Running Woman Interview Series
Becky Part 2
For running woman series, interview with Becky, part 1, click here.
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Do your boys like to run?
YES! They have races a lot with each other, they are super competitive, and they say that their shoes are "speedier."
Do they ever run with you?
Not really. But that is mostly because when I go for my runs, I just don't include them. They are still so young. But they know I run, they see me on the treadmill occasionally, and they run on the treadmill themselves.
They love going hiking, snowshoeing, swimming, etc. The fact that I am raising them to be healthy and active makes me happy. I want them to be healthy active adults, and they will learn it from me. I figure when they are teenagers, they will probably run with me. It will be good....I hope!
Do you prefer running alone or with someone else?
I like running with other people, it's always fun to have someone to talk too. But it's hard to find people that run your distance and pace or are "like-minded." Some people are more or less serious about running than you are, and that can be a bit annoying. Or maybe not so much annoying, as it is just not what you would think or do.
Most of the time I run alone, but it's nice to run with someone, if you find a good running partner!
Do you like to race?
Not really. I don't like the crowds of people! And I find that the older that I get, the more ridiculous the idea is that I would pay MONEY for the privilege of running a certain distance, when I could just put on my shoes, step out my door and do the same distance for free, and alone, in the peace and quiet. I am seriously contemplating an ultra however, because they are less crowded, and generally the races are run in some pretty spectacular places. We'll see!
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When is your favorite time of day to run?
I used to be a "In the morning only!" runner, but after having my kids, I will run anytime of the day. If I can fit in a run, I'm going for it.
Did you run throughout your pregnancies and / or when your boys were babies?
When I was pregnant with Jake (2004), I ran pretty much the whole pregnancy. My mileage kept decreasing as my belly grew, but I ran. I swam and biked as well. In fact the day I went into labor with Jake, I biked 15 miles.
With Charlie (2006), I was initially running my 4 miles a day, but my morning sickness was so bad with him, I had to stop. I ended up on bed rest several times with him, so workouts were few and far between that pregnancy. I did however, manage just about every day to go for a 3 mile walk even though I was supposed to be on bed rest. Whoops!)
I had c-sections with both of my boys due to their sizes (both 9 lbs-ers) and I started running again after 4 weeks post-partum.
Yeah, Yeah, I know, I was supposed to be resting for 8 weeks....but I felt good, and I took it easy.
Do you cross train?
Yes, I do! I totally believe in cross-training. I do lots of squats, and already mentioned swimming, hiking, snowshoeing, etc. I try to do ab workouts occasionally, but I HATE them!
What do you eat before / during / after your run?
Generally I don't eat before a run, nor do I eat during or run, and typically it takes me a couple of hours before I eat after a run. I have a very low appetite, but fast metabolism. However, I think that when I run, my digestive system shuts down, so I'm not hungry for a while.
I am discovering though that I am going to have to start forcing myself to eat during runs, if I want to up my mileage past 15 miles. I just don't have enough stored energy to make it.
What is your average running pace?
Honestly, I would be guessing. I don't wear a watch, or an iPod, or any music, or GPS device. I know that I can do a 10K in under an hour, and generally finish 10 miles in about an hour and 20 minutes. But I also don't mind stopping and walking, or stopping and petting stray cats. Or if I feel like it, stopping to pick berries. I'm not so concerned about time. I care more about distance and the fact that I am out there on a run. To me, a good run should be fun, not filled with irritation and a bunch of nonsense.
What are your running goals?
My running goals are not exactly concrete. Most of the time I set yearly goals.
In 2008, my goal was to run a 10K every day. In 2009, I wanted to run 10 miles at least once a week. In 2010, my goal was to try to run 15 miles. ( don't think I managed that one, I got really close though!)
In 2011, I have hit 15 miles, but, my goal has been to maintain at least 120 miles a month.
What running achievement are you most proud of?
The running achievement that I am most proud of is that I am STILL running after everything that I've been through, and it still fulfills me.
Read part one of interview with inspiring running woman, Becky.
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