Tuesday Topics: An interview of my running buddy

Welcome to another edition of Tuesday Topics!  Today we’re doing an interview of a running buddy.  I picked my friend, Claudia, whom I’ve known for a few years.  I met her through a mutual friend.  She enjoys running like I do and runs in Brooks shoes just like me.  🙂

This week’s Tuesday Topic:  Interview one of your running buddies.  You can write about this topic or feel free to post any running related blog post.  Remember to link up with Kim and Zenaida!  Visit at least two of the other linked posts – the more the merrier!  Remember to come back for later linkers!

Claudia ran her first marathon (Chicago Marathon in 2016) and has run it every year since then.   She asked me yesterday morning if I thought the race would still happen this year.  I said “No”.  I hope I’m wrong.  I know it is scheduled to take place on October 11 but we’ll see what happens.

What made you decide to start running?
I started running for fun.  I think I was in my late 20’s and had just moved to Chicago.  It seemed like the thing to do at that time. 

What was your first race? 
My very 1st race was the Shamrock Shuffle 8k in 2003 or 2004.  I can’t remember the year but I remember my cousins worked for a nonprofit that was sponsoring a team.  We all decided to jump in and do it.  I think 3 of us ran it and a few of the others did the walk.  

What was your best or worst race?
My worst race was definitely the Chi-Town Half Marathon in April 2016.  I registered with a girlfriend and thought the weather would be good in April and it would be a good race.  Wrong.  It snowed overnight, and when we woke up there was ice everywhere and a dusting of snow.  When we got to the course, they hadn’t cleaned the snow or salted and did I mention it was COLD!  I think with the wind chill it was about 18 degrees!  We should have just left, but we didn’t.  So off we went, through an ice filled path.  I saw people wipe out on the concrete in front of me.  It was terrible!  Once the sun came out, it warmed up and the snow and ice started to melt which then became puddles and mud. Somewhere around mile 11-12 I developed the worst toe cramp!  It ran from the tip of my toe to the back of my knee!  I had never experienced that type of pain.  Needless to say, I was so glad when it was over.  I didn’t even want the free beer or slice of pizza.  I was over it!  I was so glad to head home to thaw out.

What’s on your Summer bucket list?
Well, due to Corvid-19 everything is on hold.  I typically don’t register for many races in the summer because it is so hot and humid in Chicago.  But since 2016 I have been marathon training in the summer.  So depending on what happens, with Corvid-19, maybe I’ll register for something.  Until then, I will just focus on cross training and running shorter distances.

If you could go on a run with any celebrity, who would you go with?
I would probably say Steve Howie (Kev Ball) from Shameless.  I believe he ran the LA Marathon a few years ago or former President Barack Obama.  I would be chasing them the entire way, but I’m sure both would be fun! Lol 

If you could run anywhere in the world, where would you run?
I really wanted to run the London Marathon this year, but it is nearly impossible to get into.  Besides London, I would like to run in Australia and Mexico City.  I would make a run cation out of my running adventure.

How do you stay motivated to run?
Running has become a lifestyle to me, except in the winter.  I am not a winter warrior! I’m not the most consistent runner if I’m not training for anything.  Thankfully, I have a running group that I run with. Their daily posts remind and motivate me to hit the pavement.  I also really enjoy running on the lakefront path along Lake Michigan so that helps to lace up and get some miles in.  Besides that running has become a great stress reliever, that I recognize when I need to get out.  All these benefits continue to motivate me to run. 

I haven’t seen Claudia in months.  Honestly, I cannot remember the last time I saw her.  I miss her.  🙁