Training Safely For a Marathon
If you want to run the Boston Marathon one day, read this interview I did with my friend Janet. She finished the most recent Boston Marathon! Way to go Janet! Here's part of her story:
How long have you been a committed exerciser and how did you get started?
I started running after playing a soccer game in 1998. My neighbor invited me to join an “over 30” women’s league, and I thought it would be fun. I’d never played soccer but enjoyed being asked to play. About midway through that first game,I realized that I’d better start running or I’d never be able to play soccer (or walk again). My quads ached for days after that game!
How does exercise improve your quality of life?
I’m an RN working in health promotion and wellness research at a large university. I KNOW the benefits of living a healthy life and HATE health care providers who do not practice what they preach to their clients. I was healthy, but I wasn’t doing a good job of eating well or exercising enough. I’ve been running more each passing year and eating a much more healthy diet. The benefits are HUGE! I’m consistently finishing races in the top 10 of my age group and I’ve consistently been complemented by total strangers at the gym. The most recent was while I was at a hotel gym in Atlanta last week by the guy working on the gym equipment. His exact words were, “Impressive! You certainly know what you’re doing.” As a 52-year-old woman, that’s the epitome of quality of life! I also get compliments from my husband of 28 years and my daughters (ages 24 and 18).
Click here to comment on this article.FYI: I was the fat kid growing up. My kids call me Bob (bag of bones) now. Life sure can be funny! I will never forget the comment made by an old family friend (the gal was my mom’s friend from third grade). She saw me after I’d started running and screamed, “What?!?!? A skinny Janet!!!” Of course that comment still pisses me off!
What was the first race you ran and did you finish?
My first race was a 5K about 10 years ago. I did finish and I did notice how FAST the leaders were!
What was your first marathon or half marathon race and did you finish?
My first marathon was the Motorola Marathon in Austin, Texas in 2002.
Add A New CommentWe value and respect the experiences of all of our HERWriters, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.
Add A New Comment2 Comments
Hi Mark,
Have you tried milled flax? It's a really simple way to add a boost of health to everyday foods like eggs, cereal or pasta. Just two tablespoons adds 2,700mgs of Omega-3s, 4 grams of fiber, and 3 grams of protein! Flax USA (www.flaxusa.com) sells it in a shaker top container and uses a Real Cold Milled™ process that preserves the naturally high levels of Flaxseed’s ALA Omega-3s and extends shelf life to 22 months. Check it out if you have a chance. Happy running! -Shaina with the team at Flax USA
I haven't tried milled flax but I do like flaxseed's health benefits...I'll check it out...thanks!