Blogger On The Run: This Runner’s Trials

Our latest Women’s Running magazine Blogger On The Run started blogging to document two amazing journeys: pregnancy and running (plus, she ran during her pregnancy – with her doctor’s blessing). As a new(ish) and busy mother, Jen from This Runner’s Trials, continues to chase down P.R.s and even won the stroller division of a recent race!  Learn more about Jen here and find out why she views running as a privilege and not a chore. . .

Women’s Running: How would you describe yourself? 

Jen: I’m a full-time health communications specialist and full-time mommy who is obsessed with my part-time hobby: running! Running gives me that invaluable “me” time and without it, I joke that I’d run away. I’ve run over 50 races- the half marathon is my favorite distance- and love competing with myself and trying to set PRs. When I’m not running races or chasing after my toddler son, you can find me writing consumer health content, making a fool of myself in a yoga studio, cheering on the New York Giants, or eating a cupcake.

WR: How did you begin running?

J: It happened without me planning it. I was a rower in college and always dreaded our running workouts. Then one day, for some unknown reason, I started running during a walk. That was nearly 10 years ago and I haven’t stopped since.

WR: What keeps you running and training?

J: I run for fun and to ease stress. It feels amazing to run as fast as you can and literally leave your problems behind. When you head back, you feel ready to face your issues with a clear head and fresh perspective. Cheaper- and much more fun-  than therapy.

J: I’m a glutton for punishment so I love tempo runs. There’s something so rewarding about finishing a tough workout. Plus, tempo runs make you faster and I’m all about that!

WR: What’s your favorite race memory?

J: This is a tough one! This past summer, I ran my first race pushing the jogging stroller with my then 7 month old son. I really wanted him to have a good first race experience and he doesn’t love the stroller so I ran as fast as I could so he could get out sooner. I ended up setting a 4 mile PR and winning the stroller division!

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

J: That you should always keep trying. I’m pretty honest and have no problems sharing my successes and failures. I hope I inspire people to continuing pursuing their dreams despite setbacks. My blog’s tagline is “putting one foot in front of the other isn’t always easy, but getting to the finish line is worth it.”

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

J: Kara Goucher. Though, there’s no way I could keep up with her! I’d love to chat about how she balances running and motherhood. Oh, and I’d ask her for speedwork tips. Obviously!

WR: What is your have a running mantra?

J: I remind myself that running is something I get to do, not something I have to do. Sometimes it’s easy for me to take training too seriously and get caught up in the numbers, but running is simply a hobby- and a fun one at that!

Want to read more? Head over to This Runner’s Trials!

Do you view running as a privilege or something you must do to stay in shape? Let us know here or tweet us @WomensRunning!

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

LOOKING FOR MORE RUNNING BLOGS? CHECK OUT OUR FAVS HERE!