Every week we highlight one of our members from the TRU Tribe Running Team. Meet Michelle! If we can do it, so can you!
I am nominating Michelle because she got out of your comfort zone with the Jackass 31K: doing her longest run, longest trail and night trail run, she leads by example and she is one of the most active people in our TRU TRIBE. I’ve enjoyed getting to know her better through through our 30 Day Giving and Receiving Challenge.
Why did you start running?
I ran high school track (sprints only) and then picked running back up about 10 years ago. It was a way for me to be a good role model for my girls and also provided “me” time. Running is therapeutic for me, it allows me to bring balance to my life.
I ran high school track (sprints only) and then picked running back up about 10 years ago. It was a way for me to be a good role model for my girls and also provided “me” time. Running is therapeutic for me, it allows me to bring balance to my life.
What age did you start running?
39
39
How old are you now? (to inspire the others! but you don’t have to answer if you don’t want to)
49
49
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far from your running journey?
Your body is capable of much more than you think. I always told myself I am a sprinter and not made for long distances. But once I started training for 5Ks and then half-marathons, I found that I CAN run long distance. For me, it has always been a mental game of telling myself I CAN DO IT.
Your body is capable of much more than you think. I always told myself I am a sprinter and not made for long distances. But once I started training for 5Ks and then half-marathons, I found that I CAN run long distance. For me, it has always been a mental game of telling myself I CAN DO IT.
What advice would you give a beginner runner?
Anyone can become a runner. Just start slow and celebrate the small victories along the way. Secondly, find a friend or a group to run with… it is so much more fun when it becomes a social event as well. You may find that you really enjoy running and spending this time with others.
Anyone can become a runner. Just start slow and celebrate the small victories along the way. Secondly, find a friend or a group to run with… it is so much more fun when it becomes a social event as well. You may find that you really enjoy running and spending this time with others.
What would you do differently knowing what you know now? When I first started running and training for races, I always trained by myself because I was intimidated to run with others as I did not think I was fast enough. But in reality, a good running group will support you regardless how fast or slow you are. Running with the TRUTribe has been that running group for me.
What is your longest race distance and why?
The Jackass 31k was my longest run. I was doing the track workouts and the ladies were talking about it. I thought to myself, I can do that. I always look to challenge myself so I signed up and drank the Kool-Aid.
The Jackass 31k was my longest run. I was doing the track workouts and the ladies were talking about it. I thought to myself, I can do that. I always look to challenge myself so I signed up and drank the Kool-Aid.
Do you have a bucket list race or distance?
I would love to run a destination half-marathon with my youngest daughter one day.
I would love to run a destination half-marathon with my youngest daughter one day.
What has been your favorite race and/or distance so far?
My favorite race was the Nike Women’s Half Marathon in San Francisco. The course was challenging but my family was there cheering me on and providing that extra energy I needed.
My favorite race was the Nike Women’s Half Marathon in San Francisco. The course was challenging but my family was there cheering me on and providing that extra energy I needed.
What is your favorite color?
Blue
Blue
What is your favorite post race food and drink?
I really don’t have a favorite… but I did enjoy my beer and pizza after the Jackass run.
I really don’t have a favorite… but I did enjoy my beer and pizza after the Jackass run.
Anything else you want to share with the TRU TRIBE 😀
The TruTribe ladies are one of a kind. Coach Lisa inspires and encourages everyone and the ladies have become my friends. The group lifts each other up and welcomes everyone… I never felt like I did not belong.
The TruTribe ladies are one of a kind. Coach Lisa inspires and encourages everyone and the ladies have become my friends. The group lifts each other up and welcomes everyone… I never felt like I did not belong.