Runner Spotlight - Lorri Roberts

A bit about you:

I’m not what you would call a natural athlete.  I used to HATE running. I mean really loathe it. I have always struggled with my weight and in college (circa 2003) I decided to take a conditioning class to fulfill a Phys Ed requirement and jump start my latest attempt at losing weight. I had no problem with the weight training and even enjoyed some of the aerobic classes we did, but when it came to running I was always the slowest and last to finish. It was embarrassing enough that I was over 200lbs but to have all your classmates waiting for you (and not really cheering or encouraging you) was enough to make me cry. And I did. In front of the entire class at the final exam.  We had to do a one mile time trial on a humid May afternoon. I don’t do well in heat ever, much less with so much extra weight. So it took me nearly 20 painful, slow, agonizing minutes. I was done. I hung up my sneakers and vowed to never run again unless being chased by wolves…

Fast forward to my post college days, I was in a happy relationship but still on my up and down roller coaster with my weight so my, then boyfriend, now husband, and I started regularly working out. Slowly the weight began to come off little by little but I still REFUSED to run. Until one day my husband told me he was going to start running on the indoor track at our gym and he challenged me to run with him.  So I did. Then he challenged my to run a race, more on that specific race later, and I did that too. And I was hooked! Now, over a decade later, I’ve completed 2 marathons, 20 half marathons, and so many 5k,u10k, and shorter distance races that I’ve lost track. Something I never dreamed I would do, much less want to do! 

It's taken hard work and finding my tribe to keep me running. I wouldn't have been able to accomplish all that craziness without the support and encouragement of my husband and my Fleet Feet Family - the Louisville Distance Project training program I joined in 2013. Even crazier, I’m now the Head Coach of that same program! 

It’s incredible the journey that running has taken me on. It’s been my comfort, joy, stress relief, my inspiration, humbling, and empowering all at once. My training partners have become my family and friends for life. If you had shown the girl I was back in college a picture of who I am now, she never would have believed it.  It just goes to show how much running can impact your life if you have the courage to let it. All you have to do is lace up those shoes and take the first step.

Favorite distance: 

Half Marathons are my favorite - long enough that you need to train well to do well and short enough that I’m not wiped out for two days afterwards!

Do you have any running advice you'd like to offer?: 

Find a training partner!

The people we run with can help keep you out of your head on particularly tough runs, they can pull you through, distract you, or just run quietly along side. They’re there to tell you when you’re being dumb (running through injury) and to celebrate your victories big or small. They keep you accountable to yourself and your training and if you’re a good training partner (and friend) you do the same for them.  I’d be lost without my run family!

Why do you like running River City Races events?:

My first River City Race was the Reindeer Romp 4K in December 2007, it was actually my very first race EVER! The weather was awful, truly! It had snowed the night before and then turned to a slushy soup the morning of the race but we still did it. I remember getting to the finish line and crying. It wasn’t because I was first, I’m sure I was much closer to last, but because I finished. I completed something I never thought I wanted to do. It was an incredible feeling and I’ve been hooked ever since. RCR does an amazing job managing and hosting their races every year and as long as Camille, Lyndsey and the rest of the team keeping putting them on I’ll be there to run them!

Anything else you'd like to share?:

When I'm not running, which isn't often, I work as the Event & Volunteer Supervisor for a local non-profit called Brightside where we strive to keep Louisville cleaner and greener for all community members. I'm married to the same guy, Gil, who got me started running all those years ago and we have a spunky little girl name Kira who’s often along for the run in her stroller!

If you ever see me out running or at a race come say Hi! I love meeting new people and getting to hear your stories and I'm happy to answer any questions you have about running or what kind of crazy you have to be to run as many races as I have.  We have a pretty incredible community of runners here in Louisville and I'm so glad to be a part of it.

Runner Spotlight - Kaitlin Buchanan

Favorite running memory:

It’s tough to choose just one, but I’ll say finishing my 10th half marathon in Florida this past year. It was one of my smartest and most consistent races I’ve ever run and is my current half marathon PR. It was also the first time I really trusted my training and accurately guessed my finish time. I didn’t try to overshoot it or undersell myself. I knew what I was capable of and I did it! As I came to the finish line, I had my husband, son, and mother in law cheering for me in one of my favorite places in the world. It was incredibly empowering!

Running advice:

I would say to find quality gear. Invest in the right shoes for your feet, (for women) a quality sports bra, and, of course, a Ponya band to keep your hair back and sweat out of your eyes without having to worry about if it’s moving all around are three things I swear by. It’s important to be comfortable while you’re running and the right gear is crucial to that.

 Why I like RCR events?

There is always a RCR event coming up, no matter what season it is or where you are in training. It keeps things fun all year round, especially in the “off” seasons when you may be struggling to stay motivated

 Anything else to share?

The Louisville running community is something really special and it’s always great to support local, from race companies like RCR, to small businesses like Ponya Bands. Always remember what it takes to put on events and show gratitude for all involved in making them successful and fun.

 Kaitlin Buchanan is a member of the Fleet Feet Race Team, the local chapter of Moms/She Runs This Town, and in charge of social media for Ponya Bands.

Runner Spotlight - Myrdin Thompson

Your Favorite Running Memory?

I've been blessed to be able to run some incredible races in the last five years and have the opportunity to travel to different locales to do so: from Africa to New York to Boston to Chicago, but my favorite running moment was when I ran a local 5k Girls on the Run race with my daughter and her classmates. I had the wonderful opportunity to be a coach for a season understanding that, while many (like my daughter) may not continue on with running, no one will ever be able to take away from their accomplishments on their race day; that it was not just about physical activity, but the knowledge that their hard work, dedication, and determination they applied to that moment was within them all along and still remains within them and can be applied to any goal they set out to achieve. As Michael J. Fox has said "Our challenges don't define us. Our actions do."

 Running Advice To Offer?

Running is a hobby. The experience should bring you joy - even as it can challenge and frustrate you at times. While I whole heartedly support following a specific plan to help you achieve your goals, you have to also be willing to be flexible. Life will interfere. Unless you are an elite and sponsored athlete, running should never be prioritized over everything else. Furthermore, we should never apologize because we miss a training day. I try to schedule my running around family and work, not the other way around. And while I am very competitive, it is mostly with myself, wanting to continually improve. We shouldn't measure our success by where we place in the race standings, but by how we felt at the end of the season and by our desire to continue to learn and our willingness to grow.

 Why I Like RCR Events?

The RCR team always strives to make their races well organized, enjoyable, and affordable. Since the majority are in Cherokee Park, I'm able to run my race morning warm-up from my front door to the race start line (and then a cool-down on the way home). I also appreciate the new addition of races and the 502 Medal series as a great way to encourage our community to support smaller races that aren't often as well attended. The Winter Series is also a great way for me to add some speed and hill work into my "off-season" training while I maintain my base before Spring marathon training really takes over.

 Anything Else To Share?

While I love sharing my journey on social media (primarily through Instagram but also on Strava and Athlinks), I am always keenly aware, as says, that "comparison is the thief of joy." It is very easy to get caught up in looking at how others are running and feel that you aren't accomplishing enough or that you are missing out on opportunities. The truth is, we cannot run every race, not every training run will be spot on for your planned goals, and not everyone has a work/home/life balance that affords the time to train the same way as others. I try to remember that and hope that I communicate well with our Fleet Feet training group, that everyone you see out there, either on the road or on social media, started their running journey the same way they have: by putting one foot in front of the other to keep moving forward.

 Myrdin Thompson is the Fleet Feet Training Program Director. Since 2014 she has completed 13 marathons, one Ultra (50 miles), and summited Mt. Kilimanjaro. Five of her marathons qualified her for Boston, running Boston twice (2016 and 2018) and is planning on running Boston again this Spring 2020. She continues to be a proud member of the Fleet Feet Elite Team, a Michael J. Fox Team Fox Athlete, Charity Miles Ambassador, and member of 261 Fearless. She is currently working on her Running Coach certification and most mornings you can find her running in the Cherokee Park loop. To learn more about Fleet Feet 's Louisville Distance Project, No Boundaries (5k training), and the Elite Team, please go to www.fleetfeetlouisville.com or email Myrdin at myrdin@fleetfeetlouisville.com

Runner Spotlight - Dr. Kyle Bowling

Your Favorite Running Memory?

There are so many to choose from! My #1 memory though doesn’t involve a race I’ve won or even performed well in. It was a marathon a few years back that didn’t go according to plan, where the goal of the race quickly became a “just finish” type of run. With my focus not being on a time goal at that point, I was able to truly take a step back and enjoy the collective energy and beauty of the race. The hard work, dedication, and support that goes into a race is truly amazing. I was also running slow enough for my 4 year old daughter to run beside me into the finish, which was pretty special!

Running Advice To Offer?

Two things:

1)    Learn to appreciate everything that running has to offer. From the stress relief and time outdoors to the cardiovascular health and excuse to drink a post-run beer (or two) with friends, running just has the ability to make life better!

2)    Treat your training plans like life. It’s inevitable that there will be some roadblocks and unforeseen circumstances along the way. We (myself included) get so wrapped up in following our training plans, that if an injury/sickness/life obstacle leads to a few unplanned days off, we worry that everything is lost and we must change our goals. Successful training is about the entire “body of work” that we’ve put in. Roll with the punches, adapt, cross train, and keep moving forward!

Why I Like RCR Events?

The Louisville running community is very special. We are a family who competes hard with each other, but also offers one another unending support and encouragement. River City Races events have provided our Running Family with quality races to meet, run fast, and have fun! We have RCR to thank for much of the growth and consistency of the Louisville running culture.

Anything Else To Share?

I of course need to throw in some medical advice specific to runners. Be sure to surround yourself with a medical team (PCP, orthopedist, NP, DC, DPT, LMT, etc.) that knows runners. I still meet with too many people who have received poor medical advice to simply “stop running” when faced with injury. This is very rarely necessary. If you’re working with a practitioner who knows running, they will understand that running is a way of life for many of us. Permanently stopping is not an option, unless in extreme circumstances. We need proper medical advice for gaining an accurate diagnosis, mapping out a strategy for rehabilitation, and help determining when we can expect to be back on the roads/trails.

About Kentucky Sports Chiropractic:

The mission of Kentucky Sports Chiropractic is to provide the Louisville and Southern IN areas with state of the art comprehensive care by combining evidence-based chiropractic, soft tissue mobilization, rehabilitation and patient education to eliminate symptoms, restore full function, and promote a healthy lifestyle.

Click here to go to their website for more information.

10 Important Things To Know Before You Go Running With Your Dog

Will Storie, Discover Editor

 If you lead an active lifestyle — especially when you want to keep your dog healthy too — running together is a great option. But, much like taking a good picture or trying on makeup, it’s best to do a little homework before you take the plunge. With credit to GQ’s conversation with Tom Moroney, from New York’s Team Running Paws, and backed by our friends Dina Fantegrossi, a licensed veterinary technician, and Shelby Semel, professional dog trainer, here’s a checklist of things to keep in mind before you start your jog with your dog:

 1. If you have a Bulldog (or a Pug, or a Frenchie)- Slow down!

Brachycephalic dogs have breathing troubles and short legs. They’re not the ideal breeds for taking on a long run. Moroney recommends that if you’re taking one of these dogs out with you, stick to a fast-paced walk. You can also try interval training – jog for a block, walk for two.

 2. If you have a puppy (or a wildcard)- Don’t run!

Puppies need at least eight months of bone development, so go easy on them! You should wait until your dog is at least a year old before you take her on a full-on run. Additionally, Shelby suggests that you perhaps shouldn’t run with your dog if they’re easily excitable and prone to dodge off course. In this case, your dog might need some more training before they’re ready to be your new running buddy.

 3. So, which dogs *are* best for running?

Moroney points out that the key factor isn’t the size of the dog, but the relative length of their legs to their body – with relatively longer legs making for better running partners. Moroney’s top five breeds for running: German Shorthaired Pointers, Golden Retrievers, Labradors, Border Collies, and Huskies.

 4. Use a regular leash and think about your harness & collar

Moroney suggests a regular leash rather than a retractable leash, because a retractable “teaches the dog to always ask for more length.” And a regular walking harness should be fine, but if you’re running regularly, you might consider going with a special running harness instead- to reduce your pup’s risk of chafing. Shelby points out that you better go with a collar that won’t tighten, when you’re running- ruling out a slip, a choke, a prong, or a martingale, for instance.

 5. Take care of business first

Dina recommends taking your dog out for a short walk before you go on your run, so that bathroom breaks don’t interrupt the rhythm of your dog’s workout (or yours).

 6. Learn your dog’s language

Moroney recommends you pay close attention to how your dog is behaving and reacting over the course of the run. If he’s lagging behind, tongue wagging, he’s probably tired, so slow down a bit! If his hair is standing up and his ears and tail are perked, he might be anxious about another dog in the area. The better you know your dog’s mood, the better you’ll run together.

 7. You can bring treats, but it doesn’t have to be the focus

For a lot of dogs, the run is all the treat they need.

 8. Vary the length and duration of your runs together.

Your dog should get probably get about an hour of exercise daily (some breeds more, some less), but that can take many forms — playing fetch, or tug of war, or just rocking out for hours. If you’re running every day, Moroney recommends a 5-mile max for your dog’s run, any given day. And if you run daily, follow up a 5-mile run with shorter runs for the next few days after.

 9. Remember, it helps keep your dog on her best behavior.

Running helps your dog get her energy out. When she gets a chance to run, she won’t be so tempted to get her exercise digging up the yard or chewing up everything you own or driving your car into a lake.

 10. Play It Safe!

Shelby suggests reflective gear on the dog or the leash if you’re running at night. And Dina reminds us that if you have any other questions and concerns about starting to run with your dog, you should check with your veterinarian first.