Jen: I am a Runner

Happy Friday gang!

I’m back with another runner profile. I love running these features and learning the story behind other runners. Today I am shining the spotlight on Calgary’s Jen Rawson. She is the blogger/runner behind Pretty Little Grub.

Name: Jen Rawson

Age: 27

City: Calgary, AB

Profession: Registered Dietitian

Runner Since: 2011

1. Why did you start running? What pushes you to keep going?

I honestly can’t remember why I started running. I signed up for a half-marathon I think to challenge myself. I had never been interested in running before but I wanted to see if I could do it. Now that I’ve run multiple races, I’m hooked. The adrenaline and the feeling of accomplishment you get when you cross the finish line keeps me going.

2. What is your running/fitness routine for a typical week?

Right now I am using the Run Less Run Faster plan so I run three days a week (one long run, one tempo run & one day of Interval Training). Then I strength train twice a week and go to a spin class once a week.

3. What is your favourite distance to run? Why?

The half-marathon for sure! I think it’s a challenging distance but the training doesn’t take over your life like a full marathon does.

4. Best running memory?

Completing the New York marathon was the best memory. I don’t know if anything could really beat that. It was my first marathon and the crowd support and amount of people surround you was just unbelievable. The miles flew by and I smiled the whole time.

5. What do you do when you’re not running/training?

Spending time with friends & family mostly. I like to keep a good balance of social life with my running life.

6. What is your dream race? Tell us about it.

I did my dream race. I would love to return to New York and do it again. Though my other dream race would be the Disney World marathon.

7. What excites you about running?

Running is my time. I like that I get outside and just have time to think and relax. And of course I get excited about racing. Bling is always exciting!

8. Do you have any current running goals?

This year I’m trying to work on my speed. I’d like to PR in a half marathon this year and a pipe dream goal of mine would be to get a sub-2 hour half, but I think that’s still a ways off.

9. What’s on your race calendar in 2015? What’s your “A” race?

I have a big racing year lined up, with two marathons and six half marathons planned. I am fortunate to be an ambassador for the Calgary Marathon, so I will be tackling my second marathon this year. I am also a rock ‘n blogger for the Rock n Roll marathon series so I am doing a series of destination races which should be so much fun!