1. Name: Amy
2.Tell us about your past race/running experience: I ran cross country and track in high school, but I hadn’t run since then. My daughter and I volunteered at the San Antonio Rock and Roll Marathon for a couple years, and then in the fall of 2009 I decided to join my running friends and train for a race. I have since done 3 HALF marathons, the 2009 Las Vegas Rock & Roll, the 2011 Arizona Rock and Roll, and the 2011 Dallas Rock and Roll. My daughter and I also recently did the SHAPE Diva Dash 5K with obstacles with a couple of her friends.
3. What race did you run? The Dodge San Diego Rock and Roll Marathon.
4. Why did you sign up for this race? My friend, Dawn, an avid runner, sent out an e-mail suggesting that we travel to California to do the Rock and Roll San Diego. We live in Texas, but Dawn grew up in the San Diego area and had connections to lodging making the trip affordable. I don’t think that she expected anyone to take her up on the offer, but I jumped at the chance to travel to the west coast. Another friend, Jessica, also an experienced marathoner, agreed to travel with us. The two of them pressured me into attempting my first marathon, and I’m so thankful that they did.
5. What/who inspires you to run? Two of my children swim competitively year round with a club team. When I see how hard they push themselves in practice each day and when competing in races, especially in distance events like the mile, it inspires me to try to work as hard as they do every day.
6. What is your best training tip? Seek help and support. A friend of mine convinced me to contact her best friend who is a running coach in Colorado Springs. I was reluctant because a “coach” sounded so serious, but having someone to plan all of my workouts for me was incredibly helpful. She actually had me running fewer miles, fewer days, and at a slower pace than I thought would be necessary to prepare for a marathon. The best part of training with Heather was that she was very encouraging and supportive through the entire process. She believed in me even when I didn’t.
7. Water or Sports Drink? Coconut water. It’s my new obsession.
8. Tell us about the outcome of the race: The power of the Traveling Sparkle Skirt was in full effect: I finished my first marathon in 3 hours and 38 minutes! My friend, Dawn and I both BQ’ed; we both achieved Boston Marathon qualifying times! I felt great and was able to maintain a pretty consistent pace. Dawn, Jessica, and I all met interesting people, enjoyed the cooler San Diego weather, and although we’re still pretty sore, nobody was injured. The best part was knowing that so many friends and family at home were watching our splits online and cheering us on. I’ve felt so loved reading the texts, e-mails, and Facebook congratulations we’ve received.
9. Your favorite post-race indulgence? A nice, long nap.
10. Favorite part of racing in a Sparkle Skirt? Racing in the Sparkle skirt was so much fun! I received so many compliments on my skirt throughout the entire race from spectators and other runners. I saw one other young woman in a (new, clean) green Sparkle Skirt around mile 6, and I was so excited to share the whole story of my Traveling Sparkle Skirt with her as we ran. The skirt was soft, light, and comfortable, so it didn’t interfere with my running at all. I loved all the attention I got, and I loved knowing that I was racing as a member of Team Sparkle.
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.