Back in November, a few days before my 1st marathon, I held a contest on my Facebook page. All you needed to do to be victorious was to be a good guesser! The winner would receive 12-weeks of complimentary training in The Running Blonde’s Shamrock Running Club. Friends & acquaintances alike predicted my Richmond Marathon official time to be anywhere from 3:32:43 to 4:00:00. When it was all said & done, I crossed the finish line of that 1st marathon in 3:55:03. And the winner…. a dear friend, Mary Crosby, with her 3:55:00 prediction. That’s right, she is pretty awesome & guessed within THREE SECONDS!
So, I invite you to enjoy the first of a few blog posts about our winner. I hope you enjoy reading about a fellow, every day runner like you, as she embarks upon her journey to her Shamrock Half Marathon. Let’s all root her along on this adventure!!
To get to know our winner better, I asked Mary a few questions…
Q. Where are you originally from? And how did you hear about The Running Blonde?
I was born and have lived in Norfolk my whole life. I am proud to call Norfolk my home. The Running Blonde and I went to good old Norview High School and reconnected several years later through the running community.
Q. Will this be your first Shamrock race? If not, what other Shamrock races have you done?
This will be my third Shamrock ½ Marathon. I ran Shamrock in 2013 (1:57) and 2014 (1:52).
Q. What was your most memorable race?
Crossing the finish line of my first half marathon, which was Shamrock in 2013.
Q. What is the best local race (within 25 miles)? And why?
This is an excellent question! I am currently in love with the new Harbor Lights Half marathon. There was something very comforting about running in your home town and being able to use familiar land markers to pace yourself. If I had to pick a second and third race, it would be the Heart of Ghent, which benefits local non-profits in Norfolk and the CHKD Run for the Kids. I truly believe in supporting small hometown races that benefit the community.
Q. What fitness goal(s) tops your Resolutions for 2015?
I love running, but I have a little secret, I am a triathlete at heart. My fitness goals for 2015 include:
- Go sub 1:50 at Shamrock ½ Marathon in March
- Go sub 6 hours at Kinetic 70.3 in May
- Complete a 100 mile bike race in under 6 hours
- Improve swimming efficiency (lessons start Sunday)
- Train and run Richmond Marathon in November (Signed up with a deferral from this year due to an injury)
Q. What is your favorite workout clothing company? And what item is a must have from that designer?
Brooks Adrenaline Running shoes are a non negotiable. Every time I try to change shoes, something starts to hurt. I don’t know what I would do without my Lululemon Wunder Under capri running tights. I really can’t figure out why they don’t have holes in them yet, but they have been worth every penny.
Q. Do you prefer to run alone or with friends?
I love running with friends. It allows you to really get to know people and passes the time.
Q. Favorite post-run meal? Drink?
Cheese pizza and a fruity adult beverage
Q. Know any hidden gems in Hampton Roads?
- Oak Grove Park – Beautiful circular trail that’s great for hot days that call for frequent water stops
- The Hague – Run along the water and view gorgeous turn of the century homes
- The Jordan Bridge – Wow, what a view!
- The Norfolk Waterside – Show up at the right time, catch a glimpse of million dollar yachts and boats along the river.
Q. Do you have a go-to song that gets your mood ready for a run/race?
Stronger by Kanye West, that song gets me pumped up every time.
{Stay Tuned} The next blog post about our winner Mary will look at what fun she’ll enjoy during the first 4 weeks of her training plan!!
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