Interview: Elizabeth G Please Describe

Interview: Elizabeth G

Please describe briefly your past exercise and sport participation history.

I was on my high school's dance team. In college, I was a member of a sorority, so that took up most of my time instead. I did participate in many fitness-related activities, but more on a casual basis, like working out and doing charity walks with my sisters. After I graduated, I got a job in marketing. I got tired of sitting at a desk all day. I was used to being physically active and my company provided a free membership to a local gym, so I decided to start taking dance classes at the gym. I didn't like the classes, but I did enjoy working out, especially on the treadmill. I started running and I've never stopped!

Question 2: Please describe your current exercise and sport participation.

I just completed my second marathon, with a PR (personal record) of 4:03. I have also signed up for the Nike half-marathon in August.

Question 3: How long have you been participating in...

I've been competitively running for two years. For a long time, I simply ran on the treadmill, running about 5 miles a day. But I'm a very competitive person, and I missed the competition of my old dance team, so I decided to give my running a goal and train for a half marathon. I've been addicted ever since!

Question 4: Why do you currently participate in...

Mainly the feeling it gives me -- I love the runner's high! I also love the sense of accomplishment. When things aren't going so great in my life, it's nice to have the satisfaction of doing a PR (personal record) at a race, or even just running by myself. I've seen my running get better and better, from when I first started on the treadmill five years ago to now. Running in races has really helped my running in leaps and bounds. Although training in the gym or on trails is pretty solitary I love the community that comes from racing and meeting fellow runners. I am part of an Internet message board community for runners.

Question 5: What is the level of support that significant others in your life offer for your participation in...

I'm not involved with a guy right now -- maybe that is why I am so running obsessed! No one in my family is into running. My father even forgot that I was going to be running in the Marine Corps Marathon and called me to ask if he could come over and visit the next day -- the night before the marathon! He also thinks I spend too much money on running-related gear like shoes and cute workout clothes, but running in good shoes is important to avoid getting injured, and the clothes really motivate me to keep my form strong.

Question 6: How long do you see yourself participating in...

As long as I can -- until I get injured, I guess -- hopefully my knees will hold out! I'm pretty fit and always have been athletic. I try to train and eat right. My obsession with racing may lessen when I have a husband and children, I guess, but you never know.

Question 7: Do you foresee any barriers or challenges in participating in...the future?

Not really -- running always has new challenges, new personal records to set.

I want to get faster, now that I have conquered the marathon distance twice, and maybe do more trail running. I did a trail run recently, it was only six miles, but it made me even sorer than my last marathon!

Question 8: Any thoughts or helpful suggestions on becoming motivated to participate in exercise or sport and sticking with it once you begin?

The first time I ran on the treadmill at the gym I could BARELY run two miles. I didn't know how anyone could run even a 5K! Then, I was daunted by the half-marathon challenge, which is why I was so determined to conquer the distance. I was also afraid about running outside, since so much of my running was on a treadmill. But every time I have set a new challenge for myself, I have over come it -- one step at a time. That's all running is about when you boil it down, it's just taking one step at a time, faster and faster each time.