Blogger On The Run: Live Run Love Yoga

Our latest Women’s Running magazine Blogger On The Run is a Boston girl who began blogging as a means to find a little clarity in her working life. We’re excited to introduce you to Whitney from Live Run Love Yoga! She’s a yoga-loving runner who craves the sound of her lungs breathing hard during a tough tempo run. Find out why Whitney sets out running while the rest of the world is asleep:

WR: How would you describe yourself? 

W:  I’ve got one speed, GO!  I’m the person who’s out running when the rest of the world sleeps. When no competition exists, I look deep inside myself to push harder, finish stronger and leave all the imaginary competitors in the dust. It’s hard for me to not smile; it’s my laugh you hear in a crowd. I don’t take life or myself too seriously. I can’t wait for my next meal, my eyes are always bigger than my stomach, but with a motor like mine it takes some serious fuel to keep me going. I find balance in everything, life, running, yoga, family and friends. I believe in myself, always!

WR: How did you begin running?

W:  I ran track starting in junior high school but to me running really began in college. I was on the Nordic ski team and we always ran as part of our training. My ski coach was also the cross-country running coach so he convinced me to join the team. It was the first time I started to care about pace, distance and form. I loved competing on the trails in the dirt, mud and rain! After that first season I decided to train for my first half-marathon and I was hooked!

WR: What keeps you running and training?

W:  Running is my time. It’s the part of the day where I can unplug, unwind and be alone with my thoughts. I can push myself to my limits or just find peace and solitude on a rainy morning without my watch. I love training for races, each race is a fresh start and a chance to set new goals. Building my miles and having strong training runs leaves me with a constant runner’s high that always puts a smile on my face!

WR: What type of run is your favorite?

W: I love tempo runs! Tempo workouts always make me push my body to a new level; the sound of my lungs breathing hard, my feet hitting the pavement and my legs churning me along makes me feel powerful. I love feeling fast and strong, tempo runs make you dig deep and that’s so satisfying!

WR: What’s your favorite race memory?

W: When it comes to running races specifically, there was nothing like crossing the finish line at the New York City Marathon and completing my first marathon. I ran the Chicago Marathon last year with my boyfriend, Michael and it was amazing! I had so much fun running that marathon! Finding the strength within myself to finish the Boston Marathon in 90 degree heat this past April and running for Team in Training was pretty incredible too! I love that my family and friends were all there to cheer me on and it was the city I call home!  It’s too hard to choose just one!

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

W: I’m currently training for the Boston Athletic Associate Half Marathon!

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

W: I love getting new gear!I like to pick out a new outfit for race day as a reward for my training and always love buying marathon gear to wear proudly when I finish! Massages are always a great reward too!

WR: Best running advice you’ve received or given?

W: Listen to your body! Our bodies don’t often work on schedules like our training plans do. If you have a tempo run scheduled but your legs feel sluggish and heavy it’s probably best to do an easy recovery run instead and plan your tempo run for another day. It’s the best way to avoid injury and have quality runs!

Want to read more? Head over to Live Run Love Yoga!

Whitney loves sporting race gear after crossing the finish line. What’s your favorite post-race attire?

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! Cheer on Whitney by sharing this post on Facebook and you’ll be entered to win a one-year subscription to Women’s Running magazine!