Why I Run: Lauren Fleshman
Find out what keeps Lauren Fleshman motivated and moving fast!
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Lauren Fleshman ran her first race as punishment for being late to gym class when she was 13 years old. Little did her PE teacher know, Fleshman would blossom into a world-class runner. Two-time U.S. champion in the 5,000 meters, she now races every distance from the 800 to the marathon. The new mom and co-founder of Picky Bars is not only one of the fastest chicks on the planet—she’s also the funniest person we follow on Twitter.
“Running started out as something for me—but then I had my son, Jude. Running is still my me time, but now my family enhances my running in a way that I am only beginning to understand.”
“As a freshman, I had no seniority when it came to choosing uniforms. I was the tiniest person on the track team and wore the biggest clothes.”
“I ran through 32 weeks of pregnancy, and started [training] again four weeks after Jude was born.”
“I always have Picky Bars with me. I like a Smooth Caffeinator before I work out.”
“I don’t like wet clothes, so my workout bag has a dry shirt, bra and Oiselle’s Lux Pant to change into post-workout. With mascara, eyeliner and some Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Balm, it’s real easy to turn things around in a hurry. I also have a couple of diapers in my bag and some wet wipes—which I may or may not use for myself.”
“A courageous lion with a flowing mane is a visual cue I think of for strength during a race. I summon him at the end when it really hurts and all I want to do is quit.”
“This isn’t about any one race—it’s a journey and I have to see it through by being the best I can on race day.”