Name: Angela
Profession: Accountant
Runner Since: 2010
City: Calgary
1. Why did you start running? What pushes you to keep going?
I realized I’d probably have some free time and thought I should probably do something to challenge myself so I decided I wanted to run a half marathon. The Eau Claire Running Room had a half-marathon training program for the BMO Kelowna half marathon and Kelowna is one of my favourite cities, so it was a pretty easy decision to make.
Running and I had a bit of a rocky relationship until the winter of 2013. I signed up to run SeaWheeze and decided I was actually going to train for it. I had a great race; signed up to run the BMO Kelowna Marathon and really haven’t stopped. Running keeps me grounded and I like finding new challenges for myself … like the Calgary Marathon 50k!
2. What is your running/fitness routine for a typical week?
Right now I’m using the Hanson Brother’s method to train for my 50k. The training plan is a six day a week plan with high mileage, so right now sometimes it feels like all I do is run 🙂 It’s not necessarily a bad thing but I can say I do look forward to my Wednesday rest days. After the 50k I’d like to find a bit more balance between running and cross training.
3. What does running mean to you?
When I got back into running in 2013 it was definitely a way for me to cope. Now running is part of me. When I make plans for the future, I think of new races to run, and sort out any crazy things in my brain.
4. Trails or pavement? Why?
Currently pavement, mainly because it’s what’s near me for my runs. When I lived in B.C. and ran with my dad, the majority of my runs were done on the trails and I’d love to try to do some more trail running in the upcoming years.
5. What is your favourite distance to run? Why?
I love the half marathon. It’s long enough that you do have to train for it, but not so long that you feel like death (I’m looking at you, marathon distance). I’ve spent a lot of time training for longer distances so I’d like to race some 10ks to work on my speed over the summer. I guess I really just like running!
7. What has running taught you about yourself?
That I’m strong and I can do it.
8. Do you have any current running goals?
So many goals! My current goal is to finish the 50k upright. Yes, I also have a time goal, but really, I just want to finish upright and smiling, that’s the most important.
I’d like to finally run a 1:55 half marathon and break 50 minutes in the 10k. I’m definitely going to run another marathon and I’d like to break 4:00 and maybe one day even try to BQ.
9. Do you run alone or with a group? Tell us about it.
I mainly run alone. My friends aren’t crazy like I am – but I did manage to convince them to run SeaWheeze with me this year, so I’m super excited about that! I would have loved to have found a group for the 50k, but I couldn’t find any Running Room locations that were putting together a training plan.
10. What advice would you give to new runners?
Get fitted for shoes. Seriously. Do it. Go to a running store and have your gait analyzed before buying shoes – it will make a huge difference.
And don’t take yourself too seriously.
Connect with Angela:
That’s it for me today, folks. Be sure to check out past interviews here. Last weekLindsey from A Running Tale was featured.
I love this answer "running has meant different things to me at different times in my life". Ang has such a great blog and witty writing style!
I agree with Lindsay regarding "running has meant different things to me at different times in my life"…very well said!
Super duper luck on your 50k this weekend Angela!!! I'm heading over to check out your blog, now. 🙂
Lindsay, I'm witty? Oh, I'm squeeing over here!!
Thanks so much for featuring me Crystal – I really hope we're able to meet next weekend!! 🙂
Me too. I'll send you my mobile number. I'll be at the expo to hear Dean K first thing on Saturday!