Open Mic Friday: Meet Milano Runner

Deep in the heart of Texas, in a town with a population of 421, is a runner doing great things for her family, church, community, and for herself. This month's ExtraOrdinary Runner Award goes to Milano Runner, for her story How to Start Running, Over and Over Again.  She has inspired Runners' Lounge and confirmed that great moments in running happen every day, and there are amazing figures in running among us in our communities. 

A woman of deep devotion to her faith and family, she answers the call daily to others and to stretch herself as a runner.  Meet Milano Running Mom or Fawn Simpson.

You’re close to accomplishing a running goal that’s very important to you.  Tell us about it. 

When I started running again after the twins were born I wanted to really make a commitment to it. I knew that I would have to have short and long term goals to keep me focused and moving forward. So I decided I wanted to do a marathon in honor of each of my children, there are 5 of them. I was initially going to do three in three months but then I had an opportunity to add a 4th in the 4th month. Now I just have to do one more and each child will have a medal. After that, all the medals are mine! 

 
What are you looking forward to after April 11th?

Couch time and then training for the next round of marathons in the fall. Oh, and a pedicure.

Tell us what you’re doing for running in your community these days.

I have just started working for USA Fit Milam County. I am going to be bringing an awesome, life changing marathon training program to my small, rural area.

 
How are you a better runner or person since your comeback to running?
 

Without a doubt. But in what way? I have no idea. But because I feel like a million blessed bucks I must be a better person.

So what’s going in your life outside of running?

Kids Kids Kids. I am also a youth minister at my church so I'm always planning something for that awesome group of kids. I homeschool the twins, plus the big kids still need me occasionally. Yoga classes, playing with the dog, cleaning house. Oh sorry, I kind of got carried away there.

 
What would your family and friends tell us about your passion for running?

They all think I am too competitive. But it just isn't true, mostly, sort of. Well, maybe a little. But only a little.

 
What’s the hardest part of returning to running.  What about running makes it worthwhile?

I have no idea. I'm Catholic and we like punishment. Also insanity helps. Don't tell the kids this but I really run just to have an excuse to get out of the house occasionally. The hardest part about returning was trying to get shoes that don't make my feel look so big!
 
Best race experience?
 
First time I ran a 5K without having a walk break.

Any quirky running traits?

I stick kleenex in my running bra, but only for blowing my nose.

 
What have you not done with your running that you’re still looking forward to?

I want to teach my 5 month old Great Dane/Mastiff mix puppy to run with me. Then I won't have to worry about snakes and hogs and dogs.

 
What gets you excited about running?

The pedicures.

 
What’s your secret to running success?

It only took one person to tell me they didn't think I could do it. My mind was set at that point. Just to prove them wrong I would have killed myself to complete these marathons. See I told you I wasn't competitive.

Favorite race?

Surfside Beach Marathon and the Bremond 5K Pickle Run
 
Favorite distance?

Couch to refrigerator.

 
Non-running and non-blogging interests?

Is there something else besides running?
 
Do you have a running hero?

My sons Zackry and Brandon.
 
Greatest running moment?

Last marathon. Almost dead at mile 24. The man in front of me senses this. He slows down and coaches me in the last two miles. Perfect stranger. He could have had a better finish but he stuck with me. I hugged him at the end but forgot to get his name.

 
Who are some of your virtual running friends you would like to meet up and run with?

Amy, Tom, therunningcoach, coffeebetsy, bostonjohn and others I can't think of right now.
 
Most embarrassing running moment?

That whole having to poop issue, before I exploded. I don't really want to drag that up again. 

If money could buy you a running dream, what would it be?

A run in every state and some of those countries across the pond with my family at each finish line.
 
Favorite running shirt?

I have a light blue tech shirt I bought at Goodwill 2 years ago. It never smells.
 

Best running advice you’ve ever been given?

Slow down when training - If you get tired it's ok to walk for a minute.

 
Best running advice you’d like to share?

Stretch before and after your run. And then every night after the kids go to bed have a glass of red wine or two.

 
If you were going to combine your enthusiasm for running with another interest, what would it be?

I would feed the working poor, the homeless and the helpless. I would start a spiritual retreat center for runners.

Do you know a runner you would recommend for Open Mic Friday? 

Pass along their name, contact info, and some background and we'll explore introducing them to the Runners' Lounge Community.

Send to Amy@runnerslounge.com or Tom@runnerslounge.com.

Comments

[Aunt Zara]

I am so proud of you. I don't know how you keep up with everything. If I had to fight snakes to run you could just forget it. I hate snakes. I know you will do well on the next marat5hon and I am pulling for you. A great way to get out and relax??? (:
Love Ya

[Barbara Milder]

After reading this, I'm impressed with all that you've accomplished with the work load you handle each day.
Mother-in-law, Barbara