Lauren
1. Did/do you always find running enjoyable?
Heck no! In high school sports, running was always used as a punishment, and I hated it. It wasn’t until I was an adult, a few years out of school that I began to appreciate the peacefulness that running brought to my life. It was one of the only hours of the day that I could truly disconnect from electronics and stress. Since then, it is continues to fulfill that outlet, but also helps nurture my competitive side too.
2. What is your favorite distance?
Half marathon- it’s the best mix of endurance and speed.
3. What do you struggle with most in running?
Patience. It’s always hard for me to be patient for results, for injuries to heal, for volume to increase. I have to back myself up and slow down often.
4. Do you remember your first 5k, half marathon and/or marathon time?
Ha! One of the first 5Ks I can remember doing was called “Are you faster than a 5th grader?”, which was a benefit for a local youth soccer team. (This was before I started running.) The clear answer was that I was NOT faster than a 5th grader. Those little kids smoked me, and I think my time was over 30 minutes.
5. What is your advice for someone looking to improve speed and/or endurance?
Run hard days hard and easy days easy. This is a hard lesson that I am still learning. Take recovery just as serious as training.
6. What is your can’t live without running gear, besides shoes?
My watch; I still can’t bring myself to run with no watch. I’m definitely addicted to the data.
7. Ok shoes, do you rotate? If yes, how many in rotation – explain.
Yes- I usually have about 3 pairs that span from lots of cushion (usually Hokas), flats for speed days, and my every day trainers.
8. Do you have a mantra that you use when racing or training?
“Focus on the mile you’re in” I tend to think ahead too far and worry about miles to come which makes me lose focus on what I’m doing at the time. I repeat this to refocus and be present with what I’m currently doing instead of worrying about what may come up in the future.
9. Do you ever feel unmotivated to train? If so, how do you overcome?
I try to get it done in the morning while my mind and body is fresh. The day can wear me down and distract me, and its hard to be motivated to train after a long day. Sometimes I just promise myself to put my running clothes on, then step out of the door. If I challenge myself to complete little steps to get started, I can get on my way.
10. What is the best thing running has given you?
Running has given me far more than I ever bargained for. I have more confidence in the strength of my mind and body that carries over from training to my career and family. It has also given me the opportunity to have a network of supportive, encouraging and fantastic people who I am lucky enough to call friends.
Lauren is one of the first members of Rogue Racers after the founders. She’s the kind of person that will go to races to cheer her teammates on, while also providing them gear check services. Lauren is a talented runner who qualified for the Boston Marathon in her first ever marathon and we look forward to experiencing it with her in 2018. PS: She also flew to Boston in 2017 to cheer Rogue on – safe to say we have an awesome teammate in Lauren!
