Runner of the Week (9-13-13)

When I heard Hannah's story I knew she was deserving of this week's Runner of the Week award. Hannah is similar to me in that we both started and desired to get in shape, but wanted to do it in the cheapest way possible. For me I knew that my biggest initial investment was a good pair of running shoes. It wasn't until I started increasing my mileage that I began adding running tights, socks and all of the other items that aren't too expensive, but when you combine them all together it gets pricey. Anyway, Hannah is newish to running, but definitely has the heart and passion for running. It's a great reminder for those of us who have been running for years and a great encouragement to those of us that are newer.

Name: Hannah

Twitter: hwillmott89

How long have you been running?
I tried to initially get started last winter, but life got in the way. I really got into a better routine this summer.

What/who motivated you to start running?
I had graduated college and was living at home, but I aged out of the “family” membership to the YMCA my parents had. I wanted to find something I could do for free.

What’s something that you can’t run without?
My SPIbelt and phone.  The belt is great because it holds my keys, ID, phone, etc. and doesn’t bounce while running.  I use my phone to track my run on Nike+ and love the verbal feedback cues.

What is the best advice you would give a beginning runner?
Start slow. I could only do a few minutes at a time with long walks in between initially. I didn’t do a C25K program, but I sort of developed my own intervals that changed over time as I got stronger and now I can (slowly) run the whole 5k!

What is your favorite race you have ever done or place to run?
I did the Color Mania 5k in April and I’m doing the Color Run 5k at the end of September.  Find races that sound fun to you and you’ll want to actually prepare for and run them. You have to do what makes you happy.