Every Saturday we highlight one of our members from the TRU Tribe Running Club . Meet Barbara! If we can do it, so can you!
Big finish line smiles!
I picked Barbara because as soon as she joined TRU TRIBE, she kept pushing herself out of her comfort zone. She sets an example as one of the older people in our group (and she’s not old! LOL). Her Final Surge is almost always all green and she participates in our online group.
Why did you start running?
I started running to train for the Phoenix Rock and Roll Half Marathon. I was inspired by two co-workers who were planning to run the race. They had both done it before and made it sound like fun, so I thought I would give it a try. It was supposed to be a one-time thing for me, just to see if I could do it. Little did I know that I would get hooked!
I started running to train for the Phoenix Rock and Roll Half Marathon. I was inspired by two co-workers who were planning to run the race. They had both done it before and made it sound like fun, so I thought I would give it a try. It was supposed to be a one-time thing for me, just to see if I could do it. Little did I know that I would get hooked!
What age did you start running?
58
58
How old are you now? (to inspire the others! but you don’t have to answer if you don’t want to)
61 years old
61 years old
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far from your running journey?
Your question really holds the answer. It is a journey, and journeys have ups and downs, detours, stops and starts, and will take you to wonderful places. Just have a map, and be prepared to sometimes go to places that aren’t on the map! (Like running on trails at night-NEVER saw that coming!)
Your question really holds the answer. It is a journey, and journeys have ups and downs, detours, stops and starts, and will take you to wonderful places. Just have a map, and be prepared to sometimes go to places that aren’t on the map! (Like running on trails at night-NEVER saw that coming!)
What advice would you give a beginner runner?
I had to start with alternating walking and running. At the time I felt like I wasn’t a “runner.” Now I realize that the moment I transitioned from a walk to a run, I became a runner! So, I would advise a beginner to think of herself as a runner, regardless of speed, body type, age or experience. I also recommend getting a running coach to help you with your mechanics. You probably ran very naturally as a child, but as an adult you may need to re-learn good form. It may be the key to staying injury-free. Lastly, find a running group! I love my time alone when I run, but I also love running with my Tribe!
I had to start with alternating walking and running. At the time I felt like I wasn’t a “runner.” Now I realize that the moment I transitioned from a walk to a run, I became a runner! So, I would advise a beginner to think of herself as a runner, regardless of speed, body type, age or experience. I also recommend getting a running coach to help you with your mechanics. You probably ran very naturally as a child, but as an adult you may need to re-learn good form. It may be the key to staying injury-free. Lastly, find a running group! I love my time alone when I run, but I also love running with my Tribe!
What would you do differently knowing what you know now?
I would have sought out a coach sooner. I suffered from groin injuries after my first two half marathons. Once I worked with a physical therapist who was a runner, and then a coach, I have stayed injury free (not counting injuries from falling—I am not very graceful!)
I would have sought out a coach sooner. I suffered from groin injuries after my first two half marathons. Once I worked with a physical therapist who was a runner, and then a coach, I have stayed injury free (not counting injuries from falling—I am not very graceful!)
What is your longest race distance and why?
My longest distance was at a timed event, the Jackrabbit Jubilee. I did just over 23 miles in the 6 hour event. My longest trail run was just a week ago at the Jackass Night Trail Run, 31 K.
My longest distance was at a timed event, the Jackrabbit Jubilee. I did just over 23 miles in the 6 hour event. My longest trail run was just a week ago at the Jackass Night Trail Run, 31 K.
Do you have a bucket list race or distance?
I have 3 goals right now. First up, I am training for my first marathon, The Phoenix Rock and Roll Marathon in January. After that, I want to do my first ultra trail race, a 50 K. There, I said it! Now I have to do it! I also want to run a race in another country.
I have 3 goals right now. First up, I am training for my first marathon, The Phoenix Rock and Roll Marathon in January. After that, I want to do my first ultra trail race, a 50 K. There, I said it! Now I have to do it! I also want to run a race in another country.
What has been your favorite race and/or distance so far?
I have two favorites. My first race will always be special, that was the Rock and Roll Half Marathon in 2017. My other favorite was the double down Blackout 6 K and Big Pine 13 K this year. It was my first trail race, first night race, first double down and first race that I ran with TRU Tribe ladies!
I have two favorites. My first race will always be special, that was the Rock and Roll Half Marathon in 2017. My other favorite was the double down Blackout 6 K and Big Pine 13 K this year. It was my first trail race, first night race, first double down and first race that I ran with TRU Tribe ladies!
What is your favorite color?
Purple
Purple
What is your favorite post race food and drink?
A banana with nut butter, if it’s a morning race, and just water to drink. At night I gravitate towards pizza with wine or beer.
A banana with nut butter, if it’s a morning race, and just water to drink. At night I gravitate towards pizza with wine or beer.
Anything else you want to share with the TRU TRIBE 😀
You ALL inspire me! I love the way we train together and encourage each other in spite of different ages, paces and running experiences.
You ALL inspire me! I love the way we train together and encourage each other in spite of different ages, paces and running experiences.
Make sure to check out Barbara’s blog: BoomerChiX 😍