Every week I pull up the Member Engagement report to see who has engaged the most the week before who hasn’t been nominated yet. This week we meet Angie McIntyre!
Why did you start running?
I started running the day after the Mesa Turkey Trot in 2013. For years prior, I had enjoyed walking in the 1 mile Fun Run and cheering for the runners in my life. That day, while watching others run across the 5K and 10K finish line I thought to myself, “Running looks like more fun.” I had never considered running before in my life.
What age did you start running?
I was about to turn 50 when I started running.
How old are you now?
I’m now 57 years old and have never felt better!
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far from your running journey?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned so far from my running journey is to get small wins every day and trust that they will add up to something better than you could have imagined.
What advice would you give a beginner runner?
My advice for beginner runners is to trust the whisper in your ear to run, no matter how outrageous you or your people think it is. Don’t wait or put off the call! Claim running and name yourself a runner right away, even if it feels a little uncomfortable at first. Invest in excellent personal coaching, equipment, and online/book learning. Treat and reward yourself often in ways that don’t undermine your running (personally, chocolate and beer never undermine my running!) Hold in your heart that running is yours, something you do with yourself and for yourself. Look for and find your running people. Then use the success, love, and energy you gain through running and give it away to those you love and those most in need.
What would you do differently knowing what you know now?
I wouldn’t do anything differently knowing what I know now, which is so sweet. My running journey is filled with ups, downs, and sideways, but that is where the learning is, where the story worth telling is. Up front, I’m grateful to have been a raw, clumsy, down-right can’t run from my home to my neighbor’s home two houses away, barely running runner. I’m glad I kept my running hopes private until I had a little confidence and reached out for help, starting with my family. It gave me the time I needed to dig deep on my own and for our family to acclimate to my bigger goals.
What is your longest race distance and why?
I ran my first marathon on January 31, 2021! My family and I did an at-home event that included 8 laps of 3.28 miles around my neighborhood. We did it this way because we were inspired by others who found creative running solutions during the pandemic, to include those who ran marathons in their apartment, on their balcony, or in their driveway!
Do you have a bucket list race or distance?
I love road races and am interested in Rock n Roll (Phoenix, San Diego) and Big Sur. It would be a big privilege to run Boston or Marine. For distance, I look forward to training for trail and Crown King 50K
What has been your favorite race and/or distance so far?
Asking which is my favorite race is like asking me to choose my favorite child! Every race I’ve run has meant so much to me, seriously tears in my eyes as I type. As for distance, I really enjoy 10-12 miles, my current sweet spot.
What is your favorite color?
Blue, blue, and more blue is my favorite color.
What is your favorite post race food and drink?
Guinness beer after a long run is my favorite food and drink.
Anything else you want to share with the TRU TRIBE Run Team.
It is my privilege and joy to love and learn from Lisa and this running family, TRU TRIBE.
You can also visit Angie’s website here and read one her latest blog posts: 26 Ways Running A Marathon Can Make You More Generous