I am excited to bring you all another awesome blogger in my Monday Bloggers on the Run feature this week.

This week Casey is visiting us from The Runner’s Resource.

 

 

Name: Casey

Blog: http://www.runnersresource.com

 

When did you first start blogging and why?

I started blogging because I have received so many great running tips from fellow runners and coaches over the years. I really wanted to share some of that knowledge and help others find enjoyment in running.

 

What is your most helpful blogging tip?

Hang in there and don’t get discouraged. Blogging can be tough sometimes – especially when you don’t feel like you are getting noticed. However, good things happen if you can persevere.

 

What is your favorite fitness activity?

I really like to go on a trail run on a beautiful summer day.

 

What motivates you?

Back in my competitive running days (high school and college), I was motivated by trying to win races and set personal bests. These days, I find a lot of motivation in staying healthy and fit.

 

What has fitness changed about your life?

Running has taught me so much about how to persevere when things don’t go my way. Let’s face it, no runner achieves every goal. The real test is how a runner responds to failure and drives forward to the next accomplishment.

 

What is your favorite pump up song?

Eye of the Tiger by Survivor. Definitely gets me pumped up before a race.

 

What is your favorite running distance?

I really like the 5k. I don’t have the quickness for a track race right now (e.g. 1 mile, 3k), but I also don’t have much interest in long races due to the long recovery times afterwards. I find the 5k to be a perfect distance for me in my current fitness level.

 

What is your favorite motivational quote/mantra?

“It’s very hard in the beginning to understand that the whole idea is not to beat the other runners. Eventually you learn that the competition is against the little voice inside you that wants you to quit.” Dr. George Sheehan. That quote is incredibly true. The mind can be the greatest asset for runners, but also the greatest hindrance.

 

What is your favorite piece of running/fitness gear?

I really like my Garmin Forerunner 310xt. I’ll be the first to admit that GPS watches aren’t all that necessary for runners, but it is so great to know your distance and pace in real time.

 

What is your favorite “treat”?

A glass of chocolate milk after a long run. It really is a great recovery drink.

 

What is a long term running or fitness goal you have for yourself?

My current goal is to be able to run a fast 5k. It is certainly a challenge with my busy schedule. How fast? I’m honestly not sure at this point, but hopefully under 19 minutes.

 

Tell us something unique about yourself.

In high school, I actually won a 1500 meter race in Hong Kong. I was part of a U.S. exchange program and had the opportunity to race. It was an amazing experience.

 

If you could give one piece of advice to someone who is starting out running, what would it be?

Be patient. So many new runners start too fast and end up quitting due to knee pain. Running is a high impact activity and you have to give the body time to adapt to the increased work load. When in doubt, run less mileage and speed workouts at the beginning.

 

How do you find/make time to train?

Finding time to training is one of my biggest challenges. I usually have a window to run during my lunch break at work or on the commute home. I’m actually documenting this very issue in a new series of posts called “30 Minute Runner.” The series is examining whether a busy runner can effectively train for a 5k on 30 minutes of running per day.

 

What’s an accomplishment you are most proud of?

I’m really proud that I have continued to find time to run with a busy job and family. It is sometimes hard to get the running shoes on and get out the door, but always worth the effort.

 

Head over to The Runner’s Resource and check it out! You can also find him on Twitter and Facebook.

If you would like to be featured in the Bloggers on the Run feature – please go here.