Runner's Spotlight: Meet Crystal

I hosted my first Twitter Road Race about a year ago. Following the race, I read so many great blog posts about everyone's run. When I came across Crystal's post, I was amazed. To say the least, her racing conditions were not ideal, but that didn't keep her from heading out the door! Over 6 inches of snow had already fallen and it continued to fall as she ran. Crystal's run that day contained one element that all runners need to be successful, determination.

One year after she began running, her determination has led her to the gates of her first marathon! I wish her nothing but the best! Good luck and crush it!!! Fellow runners, meet Crystal! 

Q: When did you start running and why?

I started running in mid-January 2012 to lose weight. Then the love and passion grew from there.

Q: What are your current running goals?

My current running goals are to finish a full marathon, run a sub-2 hour half marathon, and to run 1,000 miles this year.

Q: You're about to take on your first marathon...how has your training been going and what are your emotions going into this race?

My training has been really great. I finished my half marathon in October with no thoughts of another big race for awhile. Then I just started pushing myself further, to see how I felt. Pretty soon I was at 18 miles and friends told me I should register for a full marathon. So I thought WHY NOT?! I've been able to get in a lot of great long runs. One over 21 miles and another just under 24 miles. Mentally I'm feeling both confident and nervous. I think it's normal to be nervous about something that you've never done. I feel thankful to have such a wonderful support network.

Q: If you could use only one word to express what running means to you, what would it be?

FREEDOM

Q: What is your weirdest/funniest running moment?

Showing up about 15 minutes late to a winter race in a sweatshirt with a million Christmas bows on it. They had already pulled up the start line but we decided to run it anyways. It was pretty epic.

Q: Who is the biggest motivator in your life?

The biggest motivator in my life would be my husband, Joe. He really makes me feel like I can do absolutely anything that I put my mind to. 

Q: What is your favorite quote?

"but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:31

Q: What was your most memorable race?

I ran a 5k many years ago and I was the very last person in the race. Around mile 2 I had the police escort car breathing down my neck. I contemplated just quitting but I didn’t. I finished and most all the runners had stuck around to cheer me on. Then last summer when I ran my first half marathon about 18 minutes faster than my goal time. Those are both memorable in different ways.

Q: If you could only give one piece of running advice to a newbie runner, what would it be?

My advice is be consistent and stay the course. At first it's hard, really hard. Then somewhere along the line as you train and mature as a runner/athlete, it gets easier. During that 5k that I came in last, I had no idea that years later I would become a runner. Yet I did and I LOVE IT!

Be sure to check out Crystal's blog and Twitter!
www.carpediemcrystal.com
@KCtoCapeCod