Running Inspiration featuring Suzy from Suzlyfe #RunningInspiration

Each Friday my Running Inspiration Series will feature the story of an amazing runner.  This week I am excited to feature my virtual friend Suzy from SuzLyfe!  I am very excited to share more about her running via the Q&A below:

How did your running journey begin?  My running journey began as a way to supplement my overall health and fitness. It wasn’t until years later that it became a crucial part of my life, but the love grew and snuck up on me!
Why do you run?  I run because after years of riding horses, this is the way that I fly now. I run to believe in myself and my body, and also to gauge my health (I have a chronic digestive illness).
What is your favorite race and race distance?  My favorite distance is the marathon and marathon training–I really love a 16 miler, for whatever reason! But my favorite distance to RACE is the half marathon. I can’t choose a favorite race, but I do love the Twin Cities Marathon, Marine Corps Marathon, and the Chicago Marathon.
What is your race day routine?  I try to make my routine the day of a race little different from my regular long run routine so that it is practiced, smooth, and gets me ready for what is to come. Wake up, have my half caff coffee and breakfast (bagel thin + nut butter, banana for later), then anti-chafe, sunscreen, waterproof mascara (so that my eyelashes don’t get in my eyes!), and running clothes. Next is to start my warm up by rolling out my muscles, gentle yoga, and then gathering up my things and run-muting, walking, or driving to the start. There, I finish my warm up exercises and get in my corral!Afterwards, I make sure to follow my Five R’s of Post Run Recovery, even if I’m not ready to eat! Yoga and gentle stretching later in the day.
What is your favorite piece of running gear?  Well, my most necessary piece of running gear other than my shoes and orthotics and sports bra… would be a good pair of sunglasses and my MCM Marathon hat. It is the most comfortable running hat, and MCM was my first marathon!
Do you follow any diet or take any specific supplements that complement your running?  I’ve discussed on the blog how I follow a healthy 80-20 diet. During training seasons, I will keep closer watch on my calorie intake to make certain that I get enough food!
What advice would you give to a newbie runner?  Don’t be scared of more experienced runners–ask questions. You will get allllll the advice you need (and probably some that you don’t, lol). Also, give yourself time and start slow. Even a marathon is a series of small steps! AND DO YOUR INJURY PREVENTION EXERCISES.
What is your best running memory/favorite race?  See above for my thoughts on my favorite race! My best running memory… I like to think that every run has the chance to have a “best running memory.” From crossing the finish line at my very very first race (a 4 miler) and realizing that this was actually fun, to crossing the finish at my first half marathon, to that moment during MCM when I realized that I had run another mile, and another mile (I had dealt with injury during the training cycle), to the moment after finishing the Phoenix Marathon, when I realized that I had smashed my goal and BQ’d, to finding where I belong as a marathon coach, and most recently, my first run (on an Anti-Gravity treadmill) after breaking my back last year.

Susie is a RRCA Running Coach and NASM Personal Trainer. Suzlyfe is a Chicago-based healthy life, fitness, running, and food blog that aims to educate, connect, and inspire: educate readers in an accessible way about fitness, running, and wellness; connect readers to myself (Susie) and others with the same interests and passions; and inspire all to live a life beyond expectations.  You can find Suzy on Twitter, Pinterest, and Facebook @Suzlyfe and Instagram @the_suzlyfe

Thank you Suzy for sharing your running story with us!!!  Each week I am so inspired!!  Check out the other Running Inspiration posts here.

If you or anyone you know has an inspiring running story and would like to participate in my Running Inspiration series, just send me an email torunninglovingliving@gmail.com with Running Inspiration in the subject line.  Or if you’d like to recommend someone please leave their name in the comments below.