All About Sydney

All About Sydney

Colorado State University

Rock'n'Roll Marathon ROCKSTAR

Loves to run: Marathon, 5k, 10k

 

How did you start running?

During high-school, I ran cross-country to stay in shape for soccer.  Freshman year, I hated running XC, but knew I had to do the conditioning.  Sophomore year, I improved my 5k PR of 29 minutes all the way to 21 minutes.  My coach promoted me to varsity the next season.  Senior year, I loved it!

 

How do you balance college with running?

I use running as a study-break!  Usually, I finish my running by 4:00.  Days I have too much homework, I finish everything and go run treadmill at the gym. 

 

Who are your greatest supporters?

Both of my parents are extremely supportive of my running ambitions!  My high-school cross-country coach still checks in, to make sure I keep running.

 

How did you decide to run a full-marathon?

Hannah and I have known each other since we were five-years-old.  The two of us, have been going to school together since kindergarten.  Right after high-school, we talked about running a 5k or 10k, then Hannah decided to train for a full-marathon.  My reaction was, "OMG! I guess we can do that instead!"    

 

Which marathon did you run?!

Rock’n’Roll Denver!!!

 

Was it fun marathon training with a friend?

We ran our first practice together, but then started training separately.  Hannah is a morning person, while I enjoy running in the afternoon.  We texted all the time, linked up the Nike Running App together, and kept each other accountable for our training.

 

How did you set-up your training plan?

We used the Nike Running App, and loved it. 

 

What is your favorite work-out?

I run three miles, inside or outside, and do 30 minutes of cross-training involving upper-body weight work.

 

How did you feel about the race-course?

Disappointed, because the race was supposed to be all in downtown Denver.  They changed the course, because the city cannot shut down for the duration of a full-marathon.  We ran all the way from the Adams County Fair Grounds, and did not see the city until mile 22!  I was a little sad.  I wanted everything to be prettier, not dry-walk and dry-grass.  However, the crowd was wonderful, with all their fun signs. 

 

What did you eat the night before your marathon?

Three nights before, I started carb-loading.  Spaghetti the first day, lasagna the next, I just kept carb loading!  My body was not depleted on race-day!

 

How did you fuel during the race?

Every water-station had energy-gue, which was helpful in the end after running out of my gummies.  My college professor, who has actually won a few marathons, told me to eat some gummies every five miles.  Gels are so disgusting, they are a weird jelly-texture.   

 

What was your most memorable marathon moment?

Hitting mile 21, I started feeling the pain in my legs, from running for such a long time.  Then something happened, this inner-drive came out the last few miles, I was so close and had to finish my 26.2. 

 

How did you feel crossing the finish line?

I was very happy crossing that finish-line.  During my four years of cross-country, I never felt as accomplished as I did on the day I ran my first marathon.

 

How do you cross-train?

I love Yoga and Pilates!

 

Where is your favorite place to run?

My favorite place to run is the Ralston Creek Trail, up at my high-school.  At first it is on a busy road, then, turns to the trail with big oak-trees and creeks!  It is really nice to see all the people with their dogs.  Scenery on my trail is never boring!

 

Do you listen to music while running?

Of course, I love music!  My marathon playlist was a collaboration of power-songs, especially, for when I knew I would be tired. 

Sometimes on short-runs I do not listen to music. 

My favorite songs depend on the day.  If I am trying to relax I will listen to the Beetles.  My favorite song for running is, Say My Name, by Odesza.

 

How do you like to wear your hair, on the run?

My hair needs to be up in a ponytail, sometimes a bun, or else hair will whip me in the eyes!  Braids, always fall out.

 

Do you love a special pair of sneakers?

Nike Pegasus! I have experienced a lot of shoes, running cross-country.  Brooks were too heavy and gave me shin-splints, even the lightest models.  Nikes are light, comfy and never wear out!  My Nike sneakers, lasted me for more than half of my marathon training.

 

What do you like to wear running?

That all depends on the time of year!  During the fall, I love leggings and thin long-sleeve pull-overs.  In warmer weather, I am good with a t-shirt and shorts.  

 

What was your biggest obstacle, as an athlete?

A girl fell on me during a soccer game, and snapped my arm in half.  My arm split a half-inch away from the growth-plate, thankfully I did not need surgery.  It took two years to do pushups, again. 

 

What is your funniest running story?

One time, I went to practice with my leggings on inside-out.  We ran five miles and no one told me until after practice!  So embarrassing!  

 

Are you in a running club?

Hopefully, next semester I will join the running club, here on campus!

 

Any fun races coming up?

Hannah and I are doing a Fro-Yo 10k in May!  It is so exciting, because after all of our long runs, we go out for Fro-Yo!  This race is perfect for us!!

 

Do you have any advice for other runners?

I recommend wearing very thin athletic socks!  The last week of my training, I found these great socks and did not have any blisters.  Everyone should take care of their feet, because you do not want blisters on marathon day.

 

Photography, courtesy of Sydney Heuvelman. 

 

 

 

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All About Hannah

All About Hannah

Colorado State University 

Rock'n'Roll Marathon ROCKSTAR

Loves to run: Marathons

 

 

 

 

How did you start running?

Running a marathon had always been on my bucket list.  I played soccer my entire life.  This past summer, going into my freshman year of college, I switched gears to long-distance running.

My Beach Body teammate, posted a picture of herself finishing a marathon.  Seeing that picture, really made me feel motivated to run my first marathon.

I decided to run, 26.2, while I am young!

 

What marathon did you run?

The Rock’ n’ Roll, Denver Marathon!

 

Did you have a running buddy?

Yes!  My friend Sydney and me trained together and raced together!

 

How was marathon training?

My marathon was on October 18th.  During the summer, I started training with the Nike running app.  The Nike running app, gave me the best training plan!

Once school started, every day I woke up, went running, showered and made it to class on time!  Whenever I had a long-run, I woke up at 5am.  Completing my long-run early in the morning, gave me freedom for the entire day.  I love watching the sunrise, while running. 

 

Did you enjoy the marathon?

Yes!  Going into my race, I had three goals. 

  1. Finish. 
  2. Do not stop running. 
  3. Run under 4 hours. 

Happily, I accomplished all three of my goals!

 

What are your favorite race memories?

The entire marathon, I managed to stay in front of the 4 hour pacer.  Whenever I stopped for a bathroom-break, I always had to run really fast to catch up and pass them! 

At mile 24, I heard something through my headphones and looked back.  The 4-hour pacer was right behind me.  I kicked it into gear the last few miles, and finished in 3:56!

 

I was running alongside the same guy, on and off throughout my race.  At mile 13.1, we high-fived each other.  It was awesome!

 

How did you feel during your race?

Pretty good, surprisingly, no side-stitches until mile 22.  I ate my gummies and hydration formulas throughout the 26.2.

 

How did you feel, crossing the finish-line?

Physically, very tired.  Emotionally, very happy.  My dad was filming my entire race finish!  It felt so special having the marathon medal placed around my neck.  Then,  I grabbed some chocolate-milk and laid down in the grass, to recover.

What motivated you to become a beach-body coach?

My sophomore year of high-school, my soccer coach wanted the team to stay in shape during the off-season.  To stay in shape, I used my mom’s P90X and Insanity workout videos.  That season, I came back stronger and faster, both of my parents as well as teammates noticed a difference. 

Those Beach Body workout videos, fueled my fire, truly making me fall in love with fitness. 

My Beach Body Coach, on Instagram invited me to coach, too! Becoming a coach is probably one of the best decisions I have ever made.  I love helping others reach their goals to be fit and happy.

 

Where is your absolute favorite place to run?

I love running on a trail near home, Ralston Creek Trail.  I really feel in touch with nature, running on my trail. 

 

What is your favorite distance to run?

I enjoy running longer distances, because I zone-out and run through some very cool places.

 

How do you cross-train?

I love my jumble, of different Beach Body workouts.  T25, Asylum, Insanity Max 30…

 

Do you belong to a running club?

No.  I have thought about joining the Colorado State University Running Club.

 

What is your favorite apparel?

Totally, I am addicted to Fabletics!  Every month, I have a new outfit coming in the mail.  Those leggings are so cute, such fun patterns.  Love Fabletics!

 

What type of sneakers do you have?

Newton’s!  They have extra-cushion on the ball of foot which helps me run on my toes.  My sneakers are aqua-green with an orange accent. 

 

How do you style your hair while running?

While training for my marathon, my hair was longer, I threw it back in a ponytail with a small braid at the end.  Now, that my hair is shorter, all I need is a ponytail.

 

What are your running goals?

I hope in my next marathon, to run faster and set a new PR. 

 

 

 

Check out Hannah's, fitness BLOG!

http://www.hannahlemmonsfitness.com/

 

Photography, courtesy of Hannah Lemmons.

 

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All About Cheryl

 

7 Marathons on 7 Continents in 12 Months

 

All About Cheryl Hile

Running with Multiple Sclerosis

Team Bic Chick

Loves to Run:  Marathons, Half-Marathons, 5k's

 

 

 

 

What is your inspiration, to become the first person with Multiple Sclerosis to run 7 marathons on 7 continents in 12 months?

My dream is to be the first person living with MS to run 7 marathons on 7 continents in 12 months.  I want to give-back to the Multiple Sclerosis Society.  When I was first diagnosed, the MS Society gave me hope to continue living my life with high expectations.  During this journey, I am running for everyone living with Multiple Sclerosis.  My fundraiser, will help the National Multiple Sclerosis Society support exciting research projects, as well as provide support programs for people living with MS. 

I hope to raise $50,000 for the Multiple Sclerosis Society. 

My husband needs to be my running partner throughout this journey, I could not run marathons without him.  Travelling for two people is very expensive, and I am having a second fundraiser to help with travel-expenses such as flights, hotels, and race-registrations. 

I feel confident that I will cross the finish-lines strong!

 

How did this goal come to you?

I wanted to do something big and giveback to the MS Society.  I thought about riding my bike across America.

The idea never really hit me until my 5k, on the fourth of July.  Standing in a beer-garden, after my race, the idea came over me!  Suddenly I thought to myself, I can be the first person with Multiple Sclerosis to run 7 marathons on 7 continents in 12 months!

 

What marathons are you running?!

  1. September, 2016.  Cape Town
  2. October, 2016.  Buenos Aries Marathon
  3. December, 2016.  Honolulu Marathon
  4. March, 2016.  Antarctica Marathon
  5. February, 2017. Tokyo Marathon
  6. April 2017. London Marathon  
  7. June 2017.  ChristchurchNew Zealand

I am very much looking forward to experiencing and learning more about different cultures around the world.   Hopefully, I will make life-long friends and meet some readers from the blog!

Which marathon, are you most excited to run?

Antarctica!  Even though it is going to be so cold, and I am a Californian runner...  everyone says it is so spectacular!   There is a ten hour time-limit, hopefully I finish in time.


How were you diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis?

During a half-marathon, I tripped and fell twice.  Thinking the tripping feeling and falling were due to overtraining, I cut back on mileage.  However, even after cutting back on running, I still felt the tripping feeling.  After seeing a doctor in 2006, I was officially diagnosed with MS.

My tripping feeling is a symptom of MS, called drop-foot.  The signal from my shin to brain is not strong enough, therefore causing my foot to fall and drag. 

I was depressed after being diagnosed, especially when my neurologist said to lower my expectations.  The suggestion to lower my expectations, seriously made me livid.  I will never lower my expectations.


How can you manage your drop-foot symptoms?

My orthopedist, made a custom carbon-fiber ankle-brace.  Straps go around my legs and angle my foot a little upward.  The brace supports my foot from tripping, dragging, and falling.  There are still times during a marathon my leg feels heavy.

My brace leg, does not activate while running, so my left-calf is more developed than my right.  Though I have lost some speed, I am extremely happy being able to run!

 

Do you always wear your ankle brace, while running?

I have been running with a carbon fiber ankle-foot orthotic (AFO) since 2008.  I have run 30 marathons and 30 half marathons wearing an AFO.  You can see why I have had so many!  AFO's are not really made for running, so they wear out after about a year.

 

How did you start running?

My husband (boyfriend at the time) was competing in races and coming home very sore.  Out of twisted curiosity, I wanted to know exactly how he felt after running.  That, was my motivation to sign up for my first marathon. 

Yes, my first race was a full marathon!

Training hard for my marathon was very gratifying.  During the race, I felt like I could make it to the finish-line after reaching mile 20.  I finished my first marathon in 5:01!

 


How did you feel crossing your first marathon finish-line?

Did I really do that!?!  I felt so much joy, truly my proudest moment.  Afterwards, I could not wait to run another marathon!


Do you have a running buddy?

Yes!  My husband runs with me, every marathon.  During races he helps open my energy-gels, when my hands become numb, and makes sure I do not fall.  We run our half-marathons and 5k’s separately, because of our different race paces!

 

 

How many marathons and half-marathons have you ran?

48 Marathons!  My husband and I love to travel and run marathons everywhere we go.  I just ran my 50th half-marathon, in Palm Desert a couple weeks ago!

 

Where do you keep all of your medals?!

My husband, put a bar across a beam in our tall cathedral-style ceiling!  We have all our marathon medals hanging on display.

The picture of the medals are all marathons.  The long row to the right are my husbands.  He has completed 80 marathons.  The row to the left are mine.  I think I have about 35 of my 48 metals hanging.  We are in the middle of moving, so it will come down soon.

 

How do you balance work and running?

When I first started working for the University of California in San Diego, everyday I went to the gym during my lunch break.   Recently, I have began exercising before work.  Every morning, I roll out of bed at 5:30am, have my coffee and hit the treadmill.  Working out in the morning, there are no excuses to skip!  Plus, I ride my bicycle to work, everyday.

 

How do you marathon train?

I really enjoy running a few half-marathons to prepare for a full-marathon.  I put the same effort into a 13.1 race, as I would in an 18 mile long-run.  Running in races is just more fun than doing long runs, alone.  Love the medals!

 

How many miles do you run weekly?

Atleast 20-25 miles every week.  I love cross-training!

 

How do you cross-train?

My road-bike!  On weekends, I cycle thirty-miles up and down the cost with my husband.   Love the coast, it is calm, I enjoy the ocean waves and relax.

 

How does running make you feel?

Running makes me feel like I am beating MS, and it is not taking my legs.  I went out and ran through the tiredness, and made sacrifices.  It helps me feel strong and confident!

MEB!!!

MEB!!!


How do you fuel on the run?

The night before a marathon, I do not carb-load, but instead eat several small meals throughout the day.   Every race morning, I have a bagel with almond butter.  I love cliff bars!


What is your typical diet?

Growing up in a Phillipino home, seeing fish with the head still attached and pigs roasting on a fire, turned me off to meat.  For twelve years, I have been a vegetarian.  I still eat eggs and cheese!

We make everything at home, and pack lunches for work every day.  Mainly because some foods make, MS, symptoms worse.  White-flour and white-sugar make my entire right arm feel numb and twitchy.  I love cookies, but need to limit myself.   Healthfully, I eat lots of vegetables.


How do you style your hair, on the run?

I throw my hair back, with a Bic Band! These headbands, stay in place and makes the fly-aways vanish.


Why did you become a Bic-Chick?

I started buying Bic Bands at a marathon expo, after talking to a representative.  Sandy started Bic Bands before her first marathon, to raise money for leukemia.  Every month, she donates a percentage of each Bic Band sold to a different charity.  I loves the product and the company very much!

 

What is your favorite running apparel?

My ankle brace, without it I cannot run! I have had 5-6 over the years and all of them have names.  Currently, my brace’s name is Jackson.  My first marathon, we ran together was the Jacksonville Marathon.   Another, was named Franky.  We ran the Frankfurt Marathon, together.

Running technical shirts, are fabulous because they are so soft.  I wear form fitting shorts.  My favorite colors are pink and purple!

New Balance sneakers are the best, because the ankle-foot-orthotic fits nicely inside.  They have the lightest toe-box on the market. 

 

Do you have a funny race memory?

In the Madrid Marathon, there were not very many women, only 200.  At one point I had to pee, but there were not any porta-potties!  I ran into the bushes, peed in the woods, looked to the left and there were 5 or 6 men peeing in the bushes, too.  They were giving me looks!

 

Do you have advice for other runners?

New runners should start off slow.  I want people to make this a lifelong commitment.  Do not increase your mileage, too quickly, prevent injuries.  Embrace it.  Find joy in running, so it will become a part of you! 

 

 

 

Please learn more about Cheryl's journey to 7 Marathons on 7 Continents in 12 months!

http://www.everydayhealth.com/multiple-sclerosis/living-with/going-distance-miles-with-ms/

Please support Cheryl's fundraisers for the Multiple Sclerosis Society, and her journey to 7 Marathons on 7 Continents in 12 Months.

http://main.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR?px=3100384&fr_id=26346&pg=personal

 

https://www.crowdrise.com/1stPersonWithMStoRun7on7in12

 

Photography, courtesy of Cheryl Hile.

 

That Pretty Runner

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All About Marti

ALL ABOUT MARTI

North Dakota State University

RN/PACU

Team Bic Chick

Loves to Run:  Marathons, Half-Marathons, 5k's

 

 

 

How did you feel after becoming a BIC Chick?

Very happy.  Over the past few years, I have been using Bic Bands and love the product.  A percentage of each Bic Band sold, is donated to a different charity every month.  Team Bic Chick, is full of such an empowering community of women. Being chosen as a Bic Band Ambassador is extremely exciting!

 

When did you start running?

My sophomore year of college, I ran my very first half -marathon!  Since then, I have been addicted to running.  It is such a fabulous stress reliever, especially throughout nursing school.  Over the years I have completed two full marathons, lots of half-marathons, 15k’s and 5k’s!

 

What is it like to be a coach?

I have been a coach for 18 months, everything started in August 2014!  In my monthly challenge group, I help others to reach their personal fitness goals. 

Over the past year and a half, I have probably coached a total of 200.  Everyone comes into my group for a different reason, such as wanting some weight-loss tips, strength-training, and a sense of community.

My goal, is to help at least five people every week start living a healthful lifestyle! I give everyone in my group fun tips to stay healthy, and delicious nutritious recipes.  

 

What is your most memorable running moment?

Crossing the finish line at the Twin Cities Marathon.  Twin Cities, was my first marathon experience. Very special. Though, I was not happy because I missed my goal time by one minute.  Finishing my first marathon, helped me feel confident to finish my second marathon!  I ran the Fargo Marathon, even faster.

 

Where is your favorite place to run?

My favorite place to run is my family Lake Cabin, in Minnesota.  It is so refreshing to get out there and run all those long gravel trails.  I also enjoy the treadmill!


How do you fuel?

Shakeology!  I am a nutrition nerd, and love to run! Nutrition is so important for our health.  Shakeology, is made from all natural ingredients, in powder form.  I love to put Shakeology into my shakes, pancakes, oatmeal, and everything!  My cravings throughout the day have been curved, and I feel so healthy!


What is your favorite running apparel?

I wear Mizuno Wave Riders.  My favorite clothes for exercising are capris length pants, with a nice tank top.

 

 

What races would you love to run in the future?

Rock’n’ Roll marathons look fun! I would love to run a destination marathon!

 

 

Check out Marti's YouTube Page

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCllqwDRUPbwHFGtehVXGjOQ

 

 






Photography, courtesy of Marti Hoekstra.


That Pretty Runner

ALL ABOUT KIM

ALL ABOUT KIM

Saint Bonaventure University

Bachelor of Science in Biology

Graduate Student of SUNY ESF

Associate BioPharmaceutical Scientist

LOVES TO RUN:  Division I Cross-Country and Track, 15k's and 5k's

Kim is the 1st from the left!

Kim is the 1st from the left!

 

How did you start running?

After running in my Sixth Grade Olympic track event, I decided to join the modified cross-country team in seventh grade.  Running went so well, I actually quit soccer for cross-country. 

 

When did you seriously, fall in love with running?

During a cross-country practice, probably my sophomore year of high school, we were running four-miles at race-pace and I reached my first runners-high.  I could have just kept running for hours! 

 

How did you decide to run cross-country in college?

I always wanted to go to Saint Bonaventure University, because of the legacy.  My grandfather, dad, aunt, and sister Amanda all went to Bonas.  When we finally went for my official visit, I fell in love with the campus, and thought it was a good idea to meet with the cross-country coach. 

We arrived to the XC office, whilst the coach was talking to another recruit, Caitlin.  Unknowingly, I interrupted her big meeting with the coach!!  She gave me a death glare!  Too, funny. 

Saint Bonaventure, gave me all sorts of academic scholarships.  Originally, freshman year, I was going to stick to pure academia and put my running sneakers away. 

Once I was settled in on campus for my first fall semester, Caitlin, asked me if I was running cross-country.  When I told her no, she said that I had to join because the team really needed me.  So, I decided to run cross-country!  Caitlin, has been my best friend ever since!  The university, even gave me a cross-country scholarship.  Becoming a Cross-Country Bonnie, is one of the best things that has ever happened to me.

 

How did running cross-country in college, influence your life?

Running, equipped me with self-discipline and focus that really helped with excelling in all different aspects of life.  I learned how to balance all of my school work, running career and social life in an efficient way.  My teammates truly became my bestfriends.

 

Any favorite memories, from running with your bestfriends?

My two closest friends, Caitlin and Ashley, not only were my teammates, but also my roommates. I loved those weekends that we would go out for breakfast and then have our ritual roomy run!  We always ran on a trail along the Allegany River and explored the woods around campus.

 

How does it feel, being a Bonnie?

Being a Bonnie, is like being in a little community, a little bubble.  The Bonnie Bubble!  You have a certain connection with someone, when you say you are a Bonnie.  It is a great little family community, where everyone loves each other.

 

What was your favorite part about being on the team?

Traveling to other colleges around the country was incredible.  We went to Notre Dame, such a gorgeous campus!  I also really enjoyed beautiful, Charlotte, North Carolina.  My favorite trip was to Saint Louis!  We went up in the Arch, absolutely terrified out of our minds!  Then, the team took pictures all around Saint Louis, as tourists.  The race, on the other hand, was actually the muddiest course I ever ran!  After every race, we went to our favorite restaurant, Olive Garden.  The endless pasta bowl, yum! :D

 

Did you do anything special before a race?

The team would huddle, and say a prayer like Hail Mary.  If there was a home meet, we always had a spaghetti dinner the night before with our entire team and coaches.   One time we had a meet near an outlet mall, and we convinced our coach to take us shopping!

 

What was your favorite home meet?

Little three, with Niagara and Canisius!  That was always so much fun, everyone received a finisher shirt afterwards.

 

What is your favorite running apparel?

Always and forever, I will run in Asics and Brookes sneakers!  Those are my definite go to brands.  If I am  running in cold, the best is always Under Armour apparel, shorts over running tights!  In warmer months, I want to wear as minimal clothing as possible with everything very tight fit.  My absolute favorite running tank top is a very light, breathable fabric. 

 

How do you cross-fit?

Barre classes are the best.   Ballet, was my passion for such a long time.  Incorporating dance techniques with my training makes me very happy.  Every week, I need to take my Barre classes!  Strength and Flexibility!!

 

What do you wear to Barre?

Everything lulu lemon, with my special dance sox! 

 

How do you style your hair?

I throw it up in a ballerina bun, pony tail, anything to keep hair out of my face!

 

Do you have a running bucket-list?

Yes!! I would absolutely love to run the Disney Princess Half-Marathon one day.  I also hope to run a 5k, everywhere I travel!  My upcoming races are the Seneca Seven, with all of my friends from work.  Then, the Race for the Cure 5k and Boiler Maker 15k this summer!

 

 

 

Photography, courtesy of Kimberly Fuller.

 

 

That Pretty Runner