It’s Never Too Late to Try Something New – Andrea’s Running Journey
Meet Andrea!
One of TRUE’s own, Andrea, proves that it is never too late to try something new and to challenge yourself!
Like many of us, Andrea leads a busy life balancing work and family. Additionally, she is pursuing a master degree, which leaves her with little free time to actively explore new interests or to discover new passions. But, what started out as a team-bonding, fun run for work turned into a newfound hobby and love for Andrea! Fearful that she’d slow the others down, Andrea began slowly jogging before the 5k, in the hopes of building up her endurance and completely run the race without stopping. Today, she has run in several races (including multiple half marathons) and has lost 30 pounds through her love for running. Andrea’s story is truly inspirational and proof that with some motivation, hard work, and goals, you can change your life in ways you never expected. Learn more about Andrea’s Running Journey in Living TRUE’s Interview with her, below!
1. What is your favorite thing about running?
I can be in my head when I run and leave some of the stress of New York life behind. I can listen to music (Doctor Strange, Ghostbusters, Suicide Squad soundtracks at the moment), or audiobooks (The Big Short, The Dresden Files) or just zone out in this quiet “headspace”… I am not a writer, but I still weave some stories on my long runs.
2. Do you have an ultimate running goal or race that you want to participate in?
I would love to run the London Marathon, but it is very difficult to get in. The Boston Marathon is definitely the ultimate fantasy race, but at this point, I can’t even dream about qualifying. Maybe after I am done with school, I can focus more on weight loss; to get stronger and faster. I also want to run one or two Ragnar relay races next year. Ragnar is an overnight relay race, where 12 people run about 200 miles. Everyone runs 3 legs, totaling between 12-18 miles, or so. I ran the Washington DC one in September with some friends, and want to run the San Diego (So Cal) and the Cape Cod ones next year.
3. What advice do you have for someone who is interested in getting into running?
Find someone who also wants to run or already likes running, and go outside! You may run a little, walk a little, and have fun in the meantime. Running is exhilarating and, on most days, it feels amazing. Any day we can run is a good day.
4. Do you have an ultimate running goal or race that you want to participate in?
I would love to run the London Marathon, but it is very difficult to get in. The Boston Marathon is definitely the ultimate fantasy race, but at this point, I can’t even dream about qualifying. Maybe after I am done with school, I can focus more on weight loss; to get stronger and faster. I also want to run one or two Ragnar relay races next year. Ragnar is an overnight relay race, where 12 people run about 200 miles. Everyone runs 3 legs, totaling between 12-18 miles, or so. I ran the Washington DC one in September with some friends, and want to run the San Diego (So Cal) and the Cape Cod ones next year.
5. What advice do you have for someone who is interested in getting into running?
Find someone who also wants to run or already likes running, and go outside! You may run a little, walk a little, and have fun in the meantime. Running is exhilarating and, on most days, it feels amazing. Any day we can run is a good day.
6. How do you motivate yourself to keep running when you get a mental block or begin to feel discouraged?
I usually need a change when I hit a wall. If I was listening to an audiobook, I stop and start my running playlist. If the music is not doing the magic, I turn off everything, go into the “headspace” and make up a story. I do not give up. It might take me a long time, but I will cross that finish line.
7. What is your favorite pre-race meal?
Toasted cinnamon waffles. With Nutella if the race is longer than 10 miles.
8. What is your favorite healthy, on-the-go, snack?
I like mixed nuts and dried fruit. I make these almond butter – oatmeal – apricot bites that are great when you are hungry. I love watermelon, but can’t suggest it before running more than 4 miles, unless you want some extra pit stops.
9. What are your running essentials?
I run with my usual gear: sunglasses (Oakley’s), Garmin Forerunner 225, and my Saucony Hurricane shoes.
10. Can you tell us a little about your pre-run and post-run routines?
Warm-up is very important; I do at least 5-8 minutes of warm-up moves (balancing, cariocas, squats, and lunges). Post-run, I do some more lunges with side twists, cross upper leg stretches, and foam roll. The foam roller is my best friend after a hard run.
11. Are you superstitious?
Sometimes. But then a bad day comes along, and all superstition goes out the window.
12. There are many running communities and pages (both online and in person), do you belong to any running groups?
I belong to New York Roadrunners. Online, I am a member of the I Run for Michael Facebook community.
13. Running is still relatively new to you. As someone who took the sport on with no prior experience, what would you say is the biggest challenge for trying something new?
Staying healthy and listening to your body is very important if you want to keep running. Cross training does wonders: I had runner’s knee at the beginning of this year and yoga and strength training helped me get stronger (Bikram yoga is great for this).
14. How do you choose which races to run in?
There are some races that I don’t want to miss: The NYC Half, the Brooklyn Half, and the other Borough races in the city. I prefer the longer distances for races (10 miles, Half marathons). If I had the means, I would like to travel to some destination races: Key West half, Las Vegas Rock, and Roll Half.
15. Favorite Athletic Wear brand?
Lululemon, hands down. First off, I finally fit into their size 12, so it feels good. Secondly the fabrics they use are good quality, don’t get pilly, and are comfortable.
16. Do you prefer to run alone or with someone?
It depends on the day. On some days it is more difficult to get going, and a friend can help with that.
17. What tips do you have for pacing oneself during a race?
Start slow, take it easy. My goal is to get faster in the second half of the race, making sure I have energy to finish strong.
18. What is the next race on your agenda?
Can you tell us a little bit about it? My next race is the NYC Marathon. It is daunting. I want to finish and under 6 hours. (I want to say these are 2 different goals.) So yeah, I will be out there, running until 5pm next Sunday.
19. What is your favorite quote?
“If you run, you are a runner. It doesn’t matter how fast or how far. It doesn’t matter if today is your first day or if you’ve been running for twenty years. There is no test to pass, no license to earn, no membership card to get. You just run.”
– John Bingham
20. Is there anything else you’d like to share?
As I mentioned before, I got into running because the company I work for was doing The Electric Run and it sounded like fun. I wanted to try something new and challenge myself – which is exactly what running did. From that first run, I was hooked and I wanted to keep pursing the sport. The more I ran the more I realized how good it made me feel mentally and physically. I’ve lost 30lbs since I started running, which was something I did not set out to do. Running continues to challenge me to push myself, to eat healthy, and to not give up. This experience has taught me to try new things and I encourage others to do the same and to find their passions.
