1. Name: Kimberly
2.Tell us about your past race/running experience: Two years ago a dear friend signed me up to run my first 5k. Unfortunately, I was very overweight (228 lbs to be exact). I was so unsure that I could even run for a minute let alone 3.1 miles but I was going to try. I began using the Couch to 5k training plan and did the best I could to prepare, but let’s face it being “fat” and running just didn’t go so well. I finished that race in just under 49 minutes but I did finish. I pretty much got discouraged by that time and tossed my running shoes to the back of the closet.
As the next year and that same race drew closer I was more determined to reach my weight loss goals as well as running. So, in April 2009 I got serious. I have since dropped over 50 lbs and that same race in 2009 I managed to shave 5 minutes off my time. But the running bug still had not bitten me.
It wasn’t until October of 2009 that I really knew running was going to be “my thing.” That was when I ran the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure for the first time. It was such an emotional event and when I crossed THAT finish line was the moment I felt a sense of pride in what I was doing…running.
I knew then that I wanted to keep going so I would register for races. I knew (and still know) that if I don’t continue to register for them I won’t give myself a whole lot to work for. Each race is a new course, a new atmosphere and a new goal… PR!
I still have a long way to go as far as the weight loss goal, but looking back I am proud of how far I have come. 50 lbs and 10 races later and finally, bitten!
Running has helped get me here and luckily I have stayed injury free (knock on wood!). I never will have a runner’s body and that’s ok. I struggled for a long time with even calling myself a runner but the fact is if you (anyone) has the courage to start by just putting one foot in front of the other you are (as I am) indeed a runner!
3. What race did you run? Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure 5K in Knoxville, TN
4. Why did you sign up for this race? I signed up for this race the first time in 2009 after losing my grandmother to breast cancer. This cause meant a lot to me. So, it was no question this year whether I would run this race again!
5. What/who inspires you to run? Life. My family – my amazing husband and two great kids. And myself, I look at where I was and how far I have come. It definitely makes me want to keep pushing forward and reaching all of my goals!6. What is your best training tip? Find a goal and stick to it. Drink plenty of H2O, and rest rest rest! Don’t forget to smile the whole time because you never know if your smile might be seen by someone struggling threw pain and injury or about to walk. I saw someone smile one time at me just as I was about to walk and it helped. I didn’t walk.
6. What is your best training tip? Shoes! Being fitted for the right running shoe is the best tip ever given to me and it’s the first thing I tell anyone who asks about running. Go to a specialty running store and have them fit you.
7. Water or Sports Drink? Definitely water.
8. Tell us about the outcome of the race: I got a new PR!! My most proud moment, of course. Unofficial time 33:32 which is 6 minutes fast than last year! And about 15 seconds faster than my last 5k race time.
9. Your favorite post-race indulgence? Dunkin Donuts!
10. Favorite part of racing in a Sparkle Skirt? It really had magic in it! I felt much more confident this race. Thanks, Team Sparkle!
Before the race I was getting tons of looks! People pointed and I could hear lots of, “Cute tutu!” or “Look at her skirt. That’s awesome!”
After the race, the lady that handed me a cup of water said, “I love your tutu. I spotted you earlier before the start. I just love it!”
Additional info:
Blog: http://anotherrunningmom.blogspot.com/
Race recap HERE.
The Traveling Sparkle Skirts are a pair of Sparkle Athletic Running Skirts (one Hot Pink & one Turquoise) that travel the globe spreading the Sparkle Athletic love. Read more stories of the Traveling Sparkle Skirts HERE.