Who Has The "Runs"

The other day I was asked by a Twitter running friend to participate in an interview for his website "Who Has The Runs." These are the questions he asked, so I thought I would share them with you here.

You can see others and myself he has interviewed here or follow him on Twitter here.

Why do you run?

I run for so many reasons I cannot even begin to type them all. At first, I ran to lose weight. Then I ran because I felt better. As I kept going, I ran so I could eat... Now, I run because it is who I am! I LOVE IT!

How long have you been running? How did you get started? Why did you choose running over other activities?

March of 2012 will be 2 years of running. I got started to lose weight after bad bloodwork. I chose running because it was the fastest and best way to get off the weight.

How do you motivate yourself to run regularly? What about on the days the weather is bad or your are feeling particularly lazy?

My motivation to run on the lazy, cold days is that I know that I would feel worse for not running than I would if I just endured the weather and the laziness through the run... So, I get out there and do it!

Do you use a running coach, or read any books to aid in your training?

I have read all of Dean Karnazes books and Born To Run. I am addicted to Runner's World and Running Times. I often reread the old issues while I am waiting on the new one to come.

How do you fit running in with your daily schedule?

I am a school teacher so it is very difficult to get the run in before school. I pack my running gear everyday and take it to school. When the last student leaves, I change like Superman in a phone booth. I get my work done and then I am out on the road!

Do your friends and family support your running or think you are crazy?

At first, they thought I was insane... Now that they see this new, improved, healthy me, they want to get in on the fun!

What is your favorite running terrain (road, trail, treadmill)?

I like the road. The cars, people, and places that pass by keep me entertained. I get kind of bored on the trails here, and the tread mill is about the worse form of torture known to man!!!

What is the hardest race you’ve run to date?

Last summer I was in Kentucky on mission trip with my church. It was Late June, VERY HOT and VERY HILLY. I attempted to run 8 miles everyday after hanging sheet rock for 8 hours a day. I about killed myself. My pace was HORRENDOUS, but I ran nonetheless!

What is the most enjoyable race you’ve run to date?

It would have to be the Lake Lure Dam Run 10k in Lake Lure North Carolina. It was a VERY CHALLENGING mountainous road race, but the finish line was on the shore of a man made beach nestled in the mountains. The atmosphere at the finish line was the best. Very family friendly, lots of activities for the nonrunners, and good food for finishers.

Have you ever been injured due to running? What were the ramifications?

I had a strained IT band the week before my first marathon. I ran the marathon anyway and it just made it worse. I saw the chiropractor and massage therapist almost daily for 2 weeks. It took about 5 weeks til I was running normal again.

Do you use any music or run tracking devices when you run, or are you a naked runner.?

Naked all the way!

How do you get yourself through the difficult parts of your runs? Do you have a personal mantra or do you just give up?

Honestly, I just picture the old, over weight me, and I just push through!. I don't ever want to go back!

A lot of runners know that “Who has the runs” has a double meaning. How do you deal with the occasional “problem” that plagues every runner at one time or another?

To quote the world famous runner Mr. Gump, "When I had to go, I went!"

What advice would you give to someone thinking about taking up running?

Even if you run just half a mile, that is farther than you went sitting on the couch! GO FOR IT!

What is your next big race?

Myrtle Beach Full Marathon, February 18th

What is your immediate running goal?

LOL... To get through my 14 miles in the morning in spite of the 20 degree forecasted low!

What is your ultimate running goal?

I would love to conquer a 50 miler or longer. I don't have a specific run in mind though. Maybe I will just run the distance one Saturday for fun.

Do you have a way we can keep track of your progress (Twitter, Facebook, Blog, etc)

Blog: www.mrdearybury.blogspot.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/mrdearybury

Twitter @mrdearybury1