Hi Palm Beach Roadrunner Lisa Smith,
How many miles per week do you run?:
I am actually a low mileage kinda girl. I have learned that my body does better with low mileage and more cross training. When I’m running every day my body gets broken down and needs more recovery and I find that sometimes those “extra” miles are actually “junk miles”. So now I try to have a purpose for each run and do more biking and swimming on my off days. If I’m training for a marathon I will run 4 maybe 5 days a week but when I’m training for a triathlon I only run 3-4 days.
When I don’t run or work out my days just feel a bit empty and for me it helps keep me balanced and happy
When and why did you start running:
I began running about 20 years ago after watching my husband run and compete in local races. I got tired of being a cheerleader and decided to give it a try. It didn’t take long before I was hooked on the thrill of training for a specific event and the excitement and sense of accomplishment that came with each race. Don’t get me wrong, I still enjoy being a “cheerleader” at the races and watching those first timers experience the thrill of crossing the finish line.
Why do you run?:
I can honestly say that I don’t love running but I do love how I feel when I’m running and the feeling I get when I complete a hard workout. Sometimes it’s hard to actually get out the door but once the shoes are laced up and I begin moving the sense of enjoyment soon follows. My dedication and commitment to running has helped me in other areas of my life. It’s a great way to jump start my day and the stress or hiccups that can come along the way don’t seem so great when I’ve had a good work out. When I don’t run or work out my days just feel a bit empty and for me it helps keep me balanced and happy.
Currently training for:
I am currently training for the Miami 70.3 Ironman race in October and of course the fun Fall and Winter races that PBRR puts on. I love the local races that begin in November. And after that I will consider training for another Ironman Race in 2015.
Do you prefer to run alone or in a group? Explain:
For most of my long runs I enjoy running with friends. They are great encouragers and it helps pass the time. However there are days when I just like to either run solo with or without my music so that I can focus on what my body is telling me to do for that workout. And when I have specific goals for an upcoming race I sometimes need to run my own workouts so I can focus on the specific goal for that particular workout. As much fun as it is to run with friends, the long solo runs help prepare me for the mental challenge of race day.
Favorite race, run or distance:
My favorite race distance is a ½ marathon because it doesn’t take too much time to train for it and if I had to I could go out and run a ½ marathon without much training and still enjoy it. I have always enjoyed the A1A ½ marathon since many fellow palm beach road runners usually run that race and it has a great party at the finish line. I also love the local races like Run for the Pies and the Classics by the Sea race since most of the locals run them as well. If I had to recommend one race to someone to put on their bucket list it would have to be the Big Sur Marathon. I had the privilege of running it with a wonderful group of friends last Spring and we were absolutely blown away by the beauty of the course. This was a very enjoyable race and an experience I won’t soon forget.
Most memorable race or run? Explain:
It’s hard to pick a favorite or most memorable race. However, my first marathon will always be the most memorable. It was the Disney Marathon and I’ll never forget the thrill of completing my first marathon and the pain I experienced after the race. The pain is like a badge you wear with pride after the race telling everyone, “Yeah, I just ran the Disney Marathon.” No medal needed to let everyone know. They just need to watch you walk down the stairs. It was this race that hooked me into the racing community. I enjoyed the training and the people I met along the way. My husband, kids and my dad were there and supported me along the course and cheered me on as I crossed the finish line. That was a pretty amazing experience.
Highlight of running or biggest accomplishment:
My biggest accomplishment would have to be the Ironman Florida Race which I completed for the first time in 2013. It is an experience /journey that I will never forget from the moment I began training until I ran down that finishing chute and crossed that incredible finish line. There are no words to describe the journey that gets you there and the many emotions you experience on that incredibly long race day.
Favorite thing about running:
My favorite thing about running is the amazing people and friendships I have made over the years. I love being a part of this running community and I love the people who are a part of it. Running encourages me to push my body to limits I sometimes feel I can’t reach and it is such a rush when I push through those limits.
Favorite quote: “Pain is temporary, quitting is forever.”
Thank you Lisa. Good luck with your training and races!
Published on September 19, 2014
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