Oakville’s Stephanie is today’s featured runner. Stephanie is a new mom who recently went vegan. And this past weekend, the birthday gal rocked her first 5K since having her beautiful daughter. Talk about a fabulous birthday present!
Stephanie is a great example of someone who is a positive and healthy role model for her children. Good luck Stephanie in your upcoming races. I have no doubt you’re going to rock your half-marathon!
Name: Stephanie
Age: 30
City: Oakville
Profession: On Maternity Leave
Runner Since: 2009
1. Why did you start running? What pushes you to keep going?
I was getting married and knew I needed to get in shape. I was carrying around extra weight from university. I signed up for a learn-to-run clinic at the Running Room and joined a bootcamp twice a week. I instantly went from the couch to working out five times a week.
2. How do you keep running fun?
I like having goals and connecting with other runners. If I’m not having fun I’ll go out for a run without my Garmin and reconnect with why I love running.
3. What is a typical training week for you?
I try to do yoga once or twice a week, strength train once or twice a week and run three days a week. I also take my daughter out for a 3-5k walk most days.
4. How supportive is your family of your training/running?
My husband is the most supportive non runner. He doesn’t mind watching our daughter so I can get a run in. My family loves to join in racing. In fact both my sisters are joining me at a 10k race in two weeks.
5. How do you balance running with your busy lifestyle?
I have to be flexible. With a five-month-old daughter who I’m breastfeeding it’s not always possible to do the workout I’ve planned. We go to a yoga class together once a week and I can’t wait until she’s old enough for the jogging stroller!
6. Finish this sentence – Best piece of running advice you received …
Run your own race. Don’t worry about anyone else!
7. Do you have any current running goals?
In the next four weeks I have a 10k and a half-marathon. I’m worried I haven’t built up enough mileage for the half-marathon. I’m going to keep pounding the pavement and trying my best.
8. What is the longest break you have taken from running? Why?
Pregnancy was my longest running break. I ran two 10k races while pregnant, but after about five months with the way my daughter was sitting it was too uncomfortable to run. I walked and did yoga. The six weeks postpartum of doing zero exercise was hard but I knew it was necessary.
9. What would you say to your less experienced running self?
You’re going to run a marathon. It will be hard but nothing worth doing is easy.
10. Is there anything I didn’t ask you had you that you would like to share?
I am thrilled to be running again post-pregnancy. I’m hoping to show my daughter a happy healthy lifestyle.
Connect with Stephanie:
Twitter: @StephanieRuns
Blog: Stephanie Runs
Have a great day! Thanks for stopping by.
Good luck on your half marathon Stephanie! A supportive family and a flexible approach to running helps for sure! It's great to see that you run "free" with no Garmin purely for the love of running from time to time too!