{Runners Who Rock} Tabetha W.

We are coming off a busy couple of weeks for runners, aren’t we? The Marine Corps Marathon, the New York City Marathon, and the Ironman in Panama City Beach. I know people who participated in all of those and I am still in awe. It certainly has me motivated and inspired to keep pushing myself to my own goals.

This week, I am featuring Tabetha!

When did you start running? I started running a few years ago – I half heartedly worked my way through the Couch to 5K running app on my phone, then promptly quit once I finished it. It took me a while to believe I could keep it up.

Who or what inspires you to run? The most important thing that running has taught me about myself is that I need goals, so for the moment, working towards a goal inspires me to run. It’s not the most exciting answer in the world, but I’ve always had a lot of trouble staying accountable. Knowing that I’m really working at a specific race, and staying on track makes me proud of myself.

What is your favorite running mantra? “Please stop hurting?” No, probably “One more mile”.

What is your favorite running or fitness blog? Aside from yours? I’m a big runDisney geek, and the blogs that got me started on my goals include:

What is the first race you ever ran? My very first race was runDisney’s Princess Half Marathon in 2012. My super supportive husband ran it with me, surrounded by all those tu-tus and glitter. He wears the girly finisher’s shirt with pride. He’s a keeper, alright.

Name one thing you learned from your first race? That I can do it. I’m a lot stronger than I ever knew. We hit the halfway point of the Princess Half Marathon and they were playing Kelly Clarkson’s “Stronger” as the halfway song – I knew when we hit that marker that I had enough strength left to finish strong. I still get a lump in my throat when I hear that song sometimes, just remembering that feeling.

What are you currently training for? I’m currently training for a few races, actually. The Niagara Falls International Marathon Weekend, was two weekends ago…. Then this winter I’ve got the Space Coast Marathon in Port Canaveral, which will be my first marathon (gulp) and then a month later during runDisney’s Marathon Weekend I’ll be running the inaugural Minnie 10K on Friday, followed by the Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge (Half Marathon on Saturday and the Marathon on Sunday). I’m terrified, but excited. Excitified? Bear in mind, please, that last year I said I’d never run the Goofy. I’ve clearly lost my mind.

What one piece of running gear you cannot live without? ENERGYbits – Taking these bits of Spirulina have been a real game-changer for me both in managing my blood sugar issues and in powering through tough workouts. So much so that I’ve become a Brand Ambassador for them.

Share one piece of advice to new runners… Don’t let what you “can’t do” overwhelm you, just break down big goals into smaller, realistic goals. That, and don’t be afraid to push yourself a little harder.

And for fun… What do you like to do besides run? Laugh and travel. I’m an actor and improviser, so I love comedy. I love watching it and I love performing it. I’m lucky enough to be employed doing what I love and traveling at the same time. What a life!