Blogger On The Run: Crazy Running Legs

This week’s Women’s Running magazine Blogger On The Run began running on a treadmill over 10 years ago as a way to stay in shape. After having her second child, she took her run outside and began racing without looking back!  Michelle from Crazy Running Legs is currently pregnant with baby number three while continuing to rock her runs!. Read Michelle’s story and find out why she thinks Tina Fey would be a great running partner. . .

Women’s Running: How would you describe yourself? 

Michelle: I’m a working mom who somehow became a runner. I also live for reading, cooking, and having fun with family and friends. I aim to live life to the fullest and hope to someday find that elusive thing called balance. Or just drink a lot of wine.

WR: How did you begin running?

M: I started running on the treadmill about 10 years ago to keep in shape (maxing out at 5 miles). It wasn’t until after I had my 2nd baby and was looking for quick way to fit in cardio that I realized running was something that I enjoyed. When my friend signed up for her first half marathon (Disney’s Wine & Dine) I invited myself along and 13 half marathons and one full marathon later, I am definitely a runner!

WR: What keeps you running and training?

M: When I first started racing my motivation was definitely the medals and the beer. Over time it’s changed into just really enjoying the run. Running puts me into the best mood. It makes me happy, reduces stress, and gives me clarity – and really there is nothing like that running high (which I finally discovered does exist!).

M: When I’m in training mode, it’s the long run. There’s something about getting up ridiculously early and accomplishing so much. Plus, I can usually recruit a friend or two to run with me and the miles just fly by. When I’m running just for fun, I love a quick five-miler that gets my adrenaline going. It always sets me up for a great day.

WR: What’s your favorite race memory?

M: I have three: finishing my first marathon (Rock ‘N Roll Savannah in 2011), scoring a PR of 1:58 (when I didn’t expect it) at the Sarasota Half Marathon (March 2012), and most recently finishing my 12th half marathon (OUC Half Marathon) with my running buddy. We’ve run 11 half marathons together, but never finished at the same time and during that race we crossed the finish line holding hands. It was ridiculously cheesy and tons of fun!

WR: How do you reward yourself for accomplishing your training/running goals?

M: I have a tradition of celebrating every race with a few glasses (or a bottle) of champagne.

WR: If you could run with any celebrity, who would you choose and why? 

M: Tina Fey. I just think she’s incredibly smart and funny and would keep my brain occupied during my run. I’d also love to pick her brain and find out her secrets on managing her career and family, and get the celebrity gossip scoop (I feel like she knows some good stuff). Even if she doesn’t run maybe she could ride a bike next to me – or one of those people movers?

WR: What is your have a running mantra?

M: I have two:

-At the beginning of a race:The first mile doesn’t define your run.

-At the end of a race: You can push it harder than you think, just don’t let your brain take over.

WR: Are you currently training for a race? If so, which one?

M: My next race is the ZOOMA Half Marathon in Amelia Island, FL. After that I have nothing planned, but I’m looking forward to signing up for a few races in the fall. I would really like to run another marathon and I’m currently setting my sights on Chicago in 2014.

Want to read more? Head over to Crazy Running Legs!

Michelle thinks Tina Fey would be a fun running partner – what celebrity would you run with, if you could choose anyone?

GIVEAWAY ALERT!

We love our Women’s Running magazine Blogger On The Run so much that we want to inspire you to check her out! Simply leave a comment below telling us what you think about Michelle’s story and you’ll be entered to win a one-year subscription to Women’s Running magazine.