Open Mic Friday: Meet Tall Mom on the Run

Today's guest was the winner of June's ExtraOrdinary Runner Award.  Her story reveals a fitness accomplishment and also a renewed enthusiasm for running. She's another runner who balances role of mom and demands of full-time work, and still makes time for her blog, Tall Mom on the Run.  After only running a year she took on the half marathon and then a short time later ran her first full marathon.  We know you'll enjoy meeting her. Welcome Melanie!

You started running to lose weight, and you’ve been very successful. How has your interest in running changed since you began?

I have always loved to run, strike that, I love to run when I am in shape.  Just after having my second child I felt heavy and did not want to keep the “baby weight” around for any length of time, if I could help it.  So I started to run to lose the weight.  At first I felt horrible; gasping for air, fat bouncing, nothing close to what I had once felt while running.  I wanted so badly to hang up my shoes but I didn’t.

I knew that if I stuck it out I would get back to the place where running was fun again.  Now that I am “in shape,” for a Mother of two standards anyway, running has become a passion.  My entire life I have had sports as an outlet for stress, an escape from life for the time I am active.  In my adult life I never had that outlet until I became a runner.  I can now call myself a runner, I spend my allowance on gear, I hunt for my next race and I ran a Marathon.  Running is fun, running is my passion, I am no longer running to lose the weight; I am running for a happier me.

What did you learn about yourself as you pursued the ½ marathon quickly after completing shorter races?

In June 2008 I ran the Race for the Cure 5k, at just under 10 minute miles pace, I struggled to run without stopping.  That was my first race as a Mom.  It taught me so much about myself; it was humbling because I was no longer the athlete I had once been.  I learned to accept being passed, to accept that I could not keep up. 

Fast Forward to May 2009 and I was at the starting line for my first ½ Marathon.  I had lost 40 pounds since my previous race and was following a training plan. Running was now a habit and this race was my chance to prove my “Runner” status. 

The Capital City ½ Marathon in Olympia, WA was amazing.  Going in I had no expectations, no idea what I would see, hear or do.  What I found was an amazing way to be a part of something bigger than myself, surrounded by people with the same mission.  Young, old, thin, heavy, running is the great equalizer and I was a part of that.  The ½ Marathon distance is a really great distance for my body type.  I am heavier than the pocket runners, at 185 it is tough keeping the machine moving. My strides felt strong the entire 13.1 miles and I was not sore at all after the race.  In 2008 my goal was just to finish the ½ Marathon, instead I achieved a great time 1:43:48.  Talk about a transformation.  

Care to share what you do for a career and how it works with your running?

I work in the event planning group for a large company.  My office is located near several great running trails.  My boss is amazing and lets me stretch my lunch hour for my long mid-week runs.  I have a training partner who I meet up with often during our lunch hour.  There is a locker room to shower up before returning to the office.  I work 40 hours week and have most weekends off.  On occasion I will travel on business, which gives me the grand opportunity to see and run in new places.  I discovered that Vancouver B.C. is an amazing place to run.  My career is a great match for my running goals.  I am amazed at all the planning that goes into the races.  Volunteers, registration, vendor booths, food, music, street closure, portable toilets, etc, those race organizers deserve a pat on the back.

T ell us how you then stepped up to train for your full marathon

I originally signed up to run the Seattle Rock ‘n’ Roll ½ Marathon and started training just after the payment went through, months before any training plan needed to be started.  My body responded really well, I had no pain, I felt strong, my mind was working toward my goal and the distances were great.  The success with the training made me wonder if I could possibly do more.  So I found a 16 week “Rookie” Marathon training plan and told myself that if I still felt good at week 8 I would change my entry to the Full Marathon.  Week 8 came and I knew that this was the best time in my life to accomplish this goal.  Very few people run Marathons. I wanted to be part of that elite group, to accomplish something on my own for me.  I sent an email to the race director and paid the $20 to run 13.1 more miles. 

You’re one of many runners who describe running as an addiction. How so?

People think I am weird when I say I am addicted to running.  I truly am.  I get excited on my running days, I love shopping for new gear, signing up for races gives me something to look forward to, I have a running Blog and love to read the Blogs of other runners. I miss running on my days off.  My body feels great after a run and I am doing it for me.  It is an addiction because it is a part of me.  As a Mom there are few times where you can feel like anyone other than “Mom.”  With running I can just be me and that is a great feeling, an addicting feeling.

Best advice or two you would give to a first-time marathoner?

Chose a training plan that fits your life, don’t beat yourself up if you miss a day.  Use the training to learn about what to eat and drink before and during a long run.  Use your training to select the right clothing, music and shoes.  If you find something annoying during your training fix it, because it will be ultra-annoying at mile 20 and beyond.  Rest, ice and take care of your body. 

And the advice I should have taken: Run your first Marathon to Finish.  Do not worry about time for your first race.  That way you can enjoy the experience regardless of the clock.  As much as you tell yourself “I will never do this again,” during the race, you will probably run more than one.  So enjoy your first.  Cross the finish line with a smile.

Any quirky running traits?

Love Blue Gatorade.  Have to put my left shoe on first. Nothing too weird..

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

Sub 4 hour Marathon.  Marathon day was not a good running day for me. I want to be able to finish on a strong day and live up to my racing potential.  I know I have a Boston Qualifying time in me, and if it comes great, but I am not going to put that kind of pressure on myself for a few years.

I plan to run races in various distances, 5K, 10K, 15K, etc. so I can have recorded times for each.  This will also help me determine which race I like best.

Eventually I would like to run for a cause and join a group of runners.  Eventually I will do that, just have not found the exact match. 

Current running goals?

Sub 21 minute 5 K.  Sub 4 hour Marathon. Help others to meet their running goals and cross the Finish Line.

Non-running interests?

In my (limited) spare time I love writing, photography, playing volleyball, camping, hiking, girl’s nights and time with my family, and friends.  Spending the weekends relaxed with my kids and husband.

Greatest running moments?

I always love coming home after a long run and seeing the smiles on my boys and husband’s faces.  They are my best and favorite Finish Line.

What is one unique thing about you that most people don't know?

My Grandpa Ernie was a professional baseball and semi-pro basketball player.  He passed away when I was 13, but he is always in my heart.  I feel closer to him through athletics.  I believe I have a running Guardian Angel.

Most embarrassing running moment?

Try humiliating running moment!!  I have a weak Mommy bladder and no patience for race day potty lines.  So on mile 12 of my marathon, when my bladder gave out and there were no toilets in sight, I wet myself.  Everything I drank for 3 days came out and I was mortified.  Thankfully I wore black spandex and we were in a dark tunnel, but still embarrassing is not even close to the right word.

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

My dream would be to travel the world, running along beautiful landscapes, getting paid to take photos, write and live through my running.  Ireland, Australia, Greece and various water (beach, lake, and river) destinations come to mind as the first stops on my dream running tour.  

Best running advice you’ve ever been given?

A Marathon is not two ½ Marathons. Respect the Distance.  Boy did I learn that on my First Marathon.

Best running advice you’d like to share?

For Running Moms: Don’t feel guilty about the time and money that you spend on running.  Embrace your running and know that it is helping you to be the best wife (partner) and mom you can be.

For Runners:  Your physical ability is nothing without mental toughness.  Train your brain and your body will do the rest. 

Comments

[Marlene]

You've come a long way! It was great reading a little background about where you started. Excellent advice, too.

[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.