Open Mic Friday: Viv!

This weeks Open Mic Friday is with Viv, from the famous I'm not fit to run Blog and fivkviv from the Lounge.   We have enjoyed listening to Viv's journey as she takes on different running and triathlon adventures.   And we also love her support of the running community which she is currently showing by hosting the Independence Weight Loss Challenge.

And without further delay....here's Viv!

How did you start running?
I know this may sound ludicrous, but I always envisioned that one day I would be a runner.  I've lived in The Woodlands, TX, since I was 19 (1993), which is a very active community. You can throw a rock in The Woodlands and hit a runner. Not that I would do that. I would see runners everyday and thought to myself; I would love to run. Each time, I always came up with a good handful of excuses and never stuck with it to run further than ½ a mile. In 2000, I joined Power In Motion, a running clinic, that with the help of coaches and 10 weeks you could complete your first 5K. I quit 3 weeks into it  with  a solid list of excuses.  In June 2007 I took a real look at myself in the mirror. Is this what I want to look like at 33?! Do I want to be out of breath climbing the stairs at the baseball field, so much so that I would not go down to grab a beer with the thought of having to climb stairs? I was at a place in my life where I needed to change with NO excuses. I was back at the heaviest weight of my life for the second time. I was disgusted with all of my excuses. I joined Weight Watchers online, and registered for PIM again, but this time my whole heart was in it. I was going to be the runner I always dreamt I could be.

What keeps you running?
My determination to go further, and go faster. The possibilities for me are endless as long as I strive to bring out the best in myself. I most likely will never be up on a podium, or maybe not even a top 3 age grouper, but continuously beating myself is all the motivation I need to continue.

What is your proudest running accomplishment?

Not to sound narcissistic, but every run is a run I am proud of, miserable or wonderful. As a SAHM (stay at home mom) it is easy to make an unconscious choice of dropping the kiddo off at school to a mundane day on the couch in a eating trance watching The View and Maury. By the way, if you know who is the baby daddy of that chick who was on yesterday, text me.  I missed the paternity test results. Darn track workout. 

You have done a great job working on your weight, what are some of the tips you would pass along to other runners working on their weight?
Running is not a free pass to eat up everything in sight. The calories you burn on a 3 miler nowhere near match the calories you consume polishing off a pizza. It is very difficult to stay in my calorie range after the long runs, swims or rides. I try to satisfy the hunger with fruits, lean proteins and healthy carbohydrates. That being said, after a 12 miler you cannot pull me away from the mandatory raw burger and cold beer. You gotta live a little.

Who is/are your running hero(s)?
I am not going to give you the Prefontaine answer. Yes, he was one of the greatest inspirational long distance runners of his era.  I just need someone more relatable to me. Kim Hager lives here in The Woodlands and a SAHM who is an outstanding triathlete and runner on Team Timex. I am counting down the days to begin training with her and the team.

What are your running/tri goals this year?
My big tri goal is an Olympic distance in October. I am contemplating doing the marathon in Houston. I penciled in the ½, but will play the full by ear. I have a few out of town friends coming and Patron loading works better with a ½. The Houston marathon is January 09, so  I guess I didn't understand the question. LOL!

What do your family/friends think of your running?
They think I'm awesome. Even if they don't in my mind I think they think I'm awesome.

What do you do when you are not running?
Ride my bike and swim. Seriously, I love spending time with friends, family and laughing. I enjoy watching baseball, football, and a good beat down on the UFC.  I *heart* my Astros although they insist on breaking my heart every year.

Who are some of the blogging runners you would most love to run with/talk with?
Not to offend anyone, but Nancy and I have an email affair! I am jonesing to run with her, but just don't see myself in Iowa anytime soon. When Nancy gets back from Scotland I am going to start coaxing her into Surf City. It will probably be the first race I pee myself. Not, because I am trying to get a course record (yea, right) and a port a potty stop would blow it. It would be from laughing of course. Maybe, I can offer her a year supply of long lasting lipstick??

Anything else you would like to add...
This weekend I will be taking my training course to become a certified Mad Dogg SPIN instructor.

This weeks Open Mic Friday is with Viv, from the famous I'm not fit to run Blog and fivkviv from the Lounge.   We have enjoyed listening to Viv's journey as she takes on different running and triathlon adventures.   And we also love her support of the running community which she is currently showing by hosting the Independence Weight Loss Challenge.

And without further delay....here's Viv!

How did you start running?
I know this may sound ludicrous, but I always envisioned that one day I would be a runner.  I've lived in The Woodlands, TX, since I was 19 (1993), which is a very active community. You can throw a rock in The Woodlands and hit a runner. Not that I would do that. I would see runners everyday and thought to myself; I would love to run. Each time, I always came up with a good handful of excuses and never stuck with it to run further than ½ a mile. In 2000, I joined Power In Motion, a running clinic, that with the help of coaches and 10 weeks you could complete your first 5K. I quit 3 weeks into it  with  a solid list of excuses.  In June 2007 I took a real look at myself in the mirror. Is this what I want to look like at 33?! Do I want to be out of breath climbing the stairs at the baseball field, so much so that I would not go down to grab a beer with the thought of having to climb stairs? I was at a place in my life where I needed to change with NO excuses. I was back at the heaviest weight of my life for the second time. I was disgusted with all of my excuses. I joined Weight Watchers online, and registered for PIM again, but this time my whole heart was in it. I was going to be the runner I always dreamt I could be.

What keeps you running?
My determination to go further, and go faster. The possibilities for me are endless as long as I strive to bring out the best in myself. I most likely will never be up on a podium, or maybe not even a top 3 age grouper, but continuously beating myself is all the motivation I need to continue.

What is your proudest running accomplishment?

Not to sound narcissistic, but every run is a run I am proud of, miserable or wonderful. As a SAHM (stay at home mom) it is easy to make an unconscious choice of dropping the kiddo off at school to a mundane day on the couch in a eating trance watching The View and Maury. By the way, if you know who is the baby daddy of that chick who was on yesterday, text me.  I missed the paternity test results. Darn track workout. 

You have done a great job working on your weight, what are some of the tips you would pass along to other runners working on their weight?
Running is not a free pass to eat up everything in sight. The calories you burn on a 3 miler nowhere near match the calories you consume polishing off a pizza. It is very difficult to stay in my calorie range after the long runs, swims or rides. I try to satisfy the hunger with fruits, lean proteins and healthy carbohydrates. That being said, after a 12 miler you cannot pull me away from the mandatory raw burger and cold beer. You gotta live a little.

Who is/are your running hero(s)?
I am not going to give you the Prefontaine answer. Yes, he was one of the greatest inspirational long distance runners of his era.  I just need someone more relatable to me. Kim Hager lives here in The Woodlands and a SAHM who is an outstanding triathlete and runner on Team Timex. I am counting down the days to begin training with her and the team.

What are your running/tri goals this year?
My big tri goal is an Olympic distance in October. I am contemplating doing the marathon in Houston. I penciled in the ½, but will play the full by ear. I have a few out of town friends coming and Patron loading works better with a ½. The Houston marathon is January 09, so  I guess I didn't understand the question. LOL!

What do your family/friends think of your running?
They think I'm awesome. Even if they don't in my mind I think they think I'm awesome.

What do you do when you are not running?
Ride my bike and swim. Seriously, I love spending time with friends, family and laughing. I enjoy watching baseball, football, and a good beat down on the UFC.  I *heart* my Astros although they insist on breaking my heart every year.

Who are some of the blogging runners you would most love to run with/talk with?
Not to offend anyone, but Nancy and I have an email affair! I am jonesing to run with her, but just don't see myself in Iowa anytime soon. When Nancy gets back from Scotland I am going to start coaxing her into Surf City. It will probably be the first race I pee myself. Not, because I am trying to get a course record (yea, right) and a port a potty stop would blow it. It would be from laughing of course. Maybe, I can offer her a year supply of long lasting lipstick??

Anything else you would like to add...
This weekend I will be taking my training course to become a certified Mad Dogg SPIN instructor.

Comments

[Jen Den]

This is a really cool interview! I am so proud of you! I DO think you are awesome, and I'm sure your kids and family do too.

By the way, he was not her baby daddy. Neither was the other guy.

[merrymishaps]

Excellent interview. It sounds like you're doing a great job at your goals!

[Thornygirl]

Viv, this interview is so *you*! You're such an inspiration.

[timmy]

Great interview! Keep up the good work. You're truly and inspiration. :-)

[Delane]

Viv you rock! Congrats on all of your accomplishments this year.

[Alexandra]

Great job Viv. You are really an inspiration!

[Carly]

Woo Hoo Viv! Great interview! You are always such a great inspiration.

[Leah]

What an inspiration; You ARE totally awesome!

[bob Gentile]

Way to GO SAHM !!

Great job on making ur runs happen vs. going to sit on the couch & wonder what happened...Keep focused ur doing so great & good luck with that Spin Instructor Program.

[Bob]

tag you're it Amy. See my blog for details.

[Brianna]

LOVED the interview. What do your kids think about having an unstopable mom?

I've been "hearing" much about you, through the blog world. It's nice to finally meet you!

[Littlechikpea]

Thanks for your encouraging words Amy! I didn't run. It was a huge dissapointment because it was the goal I was training for. I was just too weak to do it. And my house didn't clean itself. :( Better luck next event!

[JMOM]

Viv rocks!!!

[Laura]

Great Interview! Viv you are a PIM Superstar! Laura

[Nancy]

AH my sweet Vivalicious. I totally thought I was going to have a fall business trip in her neck of the woods and we were gonna run like the wind together. One meeting got cancelled and the other is scheduled for MINNEAPOLIS. SH!T !! We are SO going to run together some day. Although, now I have pretty high expectations to meet. I'm thinking Amy doesn't think I'm funny enough to pee herself. :D :D Oh well, we will have a great time when it happens. Hugs and Kisses. Missed all my friends at the Lounge.

Nanc