Hello friends! It’s Thursday which means it’s time for another runner profile. This week, it’s Janelle from Run with No Regrets! A few months ago I stumbled upon Janelle’s blog. I was drawn in by her new found enthusiasm and genuine for blogging and her dedication to fitness. Now Run with No Regrets is one of my favourite reads.
Please grab a coffee, make yourself comfortable and prepare to be inspired! Thanks for reading, gang! Remember you know how to reach me if you would like to be featured.
Name: Janelle
Age: 27
City: Philadelphia
Profession: Chemical Engineer
Runner Since: 2011
1. Why did you start running? What pushes you to keep going?
I used to think as a kid that I was “fast.” I loved racing my friends down the street. I joined the track team in high school but quickly discovered that I hated it, and I never thought I could have the stamina to run long distances. Fast forward to 2011 and peer pressure gets me to think about running again. I had a few friends that were talking about the Broad Street Run, which is a popular 10-mile race in Philly. I decided I would train for it and see what happens. After finishing in 1:40, I was hooked! What pushes me is the joy I feel when I’ve had a good run. I’m also stubborn and I know that I can get faster and become a better runner if I don’t quit!
2. What is your running/fitness routine for a typical week?
Right now I try to run 2-3 days a week, either on the treadmill or outdoors. On Tuesdays and Thursdays I take an hour long Boot Camp class and on Wednesdays I do a half hour of cardio kickboxing. I also try to incorporate as many core, hip strengthening and balance exercises as I can throughout the week.
3. What is your favourite distance to run? Why?
When it comes to races, I really do enjoy the half marathon. It’s the farthest limit I’ve gone thus far, and while I really want to do a marathon, I’d be content with sticking with halfs.
4. Best running memory?
My best memory by far is from the Rock and Roll Philly Half Marathon back in 2011. It was my first half and I trained religiously. Everything that day was perfect. The weather was perfect. My sister was there to support me. I paced myself properly and had negative splits, the first and only time! There was one point while I was running when tears came to my eyes…it was a surprisingly emotional experience for me.
My best memory by far is from the Rock and Roll Philly Half Marathon back in 2011. It was my first half and I trained religiously. Everything that day was perfect. The weather was perfect. My sister was there to support me. I paced myself properly and had negative splits, the first and only time! There was one point while I was running when tears came to my eyes…it was a surprisingly emotional experience for me.
5. Do you run solo or with a group?
I run solo maybe once a week on the treadmill. I started a Running Club at work a few years ago, and while we’re a very small group, I love running with them every week!
6. What is your dream race?
I’ve never raced outside of Philly, so anywhere new would be a dream come true! I’d love to run a marathon in DC, Chicago, or Hawaii!!
7. How many medals do you own?
I actually had to go and check … I have 6! From May 2011 to November 2012 I ran 2 half marathons, two 10 mile races and an 8K. They are currently on one of my side tables in the living room on display.
8. Do you have any current running goals?
My main priority is to recover from injury! 2013 was an unlucky year for me, thanks to a stress fracture and plantar fascitis. I would love to get where I feel strong enough to run a race well. I’m looking into working with a running coach to get on track. I haven’t run more than 4 miles in several months now, which really makes me sad!
My main priority is to recover from injury! 2013 was an unlucky year for me, thanks to a stress fracture and plantar fascitis. I would love to get where I feel strong enough to run a race well. I’m looking into working with a running coach to get on track. I haven’t run more than 4 miles in several months now, which really makes me sad!
9. What is your worst running moment?
I would say the last time I ran the Broad Street Run (2012) was a disaster! My shoe laces kept coming loose. So I tightened them…but then they were TOO tight! Painfully tight! And then I really had to pee with 3 or 4 miles to go, but I didn’t want to stop because I just wanted to get it all over with. All the while I was bobbing and weaving through all of the runners and walkers!! I vowed to never run that race again … 40,000 runners is too many for me!
10. If you could tell your younger running self something, what would you say?
I would tell myself to not take myself so seriously (I’m still struggling with this one). And have fun first and foremost!
11. Is there anything I didn’t ask you had you that you would like to share?
Hmm … I think we covered it all. Thanks so much Crystal!
Connect with Janelle:
Twitter: @janizzle86
Blog: Run With No Regrets
Instagram: @runwithnoregrets
I hope you enjoyed the interview. I chuckled when Janelle said she gave into peer pressure. I think we can all relate to that one way or another!
Happy trails!
I love your 'meet a runner profiles.' 🙂 I hope Janelle recovers well. Plantar fasciitis is nasty! And not to mention a stress fracture…ouch! I love how she says she's trying 'not to take herself too seriously,' I think I may be guilty of that at times! lol.
Thanks…it is an everyday STRUGGLE! I think my hard times are behind me though and I'm looking forward to working with a coach in a couple of weeks 🙂
Thanks Crystal! I love reading finding new bloggers 🙂
PS I've nominated you for a Liebster award: http://bit.ly/1e6oR8J
Thanks SO much for featuring me Crystal! I'm a big fan of your blog too. The running blogger community is amazing!
For sure!!