Tag Archives: running

November 3, 2013 · 1:11 AM

Hug a Runner Day 2013 and Running the Edge Book Giveaway!

This year’s annual Globally Organized Hug A Runner Day celebration will be the biggest yet!

Are you ready to Share the Sweat?

November 20, 2013 is going to be a HUGE celebration!

Runners of all styles, ages, genders, speeds, sizes, and ethnicities will unite in an embrace as we celebrate the Third Annual Hug a Runner Day! Every runner deserves a hug. A real hug. The kind of hug that says, “Even if I don’t understand why you do it, I appreciate and recognize your effort.”
We are adding several new twists to the celebration this year as we wrap our arms around cross country runners, track runners, road racers, walkers, joggers, and sloggers. Nothing shows our unity better than a great big sweaty hug!

What’s new this year?

1. Giveaways all over Facebook: See the list below and join our event page for more details.

2. Event in Portland: There has never been a fun run like this one! Click here to read about the First Annual G.O. H.A.R.D. F un Run sponsored by Fit Right.

3. Group Run Contest: Read about our fun run, and then help organize or create something similar in your community. We are going to visit the town with the biggest/most spirited celebration some time in 2014!!

4. Cool New Shirts: Get your Official G.O. H.A.R.D. shirts now!

4 Ways To Participate Before The Event:

1. Practice hugging as many runners as possible.

2. Go to the Hug a Runner event page on Facebook and click the blue “Join” button. Don’t forget to invite your friends!

3. Follow these pages. At least one of these Facebook pages will be giving away free stuff every single day leading up to the event: Distant Runners, Runner Unleashed, Ultra Moms on a Mission, Running Through Chaos, Run Like a Girl, I Run to Drink, Run Hard Always Finish, Run Junkees, Slow is the New Fast, No Limits Running, Dare to Be Different, and Life in the Day of a Runner.

4. Share this blog or write your own. If you have a blog, you have permission to use anything you find on this post.

This is me hugging one of my favorite runners….my son, Zach!

4 Ways To Participate On November 20th:

1. Wear running shoes all day long. If possible, wear an old race bib. If you see someone wearing these items, run up and give them a hug!

2. Organize a group hug with your training group. Send us a picture of your G.O. H.A.R.D. celebration. The pic with the most spirit/creativity/people will be visited by us Adam Goucher and Tim Catalano in 2014!! More details to follow.

3. Send every runner you know a virtual hug by enclosing their names in double brackets like this ((Adam and Tim)).

4. Commit random acts of hugging.

I’m so excited to announce that I will be giving away an autographed copy of the book Running the Edge by Adam Goucher and Tim Catalano!! Don’t forget to check out their Facebook page here!

Want a chance to win?

Click the link below to enter!!

Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck and don’t forget to G.O. H.A.R.D. on November 2oth!!!

{{{{HUGS!!}}}}

Trust Your Intuition Official Book Release

I am so excited to officially announce that I am a contributor in a newly published book: Trust Your Intuition 25 “Natural Medicine Confessions” from Influential Women Who Use Healing Remedies For Their Families! It will be released July 17, 2013. There are 24 other women besides me, who have also contributed, and we each share a story of why we chose to use natural alternatives for a health issue or challenge in our homes.

In this book, there are situations that these women have encountered and they have shared how they have used natural medicine to resolve the problem.

My chapter is about Chia Seeds and how I use these tiny, nutritional powerhouses to fuel my running. I also discuss how I lost weight through running and making healthy changes to my diet.

I am amazed at the powerful other stories in the book. I would like to introduce you to a few of the other contributors as we get ready to launch the book.

Author Spotlights

Jenni Wilson, Natural Medicine Mom, is a master herbalist, wife of an ER doctor and mother to 7 children. She teaches women (and a few brave dads) how to use natural tools, and especially essential oils, to care for their families and enjoy more confidence, control and effectiveness in their home health care. She is an author, speaker and blogger at Natural Medicine Mom.

Tens of thousands of health-conscious women have learned from Katie’s expertise to embrace the Wellness Mama lifestyle. She has helped clients lose weight, increase athletic performance, improve fertility, and more. She shares many of her valuable tips for using natural tools for healing in the book.

One of the amazing women contributing to my book is Rachel Parrish. Rachel is a mother to 2 children and a wife to a wellness doctor. Her passions are faith, family and health. She supports her husband in helping to change the way people look at their health and uses her blog, Day2Day Joys, as a tool to do that. In her chapter of the book you will be able to learn more about how to maximize your living.

Corinne is a successful, fashion designing mom and an inspiration to so many people who are fed up with traditional medicine. Being a child of excessive exposure to antibiotics, her immune system suffered. She empowered herself by seeking help and guidance from natural remedies experts, educated herself on various techniques, and has been able to keep her family the healthiest they have ever been. From Corinne’s chapter she will tell you how she got back her immune system and shares her exclusive recipe for infection fighting. Her website is Persnickety Clothing.

Stay tuned for more details as the release date gets closer! Also, there will be free gifts available when the book is ordered on July 17th!

For more information, you can check out Jenni’s website: Natural Medicine Mom .

5 Comments

Filed under Blogging, Books, Family, Nutrition

Tagged as chia seeds, Jenni Wilson, natural remedies, running, running nutrition, Trust Your Intuition, Trust Your Intuition Book, weight loss

March 27, 2013 · 11:55 PM

Shubeez Giveaway!

I’m keeping my Blogiversary celebration going by offering another great giveaway. This one is from Shubeez! Two lucky people will have their chance to win either a 13.1 shoe tag or a 26.2 shoe tag!

Here’s a little bit about Shubeez from their website:

Shubeez are unique collectable shoe tags that attach securley to the laces of any athletic footwear. We all have a cause, a goal, a mission in life: in order to make progress you must begin to taking steps toward your desired result. More than a simple branding/ awareness piece….shubeez is an idea. We believe that everyone has the power to make a difference in their lives and the lives of others. Whether you are running a road race, supporting a PTO, fundraising for a youth sports team, or getting involved with a non profit, shubeez is a personal shoe tag that says you took action and are part of a community that cares.

Our message is simple. We are a call to action. We believe there is no better way to symbolize your efforts, or your events, than branding the shoe that started your movement. Every morning you must get up and face the day. What you do from there is your choice. Your shubeez is a constant reminder of why you lace-up and a unique symbol that will spark interest/ encourage others to get involved. shubeez- why do YOU lace-up?

To enter, just click the Rafflecopter link below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

If you don’t want to wait and would like to buy some Shubeez tags of your own, you can go to their site and check out their shop! By the way, I’m a Shubeez Affiliate! When you checkout, please select Slow is the New Fast from their drop down partner menu.

Good Luck!!

As required by the FTC: I received this product for a review. I received no monetary compensation to write this review. All opinions expressed are mine and mine alone.

If you would like to sponsor a giveaway on my blog (or you know someone that does) please contact me by sending me an email to gcmjjm03 (at) gmail (dot) com. I will always disclose whether or not the giveaway is sponsored by someone else or if it is one of my very own.

32 Comments

Filed under Giveaways, Reviews, Running, Uncategorized

Tagged as 13.1 shoe tags, 26.2 shoe tag, 2nd blogiversary, running, shoe tags, shubeez

March 23, 2013 · 12:03 AM

My 2nd Blogiversary and Allied Medal Hanger Giveaway!

It’s hard to believe that it’s already been 2 years since I first began this blog! There has been so many exciting things that have happened since that day that I opened up this page and began typing.

Here are a few things that have happened in my running life since I became a blogger 2 years ago:

I had the opportunity to meet and run with Born to Run author Chris McDougall, his running coach Eric Orton and Ultra runner Scott Jurek.
I ran my 1st (then 2nd, 3rd, 4th & 5th) half marathon.
I ran my 1st marathon last year and my 2nd last month.
I dealt with IT Band Syndrome and Plantar Fasciitis
I lost 76 pounds!
I broke my left arm while out on a training run at night and had to have surgery to have steel plate/screws placed in my arm.
I was featured in a video series by Fitbie/MSN called Everyday Champions.
I was in the Jan/Feb 2013 issue of Women’s Running Magazine in their Women Who Move section.

These are only a few things that have happened to me along this journey in the last couple of years. There have been ups and downs but I am thankful for everything that I’ve gotten to experience. (Except for the broken arm….I could have definitely lived without that, lol!)

What I’m most grateful for is 1.) being a healthier wife and mother 2.) the connections I’ve made through this blog and Facebook page. The running/fitness community is amazing and I have made great friends (online and out running) that I would have never met otherwise. I’m also thankful for all of you that follow my blog! I am constantly inspired and motivated by you!! I absolutely love the stories and pictures you share over on my Facebook page and love how you interact with and encourage each other.

Enough with me and on to the exciting stuff! What’s the point in a celebration without a gift? Allied Medals was kind enough to send me my very own Slow is the New Fast medal hanger and now you can win one of your own!

Love it!

You can choose one like mine, one without the girl or you can choose a completely different style!

Click the link below to enter!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck!!!

As required by the FTC: I received this product for a review. I received no monetary compensation. All opinions expressed are mine and mine alone.

If you would like to sponsor a giveaway on my blog (or you know someone that does) please contact me by sending me an email to gcmjjm03@gmail.com. I will always disclose whether or not the giveaway is sponsored by someone else or if it is one of my very own.

84 Comments

Filed under Blogging, Giveaways, Reviews, Running

Tagged as 2nd blogiversary, Allied Medal Displays, Allied Medal Hanger, blogiversary, Born to Run, Christopher McDougall, Eric Orton, Everyday Champions, Fitbie, MSN, running, Scott Jurek, Women's Running Magazine, Women's Running Magazine Women Who Move

March 12, 2013 · 7:27 PM

Join my March DietBet Challenge!

If you missed out on my March DietBet, you can join the one that will be starting May 28th! Click here to join.

If you’re interested in a new way to go about losing some weight, DietBet may be perfect for you! Watch the video below or click this link, if you’d like more information on it. Runner’s World actually mentioned it in an article last October.

What I really like is that it’s not based on any one particular food plan. You do what works for you (and is healthy). I also think it’s good because you don’t have focus on a set amount of pounds but a percentage (4% at the end of 4 weeks).

You will be required to share a starting weight and a final weight photo but don’t worry, it’s private and won’t be shared. Also, your weight is kept private by default, unless you choose to share it with the other players.

Don’t worry, your pictures and weight are kept private!

I’ve decided to do my own and would love to have you participate with me! After all, the more participants, the more fun and the more you can win!

If you’d like to give it a try, here’s what you do:

1. Join Slow is the New Fast DietBet

2. Set your profile up

3. Submit a starting weight photo a few days before the challenge begins. (Remember – they’ll be kept private!)

4. Find a eating and exercise plan that works for you and start making your way toward your goal of losing 4% of your body weight in 4 weeks!

5. Lose 4% – Claim your share of the pot!

My game begins on Monday, March 18th and the amount you put in the “pot” is $30.

I hope to see you there!

2 Comments

Filed under DietBet, Reviews, Running

Tagged as Diet, Dietbet, exercise, healthy, healthy eating, running

February 8, 2013 · 2:45 PM

It’s my 3rd Runniversary!

It’s hard to believe that 3 years ago today, I was on my way to our local paved running trail. I wasn’t dressed in “real” running clothes (thick, cotton socks included), my shoes didn’t fit me properly, and I was only at the beginning of my weight loss journey. I knew nothing of running fuel (GUs, Sport Beans, and Chomps that are eaten during long runs). I had no clue that there were such things as compression socks or fuel belts, and I didn’t own the first sports bra. As I drove there, it didn’t matter that I didn’t have or know about those things. I had a crazy idea in my mind that I was toying with, and the closer that I got to my destination, the more nervous and excited I got. Maybe it was the chill in the air that made me feel extra hopeful and energetic. Maybe it was because I’d been slowly building up to it, and something inside of me just knew it was time.

By the time I drove up, I’d made up my mind. I was going to try to run the entire way today. I assured myself that I could walk if I needed to, I could stop if I had to, but, I was at least going to try. Today was going to be the day that I did something that I’d never done before. I was excited and I was scared. I had no time in mind. My goal was to finish. I clutched my Ipod in my hand that had my new Nike+ receiver plugged in along with my sensor safely secured in its pouch on my shoelaces. I had no rituals to go through, like I do now. I didn’t know what a PR was, even though I was about to set my first. I hit play on my Ipod and started running. I was RUNNING! Yes, I had been running before that, but it was running and walking. I knew that I’d shown up planning on not walking and suddenly, everything seemed different. I was slow but that didn’t matter. (My average pace was 12:08/mile.) I kept telling myself to just keep going and reminded myself that I could stop if I needed to – but I didn’t need to. As the miles ticked away in my ear (there’s a lady that speaks to you in your ear when you use the Nike+ program on the Ipod), I began to feel a sense of overwhelming excitement . I felt like a butterfly breaking out of its cocoon!! A million thoughts were rushing through my mind. I was going to be able to say to people, “I’m a runner!” I couldn’t wait to call my husband and my parents! As the final feet of my run ticked away, I was smiling while tears streamed down my face. I had done it!!! There aren’t sufficient words to describe the feelings I felt when I finished that first run. I probably looked as though I’d just won a race or qualified for Boston but it was much more than that. My life had changed and there would be no turning back. There would be setbacks but that’s just how life is. Three years and 1430 miles later, that day is forever a “Red Letter” day for me. It was a day that I was reminded that I could do whatever I set my mind to do. As I drove back home, it never crossed my mind that I’d be getting ready to run my 2nd marathon 3 years later but here I am, 3 weeks away from it. There was no “Slow is the New Fast” blog or Facebook page but because of that run, both of those exist. Those first steps I took set me in motion for things I’d never imagined. I’m so thankful for my family and friends who encouraged and prayed for me when I was first starting out and keep doing so daily. I know that I’m now a healthier version of me because of the decision I made 3 years ago. I decided that things didn’t have to stay the same. I realized that it was up to me to do something about it because I was tired of sitting on the sidelines of life and watching it go by.

If you’re reading this today and you feel like I did – like you know you need to do something different, why not start today? Take those first steps towards changing your health. It doesn’t mean you have to go run. It may mean that you make the decision to start drinking more water, eat less sugar or start walking 15 minutes a day. Whatever it is, don’t forget to celebrate those positive changes, no matter how small you think they are! Change isn’t always easy but being unhealthy and feeling bad isn’t easy either. I’ll be the first to tell you that it’s a slow process and it will take determination but it’s worth it in the end.

If you start today, who knows what you might be celebrating a year from now? 🙂

What will you choose to do today?

15 Comments

Filed under Running, Uncategorized

Tagged as 3rd runniversary, beginning runners, chomps, GU, ipod, Nike+, running, runniversary, slow is the new fast, slow running, sport beans

September 13, 2012 · 5:05 PM

Go Sport ID Giveaway!

Ok, so here’s your chance to win your very own Go Sport ID! The winner will receive a Go Sport ID gift certificate worth $25. (Thanks again to Justin and Kase for making this possible!)

Here’s how to enter:

1. Head over to Go Sport ID’s Facebook page, like them and let them know I sent you. Leave your Facebook name on this post’s comments section. (+2 entries)

2. If you have Twitter, stop by their Twitter page and follow them. (Please let them know I sent you!) Leave your Twitter nickname on this post’s comments section. (+2 entries)

3. Become a fan of Slow is the New Fast’s Facebook page. Leave your Facebook name on this post’s comments section. (+2 entries)

Optional/Extra Entries:

1. Follow me on Twitter. Leave your Twitter nickname in the comments section. (+2 entries)

2. Spread the word about this giveaway via Twitter or Facebook. Leave a comment on this post and let me know. (+3 entries for each one)

3. Tell me what your personal mantra is that you would like to put on your Go Sport ID or tell me which style you like the best. (+3 entries)

4. Become a follower of my blog and leave a comment to let me know. Already a follower? Check in with a comment on this post. (+1 entry)

Giveaway ends on Friday, September 21, 2012. A winner will be picked on Saturday, September 22nd. Remember to please leave a separate comment for each entry and please enter only in the ways listed above. I reserve the right to delete comments not adhering to the above entry guidelines. You must be 18+ years old & live in the USA or Canada. The winner will be notified via email, they will have 48 hours to respond before a new winner will be chosen.

Good luck!

184 Comments

Filed under Giveaways, Reviews, Running

Tagged as Go Sport ID giveaway, Go Sport ID reviews, running, running mantras, running safety

September 13, 2012 · 5:04 PM

Go Sport ID Review

If you ask most runners what their most important piece of equipment is, they’d probably say their shoes or their watch. Those are definitely important to me too but I firmly believe that something that might help ensure our safety is something we should never take for granted.

I was so excited when Justin and Kase from Go Sport ID gave me a chance to pick out and personalize my very own! I chose the ID style Inspire because I thought it looked stylish and would be roomy enough for my information.

As a lot of you know already, when I run, I’m usually alone and a lot of times I may not finish my run until it starts to get dark, especially if it’s a long run and it’s during the winter months. When I go, I make sure I’m wearing bright colors, have my phone, mace and that I’m wearing my Go Sport ID. Now, I’m not saying that wearing this will keep me from falling down, getting mugged or injured but I am saying that it can help someone get in touch with my husband a lot faster instead of looking through my phone – assuming that it would be still working or still in my possession.

Another thing that I absolutely love about about the Go Sport ID band is that you can put your very own mantra on there. Whatever it is that you repeat to yourself to get you through that tough run or push you to the limit and set a PR – that’s what you can put on your stainless steel plate underneath your name. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve glanced down and looked at mine – just to remind myself that I can do it!

Peace of mind

Motivation!

Along with the customizable plates, you can pick the color band you’d like to have or if you can’t decide on a color, you can order all 8 colors in a bundle pack (which is what I did).

Here are a few pictures of me wearing my Go Sport ID at different races. Love being able to match them with my outfits!

Sporting my green band on my Go Sport ID at a St.Patrick’s Day race.

Wearing my orange band for my first marathon. Don’t mind the gear overload on my waist -ha!

Getting ready to run the Crescent City Classic and wearing my purple Go Sport ID band.

I love having the rainbow of colors to choose from!

Go Sport ID has a variety of styles to choose from to help you be safe, alert others to any medical issues, allergies, emergency contact info and also relay an inspiring message to yourself.

If you like the idea of safety, motivation and style all rolled up in one, then you can win one here!

If you just can’t wait and want one now, click here and order a Go Sport ID and get free shipping!

Don’t forget to connect with Go Sport ID via their Facebook and Twitter pages too!

As required by the FTC: I received this product for a review. I received no monetary compensation.

All opinions expressed are mine and mine alone.

17 Comments

Filed under Giveaways, Reviews, Running

Tagged as Go Sport ID giveaway, Go Sport ID reviews, running, running mantras, safety

July 31, 2012 · 11:37 PM

Goodbye July!

My mama always told me to never wish my life away but I can say that I’ll be glad to see July in the rear view mirror. It has been a horrible month! Not just for me but for lots of people that I know. Obviously, I know that a day is a day and that just because tomorrow is August doesn’t mean that the weather will be automatically cooler (especially here in MS) or that anyone’s troubles will be any less but it does kind of feel like we can hit the reset button. Don’t get me wrong, there have been good days and fun times too but overall, it was a stinky month, lol!

Speaking of reset buttons, I definitely need to hit it when it comes to my training. I know the saying that floats around Pinterest and Facebook that goes something like, “If you want it you’ll make time, if you don’t you’ll make excuses…” Hmmm, I guess I don’t? But I do, I really do. Lately, it’s just been hard to get my running done and some days hard to want to do it. Honestly, I have been feeling drained lately – mentally and physically. Trying to sell a house (which is more work than I ever imagined on our part) and buy a house before school starts has been one of the most stressful things I’ve ever experienced. I’m also dealing with Zoe not wanting to go to sleep at night. She’s the type of child that wants someone with her while she goes to sleep and so is Zach. Problem is that neither one has been particularly sleepy when bedtime rolls around and Zoe has taken it to the next level. By the time she’s either asleep or Jason has gotten Zach to sleep, it’s easily 10 or 11 at night. So that’s when I’ve been running, when I do run, which isn’t often. I think you’ve heard this story before on a previous post of mine, lol.

I don’t think you’ve heard me complain about this yet, so here goes: I haven’t been on a run outside since May 5th. MAY 5th – and I LOVE running outside! I like to feel the actual wind blowing on my face instead of the occasional stale “breeze” from the treadmill fan. I am grateful that I have a good treadmill to run on but I’d be really excited if I didn’t have to use it quite so much and could get back outside again. Sorry for the little rant but I do miss it.

With August, school comes and even though that keeps us busy, it also means a better schedule for everyone, including me. I’m looking forward to maybe getting outside and running during actual daytime hours again.

Half marathon training is going to start soon so I have got to get my booty back on a normal training schedule. If not for the sake of ~~being able to finish a half~~ a good half marathon time then for the sake of my sanity and everyone else’s around me, lol!

Oh and guess what? I didn’t run again tonight. I really wanted to but since I couldn’t, I’ve decided that maybe I should not run again until next month. Yep, I think that’s what I’m going to do. 😉

I know this post has been a little off the wall and silly but sometimes you just have to stop being frustrated and laugh a little. Truthfully, my life is really, really great. I’m so thankful for every single day that I’ve been given. Sometimes it helps me to vent a little on here because then I see how small my “problems” are once they stop swirling around in my head.

I’m sure there will be plenty of highs and lows next month and I doubt it will be any cooler but I am hopeful that there will be more highs than lows and that even if it’s just 5 degrees, maybe it’ll be cooler too. And maybe, just maybe, I’ll get back into my running groove again. :)

^“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”

Romans 12:12

New International Version (NIV)

7 Comments

Filed under Family, Running, Uncategorized

Tagged as finding time to run, goodbye july, hot weather, running, treadmill

July 9, 2012 · 5:05 PM

Spotlight On: Meggan Franks – Winner of the New Orleans Rock N Roll Marathon 2012

This feature is on New Orleans Rock n Roll Marathon winner, Canadian native, Mississippi State University Alumni, wife/mom and fellow Rod’s Racers teammate, Meggan Franks. I first heard Meggan’s name after I’d finished the Rock n Roll Marathon and had gone back to our hotel. (Meggan was probably already packed up and on her way home by that time, lol!) Imagine our excitement and how proud we were when we heard that someone from our state was the female winner?!

Crossing the finish line at the Rock N Roll Marathon in New Orleans.

Meggan was gracious enough to answer some questions so we could get to know more about her.

Slow is the New Fast (SITNF): How long have you been running?

Meggan: I have been running since about 1998, I think. One of my friends in high school ran hurdles and I thought she looked beautiful doing it. She was running club track at the time, so I decided to run club track too. I was so shy, it took me almost a month to ask if I could go to practice with her.

SITNF: Your thoughts on being the number 1 rated female marathoner from Canada?

Meggan: Well it was great while it lasted! I survived a few months in the #1 spot. Athletics Canada has me ranked 6th but unofficially, I am not ranked that high. It’s ok though, I’m running a Fall marathon and …if everything goes as planned.. .I will run much faster than I did in the Spring.

SITNF: What brought you to Mississippi from Canada?

Meggan: Running brought me here. I was terrible at running until about 12th grade when I decided I wanted to run in college. I ran twice a day for about a year and contacted Mississippi State University about joining the team. The offered me a scholarship. I packed my bags, jumped on a plane, and started class in August 2001. I have been here ever since.

SITNF: Biggest race to date?

Meggan: I’ve ran a lot of big races but the most memorable one for me was winning the Rock’n’Roll New Orleans Marathon this past February in 2:49:06. Frank Shorter gave me my award….I kept the finish line tape. Every time I drag it out I get excited about running another marathon.

Meggan accepting her award from Frank Shorter and Rod Dixon

SITNF: Favorite running distance?

Meggan: 26.2 glorious miles!

SITNF: Most exciting running experience?

Meggan: Oh wow….this one is hard. I guess when I won my first marathon – Niagara Falls Marathon in 2011 (2:52:16). I couldn’t believe I was going to win, I was hyperventilating the last mile because I was so excited. There is a picture of me screaming as I crossed the finish line. I couldn’t help it!

Meggan crossing the finish line at the Niagara Falls Marathon

SITNF: I’ve only been running since 2010 but I have really struggled with being a faster runner. (Hence the blog name, Slow is the New Fast, lol) Do you have any suggestions for runners wanting to get better/faster?

Meggan: Congrats on sticking with it! I would try to incorporate some speed work, like tempos and intervals. I rarely run on the track, you don’t need a track to get fast. Find a marked loop and run intervals workouts, start short with 4X800m at goal 5k pace, and tempos of 3 miles. Work up to 8x800m and 6-8 miles of tempo. Tempo should be run at 10k-marathon pace depending on the length of the run. Also incorporate strides at the end of your regular distance runs, 4-6X100m at a pace you could hold for about 1 mile.

SITNF: What do you do as a part of Rod’s Racers?

Meggan: I run races as part of the Rod’s Racers team and I try to win as many as I can (haha, kidding). I also take pictures for the Rod’s Racers facebook when I get the chance. I have started the new Rod’s Racers blog. You can visit it at rodsracers.wordpress.com it is a work in progress but it’s going!

Meggan, representing Rod’s Racers at a local event.

SITNF: I know I have certain things I always do before a race and if I don’t, I feel very thrown off. Do you have any pre-race rituals?

Meggan: I usually start my warm-up about 50 minutes before the start. I usually run about 3 miles then stretch, take a GU and some water, then I go to the start line and do strides for about 15 minutes before the race starts. I always eat something the morning of a race, maybe a Luna bar and a banana or something like that.

SITNF: What you eat during the marathon?

Meggan: I am big on GU. I will take about 6-7 Gus during a marathon, I figure we only have 20 miles worth of glycogen so I am not going to hit the wall because I didn’t take in enough fuel! I like Blackberry and Tri-Berry Gu. I take fluid at every stop, too. I also take SaltStick, I take one every 30 minutes or so because I have dealt with cramping in the past. Take the SaltStick with water or you will throw up – just to warn anyone reading this!

Meggan running the Atlanta Half Marathon

SITNF: I have found that it can be hard to train like I need to (especially long distances) and juggle the responsibilities of being a mom. Do you have any difficulties in training for a marathon with a young child/how do you do it?

Meggan: Well, I have a treadmill and I have logged a lot of miles on it…last Saturday I did a 20 miler. It is very hard to balance being a mom and running 80-90 miles a week and working 40+ hours and some weeks I struggle. Running helps me prioritize and I really don’t have any other hobbies…and I love my job. My husband is a track coach at MSU so he travels a lot during the year making it even harder (me and my treadmill get along pretty well). I have a regular sitter on Saturday for my long runs, and I have a group I run with during the week…very early. I sometimes start my runs as early as 4:30am, most of the time at 4:45am. If I have to add miles in the evening I usually take the baby jogger out around the neighborhood. I will say that none of this would be possible if I didn’t have an extremely supportive husband who is also a fabulous father..and coach!

SITNF: Did you run while you were expecting?

Meggan: Yes I ran till the very end…except for the week 40 (I was overdue). I think it helped keep me strong and I was able to get back to running PRs in about 6 months. I was very careful not to run in hot weather and I took a lot of walking breaks. I also tried to keep things interesting by riding the trainer and power walking. I made sure I got an hour of activity every day.

Marathon mama, Meggan with her baby girl, Maddy.

SITNF: What are your goals/aspirations?

Meggan: I would like to run under 2:40 for the marathon someday. I want to run a big marathon like Chicago or Boston, too.

SITNF: Little known facts about you that you’d like to share?

Meggan: I have an addiction to Dove chocolate. When I am logging lots of miles I can go through 3-4 bags in a week. I can’t help it!

SITNF: What shoes do you wear for training and are they the same ones you race in?

MF: I wear the Brooks Launch for Training. I wear the Brooks Green Silence for racing.

SITNF: You are an inspiration to many of us runners. Do you have someone that you look to as your inspiration?

Meggan: I have a high school friend from Canada that I follow, she is my inspiration! I also follow most of the top Americans, and I have many friends through blogging that are much faster than I am, they help keep me training hard!

SITNF: I have to have music when I run. Do you ever use an Ipod? If so, what do you listen to?

Meggan: I have a Sony MP3 player that is wireless. I love it, I only paid $49 for it. I can’t stand cords. I need music too when I am running on the treadmill. I usually just listen to pop music or anything with a nice beat.

SITNF: What do you do when you aren’t running? (ex: family, church, work, volunteer work)

Meggan: Well I oversee the Maroon Volunteer Center at Mississippi State University, so yes you can say I take part in a lot of volunteering and volunteer projects! I also support my Track and Field Dawgs whenever I can!

SITNF: I clearly remember my first real run. (Mainly because it wasn’t that long ago, lol) What was your first running experience?

Meggan: I ran in my schools cross-country race in 5th grade without shoes. I ran without shoes when we ran during gym class in Elementary School. I think the race was 1 kilometer.

SITNF: What got you into running?

Meggan: When I started running club track in high school I was last in a lot of track races. I was determined to get faster and to stick with it.

SITNF: Where do you train (indoor/outdoors) and how often?

Meggan: I try to vary my hard sessions between the treadmill and a few hilly road loops. I only run inside if I don’t have a sitter or my husband is traveling. I run between 80-90 miles a week, mostly in 1 run per day. That means most mornings I log about 12 miles. My long run is usually between 16-21 miles. I also run with Boardtown runners (boardtownrunners.org) on Saturday…which is good because after my long runs I am hungry!

SITNF: Personally, I have a horrible time running here in the summer. I feel like I can’t breathe, so the winter is my favorite time to train. How has the Mississippi heat affected your training, if it has?

Meggan: Oh gosh, I know what you mean! It took me years to get used to it and I will always struggle, too. On long runs I usually take fluid every 3 miles and I take SaltStick too. These things help! I try not to run between the hours of 8:00AM and 6:00PM. My husband runs in the heat of the day and I tell him he is crazy!

SITNF: Do you have any suggestions for new runners?

Meggan: Keep running, no matter how slow you are or how out of shape you think you are. Join a running group if you can so that you have others to push you and share in your pain and suffering on the hard days.

Here are some of Meggan’s stats:

Life Time Bests

-1/2 Marathon: 1:19:01 (2012)-Marathon: 2:49:06 (2012)-3000m Steeple Chase: 10:46 (2005)-5000m: 16:59 (2003)-5k road: 17:26 (2012)

Recent Achievements:
-Niagara Falls International Marathon Women’s Champion 2011 (2:52:16)
-Rock ‘n’ Roll New Orleans Marathon Women’s Champion 2012 (2:49:06)
-6th at Canadian Half-Marathon Championships, 2012 (1:19:01)
-State of Mississippi Record Holder in the 5KM, 10KM, and Half-Marathon

2012

1.) UAB Invite 5k: 17:51 (1st)

2.)Frostbite Half-Marathon: 1:20:07 (1st) CR

3.) Mercedes Half-Marathon: 1:19:38 (2nd)
4.) Rock ‘n’ Rock New Orleans Marathon (1st) 2:49:06
5.) Killer Kudzo 5km: 18:01 (1st)
6.) Canadian Half-Marathon Champs: 1:19:01 (6th)
7.) Gum Tree 10k: 37:10 (8th)
8.) Red Hills Festival 5km: 17:26 (1st)

2011
1.)Frostbite Half Marathon: 1:27:29 (1st) (14 weeks postpartum)
2.) Germantown Half Marathon: 1:23:40 (1st) (5 months p.p.)

3.) Renaissance at Colony Park Half Marathon: 1:23:12 (1st)CR, SR, PR, (6 1/2 months p.p.)

4.) 2nd Annual Red Hills 5k, Louisville, MS: 17:48 (1st) (7 1/2 months p.p.)

5.) Manitoba Marathon, Winnipeg, Man.: 2:58.09 (2nd) (8 months p.p.)

6.) Oxford Endurance Weekend 3.3miler (1st) 18:44 (9 1/2 months p.p.)

7.) Ridgeland Run for St. Jude (1st) 18:10 (10 1/2 m p.p.)

8.) Atlanta 13.1 (3rd) 1:20:37 (11 1/2 m p.p.)
9.) Niagara Falls International Marathon (1st) 2:52:16 (1 year P.P)

Thanks again to Meggan for taking time to answer these questions for us!

If you’d like to keep up with what’s going on with Meggan and racing, you can follow her blog – Mom Against the Marathon.

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