Blogger Profile: Girl Goes Running

This week’s whiny blogs are interrupted by my first runner profile. Meet Heather @ Girl Goes Running. I can’t remember who found who first, but after I first started reading Heather’s blog, I couldn’t stop. This girl is a huge inspiration to me. She’s completed the Boston Marathon, as well as a number of other marathons. That’s very cool in itself, but what sets her apart from other runner bloggers is her total commitment to running. This girl really does go running! Through snow, rain, sleet, and subzero temps (well, pretty close to it), Heather goes running. If you’re not familiar with her blog, read on to learn a little more about her…and then, go check out her blog!

Name:Heather
Age: 32
Hometown: Gaultois, NL Canada Currently residing in: Halifax, Nova Scotia
How She First Started Running: When I met my husband Matt in 2009 he had just completed his first ever full Marathon in Miami, FL. At the time, I had no idea how far a marathon was or the amount of hard work and dedication that goes into finishing one. He got me into running and I was immediately hooked when I saw the fast results in my body changes, not to mention the Runner’s High. Matt convinced me that I could run a ½ Marathon less than 5 months later, and I did.
How Running Has Changed Her: I’ve learned so much about my body and my strength since I’ve become a runner. I now consider myself an athlete and I’ve learned to look at food as fuel and that I am much happier being ‘fit’ than ‘skinny.’ Don’t get me wrong, I’ve never been the type of person who obsessed about food and losing weight. But to be honest, it’s only been for the past couple of years that I’ve developed a healthy perception of my body and how it has transformed through running. I have also learned how to listen to my body and all it’s signals to train in the best way for me. Our bodies are truly amazing machines.
Favorite Distance: My heart is with the 26.2. There is just something incredible about the entire process of prepping your body to go the distance. Nothing about it is easy for sure. But the feeling I get once I’ve crossed the finish line reaffirms my belief that I can do anything I really want to.
Race Agenda: The Boston Marathon this coming April is my A Race for the year and I’m super excited. I also have three half-marathons on the plan right now, a full marathon, and a new distance – a 50k Ultra this October.
Favorite Race: I had an amazing race at the 2013 Boston Marathon for sure. It has been a race on my goal list for a while now so I was sure to enjoy every aspect of the run, even stopping at 10.5 miles to get my blistered toe bandaged at the medical tent! Locally, there is the Blue Nose International Marathon in Halifax every May that is so much fun; it draws out all the locals as well as runners from all around. Definitely a race to do!
Worst Running-Related Injury: Where do I begin?! 😉 I developed Achilles Tendonitis when I was a newbie runner. It was incredibly painful and I thought it would take me out of my first ½ Marathon. I was diligent with icing, taping and resting and I also went to regular Physiotherapy sessions. Shin Splints have also been an on again, off again recurring injury of mine as well.
3 Cross-Training Must-Haves: I used to be a gym rat, but since I’ve been more focused on high mileage marathon training I’ve purchased some things to work out at home with instead, (i.e. dumb bells, Yoga mat, resistance band, etc.). I only go to the gym now if there is a blizzard outside to hit up the treadmill.
If I Knew Then What I Know Now… I would have started sooner.
Favorite Running Quote: Be grateful for every step I take on the roads.
Current Reads: Marathon, by Hal Higdon, Born to Run, by Christopher McDougall, and Nutrition for Runners, by Matt Fitzgerald.

Thanks, Heather, for answering these questions!

If you’d like to be profiled on my blog, leave a comment below, send me an email at twentysix2x2@gmail.com, or send me a message on my FB page at Facebook.com/262×2.

Advertisement