ALL ABOUT JESSE

NEW JERSEY NEW YORK TRACK CLUB

USA ELITE RUNNER

LOVES TO RUN: 800m and Mile

Where are you currently training?

Right now, I am living in White Plains in West Chester New York. I am training with the New Jersey New York Track Club.

The team is awesome. I am working every day with guys either on my level or better, at the 800m or mile. It has been cool having a bunch of guys in it for a common goal, coming together and working hard.

The team has an incredible coach, Frank Gagliano. In terms of coaches for USA track and field, he is very well-known and respected. He has coached so many elite runners and multiple Olympians. My other highly regarded coaches are John Traugman and Tom Nohilly. Together, these three coach the team.

We meet and just want to get it done. There is a big transition on the team this year. A lot of turnover, switching into a HOKA based team. We had to slim down the numbers. Everyone is really excited to be here. We have a fantastic opportunity to train as elite athletes, looking ahead to the USA Championships, Olympic Trials in 2020 and everything else along the way.

You should be so proud of everything you have accomplished. How does it feel to be competing as an elite runner?

It had not even crossed my mind in high school. At Marcellus, towards the end of my high school career, I really improved a lot finishing as a state champion my senior year. I knew, I was at the DI level. Frankly, I was very unfamiliar with the idea of professional running. Having humble beginnings under Coach Oscar B Jenson, rising, and constantly improving. From a high-school runner, to State Champ, All Conference at Binghamton University, All American, running the USA Championships two times, and USA Olympic Trials this year. Everything has come together. These experiences have helped me become the athlete I am today and hope to continue being down the road.

When will your race season begin? Which races are you most looking forward to running?

I will probably race in Indoor Track, this January. The indoor season is where I expect to be focusing on running as a middle distance specialist in the 800m, mile and 1500m.

In training, I have been playing around with off distances like the 600m, 1000m and 4 by 4 relays. Things you are not used to running as often and it is cool getting different experiences.

There is always a plan. The coaches know it is going to be a long racing season. I am fine with not racing now, because my indoor racing season will go from the end of January to April. Then, we will have the outdoor season. Also, this summer the NJ NY Track Club will be racing in Europe.

How has your training progressed?

It is more quality days, strength training and tapping into speed. I am not concerned about over-training or getting burned out. It is super early, I am just getting started.

I worked out by myself while running for Binghamton University. Now, I am always working with people who push you. There is no limit. When you get to that point and you work out and think you want to give up, you have someone to push you.

Outside of running, what have you been doing lately?

Working in a physical therapist office. I have a bachelor’s of science in Biochemistry from Binghamton University. In the future, I would love to work in the Health and Wellness field.

What types of sneakers do you wear?

It is great to have the opportunity to work with this company, HOKA.

CLIFTON 3’s. Lots of cushion taller really thick and they add an inch to my height. Very light 7-8 ounces.

Totally preference, really. I wear CLIFTON 3’s, for road running and light track stuff, but we also have trail shoes.

CHALLENGER ATR's, are great for running trails. I have the 2nd and 3rd models. They are light and very cushiony shoes.

HOKA flats and spikes are really nice, their flats are my favorite. The spikes are the lightest. Out of all the flats HOKA ONE ONE TRACERS, are the best pair I have ever worn. I wear those for tempo runs and longer interval training, like mile repeats. Even light 400’s and 1k repeats. I also have a pair of spikes, but those are more for the 5k.

What are your plans for the future?

My plan is to stick here and run through 2020. Then, I will take a step back a reassess. The intensity is so much higher than I have ever been used to, in terms of working out. It is going to get more structured now. I am getting so much stronger and I have only been here two months!

Photography and video, courtesy of Jesse Garn.

Please follow Jesse's journey on social media!

Instagram: @jessegarn

https://www.instagram.com/jessegarn/

Twitter: @Jaygarn8

Vimeo:

vimeo.com/190322585

That Pretty Runner

All About Brandon

November 22, 2016 by That Pretty Runner

All About Brandon

New Jersey Runner

Loves to run: 5K to Marathon

How did you start running?

I tried running in the summer of 1997, but I was not up to sticking to it. I did not have the right shoes, went out in the middle of the heat and was not drinking enough water. Once it became too cold, I stopped.

On 5 September 1998, I decided I was going to be a runner. Then, I ran 1.7 miles without stopping. I did it the next day and the day after. Eight weeks later, I was up to 5 miles at a time and I have not stopped since. I wanted to lose some weight and get into shape.

Really, I just knew inside that running is what I am supposed to do. I do not know where it came from, but I felt it inside that running was a part of my identity that was trying to surface.

Do you have a special running story?

I think the most special memory I have running is when I crossed the finish line at the Disney Marathon in 2003.

My wife finished right behind me! It was a surreal moment where all the training and the hard work paid off in this one moment. We hugged, and maybe shed a tear or two. I will never forget it. It was not about times or pace. It was both of us doing something we probably never thought we would ever see happen a few years earlier.

What races have you ran?

I have run about sixty races.

Two marathons
Two 25k’s
One Half-Marathon
Two 20k’s
Three 15k’s
10k’s
5 miler's
5k’s.

Most of the races have been in New Jersey. I have run the Westfield 5 Mile Turkey Trot 10 times and the Spring Lake 5 Miler 8 times. I have done the Atlantic City Marathon and the Jersey Shore Half-Marathon and 10 Miler. Now that I think about it, I believe I have only run two races outside of the state!

Do you have a pre-race ritual?

I fake stretch. Seriously, I only do it because I feel like I should put in some effort to loosen up. The reality is I am nervous and just want to walk around. It is ridiculous how tense I get before a race. I do not even like to talk to anyone. Then, if I dwell too long on the race beforehand I will have to go the bathroom which causes stress because of the lines that usually accompany the port-a-potties! I do not do well before races. I have no idea why I cannot relax before one.

What races would you like to run in the future?

I want to run two more marathons, but I do not know exactly which ones.

I really love Disney and I want to run some Disney Marathon (Star Wars, Avengers, Villains, it does not matter) but I want to stop and take pictures and really enjoy it. But I also want to push myself to get the best time I am capable of. So, I need to pick another marathon and aim for what I believe I can achieve which is a sub 3:20 time.

This requires a lot of changes to my routine though, so I need to figure it out and plan. These will not happen until 2018, because I have another goal I am wrapping up in 2017 that takes top priority.

Sometime around 2007, I got it in my head to run 20,000 miles before my 20th year of running. At that point. I was around 6,000 miles or so. Prior to 2006, I had never run over 1000 miles in any one year. So, I started mapping out how I could do that. It required running 1400 miles some years, and 1200 miles most of the other years. I managed to make up a lot of ground. However, I stopped racing longer distances, just focused on weekly and monthly mileage. Every single week counted. No breaks. At the end of 2016, I will be at 18,900, so I am almost there! I do not want to risk injury doing the long runs and recovery, so I need to shelf the marathon goals until 2018. I am looking forward to a goal that involves only 18 weeks of training, instead of 12 years of running!

What is your most memorable running moment?

I have a bunch of truly memorable and great moments running.

My favorite was my half-marathon in May of 2012. I signed up for the race because my wife was running it, and I had never done that specific distance before. I trained by doing two eight-milers and one nine-miler. I was not expecting anything great, but I kind of was aiming for a sub 1:40 time. In the back of my mind I had the number 1:31:42 which was exactly a 7:00 pace. When the race started, I just felt great. Each mile, I was under a 7:00 pace. Everything was working with me; the weather, the music, the atmosphere. I really did not train, I hit a wall at 10 miles and slowed down. When I crossed the finish, I had a time of 1:31:xx but was not sure what my chip would be exactly. Sure enough my official time was 1:31:42!

My other favorite running moment is running a Leprechaun Leap 5k, back in 2006. I turned the corner, saw the finish and the clock was at 19:xx. I could not quite make out the numbers, so I pushed with everything I had. I could see the clock 19:50, 19:51, 19:52 and I lunged at the finish and came away with a time of 19:59.7 – an official sub 20 minute 5k!

The same thing happened at the Jersey 10 miler. The clock was at 1:07:xx and I pushed and pushed and crossed at 1:07:59. Nothing like cutting it close!

What is your favorite food?

Ice-cream! I also can eat cereal all day, every day. Beyond that, I eat a lot of yogurt, spinach and fruit. I do not eat a ton of meat, but I like chicken a lot. If I go out to eat, my go to meal is chicken parmigiana.

Do you bring anything with you while running?

Yes, I always have music. It is usually an MP3 player. I also run with my phone and the Nike Plus App but with a black screen. I no longer run with a watch or look at times. If I need to train for speed, I usually do it on the treadmill. I do not want to know my pace or anything. I just want to run and see the results after on my Nike App. If I run longer, I do not stay close to home but I do not bring water or food or gels. I am blessed with the ability to sustain runs without that stuff. I am like a camel I guess, hahahah.

What types of sneakers do you wear?

I have run in Brooks Beast for 16 years. I have weird needs. I have flat feet and land on the back of the shoe but I over-pronate. This shoe meets all those needs. However, the last generation of the shoe is a little too heavy, so I am going to try out the Brooks Glycerin. We will see how it goes!

Do you run with a club?

I do not run in a club, but I have been so fortunate to meet and run with people. I have had several friends at work over the years that I would run with after work or during lunch.

Luckily, my wife is a runner and she and I have run together. Specifically, when we trained for our first marathon back in 2003. I am not sure a club is for me, because I tend to run at 5:00am which is an odd time. However, I love to talk so running with people is definitely something I would do.

How does running make you feel?

Running is incredible! If my body could take it, I would run every single day. Even though I have my share of aches and pains from 18 years of running, I would not trade it for anything.

More importantly, it makes me a happier person. I have learned a lot about myself while running, and I definitely know that I can pretty much do whatever I set my mind to and that lesson comes from running.

Where are your favorite places to run?

I love to run on vacations. We have gone to California and Florida on vacations and the change in scenery is always great. I have run on business trips, such as Arizona, and it just re-energizes everything about running. We typically vacation in North Carolina, at the beach for a couple of weeks each summer and those runs are tough because of the heat and humidity. I always look forward to them so much!

Do you have a motto or favorite phrase?

I have one, I always try to use when there is a time constraint on running. When I cannot seem to fit in the mileage I am aiming for. I always say, “Some miles are better than zero miles.” In other words, do not toss the whole run just because you do not have time to fit in all of it.

Another good one is for the times when you just do not feel like running. “Get out and just do a mile and see what happens.” Usually, once you are dressed and you are passing that first mile you will not stop. This is especially handy when the weather is bad outside.

Do you have any advice for other runners?

First off, whether you are new or a veteran runner the key is having a goal. You need a goal, if you are discouraged that you cannot get a time you want, you cannot get started, or do not know where to start.

Brand new runners should try to run for five consecutive minutes without stopping, instead of trying to hit a mileage total. Veteran runners trying to qualify for Boston but cannot get faster maybe they should modify a training program that meets their needs, instead of following someone else’s. Perhaps you set a time goal for a short distance, and then move on to the bigger distance. I am a big believer that what works for one runner, might not work for another and therefore you need your own goals. Plus, it is perfectly fine to fail at hitting the goal. Failing is not giving up. They are different things. Do not give up.

Photography, courtesy of Brandon Borzelli.

Please Follow Brandon's running journey:

https://www.instagram.com/running_for_miles_and_miles/

@running_for_miles_and_miles

That Pretty Runner