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Five weeks to go!!
Now, let's chat with Nicole. She blogs over at Even Me and actually lives in the same city as I do. We met through a mutual friend and I love love love talking to her. She is one of the most positive and easygoing people I've ever met. I'm hoping her optimism will rub off on me someday.
How long have you been running?
About 7 years. Racing for 5.
How did you get started?
I started going to the gym when I was about 20 years old (I’m now 31). I was trying to lose a little weight- you know, that 15 lbs that just appears once you are no longer a teen- and I did the elliptical a lot. Eventually I started running on the treadmill. Just 2 miles at first. I’d run for as long as I could then jog. Eventually moved up to running 3 miles at a time. I never ran outside. Then I decided to run my first race so I signed up for Dam to Dam. Then I had to run outside. Now? I’d pick a neighborhood or city street over the dreadmill any day. This past winter was really cold and icy and running indoors just about killed me.
What is your favorite thing about running?
Mental release. Running empowers me. It makes me feel like I can handle anything and it gives my mind a break from the anxiety wheel. It’s just me and my breath and my feet on the pavement. Sometimes I have friends with me.
Favorite race you’ve done?
Twin Cities Marathon. It was perfect weather, my first marathon and the most beautiful race route. It was a pretty great weekend for me.
What is your proudest running achievement so far?
It's my goal to run a race in every state. So far I have 6 under my belt. That makes me feel happy.
What’s your preferred pre-run fuel?
I usually don’t eat before I run (I usually run in the AM) but I almost always have a small cup of black coffee.
What’s your favorite post-run treat?
I’m easy- veggie burger, fries and craft beer!
What do you carry with you during a run?
Nothing. I prefer to run freely.
Describe your race day ritual.
I used to always have pizza and beer pre-race but now I’ll eat pretty much anything the night before. Race day though? Serious business. I have to get up and have black coffee. At least 2 cups so I can poop before I run. This is important! :) And then because I’m weird…I have a specific pair of earrings and barrette that I wear every race. It’s a little bit superstitious. I like to be early enough to get into my corral and feel comfortable and not rushed. And be able to use the port-a-john approximately 10 times before the gun goes off.
Any advice for me as I prepare for my first half-marathon?
Enjoy it! Don’t worry about your time. Just cross that finish line and feel proud.
What advice would you give new runners or those thinking about getting started?
Just do it. Don’t worry if you have the right gadgets or shoes or plans. Just get out and run. You will probably feel like a doofus, but with practice you’ll figure out how to breathe and how to hold your arms. You’ll get better shoes and figure out a stride that works for you. And one day you’ll be running and realize that you are, in fact, doing it, and actually enjoying yourself.
 |
| Nicole wanted me to share the after pic from her first marathon. Definitely emotional. |
How long have you been running?
About 7 years. Racing for 5.
How did you get started?
I started going to the gym when I was about 20 years old (I’m now 31). I was trying to lose a little weight- you know, that 15 lbs that just appears once you are no longer a teen- and I did the elliptical a lot. Eventually I started running on the treadmill. Just 2 miles at first. I’d run for as long as I could then jog. Eventually moved up to running 3 miles at a time. I never ran outside. Then I decided to run my first race so I signed up for Dam to Dam. Then I had to run outside. Now? I’d pick a neighborhood or city street over the dreadmill any day. This past winter was really cold and icy and running indoors just about killed me.
What is your favorite thing about running?
Mental release. Running empowers me. It makes me feel like I can handle anything and it gives my mind a break from the anxiety wheel. It’s just me and my breath and my feet on the pavement. Sometimes I have friends with me.
Favorite race you’ve done?
Twin Cities Marathon. It was perfect weather, my first marathon and the most beautiful race route. It was a pretty great weekend for me.
What is your proudest running achievement so far?
It's my goal to run a race in every state. So far I have 6 under my belt. That makes me feel happy.
What’s your preferred pre-run fuel?
I usually don’t eat before I run (I usually run in the AM) but I almost always have a small cup of black coffee.
What’s your favorite post-run treat?
I’m easy- veggie burger, fries and craft beer!
What do you carry with you during a run?
Nothing. I prefer to run freely.
Describe your race day ritual.
I used to always have pizza and beer pre-race but now I’ll eat pretty much anything the night before. Race day though? Serious business. I have to get up and have black coffee. At least 2 cups so I can poop before I run. This is important! :) And then because I’m weird…I have a specific pair of earrings and barrette that I wear every race. It’s a little bit superstitious. I like to be early enough to get into my corral and feel comfortable and not rushed. And be able to use the port-a-john approximately 10 times before the gun goes off.
Any advice for me as I prepare for my first half-marathon?
Enjoy it! Don’t worry about your time. Just cross that finish line and feel proud.
What advice would you give new runners or those thinking about getting started?
Just do it. Don’t worry if you have the right gadgets or shoes or plans. Just get out and run. You will probably feel like a doofus, but with practice you’ll figure out how to breathe and how to hold your arms. You’ll get better shoes and figure out a stride that works for you. And one day you’ll be running and realize that you are, in fact, doing it, and actually enjoying yourself.
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Last week in Micah's workouts
Friday: 5 miles on the treadmill (at 5:30 a.m. before work ... I'm so proud of myself)
Saturday: Off
Saturday: Off
Sunday: 8-mile trail run
Monday: Off
Tuesday: 6-mile trail run with running club
Wednesday: 4-mile trail run
Thursday: Off.Five weeks to go!!
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Hi Nicole! I love getting to a race early to make sure I have adequate bathroom breaks before the race as well!
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