Blogger On The Run: Run Run Mom

We’re excited to introduce you to our latest Women’s Running magazine Blogger On The Run – Katie from Run Run Mom! This busy mom and middle school teacher runs to set a healthy example for her son (and to show him girls are just as tough as boys!). Find out why Katie believes running negative splits is the key to her racing success:

WR: How would you describe yourself? 

K:  I am a mother to a very busy 18 month old Cooper, who is always my first priority. Besides that I am an inner city middle school math teacher which always keeps me on my toes and witty retorts on the tip of my tongue. To help diminish the stress of those two full time jobs I love to run. I am a three time half marathoner and finally broke the 2 hour barrier this year. I am currently mentally preparing for next summer’s races where I hope to run a 1:45 half!

WR: How did you begin running?

K: When I was a junior at college I studied abroad in Australia. Australia’s culture was so big into outdoor and physical activities, I felt left out by being in poor shape. I hated having the highest weight written on my hand for bungee jumping and being the only girl wearing a one piece all the time. I decided to make a change.

I started out slow, by walking and jogging on and off for a half hour. By the time my four months of studying were up I was able to run for an hour without stopping. It was a great feeling. Once I came back from Australia I realized my daily run had become a habit and I have never looked back since!

WR: What keeps you running and training?

K: I want to be a good example for my son, Cooper. I want him to see how important it is to be healthy and active. I also want him to see that girls are just as tough as boys and that if one day I am lucky enough to have a daughter – he will have some serious competition in the sports department!

WR: What type of run is your favorite?

K: Long runs are by far my favorite. I love the feeling of popping my ear buds in and turning up my iPod. For an hour or two a day I can just focus on me and not worry about anything at home or at school.

WR: What’s your favorite race memory?

K: My favorite race memory was the recent Rock n’ Roll Providence Half Marathon, where I won tickets to the VIP tent! It was so amazing and filled with delicious food and drinks! The tent even had its own private port-a-potties! It was such a fun way to start and finish the race. As a bonus, it was the first race my husband and I ever ran together! It was great day!

WR: What do you hope your readers will get from reading your blog? 

K: I hope readers will be inspired to set their own fitness goals and to find a healthy balanced lifestyle that works for them. I want people to know it is possible to eat (mostly) healthy and get in amazing workouts before and after motherhood. It might not always be easy but it will always be worth it!

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

K: The best running advice I ever received was to never underestimate the importance of pacing. When I was in high school I ran one 800m race. I started off so fast that I ended up throwing up and barely finishing. I quit track that day.

Twelve years later, I’m sure I could crush my 16 year old self’s time through proper training and running techniques. I know what my body can do and I always run negative splits to finish strong. To me it is always important to finish, no matter what. By slowing down during my first few miles, I always complete a race to the best of my ability.

Want to read more? Head over to Run Run Mom!

One of Katie’s most memorable race experiences involved VIP access. What made your favorite race and amazing one?

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 Katie’s story and you’ll be entered to win a one-year subscription to Women’s Running magazine.