Open Mic Friday: Meet the Jogging Stroller Mom

This week's Open Mic Friday features Laurie, the Jogging Stroller Mom.  This interview doesn't pile on her accomplishments, her motherly sacrifices, her constant-on-the-go routine.  Instead, we feature Laurie for her devotion to her family and love of running, in that order. While the jogging stroller is a regular part of her running, it doesn't define her. We know you'll enjoy meeting Laurie.

We wish all moms, and especially running moms, a wonderful Mother's Day!

In honor of Mother’s Day, first tell us about your family.

I’m 29 and have been married for 7 ½ years.  My husband, Dan, just finished up his second year of law school.  We have 3 kids; Emmeline, who is 5 and in kindergarten, Calvin, will be 4 in July and Leona is almost 10 months old.  We love living in Eugene and watching Oregon Duck football!

When we think of mothers, we think of demands on their time.  What would you like to have more time to do?

I would love to have more time to sleep...sounds pretty pathetic, but an extra hour in the morning or the occasional afternoon nap would be delightful.

How do the kids react to your running?  What do they say?

My kids love that I run and do a great job keeping me motivated.  Today, I ran early and my son was sad because he wanted to go running with me.  Sometimes, if I’m extra grumpy, they will suggest that maybe I should go for a run. 

The perfect run—with or without a stroller?

I’m so used to running with a stroller, sometimes it’s hard to go without one, and it’s like I’ve forgotten how to use my arms.  If I had to pick though, my perfect run would be on the Riverbank Trail (runs parallel to the Willamette River) with the single stroller (only one kid to contend with) in a nice warm rain (this is Eugene after all). 

Describe what it’s like to live in the running capital of the U.S.—home to elites and Olympians?

I love living in Eugene.  I live less than a mile from Hayward field and there is nothing more motivating than watching the University of Oregon and Oregon Track Club runners as they fly past my windows.  Last summer, it was so awesome to be so close to the Olympic Trials, even when we couldn’t make it to the track to check out the action, if we went outside we could hear the announcer for the races.

When we first moved to Eugene, though, I was very intimidated by all the elite runners. In fact, I started my blog to tell of my fears running within their vicinity, but once I got over my own feelings of inadequacy, I realized that I belong.  Eugene loves her runners and has created a great environment for every type.

Tell us how you got started running and racing? 

I started running/racing in 4th grade because that was the only sport for 4th graders at my elementary school.  I really wanted to be a sprinter (something about only having to run 100 meters) but needed more space to get going (darn those slow twitch muscle fibers).  My first race, I ran the 1500 and finished 2nd, which was pretty cool since I was racing against 4th, 5th and 6th graders.  After that, there was no looking back, I’ve been running ever since and racing whenever possible.

What are you most looking forward to about running in 2009?

Absolutely everything!

Any quirky running traits?

I can’t run without chewing gum...I prefer peppermint.

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

I have never run a marathon. The Eugene Marathon runs right by my house and I think I’ve decided that next year I won’t be standing in my yard cheering on the runners...I’ll be one.

Non- running and non-blogging interests?

I love to swim.  I think I could be a triathlete...if I knew how to ride a bike.  We are also die-hard college football fans in my house.  During football season we all dress up in Duck shirts to cheer on our team.  When the Ducks aren’t playing at home, I will go for a “good luck” game day run around Autzen Stadium.  (I’d do it on game days too, but it’s too hard to maneuver my monstrosity of a jogging stroller around all the tailgaters.)

Best running advice you’d like to share?

If you’re going to run while pregnant, plan a route with several bathroom stops along the way, or at least some tall bushes...

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

[dr dre beats]

Right now, I'm longing for the melting sun & exhausting heat. But, I'm sure I'll change my mind in a few weeks and I'll be wishing for the ice cold air & killer winds I wished away a few weeks ago.