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| Vanessa Kline |
Q: When did you start running and why?
A: “I started running in January 2012 after having my 3rd child two months prior. I was overweight and none of my clothes would fit. I had been a runner in high school, but hadn't run for over 14 years so getting back out there was a big challenge. I didn't think I could commit to myself, so I signed up for the San Diego Rock 'N' Roll Marathon and went for my first run the very next day.
“I had never run a race longer than a 5k, but I was never the type to make things easy on myself, so a marathon it was! The first few months were hard, I was sucking wind and felt like I was going to die. There were days I wasn't motivated and my fiancé would literally push me out the door telling me, "Just go, you'll feel better!" He was right...after the first mile it really wasn't so bad. It was just getting through the first part of the run that was difficult. I cried on many of my runs, but I kept pushing through even when it sucked. Eventually running became something I wanted to do, not something I had to do.”
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| Vanessa with Riverside MRTT Members |
A: “As long as I am healthy, I am averaging 70-90 miles a week. I find I can run more without my body breaking down if I stay on trails, too many miles on the road really beats me up. I will cycle a few high 90 mile weeks and then bump it back for a week or two to let my body recover. I don't follow any specific training plans. I run road marathons often (sometimes two or three a month), but I am usually pacing them so I'm not running at 100%. Those runs are more for training.
“I also change my training depending on what race I have coming up. I am not really training for marathons right now, my actual races are the ultras. If I have a mountain race, I try to do most of my running in the mountains and on hills. If I have a road ultra, I will try to get on the road more.
http://www.runtahoe.com/content/triples
“It becomes a little tricky when I have two big races back to back. This year I'm running Lake Tahoe Super Triple the weekend of 9/13, then Kodiak 100 Miler the weekend of 9/20. Since I am already in training for AC100 on 8/2, I will keep mostly to the trails after that race and then add in some of my longer runs on the road. So for example: I might run 25 miles in the mountains and the following day another 20-25 miles on the road.”
http://www.ac100.com/
http://kodiak100.com/
Q: How did you find out about Moms Run this Town and what do you like about the group?
A: “I originally found out about the High Desert Chapter of MRTT after a friend had added me. There were several of us in another running group from the High Desert area. After MRTT found an administrator in our area the group blossomed. Soon I was added to other MRTT groups in the surrounding areas.
“I like the fact that there are runners of all shapes, sizes, and abilities. There is someone for EVERYONE to run with. Whether you are fast or slow doesn't matter. There is a ton of support in the MRTT groups, and I find it motivating when others tell me I'm motivating them.
“I love seeing people make progress. That is so satisfying to me when I see someone go from walking around the block to running their first race. I love seeing people improve themselves!”
Q: It looks like you have kids, how do you fit it all in?
A: “To fit all my running in I have a lot of support. My fiancé, mom, my sister and her husband all help watch my kids if I'm going to be gone. I also have a babysitter that my kids love for those times when family is not able to help. It literally takes a village.
“Sometimes it is hard because the distance I've chosen to participate in takes many training hours each week. I try to get my runs in (or at least start them) when everyone is still asleep. I am not really a morning person, but I think I've learned to become one. If I have to do my run at 2am before work I will. Whatever it takes!
“It is also a challenge because my fiancé Thomas Stokes is an athlete as well (a professional MMA fighter) so we are (pun intended) often "fighting" for training time. We try to be courteous and think of each other’s needs. We often cross train together (strength & conditioning) and that lets us push each other. Neither one of us wants to be beat so it can get quite competitive in our home gym!”
https://www.facebook.com/TommyHandsOfStoneStokes
Q: Any hints or tips for those just starting out?
A: “Get a good pair of shoes. My favorite running store is Fleet Feet Sports in Rancho Cucamonga. It is family owned and they really take care of their customers.
http://www.fleetfeetranchocucamonga.com/
“Start out slowly. Do not go from A-Z. Increase mileage by no more than 10% each week.
“Make sure you commit to yourself. If you can't, find a goal race and sign up for it or find a partner (MRTT is great for this). No one is going to do this for you, you have to do it for yourself.
“Be flexible. Don't be afraid to run at night, early morning, on trail, with someone new, just get out there.
“Stay consistent. My rule is no more than 2 days off of running in a row (unless you are sick or injured). On the third day you start to lose fitness.”
If you are interested in
reading more about Vanessa’s journey as a runner, here are a few links for you
to check out: https://www.facebook.com/vanessaklinelikeabeast
http://www.vvdailypress.com/article/20140607/SPORTS/140609851/13000/SPORTS?template=printart
http://www.vvdailypress.com/article/20140621/Sports/140629958
https://www.facebook.com/vvdailypressnews/posts/451792021579570
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