All About Amanda

All About Amanda

Girls on the Run Coach

Michiana Trail Heads Running Club Founder and President

Loves to Run: 5k- Ultra Marathon Training

How did you start running?

My parents forced me to run cross-country in high-school for my extra-curricular activity.  I hated having my coach yelling at me to run.  The first two years of college, I stopped running.  Then my junior year, I actually started to love running without having someone yelling at me!

Do you run with a club?

I started a running club called Michiana Trail Heads.  There was no one connecting all the trail-runners in my area, and I thought starting my club would be a cool way to connect everyone.  My Michiana Trail Heads group started running in 2014.  We are a collaboration of Indiana and Michigan runners.  I have gotten to know some race directors and make new friends.

I am a Girls on the Run coach!  I coach GOTR every year, this is my second year of running SoleMates.  The best thing ever, is watching the girls on my team progress and mature.  One girl has been running with me two years in a row.  The first year she was so quiet and in a little shell, this year she is very outgoing and loves to take charge!

Fleet Feet Social Runs, is another club I run with a few times a week. 

Where is your favorite place to go running?

My favorite place to go running in the world is Catalina Island, California.  Airport in the Sky, have supplies dropped 26 miles off the coast of Long Beach.  The tour guide takes you up there, then you ride back down on bikes!  You would not even think that Catalina Island is in California, it looks like an island in Italy.  

Locally, I enjoy running along Lake Michigan.  Running in trails, in the fresh air, is best for me because of my asthma. 

What is it like to be a runner with asthma?

When I was first diagnosed, my happy mileage was ten miles.  It is getting better!   Starting running again, in college, was more annoying than hard. I just need to take my inhaler with me running.

My symptoms are worse during allergy season. If you are in a running group, and all the sudden have an asthma attack you lose all of your motivation.  Running with asthma is very difficult at times.

Even though asthma gave me a hard time running longer distances, I have finished over ten half-marathons.   

How many races have you run? 

The first official race I signed up for was a half-marathon.  Since my first race, I have done countless 5k’s, 10k’s and more than 10 half-marathons.

My first full-marathon is this year, I will be running as a SoleMate with Girls on the Run.  This is a trail-marathon, and I am using my race as training for my 50k in November! 

I actually know the race director for my ultra and the course is supposed to be very flat.  All of my friends are coming out to support me. This will be scary but fun!    

What is your favorite race?

The Kalamazoo Half Marathon.  My first year running this race, I fell in love.  I have run the Kalamazoo Half Marathon three years in a row.  It is all hills and the only road race I have ever run and truly enjoyed. 

The town is awesome, everyone is so supportive cheering runners on and our names are on the race-bibs.  There are live-bands playing music and popsicles throughout the course.  It feels like a Rock’n’Roll race!

Anybody ever looking for a half in the Michigan or Chicago area should run Kalamazoo, because it is so much fun!!

Who are your greatest supporter?

My husband, Adam, is super supportive of my running.  We met in elementary school, and have been together since middle-school.  We started really dating during college.  After college graduation,  we moved in together while he was in medical school and I was working as a Pharmacy Tech in the ER.  I married my sweetheart!  Adam cheers me on through all of my running.

How do you fuel during races?

The way I fuel depends on the distance.  If I am running a shorter distance like a 5k or 10k, I like to have energy chews.  I love Honey Stinger Gels. 

The morning of a race, I need something with electrolytes and a little bit of carbs.  My go-to breakfast is a bagel with peanut-butter and coffee. 

What is your favorite way to cross-train?

Yoga!

I love Hot Yoga Class!  We are always flowing, not holding the poses a long-time. 

Yoga really complements running.  If I miss a day of weight-training it does not effect me, but my body feels different if I miss yoga. I have yoga class once a week.

After I started having hip problems, yoga really helped my body heal.  The pigeon pose, opens my hips and helps them feel better.  After a long run I always do all my yoga poses.   

 

Do you have a favorite running workout?

I really like hill repeats, even though my friends really hate it!  I have met people who never do hills and once they start they feel stronger and can handle more. 

Running hills, gives me an advantage in my races.  Recently, I was one of the only runners in my 15k to actually run up all the hills!

What is your most memorable running moment?

Probably last year when I was running the Kalamazoo Half Marathon.  It was such a fun race!

Going into the half-marathon, I did not have a specific time goal in mind.  I was just there to have fun!  When I crossed the finish-line and looked up, I thought “Wow, I have to run Kalamazoo every year!  I beat my previous time by over five minutes!”

What do you bring with you running?

My Go-Pro!  I have used it in California, Arizona, and Florida.  The Go-Pro was perfect for capturing the trail I went running on in Miami this past March.  Miami was really humid, my average pace was 8:30!

I love my Garmin 235!  This stopwatch keeps track of my heartrate, steps and everything.

How does running make you feel?

Running is a stress reliever.  I usually just go and run. I might not be so happy before running but I always feel awesome afterwards!

How has running changed you?

Running taught me to be more mentally strong. 

What type of sneakers do you like to wear?

Altra’s for trails and Newton’s for roads. 

I like my Altra’s for road and trail running, just because they are really comfortable.  My Altra’s are so comfy I wish I could wear them all the time.

 

How do you like to style your hair for running?

I usually just wear a hat with my hair down or pink-tails with a Bic Band!

What do you like to wear running?

When it is really hot, I wear shorts or capris with a t-shirt.

Do you like to listen to music while you run?

If I am doing a road run, a race with other people or weightlifting, I do not feel like I need to listen to music.  I only listen to music if I am board!

There are so many fun things to look at while running in nature; peacocks, cranes, pheasants, coyotes, foxes and Moose.  I love bird watching!

Do you have advice for other runners?

Focus on yourself and your own pace, make sure you do what is best for you!

Be social and run with a club. We have a joke in my group I am the “social runner.”  I love to talk on the run!

 

How did you become a Bic Chick?

I have an entire drawer devoted to my Bic Bands.  I love the product so much and want everyone to see it.  For every Bic Band sold, a percentage is donated to a charity.  By being a Bic Band Ambassador, I hope to motivate others to live a healthful lifestyle. 

Please follow Amanda's running journey:

https//www.facebook.com/coachamandaruns

Instagram:

@RUNNER_GRL_

Please support Amanda's Fundraiser Run:

https://www.raceplanner.com/.donate/.coachamandaruns

Photography, courtesy of Amanda Losch.

That Pretty Runner

All About Kelley

All About Kelley

Team Bic Chick

Jeff Galloway Program Director of Southern California

Loves to Run: 5k-Marathon

How did you start running?

I actually started running, but then found out I was pregnant with my daughter.  My heart-rate needing to be below a certain level, I stopped running and started walking.  After having my daughter, it took me a very long time to get back to my level of running.  It felt like starting all over, again.

During my son’s pregnancy, I was running into the sixth month.  I finished an entire half-marathon, pregnant.  When running became uncomfortable because I was so big, it was time for a break.   

For women who are pregnant, it feels empowering to run.  Sometimes, society makes women feel that they need to stop doing everything, while pregnant.  It felt empowering doing something I love, during pregnancy.  Running throughout my pregnancy, helped me get back sooner.

Now, I see pregnant women, clearly showing, running marathons and half-marathons all the time. Maybe it is becoming safer, and women are realizing they can run.  It is hard the first trimester, you are so low in energy, and battling with exhaustion.  My sons pregnancy was easier, I really got my blood flowing. 

Who are your greatest supporters?

My husband is super supportive.  We bring the kids to every race, they do kids-races and cross the  finish-lines for medals!  Running is special and family friendly.

What is it like running with your family?

Running started as a family activity.  Killing two birds with one stone, exercising and having family time.  After having my daughter, I would run while pushing her in a stroller.  Obviously after my son was born, we graduated to a double-stroller so I could push both! 

My husband started running as well.  We would put them in the jogger and run to Java Juice, get them some juices and run back home.  It was really a way we could all be outside together.  Now, they are old enough to walk themselves. 

My kids are so excited when I say, “We are going for a run!!” Running shows them exercising and being outside is important. 

How do you balance running in your life?

A lot of people say, "I cannot believe you run so much."  I feel that running is the most convenient form of exercise, with my crazy schedule.  

Running helps me balance life, versus having to balance running and life.  I feel like running keeps me grounded with what I do; work, kids, being a wife.  In terms of what helps me really make sure that I keep that balance, running is something I prioritize and schedule.

I have set mornings I run at the same time, and treat running like an appointment.  You would not cancel a doctor appointment, or breakfast with friends.  I really try to never cancel on myself, it has helped me stay consistent. 

I run in the dark, 5am.  It is never too dark, or too cold and I am never too tired. These days you are getting up no matter what, to run and I really try to treat it as an appointment.  Running is not negotiable.

Business owner by day, check out my beauty business, perfect for active women http://www.hotlashes.today!

What does a typical week of training look like for you?

During the week I run two to three times, about four-miles.  Then, I do all of my long mileage on the weekend. Usually, I meet with the Galloway group on Saturdays. 

What is it like to run in Southern California?

I live in Long Beach, so I do a lot of Disney races.  Jeff Galloway, is the official Disney running trainer and the one who helped me run throughout my pregnancy.  My Tinker-Bell Half-Marathon went so well, he and I still stay in contact.

Currently, I am the Jeff Galloway Program Director in Southern California. I train other runners with the Galloway Method.  The run/walk method is really suitable for all runners.  Running this program, it is pretty amazing to see first time runners go into running not able to run a half-mile, run 5k's.   

Our running group started out with twelve people and now we have between fifty and sixty runners per session.  Our training program lasts six months.  We run on Saturday at Long Beach. 

One of the few programs that trains year round, because of our nice weather.  It is really beneficial for our community of runners to have that support system. 

Where is your favorite place to run?

Probably around my neighborhood in Long Beach.  During the week there are two runs I can do, starting from my house.  I literally just put on my shoes and go.  Running the same route, helps me get more into the zone and enjoy myself.

How many races have you run?

I have done eight marathons and over thirty half-marathons! 

What is your favorite race?

The Big Sur Marathon in Monterey California.  It is very challenging and super hilly.  You basically run along the coast.  Race entry, is lottery only.  My husband and I were able to run it together one year.   Being chosen to run this exclusive, gorgeous marathon with my husband was incredible.  Big Sur, is really a bucket-list marathon for a lot of people. 

Do you have a special running memory?

Probably, the half-marathon I ran while pregnant with my son.  I signed up for the first Tinker Bell Half Marathon in Disney Land, running for a fundraiser.  After signing up, I found out I was pregnant and decided to just keep running.

Five months into my pregnancy, it was an eye-opener and felt empowering to push my body to run a half-marathon.  We were talking to my daughter about the baby running with me, it was very exciting.  My husband and daughter were at the finish-line!

What do you like to eat before races?

My go-to the night before I run is sushi.  Which is funny because a lot of people associate sushi with being sick.  Sushi is a light enough meal with your protein and carb.  I will do a combination of rolls.  It is always a treat to have sushi!

How do you like to fuel during races?

I take water from the course, and usually carry food like peanut-butter, pretzels and sometimes run with a granola bar.  I tend to have better luck snacking on regular food and carrying Pedialyte for hydration.

What are your favorite types of sneakers?

I have been wearing Brooks for four to five years, I love them.  I rotate through my sneakers, putting them in a line and moving one pair to the end after running.  The rotation keeps them from getting old.   

 

Do you listen to music when you are running?

Yes! I listen to anything from the 90’s!

We just did a race and there were all these 90’s songs at the finish-line.  Everyone was singing and dancing, it was the best.

Do you have a motto?

There is a quote I love, “She believed she could so she did.” 

I really think of it in terms of the way I raise my kids.  If you believe you can do something it is completely doable!

Do you have advice for other runners?

I would say for people who run, not to let anything take priority over it. If someone feels like they are a runner, they should honor that.  Running is such a huge accomplishment.  

Running is not easy and to be able to run you really have to push yourself to new limits.

How did you become a Bic Chick?

Originally, I met Sandy through running of course.  I help people in the running industry raise their social media, and worked with Sandy on her social media.  After working with Bic Bands, I applied to be an ambassador.  I love Bic Bands!

Photography, courtesy of Kelley Tenny.

That Pretty Runner

All About Jamila

All About Jamila: The All American Woman

Team Red White and Blue

United States Army

Loves to Run:  5k to Ultra-Marathon

How did you start running?

When I joined the military, there were some standards to meet.  It was difficult to keep up with everyone.  After failing the fitness tests I was told if I failed again, I would be kicked out. 

That is when I started Zumba!

I was not quite ready to run, yet.  While I did command of soldiers, during a running drill I dropped out. The Sargent gave me a good talking to, then actually helped improve my running.  I started to do some 5k's, and surprisingly enjoyed the experiences!

December 2012, I decided to try a half-marathon, but then chickened out and ran the 5k.  I felt so guilty afterwards, that I ran a half-marathon that January.  I became addicted, and ran a half-marathon every month following!

What inspired you to run a marathon?

Boston inspired me to run a marathon.  In June of 2013, I ran the San Diego Marathon.  I was so nervous to run the full, and almost went for the half.  My Boston Qualifying friend, encouraged and convinced me to stay committed to the full-marathon.  I finished my 26.2!

Did you enjoy running San Diego for your first marathon?

I picked the right race.  My time goal was 5 hours, and I felt happy about it.  The marathon was fun, but I went back to half-marathons for a while. 

What are some of your favorite marathons?

I love the Bataan Memorial Death March, Marine Corps Marathon, Saint Jude Marathon, and Disney Marathon. 

During Disney, I took pictures with all of the characters!

In the Bataan Memorial Death March, you are running with 90 year old survivors and Wounded Warriors.  

Do you have any marathons in mind for the future?

I am hoping to do marathons all over the world.  The world is bonded by the marathon, I always meet people from everywhere.  I would love to run and travel. 

While I was in the military, I traveled to 31 countries!  All throughout Europe, they sent me to Germany, Italy, Spain, Korea, Japan, and Thailand.  I did some hiking out there! 

Who is your running buddy?

My dog Sprinkles, she is a Russel Terrier.  If I am racing without the American Flag, I have Sprinkles. Right now, we are training for a half-marathon.  Sprinkles has lots of energy!

How does it feel to run while holding the American Flag?  

During a race last year, a friend let me hold his flag.  I thought, “I can do this!”

I joined Team Red White and Blue.  We do a lot of volunteering for veterans.  It feels great to be on a team.  We completed our first 5k together last January, Martin Luther King Weekend.

My first full-marathon I ran with the flag, a friend and I switched every 4 miles.  The support you get is amazing, it is hard to feel failed.  I feel naked running without my flag. 

I would love to go run overseas and bring the flag with me, to show extra pride for my country.  People from other countries do it in races here, too!

Do you enjoy ultra-marathons?

On Memorial Day Weekend, I finished a 100 mile race in Riverside California.  There were so many people there to cheer runners on.  However, it can be very scary running by yourself through the trails at night. 

I enjoy fifteen-hour races, it is a fun distance. 32-milers are very similar to marathons.  5k’s still make me feel amazing.

In Colorado, I competed in a marathon that goes up to 14,000 feet!  You are basically climbing up a mountain.  I still remember that feeling of amazement reaching the top, completely bad-ass.

I love going through things, feeling so miserable during a race and unsure if finishing will be a possibility.  At mile 43 and on I feel like I am fighting, but pushing past barriers feels amazing.  It is something that brings tears to your eyes, it is a resilience.

 

Where are some of your favorite trails?

I run a lot of trails in Arizona, but my favorite trail is the Pinhoti Trail in Georgia.  Pinhoti, is so beautiful but very hard. 

What keeps you motivated?

I think back to when I could not run a mile, and I feel blessed being able to run the way I have.  We all have a journey.  I am accomplishing feats, I never before thought possible.

How do you fuel on the run?

I am not a huge fan of gue or gels.  I love real food such as oranges, Oreos, watermelon, twizzles, pretzels, anything salty, chips.   

The night before a race I stick to foods I know, absolutely nothing new.  I usually go to an Italian restaurant, and eat pasta.  Sometimes, I have a glass of wine the night before!

Do you listen to music running?

If I am running outside, I do not have music because I just want to hear nature!

How do you cross-train?

Zumba!  I have my certification and love all different styles. 

What do you like to wear running?  

I love the grey shirt, I wore in my first-marathon.  Recently, I wore my first tutu in a marathon.  I am dressing up as Dorothy for an upcoming Wizard of Oz race!

Do you have advice for other runners?

Be grateful.  Running is the biggest gift in life, be grateful for every step. 

Follow Jamila's running journey on social media! 

@JAMWITHILA22

 

Photography, courtesy of Jamila.

That Pretty Runner

All About Amity

ALL ABOUT AMITY

Team Bic Chick

Absolutely Loves:  YOGA and Hiking

When did you start doing Yoga?

Growing up, I struggled with my weight because genetics are not on my side.  After having kids, I was over 200 pounds.  For my 30th birthday, I decided to give myself a gift of getting healthy.  I wanted to be as lean and fit as possible.

Within months of starting this fitness journey, my sister passed away.  Fitness, gave me an outlet and something to focus on.  I put all of my energy towards exercising.  For a year, I was doing everything.  Unfortunately, too much lifting and cardio broke my body. 

A friend invited me to a yoga class, and I fell in love.  At the same time, yoga put up some red-flags.  I could not push myself into poses my body was not ready for.  Instead, I needed to slow down and give myself grace. 

When I first started yoga, I was very emotional, it transformed my entire outlook on life. 

What is your favorite type of Yoga?

I love all of my yoga equally. Each branch of yoga I have tried, has been powerfully beneficial.  Yin class is amazing.  I often do Hot-Power-Yoga to burn the most calories. This also releases the lactic-acid and sooths connective tissues. 

It is important to get into a yoga class at least once a week.  Yoga has helped my weightlifting, immensely.  My instructor teaches me how to hold everything in alignment.  Now while I am running, I make sure my knees are not turned into each other!

If someone is looking to start a yoga practice, they should look for instructors that will adjust their form to get the maximum benefit.

 

Do you have a favorite Yoga Pose?

The pose I always come back to is the Pigeon.  This is the first pose I ever tried, it took me a while to perfect.  I was so tight, it was painful in the beginning.  Now, I can do an advanced version of the pose, called the Flying Pigeon!

I love the Butterfly pose, too!

How does your typical week of exercise look?

Everything is about balance.  When I backed off of doing cardio with weightlifting and focused solely on Yoga, I gained weight.  I would love to do yoga five days a week, but my body needs to burn calories. 

Currently I have one to three times a week devoted to yoga.  I balance my yoga with running and lifting.  In one week, I workout six to ten times.  

Sometimes for the summer months I double-up, with a morning and night session.  Cali girls are in bathing suits 7 months out of the year, but the rest of the time I don't push so hard!

How do you balance exercise with your life?

I see my fitness as a priority.  Remembering how I felt about myself while struggling with weight, makes my eyes tear-up.

Every morning, I get a good workout in.  I feel more confident, healthy and strong.

My daughter has the same genes, and it is important for me to show her a healthy life-style takes hard work.  Both of my kids come to yoga with me, and we go hiking together.  I try to include them with everything I do!

Who are your greatest supporters?

My kids and husband.

 

Where do you like to go hiking?

Hiking is a great workout, you can get a decent calorie-burn in one hour.  I go several times a month.  My friends and I can spend an entire day exploring trails of Mt Baldy, Big Bear and Idyllwild.  I mostly hike in Crafton Hills.

I always bring a camel-pack, lunch, and micro-spikes for my shoes in icy conditions.  Winter-hiking is very dangerous, so I usually stick to the warmer seasons.

 

What are some of your favorite workouts?

I love spin class.  I mix it up with high intensity intervals, 20 minutes of cardio and then weightlifting. My body really needs to mix it up, work-outs change all the time. 

Do you have a motto?

Be stubborn with your goals and flexible with your methods.

Do you listen to work-out music?

Yes!! My favorite artist is Rob Zombie, and second favorite is Nick Jonas!

What do you wear exercising?

I love Beyond Yoga, yoga pants. They fit my curves just the right way, whatever will stay over my butt!  You move in so many different directions doing Yoga.

 

How do you wear your hair while exercising?

I throw it back in a ponytail, with a Bic Band.

 

Do you have advice for other fitness Lovers?

Love yourself no matter what stage of the game you are in.  If you are just getting started, do not make a goal as far as wanting to look a certain way.  Do not look at the hottest super-model in a magazine right now, then aspire to have their physique.  If you love yourself, you want to do right for yourself and be healthy.

How did you become a Bic Chick?

Sandy, the founder of Bic Bands, sends her kids to the same school as mine!  For years, I have been wearing Bic's and following the company. 

When Sandy put up the application for Bic Band Ambassadors, I thought that it would be very cool.  I was surprised, and happy to be chosen!

Photography, courtesy of Amity Huizinga. 

That Pretty Runner

All About Jenn

All About Jenn

Team Bic Chick

Teacher

Loves to Run:  5k-Marathon

how do you feel, running for a cause?

I always wanted to run for a cause, and chose Autism Speaks because my son is on the spectrum.  As my way of giving-back, I have run two races fundraising for Autism Speaks.  Racing as a charity-runner is such a rewarding experience.  I highly encourage others to find a cause that fits their heart.

Fundraising was intimidating at first, but I always met my goals.  I raised over $2000 for the Tinker Bell Half-Marathon and $1500 for the 2016 LA Marathon!  Everyone I know donated to help me exceed my goals.  It is humbling and amazing at the same time. 

In one conversation your whole world changes.  My husband and I knew something was going on, and the pediatrician was the first one to use the word Asperger’s.  From that point we started researching, but did not have an official diagnosis until Nick was six.  Yes, if he is going to be on the spectrum that is the way to go because it is high-functioning.   Nick, has an amazing support system at school. The psychiatrist, a year ago started him on an ADHD and anxiety medications which helps immensely.

How did you start running?

About five years ago, afterschool, my teaching partner and friend Shari said, “Hey Jenn, we are going to run the LA marathon!”

At first I told Shari, “We do not run.  You do not run, I do not run… you do not even belong to a gym!”

Nevertheless, we officially put the 2013 LA Marathon on our bucket-list. 

What was your first race?

Couch to 5k!  We completed an eight week 5k project, and followed it to a T!  The two of us trained on the treadmill, track and outside.  Shari and I finished our first 5k together!

The first time we went to the gym, Shari was so afraid to fall off the back of the treadmill, she would not let go of the handles.  I reached over to change to change the tempo, for her!  We have come a long way. 

How was the LA Marathon?

The course is amazing.  I love LA because I grew up there.   

Everything starts in Dodgers Stadium and goes to Santa Monica.  We run through all iconic parts of LA, Echo Park, China Town, Hollywood Boulevard, and Rodeo Drive.

My aunt and uncle live right off of mile 19.  My entire family supported me with signs, cowbells, and everything!  I just ran LA in February,  it was really hot this year. 

How was running Disney?

I love the Disney Half-Marathons!  I have done quite a few Disney races. The Disneyland Half-Marathon, Tinker Bell Half-Marathon, Star Wars Half-Marathon, Avengers Half-Marathon, and almost all of the 10k’s!  They are less than an hour away from my home.

Everything starts early, 5:30 am!

The 5ks and 10ks are actually in the parks.  Half-Marathons, are in the park 4-5 miles and the rest is in the surrounding neighborhood.  You can take pictures with all the Disney characters!

How do you fuel? 

Chomps, not the gels! 

Salt tabs are great for the heat. I had a few salt-tabs during training, before trying them in a race.

My running club is the best!  The LA Leggers, have been training people for the LA Marathon, over 25 years!  We have three food stations with PBJ sandwiches, candy, and water.  I also leave my own stuff with a zip-lock bag and name.  My bag has a hydration tab and water bottle with a bag of pretzels, gum, and chomps. 

Have you ever been injured?

Yes.  After running a few 5k’s, I tore my plantar fascia in the right foot.  For six weeks, I wore a walking boot.  Then, for another eight weeks I went to physical therapy. 

Who are your greatest supporters?

My husband and kids!  I love when they come to my races.

Nick and Mady are the reason I run. They are my, why.  Mady comes home from school excited to tell me, “I ran a whole lap today.”  Mady wants be a runner like mamma.  

I always bring my medals to my third grade classroom! 

How do you balance running and life?

I became a runner at age 35, while married, with a five and two year old.   Now my children are nine and seven!  Planning ahead and being organized is huge. On weekends, I tell my husband a certain time I will be running and he lets me know, “Don’t worry, I’ve got it!”

Do you have a motto?

1. Believe in yourself and what you are doing.
2. One day at a time.

Where is your favorite place to go running?

The beach!  I live four miles from the beach.  A couple times I have run by myself to the beach, and then turned around to run back. 

On Saturday and Sunday, Shari and I go on a long run together, around 7am.  The big decision is whether to run north towards LA or south towards Manhattan Beach.

What is your favorite running memory?

Finishing my the LA Marathon in 2013.  Shari and I have a friend who ran with us the last 6-7 miles.  In the LA Marathon you run down San Vicente a really long time, and mile 25.5 you go onto a street called Ocean.  We made the turn and our friend goes, “You are on your own girls.”

The finish-line was coming, so we grabbed each other’s hands, holding our arms up.  When we crossed the finish-line, I started crying.  We always hold hands to cross the finish-line, together.

Do you have a Fun running memory?

Last year, on a visit to NYC, I went running through Central Park!  We went to the Statue of Liberty, rode the subway, explored Times Square, and took selfie-stick pictures!

Then, we spent a week in Syracuse visiting relatives and loved the elephant exhibit at the zoo!

How do you cross-train?

Beach Body workouts.  Insanity and PiYo. 

I found those about two and a half years ago, when I reinjured my Plantar Fascia.  Physical therapy was not helping.  I stopped running for nine months.  In that time I found the PiYo workout, it is low impact with lots of stretching.  That did more for me than physical therapy.  My foot totally healed from not running.

What do you like to wear, running?

• Shorts and capris from Old Navy.
• I run in tank-tops, even during winter, except I throw a long-sleeve shirt on top.
• Pro-Compression socks and KT Tape saved my foot while running. 
• Love my Bic-Band trucker hat!  Usually, I wear a sparkle skirt for races!

How do you like to wear your hair?

I wear my hair up in a ponytail, out of my face!

What type of sneaker do you wear?

I love the Asics, Kayano!

Do you enjoy listening to music, on the run?

I love Brand New by Ben Rector and Good to be alive by Andy Grammar. 

ROAR by Katy Perry is my power song.  My daughter likes her too!  We were listening to the radio in our car and Maddy starts singing it.  She said, “Mommy stop it’s my turn!”  So I started lip singing, and some guy in the car to the left was laughing at me!  Busted.

Do you have any races coming up?

The Tinker Bell 10k and half-marathon on Mother’s Day weekend.  Then the Rock Wall San Diego in June!

How did you become a Bic Chick?

I had known about Bic Bands from the Rock’n’Rock LA Expo. I bought a black California Runner Trucker Hat, and wore it all the time. 

Sandy posted about the ambassador application on Instagram, I filled out the paperwork not knowing I would be picked!

I love our group of Ambassadors.  There are lots of us in Southern California, running San Diego this June.  Recently, I ran into Sandy with another Bic Band Ambassador at the LA Marathon Expo.

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@JennMascari

Photography, courtesy of Jenn Mascari.

That Pretty Runner