All About the Stars Hollow Running Club

November 03, 2016 by That Pretty Runner

All About the Stars Hollow Running Club

Founders: Jonathan and Anna

Loves to Run: Virtual Races with Gilmore Girls Fans

How did you start the Stars Hollow Running Club?

Anna: Jonathan and I met through another running club, and decided to start our own. We thought it would be amazing to pull together the great pop-culture fandom of Gilmore Girls and running. Having something you love that can drive you to a healthier lifestyle is very special. We talked about our club over last spring, and actually launched it at the end of the summer.

Jonathan: Anna is a huge fan of Gilmore Girls, and we started talking about the new upcoming episodes on Netflix November 25th. We thought, “What if Gilmore Girls had a running club on the show?” Then, we started making an actual virtual running club.

What was your first event with the Stars Hollow Running Club?

Jonathan: Our first race was the Founders Day 5k, which sold out a week before the registration period ended. We sent out all of the medals with race-bibs, all over the country and internationally.

Anna: The Founders Day 5k! This was our way to start out. I designed the medal, race bib and made a Founders Day recipe to send out for all the runners. This event sold out before the end of registration. On Facebook, we have members running from all over the country and internationally.

What is your favorite part about Gilmore Girls?

Anna: I started watching Gilmore Girls after my oldest son was born in December 2001. Every Tuesday, a girlfriend of mine would come over for a Gilmore Girls Party. We celebrated everything that happened with the show.

I actually felt relatable to Lorelai as a parent and Sookie's personality.

My youngest son is actually named Logan like the character in Gilmore Girls, although my husband believes this is an X-Men reference. My teenage boy will always watch the re-runs with me, while my oldest grew up with it and loves Gilmore Girls.

I love the small town and feeling of Stars Hollow. The town comes together to solve problems, like a true community.

Jonathan: I like the interactions between Kirk and Luke. Recently, my wife and I are obsessed with Gilmore Girls. We are watching all of the episodes over again, before the new episodes air on Netflix November 25th.

What is your biggest goal for the Stars Hollow Running Club?

Jonathan: I hope everyone has fun running our races. We will continue being a philanthropic running club, making donations to charity with the proceeds from every race. I really enjoy the community of the Stars Hollow Running Club.

Anna: The Stars Hollow Running Club, is all about coming together to support each other. Run, walk, or crawl. It is important for all of us to get out there with our feet hitting the pavement.

We love to see the club grow every day. The more people we have the more money to give to charity. I love seeing people on all levels of fitness in the group. Jonathan and I, love interacting with members through Facebook and Instagram. We hope to become bigger, better, and more fun!

What is your next virtual race for the Stars Hollow Running Club?

Jonathan: The Amazing Doggy Swami 10k. November is Military Family Appreciation Month. This event was opened the first week of October and will be closing Veterans Day, November 11.

Anna: My Husband has been in the Army National Guard for over twenty years. Jonathan and my husband served in Iraq, it is a part of their history. We wanted to focus on military families, and found the organization Paws and Stripes. Paws and Stripes, trains dogs to help wounded veterans. We are huge dog lovers, my dog is always my running buddy.

Photography, courtesy of the Stars Hollow Running Club.

Please read our interview ALL ABOUT JONATHAN

http://www.thatprettyrunner.com/new-blog/2016/10/29/all-about-the-stars-hollow-running-club

Join the Stars Hollow Running Club (SHRC) on Social Media

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/starshollowrunningclub/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/starshollowrunningclub/

Registration Information

Stars Hollow Running Club Website Link:
http://www.starshollowrunningclub.com/

Registration for the Doggy Swami 10k:
https://runsignup.com/Race/CT/Washington/DoggySwami10K

Contact Information

Email:

townelders@starshollowrunningclub.com

That Pretty Runner

All About Jackie

October 14, 2016 by That Pretty Runner

All About Jackie

SUNY Oswego

Emergency Medical Technician(EMT)

Loves to Run: 5k to Half-Marathon

How did you start running?

When I was five, I started running!

Running is a great training technique. I would always run to stay in shape for lacrosse and soccer. I always did team activities, but it feels good to be in an individual-sport. Middle-school to high-school, I was running track. Junior year of high-school, I started to love running more than just a way to train for sports.

Running is great for relieving stress and setting new personal goals.

What is your favorite race in Syracuse?

The Syracuse Festival of Races!

There are so many runners, different venders, delicious foods, and massages for after the race.

What half-marathon did you run this summer?

In August, I finished the Turning Stone Half Marathon in Upstate NY.

How was your first half-marathon experience?

Pretty good! I was running with my mom and it meant so much to have her next to me.

Starting, I was so nervous and kept looking at my mom saying, “OMG, I do not know if I can do this.” My mom told me, “You have been training all summer, just relax.”

I was a little dehydrated towards the end. At mile ten, I was thinking, “OMG, I do not know if I can finish!” Then, I looked at my mom and she told me, “You can do it.” It meant a lot my mom was by my side pushing me to the finish-line.

Finishing the race, I had the biggest smile on my face. Everyone at the finish-line was cheering. My mom and I finished together, it meant more than she will ever know.

How was the Turning Stone race course?

The course was all rolling hills, some of them were steep. There were several hundred runners. We were running by farm land and wooded areas, it was so nice!

Where did you train?

I trained in Colorado the entire summer, running in the mountains. My view was beautiful mountains all the time!

What is your favorite running condition?

I really love hills, especially the feeling of hills stretching my muscles. It is all hills going to school at SUNY Oswego.

I love running in the rain. When it was raining last week, I took advantage of that.

Where is your favorite place to run?

Colorado!

I went running on the Chautauqua Mountain trails. There were a bunch of different hills. It was really tough and very hot.

I went running around the campus of Colorado University, right next to the mountains. I started a little off campus, went down this huge hill, around campus and then circled back up. I finished running up this huge hill leading to the mountains. Then, I went to an overlook of Boulder.

When I first got there, it was hard to run with the altitude and heat. Sometimes, it would be 100 degrees. The altitude was good for training, because afterwards I felt a significant difference in my speed and time.

Everyone in Boulder is so active, there were ten people or more people always running around me! I would look out my window, see everyone else running and feel like I should be running. They built streets with sidewalks, big enough so you can walk or bike to work. Along the highway, they have dirt paths so people could run or bike.

How did you overcome being injured?

In January, I broke my foot running the day I flew home from Colorado. I went for a run and there was snow on the ground. Then, I slipped and fell because my foot was stuck in a pothole. I called my parents, and they knew something was wrong when my foot started swelling. That night, I was in so much pain I could not sleep. The next morning, I went to the doctor for an x-ray. I fractured my fifth-metatarsal and needed a boot with crutches.

When I was released to run again, I wanted to set a goal. My broken foot healing, motivated me to run my first half-marathon.

Now, I am very cautious about where I am running!

Do you have a motto?

Never give up! My dad has been saying it to me since I was really little, and gave me a necklace with the engraving. I have a Road ID bracelet that says, NEVER GIVE UP.

What do you like to do outside of running?

I am an Emergency Medical Technician(EMT).

I love reading and hiking!

Where do you love to hike?

Since we were little, my parents have brought my brother and me to Lake Placid. It has always been our family trip. My dad and I, usually try to go once a year to the Adirondacks. Last year, we climbed the Algonquin Peak Trail and some mountains.

Over the summer, I hiked all through the Colorado Chautauqua Mountains. It was a lot of fun. I was a little scared of mountain lions and rattle-snakes!

Do you bring anything with you running?

Headphones! I actually made a Spotify playlist with Dave Mathews, Avett Brothers, and the Chainsmokers. The majority of my music is upbeat to help me run!

I carry a little handheld water-bottle. At first, I was not running with water and felt really dehydrated after running for an hour. Now, I feel better running with water!

What is your favorite food?

Crunchy peanut-butter!

What type of sneakers do you wear?

Nike Pegasus and I also use the Nike Free Runs. I race in the Pegasus!

Favorite running outfit?

This summer, I wore Nike or Adidas tank-tops and shorts.

Lately, I have been wearing dry-fit Under Armour long-sleeves and Nike running pants or shorts.

What are your running goals for the future?

I am going to run the Turkey Trot, the Gingerbread Run, and Syracuse Half-Marathon.

I want to run in the Disney Marathon! This is my biggest goal. I have never been to Disney, so when I do I will run the marathon!

Do you have advice for other runners?

Never give up! It is my motto that I have lived by.

Make a goal and stick with it. Make a training plan. Even if you do not follow your plan exactly, keep pushing forward and try to reach your goal.

Photography, courtesy of Jackie Epp.

That Pretty Runner

All About Megan Saloom

September 10, 2016 by That Pretty Runner

All About Megan Saloom

2016 Olympic Marathon Trials Qualifier- 2:43

Loves to run: Marathons

How did you start running?

During Jr. High, I joined the cross-country team so I would not have to do PE in the PE uniforms.

The first day of practice in Jr. High we did a timed mile. I threw-up and walked a part of the time. My parents were like, “Oh this isn't going to last!” By the end of the season, I was pretty good at it!

I went on to run DI Cross-Country at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas.

What is your favorite part about Texas?

I grew up in Houston about three hours away from my college, Stephen F. Austin State University.

My favorite thing about living in TEXAS is we have a lot of PRIDE in our state and everything is BIG!

What is running like in Texas?

Running in heat makes it hard to train in the summers. I have to run really early in the morning or late at night.

Over the summer I went to Boulder for a few week to escape the humidity!

When did you start running marathons?

I started running marathons after college. I moved to the Woodlands north of Houston, for training.

My half-marathon time was 1:18. I just needed to shave off a few minutes for an Olympic Trials Qualifying Standard. I spent a year trying to run 1:15. Then, I decided to say a Hail Mary and go for a qualifying time in the full Houston Marathon. My overall finishing time was 2:43. I qualified for Olympic Trials!

WHat was it like running in the Olympic Trials Marathon?

On February 13th I ran in the Olympic Trials.

The atmosphere and crowds were amazing and was an experience unlike any other. When I passed the half-way point was when I really started feeling the effects of running a marathon a little less than a month before. A few miles further I passed my husband and told him, “This is not fun anymore.” I knew at that point my body was almost finished. It was a very hot day for racing.

When planning my drop out point I met Emily Gordon, another competitor who was contemplating dropping as well. We started an easy jog and tried to encourage each other for a few minutes. Then, we were on the struggle bus again and ended up walking with, Chris Barnicle, one of the male competitors for a few miles. It was such a crazy race experience!

I ended up dropping out at mile 20 but was still ecstatic to be there none the less!

Making it to the Olympic Trials Marathon is such an amazing accomplishment. You are truly an inspiration. What were your favorite moments from the overall experience?

I have a few!

When my flight arrived in Los Angeles, my parents picked me up. As we were driving to the hotel, it took a moment to soak in we were driving to the Olympic Trials. It has not just been my dream, my parents have been my biggest supporters through everything. They were up at night researching races to run and always cheering me on. We made it to the Olympic Trials and it felt so inspiring.

My husband won the LA 5K the morning of my Olympic Trials!

The atmosphere was amazing, starting the race and running through the streets of Los Angeles with people cheering for you. Cheering not because they want you to go fast or to win, but because you made it here to the Olympic Trials. I was running with a smile on my face for miles!

Where are your favorite places to run?

In Houston we have Memorial Park. I love the Huntsville State Park, running through the forest!

What is a typical week of training for you?

Long run on Sunday.
Workout of Tuesday and Friday.
The rest of the week I have a single run and two days of double running.

How much mileage do you run in a week?

Anywhere from a low of 60 miles a week, to maybe 70-80, and during marathon training 90-100!

What is your favorite Gue Energy flavor?

Vanilla!

What are your favorite foods?

Zydeco bars, they are based out of Louisiana where my husband is from! We found them and they are a really good recovery snack. My favorite flavor is the brownie bar!

I love Mexican food!

What do you love to wear running?

Sports-bra, and running-shorts with a hat! I love compression-socks.

If you could run a destination marathon, what would you choose?

The Berlin Marathon would be fun. I would love to run a race somewhere in Europe where culture is different and compare it to races here in the US!

Eventually, I would love to run the Boston Marathon.

What are your running plans for this year?

This year, I plan to run the Houston Marathon.

The weather is perfect, people are around me the entire time. Last year in the Houston Marathon, it was the last day to qualify for the Olympic Trials and there were so many women running with the 2:45 pacer!

Do you have a Favorite quote?

I have always have loved this quote,“Hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard.” I feel like it really describes my running journey from the beginning.

Do you have advice for other runners?

My advice is to keep going and keep training, because that is what running takes. It takes time, years and years of training to put the miles under you. That is how you see improvement, over years and years of time.

My friend and I were just talking about how when you are younger, you want to be running these fast times. Then, later on you look back over years and think, “WOW!”

Running is something you have to be very patient with.

Follow Megan on Instagram:

@megansaloomruns

Photography, courtesy of Megan Saloom.

That Pretty Runner

All About Jacob

September 02, 2016 by That Pretty Runner

All About Jacob

California State University of Long Beach, Sophomore

Loves to Run: 5k-Marathon

How did you start running?

My sophomore year of high school, I was a jumper on the track team. Jumping into a pit three times was my first sport.

I enjoyed running longer distances, two laps around the track. All of my friends on the track team were running cross-country. After my first year of running long distance, I joined cross-country. We were running 8-10 mile days.

How did you become a road racer?

I wanted to do something more with running, and researched races on the computer.

The first race I signed up for was a 5k. Overall, I finished as second in my age group with a time under twenty minutes. I never thought that I could do something like that before. Afterwards, I felt so good about myself and kept running.

How was your first marathon?

Last February, I competed in the Surf City Marathon.

It was really great because I did the half-marathon first. Running along the ocean feels nice and cool. The course takes you on the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). I felt like I could keep going all 26.2 miles. My goal was to finish in under four hours, and my finishing time was 3:42!

Have you experienced obstacles in your running career?

In the Surf City Marathon, I injured my knee and it took me out for at least five weeks.

I took up running and biking, it was a good supplement. After finally recovering, I am back to running sub 7:30 miles.

What is your favorite running memory?

When I crossed the finish-line of my first half-marathon, the Long Beach Half-Marathon 2014.

I was running these long stretches thinking, “Can I do this? Can I do this?” When I crossed the finish-line it felt so great. I was thinking, “Wow I did it!”

What is your favorite race?

The Disney Land Half-Marathon, here in California.

Runners run all the way to Angel Stadium and back to Disney. Everyone there running, volunteering and in the crowd were really motivating.

Do you have Disney Running goals for the future?

I am training for the Dopey Challenge in Disney World, January 2017!

The Dopey Challenge, is a four day race around Disney World. In the challenge there is a 5k, 10k, half-marathon and full-marathon.

The Dopey Challenge totals to 48.6 miles and 6 medals!!! This is my dream race. I am very excited!

Who is your favorite Disney character?

Sorcerer Mickey!

What is a typical week of training like for you?

50-70 miles a week!

Where are your favorite places to run?

The San Gabriel River Bend. I like running on the beach, especially Long Beach Path.

What is your favorite running apparel?

I like running shirts from races, especially Surf City.

What type of sneakers do you wear?

Hoka One One’s. They have lots of support and are light blue.

Do you have a motto?

Fear No Distance.

Do you have advice for other runners?

Smile through life. If you can endure harsh training you can get through anything. Stay positive and optimistic, even when times are hard.

Check out Jacob's Blog!

http://www.nicerunnerguy97.wordpress.com

Follow Jacob on social media!

@nicerunnerguy13.1

Photography, courtesy of Jacob Abrego.

That Pretty Runner

ALL ABOUT GRACE

August 06, 2016 by That Pretty Runner

ALL ABOUT GRACE

Santa Clara University Student, Bioengineering

Loves to Run: DI Cross-Country and Track

How did you start running?

I was never an athlete until I started running in the eighth grade! My mom started paying me $6 an hour to go with her to the gym. My mile time in PE dropped from 9:00 to 6:37 and I joined the track team. I love being on a team!

What is your favorite running memory?

When I broke eleven minutes in 2 miles!

I passed my rival by 1 minute 40 seconds, had a huge PR, and qualified for nationals.

My senior year of high school, the Footlocker Nationals was so much fun! The 40 fastest girls in the nation were running, I feel like they treated us like celebrities. My uniform did not fit, and they had a sewing machine there to fit me. We stayed at a hotel in San Diego, I made a lot of friends. Afterwards, we went to the spa sauna, pools and beach.