This Friday’s Featured Runner is Montana at Pretty Lil Mudder

Montana’s Running Journey

I started running on December 31, 2013. My friend had convinced me to sign up for the Color Run with her and I decided that I should start running so I wouldn’t die during the race lol. I couldn’t even run a mile without getting out of breath! The first three weeks were really hard and several times I considered quitting, but I kept going, fueled by friends who supported my new venture and my own passion to pursue and complete a goal. I’m usually bad at continuing with things- I tend to get bored with anything I start and quit after a few months. I decided this was going to be different.  After that first race, I really started to love running. I signed up for several more races, and was hooked! I’ve since started mud runs and I’m hooked on those too! Going over those obstacles was such an exhilarating feeling and it’s such an accomplishment when you look your fear in the face and conquer it. It’s been a crazy journey and there have been times that I really didn’t feel like running at all, but I pushed through it and I’m very proud of where I am today. I went from not being able to run even one mile to running 5. And I’m signed up for my first long distance race, the Run Disney Tower of Terror 10 miler, in October. Can’t wait!!

-What is your favorite go to fuel during long runs? I don’t really have a favorite fuel besides water or Gatorade yet. I’ve been trying out several different kinds and I kind of like GU but some of the flavors aren’t too great. Shot bloks are good, but hard for me to get down when I’m in the middle of a run. Sport beans are next on my list. A friend recommended them. 

-What race is on your bucket list? Right now, Tough Mudder, Spartan Race, Warrior Dash, Savage Race, Disney Princess Half, Rock n’ Roll Half Savannah, Tower of Terror 10 miler…whew that’s a lot! (Montana, I think you should do the Princess Half since I plan on it for 2015)

-What running shoe brand do you prefer? I’m in love with my Saucony and Asics shoes! And for mud runs I always wear Salomon Speedcross 3’s. The traction on them is unbelievable and they never get stuck! 

-Your favorite race medal? Favorite race medal so far is the Gasparilla Distance Classic 5k medal. It’s a pirate skull and crossbones and I think it’s so cool! I did that race just to get the medal haha. 

-What is your best advice you’d give to a new beginner just starting their running journey? Advice for new runners: What helped me when I was starting out was to have a race that I’d signed up for. It helps me to have something to concentrate on and know there’s a deadline to train for the race. Just don’t do too much too soon- start with a 5k and work your way up from there!