{Runners Who Rock} Deb

This week, I am pleased to share yet another amazing runner with you. I am constantly amazed by the community of runners that I have gotten to know via social media all because of having this one thing in common. This week, the spotlight is on Deb, who is both a runner and a personal trainer. Introducing Deb!

When did you start running? I always ran races against my big brother when I was little, and I started running track when I was in eight grade.

Who or what inspires you to run? These days the members of my running group inspire me to run. They have all come so far with their running since we started the group and I want to continue to watch them grow as runners.

What is your favorite running mantra? Believe in yourself!

What is your favorite running or fitness blog? Hungry Runner Girl was the first blog that I read regularly. I love that no matter what life throws her way, Janae always has a positive attitude. She is an incredibly talented runner that combines her training, running stories, love of food, and family life into one fun-to-read blog.

What is the first race you ever ran? After track in high school I didn’t run in races until after I graduated from college. About a year after graduation I started running in races again and the first race was a five-miler on the Fourth of July.

Name one thing you learned from your first race? I learned that I needed to be better acclimated to the weather. The race was around 10 AM, but I was used to running much earlier in the day when it was cooler. The heat was brutal!

What are you currently training for? My next race is the Hokie Half Marathon at my alma mater, Virginia Tech!

What one piece of running gear you cannot live without? Other than my running shoes, I couldn’t run without my sunglasses. If you don’t consider them as running gear, then the next most important item would be my Nathan hydration belt.

Share one piece of advice to new runners… Start out slowly and build your way up. Don’t run too far on your first day out and then not be able to walk the next day! Also, definitely try to find a running group to run with (at the very least a running partner).

And for fun… What do you like to do besides run? Beside my passion for running, I LOVE watching college football, especially my Hokies! I also love gardening and reading; and of course blogging! 🙂