January Runner of the Month: Laurie Rosser
When and why did you start running? I started running in the Spring of 2012 for a couple of reasons: (1) to train for a 5K with my 8 year old daughter (she loved to run and I thought it was something we could do together); and (2) I injured my arm during a boot camp and needed to find an alternate form of exercise.
How long have you been a runner? Since I was 43 (almost 5 years)
First race? Prosperity Place 5K in 2012
Most recent race? Houston Marathon (my 1st one)
Favorite piece of gear?
Moving Comfort Juno bra. My quality of running life greatly improved when I found the perfect bra to control my “business”.
What shoes do you run in? Altra Torin 2.5 (for longer distances), Newton Motion (for 5K and shorter runs) and New Balance 1080PS6 (for mid-distances). I have yet to find the perfect running shoes for me.
Favorite way to cross train? Elliptical (if you use the word “favorite” loosely) and rest days.
Best running memory? Crossing the finish line at the Houston marathon. I was crying like a baby because I was just so grateful to God for giving me the strength to finish something I never thought I was capable of.
Bucket list race? I’d love to run the Kauai Half Marathon with my 2 daughters (I’m smart enough to know that running the full marathon in that heat would be the death of us all).
Favorite race so far? Houston marathon (in terms of accomplishment and crowd support) but I really love our local Active Joe races (Fairview Half & Showdown, in particular) and Get Racing series. We’re so fortunate to have such a strong and supportive local racing community.
Do you have a favorite distance? Half Marathon. It’s long enough to push your limits (mentally and physically) but short enough to be attainable for almost all levels of runners.
Favorite tune to rock out to while running? I love mixing Christian music in with my regular music since it brings my focus back to Jesus and lifts my spirits. I love Bruno Mars, Hillsong, Chris Tomlin and many others. A favorite right now is “My Story” by Big Daddy Weave.
Best part about running? I feel closer to God when I run. I love running outside and feeling His presence all around me.
Who inspires you? My daughters and my mom (who had a massive stroke at age 57 (13 years ago) due to an undiagnosed genetic blood clotting disorder, which I inherited). I run in honor of my mom who is unable to speak and is partially paralyzed, and I run for my daughters so that I stay healthy and strong to be an active part of their lives as they become adults and have their own children (I want to be the grandmother that they don’t have).
What has been your biggest challenge so far? Physical: Tearing my right hamstring only to come back too soon and tear my left. Mental/Emotional: My husband resents my running and offers very little support, so I rely heavily on my MRTT frunners when I need inspiration and motivation.
Any words of advice? It’s okay not to love running all the time and it’s okay to take mental and physical breaks when you need to. The first 1-2 miles of my runs almost always suck, but there is no better feeling than setting a goal and hitting it (and having frunners to celebrate with you)!