Cindy
Next Race: Peachtree 10k
1. Did/do you always find running enjoyable?
I don’t know that “enjoyable” is a good definition for how I feel about running! I feel about running the same way I feel about brushing my teeth…it’s something I must do everyday and if I don’t, no one will want to be around me and I will not feel good about myself 🙂 There are times when I do feel enjoyment when I run, but there are also times when I can’t wait to get the run done. It’s more about the sense of accomplishment I feel when I finish a run or a race. That being said, if running were to be taken away from me I would probably fall into a deep depression. It’s definitely a love/hate relationship (love that runners high, but hate the aches and pains of running hard). I don’t know where I would be without running…it’s kept me sane for several years.
2. What is your favorite distance?
My favorite distance is the marathon. I like the training that goes into training for a marathon .I have always liked running for more than an hour on most days, and when the really long runs start, I enjoy pushing my body to the endurance limit. The 5k is probably my least favorite (as I usually throw up afterwards).
3. What do you struggle with most in running?
Speed.
4. Do you remember your first 5k, half marathon and/or marathon time?
I finished dead last on my first 5k. I was visiting my brother in Texas and he told me he had signed me up for a 5k the next day (up to that point I had only ran 1 mile). He took me out on a 2 mile run the night before to get me trained and prepared for the race the next day (stupid!). I ran the 5k on the campus of Texas Tech, where they all cheered and clapped for me as we were the very last ones (embrarassing!) Half marathon: 1:59:51, Marathon: 4:28:46
5. What is your advise for someone looking to improve and/or endurance?
I usually tell people to focus on time of their feet and not to worry about the pace. Build the distance first, then focus on speed.
6. What is your can’t live without running gear, besides shoes?
Must have my Garmin, and lately I’ve been wearing one of my Boston Marathon hats to races…gives me confidence.
7. Ok shoes, do you rotate? If yes, how many in rotation – explain.
I generally use the same pair of shoes until they have reached their mileage limit.
8. Do you have a mantra that you use when racing or training?
“Don’t suck today”
9. Do you ever feel unmotivated to train? If so, how do you overcome?
Everyday. I turn off the alarm and get out of bed. If I’m not “feeling it” by the time I’ve arrived to where I’m going to start my run, then I tell myself it’s going to be a “recovery” run day. Not every day has to be a hard run. If I’ve had too many easy runs in a week then I will force myself to do a fast run whether I want to or not. Since I am usually a pre- dawn runner, the winter is especially hard to get motivated. Cold and dark mornings are not especially inviting. I know that I will feel worse if I don’t run (or get some kind of workout in), so that’s a great motivator in and of itself.
10. What is the best thing running has given you?
Control. Running is the one thing I have that I have control over. I control whether or not I run fast, slow, hard, easy, short or long. It’s also my time to think through my day, work out problems in my head and sometimes run through frustrations. 99% of the time I feel better after I have ran.
We love Cindy’s drive, she works hard and it shows in her results. Rogue is so lucky to have Cindy on the team!
