I was lucky enough to sit down with my good friend, Colleen, and ask her a few running questions. Colleen is a student at Georgetown University and just completed the Marine Corps Marathon—Congratulations! She has been running for about a year now and does not plan on stopping anytime soon. So, without further ado,
How did you first get into running?
I first started running last fall. I hated running in high school, which I realize now stems from the fact that I was terribly out of shape and didn’t run often enough for it to ever be fun. I signed myself up for the Army 10-miler and, I won’t lie, I struggled through training and through the race. I became a much more serious runner when I joined the November Project last January.
Tell me a little about November Project. How did you get involved in that?
November Project is a free fitness movement established in 16 cities and pledging in many others. The concept is simple. We meet Monday, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 6:30 AM all over the city to work out, socialize, and push each other towards new goals. We have unofficial bar nights, hiking trips, and brunch dates it has essentially become a great big welcoming group of friends. All you have to do is show up to participate. No baseline fitness level needed. We are always excited about new members and we are constantly recruiting.
It’s great that runners of all levels can come together for this. I know I was terrified the first time I went but, like you said, no baseline fitness level needed and the community is very friendly and welcoming.
Do you follow a specific marathon plan when training or do you just show up to November Project and see where your day takes you?
I did not follow a specific training plan for the few ten milers and half marathons I have run, however I followed the Hanson Marathon Method very closely while training for the Marine Corps Marathon. It involves six days of running a week but I would recommend it highly to anyone serious about their training.
Have you ever had a running injury from all the rigorous training?
I get injured every couple months. Thankfully nothing has kept me from running more than a month but they can be incredibly frustrating all the same. I’m learning more and more what it means to listen to my body and I usually avoid making the same mistakes twice.
How do you balance running with work and school?
Balancing running with an internship and school has been the most difficult part of my semester. I run in the morning which leaves little room for making excuses. Often, though, training for a race means going to class with wet hair, overdosing of caffeine, and leaving parties early to sleep
What is your number one tip for any level of runner?
My number one tip is that there are no shortcuts to becoming a good runner. I forget this often and frequently it takes an injury for me to reset all my excitement and ambition for running.
Any favorite pre/post run food(s)?
I typically do not eat before a run because I leave so early in the morning, unless its a particularly long run. I am a huge fan of peanut butter on any kind of carb (cereal, toast, oatmeal, bananas, granola bars). I actually went through four lbs of peanut butter in two months of marathon training. I eat eggs and spinach after almost every run.
Do you have any ultimate goals for your running? Complete a specific race, or run a specific time?
My only long-term goal is to continue running as long as I can. I have two goals for the spring. I want to PR in the 10 miler distance, hopefully with a time of less than 1:15. I also want to PR in a half marathon but I won’t make a time goal until I see my pace for the 10 miler. Another marathon will definitely be in my future but I haven’t set a date.
Thank you so much for talking with me! All the best of luck in your future running endeavors!
Hello, Sunshine. 