Blogger On The Run: Mile Long Legs
Meet this week's Women's Running magazine Blogger On The Run - a social media maven who takes envy-worthy pictures during her runs!
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This week’s Women’s Running magazine Blogger On The Run is a social media maven who takes envy-worthy pictures (to share with her followers) during her runs! Meet Kimberely from Mile Long Legs – she lives by the notion of running with her heart, not just her legs and continues to inspire readers to do the same. Read Kimberely’s story and find out why her fantasy celebrity work-out partner would spark a great core workout. . .
Women’s Running: How would you describe yourself?
Kimberley: I’m a half-Japanese, wine-loving, vegetarian, runner girl! There’s nowhere I’d rather be than exploring nature, getting dirty and eating as clean as I can, while taking photos along the way.
WR: How did you begin running?
K: I’ve always been pretty athletic, in my younger days I was very into volleyball and basketball, but never thought I could be a runner due to knee issues. My sister-in-law was the one who really inspired me to get into running and I can actually remember the exact moment when I realized that I wanted to be a runner. It was my first time as a spectator at a marathon. Both my sister-in-law and my brother were running and as I watched the runners cross the finish line, I was overwhelmed by emotion and extremely inspired. I wanted to do that – I wanted to cross the finish line!
WR: What keeps you running and training?
K: For me it’s a combination of things. With regular training I’m able to be the healthiest me I can be. I also love a good challenge and enjoy pushing myself and putting my body to the test! The running community is also the best – I couldn’t ask for a better group of motivators!
WR: What type of run is your favorite?
K: I definitely have love for the long run! There’s something amazing about losing yourself in your long run, it’s my stress relief, my break from the busy of day-to-day craziness, my “me” time!
WR: What’s your favorite race memory?
K: I have so many, but if I have to choose just one it would be my first full marathon in Big Sur last year. I was coming off of 2 injuries, my left knee cap was taped in place and I had just been involved in a car accident. For those who are familiar with the Big Sur Marathon, it’s not an easy one by any means! I barely made the time cut-offs all day and was fighting myself just to stay in the race. Around the mile 25 marker, I felt totally defeated and I looked up to see that my boyfriend (who had finished the marathon hours before) ran back up the course to find me. It was exactly what I needed at the exact right time. I pushed through and crossed that finish line, and spent the rest of that day celebrating with some of my closest friends. I will never forget that day!
WR: What’s your favorite indulgent treat?
K: Cupcakes and champagne!
WR: How do you reward yourself for accomplishing your training/running goals?
K: I like to reward myself with new running gear. What better reason to splurge on some Lululemon goodies? I also celebrate by signing up for another race. I rewarded myself for finishing my first full marathon by going back to the hotel and signing up for my next full marathon!
WR: If you could run with any celebrity, who would you choose and why?
K: I’d love to run with Kristen Wiig! She’s hilarious and I think we’d have some really fun conversation. I know I’d get an awesome core workout from all of the laughing!
WR: Best running advice you’ve received or given?
K: Before my very first half marathon my brother gave me the best advice, and it’s same advice that I tell all new runners – start slow and slow down! When you’re lined up at the start line for your first race/half/marathon, it’s SO easy to get caught up in the excitement of it all and you have adrenaline pumping and telling you to GO, GO, GO! There’s a lot going on at the start line of a race, especially a big race – there are people flying by you out of the gate, and it’s easy to get swept up and attempt to keep up with the speedy racers of the bunch. But you have to remember YOUR training, YOUR pace, YOUR goal. The last thing you want is to spend all of your energy at the start of a race trying to keep up with people running a faster pace than yours. Save that energy, trust me, you’ll need it in the end!
Want to read more? Head over to Mile Long Legs!
Kimberley advises caution at the start of a race to avoid going out too fast. What tricks do you have for taming the pre-race adrenaline?
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 Kimberley’s story and you’ll be entered to win a one-year subscription to Women’s Running magazine.
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