Feet on the Street: Rose

Rose of On A Lobster PlacematIt’s December’s Feet on the Street Feature!  And this month is all about Rose of On A Lobster Placemat!  I first came across Rose’s blog via a comment she left on another blog.  I had to check it out because the blog name intrigued me so.  Over time Rose and I started commenting on each other’s blogs more and then eventually we became training buddies for our first half (we each ran in May), and now we are friends. :D  Don’t you love how the blogsphere brings people together?!  Now let’s chat with her about running!

1. From previous conversations we’ve had, I know that you did some cross country in high school.  Did that continue on in college or did you run on your own?  What made you decide to pick up running again?

I ran Cross Country in high school for four years – but I didn’t run competitively in college. The CC team at my college was pretty good, and I knew I didn’t stand a chance with the speedsters. I was always a “slow and steady” kind of girl. I did continue running on my own throughout all of college. I competed in a few 5Ks and 10Ks, but I wouldn’t say that I was always on a training schedule. My senior year of college was tough – I balanced four classes, two jobs and my “ever-important” social life. Running took a backseat. After I graduated college, I knew I wanted running back in my life.

2. Because you had running experience, did you find that helped you when you started to run again?  For example, because you’ve run 3 miles before, did that provide any sort of motivation during your training this time around?  Sort of like, “I’ve done it before, I know I can do it again?”

Yes! I’ve noticed that although my speed wanes – my endurance is pretty solid. I can still run the same amount of mileage I did in high school or college – it just takes me longer, and that’s OK. Like you said – I know I’ve done it before, so I know I can do it again. The only time I was unsure was when I ran 11 miles while training for a half marathon – that was something I hadn’t done before, and I wasn’t sure if I’d make it! I truly believe that endurance is something that sticks with you. I am living proof!

Brookes Adrenalines3. Let’s talk running shoes!  What kind of shoes are they (be specific, brand, whether they are neutral shoes, stability etc.)

I wear Brooks Adrenaline GTS 9. They are support and stability shoes.

4. How did you come across these shoes?  Were you fitted for them, did you research shoes online?

About six years ago, I was fitted at a store. They had us try on various shoes and run in the street – this was long before treadmills were hooked up to TVs and such. He watched the way I ran and recommended the Brooks Adrenaline. I remember being upset because I had friends who owned Brooks, and they said they were “too bulky.” I hated the look of them – and I wanted to look good while running.  But I decided to go with them anyway because I had previously been wearing Saucony with mixed results. I’ve bought the exact same pair of Books almost every year since. I like it – because I don’t have to research anymore. I just buy the next version of the Adrenaline every time it comes out.

5. You ran your first half earlier this year, everyone approaches their first half a little differently.  What was your training like and what were some of the challenges that you faced?

I did something called “fake training” for a long while. Basically, I ran regularly (3 days a week at least) but acted as if it was OK if I didn’t sign up for the half. This worked for a while because it took some of the pressure off – and just got me in the zone again. But after a while – it wasn’t enough. One day, about nine weeks before the race, I finally signed up and got on a strict schedule. I ran four days a week. Thankfully, the days I ran were days I didn’t have class – so it worked out well for my schedule. I also had an awesome training partner (Miss OHC herself!) who helped me although the way through email correspondence.
The biggest challenge? What I “gave up” in order to properly train for this race. I said goodbye to a few late-night Saturdays so I could get up for my long runs. I didn’t go on as many weekend trips. And I had less time in my evenings because I got home later. But those things didn’t feel like sacrifices to me. It was just a change in pace, and I enjoyed it.

6. Do you have any race or training goals coming up for the new year?

I want to get healthy! I have been having back problems all fall and have put myself on a running hiatus to focus on yoga. I really want to run the Pittsburgh Half Marathon again in May, but that’s not going to happen unless I get better. But if it doesn’t happen, I won’t beat myself up – there’s always another race later in the year somewhere!

7. If a new runner approached you and explained that they were nervous about running or trying a running program, what advice would you give them?

When I was 14, my older cousins (both serious, competitive runners) used to run with me when I was trying to build up endurance. I remember my cousin digging her nails into my back every time I stopped and walked. It sounds pretty intense (it didn’t really hurt) – but she had a point, and it worked. No matter how slow I ran – I needed to just keep running. No matter how slow I went – I needed to just keep running. So my advice? Run. Every day you don’t want to go for a run – GO. Don’t let silly excuses hold you back. Get yourself on a plan – it will help you stay accountable. Have a running partner or training buddy who you email daily or talk to runners in your community. Build a network. Take advantage of Running Web sites like DailyMile.com. The more support – the better.Also – don’t forget to listen to your body if you’re in pain. Now that I’m older, I know when it’s time to let my body speak for itself. Listening now can save you a lot of trouble later.

8. Alright, now let’s have some fun!  Quick, which do you prefer, outside or indoor running?

Outside. Though I prefer avoiding hills if possible.

9. What’s your favorite color and do you try to get running gear or gadgets in that color?

Green! But most of my gear and gadgets are in a variety of mismatched colors. I am not the most fashionable when it comes to running (or living, for that matter).

10. What’s your favorite running gear?  This could be clothes, or gadgets!

I love my HRM, but it can become too distracting for me – so I’d have to say my Nike Stretch Running Capris. They have seen me through so many miles and have never let me down.

11. Do you listen to music while you run?  If so, what are some of your favorite songs to keep you moving?

Sure do. The iPod is almost always attached. The song that gets my blood pumping most is “Ghetto Rock” by Mos Def. It’s very uncharacteristic of the music I listen to, but I love it.

Can I get a what, what! For another Brooke’s Adrenaline lover!  Seriously those shoes just rock. :D  Rose is my soul sister when it comes to training and running.  We both wear the same shoes, and prefer the same types of outfits for running.  We both run about the same pace, and we both curse speed training.  She was my rock when I was training for my first half and there was no way I would have been able to get through it otherwise. :)  I urge you to check out her blog and have a look.  Rose likes to not only talk about food but also about life stuffs which makes for a great change of pace in a world full of food.  She also tells stories with her food which is amazing and unique. :)

Thanks Rose for being a part of Feet on the Street!

2 thoughts on “Feet on the Street: Rose

  1. Great interview! I love your advice regarding just keep running. I find that is what I have to tell myself often. It doesn’t matter about my speed, just keep running.

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