20. Have you ever followed any sort of training plan? Which ones and how did you like them?

Yes, I’ve followed the Hal Higdon intermediate half-marathon training plan. It was great for helping me get prepared for my race, and I ended up killing my goal. I did get tired of having to follow a plan, but I am using it again to train for this fall’s half.

21. What advice would you give to someone looking into running?

If you’re pretty out of shape or totally new to running, start with something like C25K. Or you could just get out there, run until you have to stop, walk until you can breathe again, then run a little more. That’s basically how I was when I first started running cross country in high school.

Also important is to give yourself rest days. I can only run about 4 days a week with 3 days off because I have a bad hip and my feet will start to hurt. Don’t force yourself to run every day or even 6/7 days. 

Listen to your body and stop if you are in pain. By this, I mean if you feel like something is hurt, not just if you are feeling sore. Also stop if you feel lightheaded or like you are going to puke.

Finally, give running time before you decide you hate it, but don’t feel bad if you do. If you’ve run for several weeks or months and still dread every run, then don’t run any more. Pick another way to stay active. Not everyone is a runner, and that’s okay.

22. Define your relationship with running.

I really like running, but I’m not obsessed with it. When I had to take a couple weeks off after my first half to let my hip heal, I wasn’t going crazy. I do miss it when I have to go an extended period of time. It definitely helps me with my moods