My running experience with AREC has been… good for my running. My running has improved. I like the social part because I've met people I wouldn't otherwise have met. I've met really nice people who I have something in common with.
I've been with AREC for…3 years.
I run with AREC because...I enjoy the company and the whole group environment and setting. And it's also very casual, I'm not hard core.
When I'm not running...I'm working, traveling for business, mostly, spending time with my nephews, cycling with my boyfriend and spending time with my family and friends.
I always run with…on Wednesdays I might start out with Lars, Megan and Marigold. On Sundays I start with Dave, Mel, Marigold and Todd Byers. On Saturdays it's all different people so it's great. I put myself in the middle of the pack. I run with Michelle Hertzog two days a week, during the week in the morning. If I hadn't met her through AREC, I'd be running by myself which gets to be boring.
My favorite running shoe brand is...Adidas
My pre-race meal is...a balanced meal. I don't eat meat the night before a run. I definitely don't believe pasta makes me run faster--it's just a myth.
After a race I treat myself to...anything I want! Usually after a long race I'll crave meat. I'm not a big sweet-eater so I'm lucky! I don't like chocolate or sweets. I'm not a sweets person. Frozen yogurt is a big treat for me. I'll crave salt.
My favorite race is...the Boston Marathon because I’m from Massachusetts. It's just a big deal. My favorite 10K is the Super Bowl one in Redondo Beach. My favorite 5K is the one on the sand by the Belmont Pier.
My goal is...to keep running until I'm very old and to stay injury-free. Lately I've been starting to cross-train due to my injury. I had a stress fracture in my right foot so I couldn't run for 7 weeks. So I began water aerobics in the pool and the elliptical machine. I've been running for a month now and I feel fine but I won't run 2 days in a row. My next race is the Long Beach Half so I have some time.
Running mantra…I go into my own world. To me when I'm running that's the best time to do all my thinking. I don't have a real mantra. I just know I wanna finish standing and not hurting.
I'm inspired by...other runners that are getting out there, doing their first marathon. You see how excited they are and you remember how it was when you did yours…my self-esteem from my personal life, being with family and friends, trying things in life… I work hard but I play hard, it's a balance.
My best training tip...cross-train and rest in between long runs.
The best advice I ever got was…don't run marathons (laughs!) Run shorter distances.
I want to improve in…speed and maybe someday try a duathlon or triathlon. I need to improve on my swimming because my swimming is the pits.
I love...the ocean.
I hate...cold weather.
I wish…I were tall and skinny.
Last thoughts…Running in my life, my friends and family, people around me that I love and good health…I couldn't ask for anything more. Running is icing on the cake.