Inspiring Runner of the Week :: A Supermom & One Filthy Dirty Sock

...at mile 13 of Michelle's first full marathon.

This week's Inspiring Runner is another high school friend of mine. Michelle is a wife, mom to 3, and middle school teacher, in addition to having been an a$$ kicking runner since I knew her way back when. She's been running forever, but only tackled her first marathon last winter. I saw Michelle at our 20th Reunion and just loved that she was still running. How gorgeous and strong does she look in the photo above?! I want to look like that when I run!

So I asked Michelle a few questions about running and here's what she had to say...

At what age did you start running and what motivated you to get involved in the sport?

In 7th grade my class was required to run a mile for P.E. I ran that mile in 6:05 and finished before everyone else in my class (including all the boys). My P.E. coach was so impressed, he suggested that I start running road races. My mom signed me up for the local running club and I began running a 5k-10k race about once a month.

How has running changed your life?

Running gives me a sense of pride, strength, and accomplishment. It makes me feel good on so many levels... It makes me fit, reduces stress and clears my mind.

What do you get out of running? Why do it?

Running makes me feel powerful and gives me an overwhelming sense of freedom and accomplishment. I think it has made me stronger in all areas of my life.

What is your favorite race (distance) and what is your best Personal Record (PR)/ fastest time?

My favorite race is anything 10k or longer. My favorite race, to date, is the Music City Half Marathon (2011). I PR'd, felt great, and so enjoyed the scenic run through Shelby Park!

Where is your favorite place to train?

Percy Warner Park in Nashville. I love to train on the hills and its beautiful scenery.


In this photo... my high school best friend, Sasha Blum, me, and the best cross country coach in the world, Mike "Mouse" Holloway... he is now the head track coach at the University of Florida.

Do you have a favorite or most meaningful running experience (a race or a day when you pushed further than you thought you could go?)

In high school, my grandmother was able to attend our regional cross country meet in Tallahassee. In the first 100 yards of the two mile race, another runner's cleat caught the heel of my running shoe, pulling it off my foot. I had to continue the (very hilly golf course) race with only one shoe. I still managed to PR and finished in the top 10. My grandmother had the (very dirty) sock framed along with the newspaper clipping results from the race and surprised me with it for my birthday a couple months later. :)

Do you have a favorite song on your ipod to run to?

I train with a group (the Westnastiers :), so I rarely use an iPod. If I do, however, I love anything fast paced and upbeat.


Michelle finishing her first full marathon (December 2010)

What do you find most difficult about running and how do you overcome this difficulty?

Trying to keep going past that moment in the race when you think to yourself, "why am I doing this?" Maybe it's just because I run long distances. That doesn't happen to me in a 5k... :)

Do you have a race coming up? When and where?

Yes. I am running the St. Jude (Memphis) Marathon on December 3, 2011.

Do you have a favorite movie or book about running?

I enjoyed reading "Born to Run", but don't have a particular favorite book or movie about running.

Who is your favorite running hero?

Anyone who runs is a hero of mine!

Can you offer me any advice on how I can best train to get to the 2011 NYC marathon finish line?

Make sure you join a training group, running those long distances can get lonely with no one to talk to. And get friends/family to cheer for/encourage you during the marathon... particularly after mile 18 and beyond! :)

What's your best advice for fighting negative thinking when faced with a challenge like running 26. 2 miles?

Think about how you will feel when you cross the finish line and about what motivated you to begin this journey... It is such an amazing accomplishment!

Anything else you want to say about running?

You go girl! I am so excited for you. Following your updates and seeing your photos motivates and inspires me!

Thank You so much Michelle! I am inspired that you're tackling another marathon and hope I can do the same in the coming year...it's so awesome that you are able to train with a running group in the midst of mothering, teaching and being a wife! I want to be like you! (and I LOVE the sock story!)