February Runner of the Month: Aimee McCall
When and why did you start running? 2009 after my divorce. I just wanted to set and meet a goal in something I wasn’t necessarily good at doing. So I picked a 5K and did the Couch to 5K program. When I was younger I was in ballet. Running and sports was something I never took part in except for gym class. So I did this 5K in a cotton t-shirt and gym shorts and who knows what shoes. It poured rain the entire race but I had a good time! After the 5K, I moved to Frisco and ran a little with Frisco Running Club, but never really found my groove. Fast Forward to November 2013, I can’t recall where I saw the ad, but I saw that they were accepting applications for the NYC Marathon lottery and decided I wanted to run it. I entered, because that’s what I do (did not get in). Then thought I better figure out what I needed to do ro run it if I got in. I messaged a co-worker who I knew was a marathoner and he told me I should probably run a half first. He said it was a perfect time to start training for Cowtown in Feb. So I found a Hal Higdon training plan online and registered for Cowtown the next day. It was a month before I told my husband! So Cowtown 2014 was start of me running long distance. Before I had even run Cowtown, I had already registered for 2 more halfs (RnR and Fairview). Thank goodess I liked it!
How long have you been a runner? 4 years.
First race? That first 5K was Rahr and Sons Oktoberfest.
Most recent race? Brazos Bend 25K in April of last year.
Favorite piece of gear? I have an awesome Suguio windbreaker w/ detachable sleeves. Perfect for keeping warm at the start of a race and then the removable sleeves are great for after I warm up and I don’t have to worry about ditching my whole jacket.
What shoes do you run in? Mizuno Wave Rider for road. Brooks Caldera for trail
Favorite way to cross train? I love lifting weights. Sometimes I’ll do an online spin class or get on the rowing machine
Best running memory? Seeing my grade school gym teacher while we were both running the Delaware Marathon (where I’m from). It was crazy to run into him and then realize we both love running! Also, years before I ever thought of running as something I could do, the race route for the San Diego RnR Marathon went right by my house. I stood outside to watch and cheer and I was in awe. I feel in love w/ the whole atmosphere and the excitement.
Bucket list race? Javelina Jundred. Big fat party in the desert w/ a race thrown in.
Favorite race so far? The next one!
Do you have a favorite distance? I really like 25K. It’s a hair longer than a half marathon, but you don’t have to put in as much training as you would a full.
What is something that most people do not know about you? I have over 150 logged SCUBA dives and the deepest is to 140ft.
Favorite tune to rock out to while running? Sabotage by Beastie Boys
Best part about running? The heart and soul that is inclusive and that it really doesn't matter who you are or how fast or slow you are . We’re all running the same exact 3.1 or 13.1 or 26.2 or whatever.
Who inspires you? My I Run 4 buddy, Jack. He’s a beast and a sweetheart all rolled into one adorable little package. Ed “the Jester” Ettinghauser...he’s an ultra runner from California who dresses in a jester costume at every race. But what’s truly special about him is that he will start a race, run a few miles in then climb up a ladder and cheer every person on until the last runner. Then he runs the race with that last runner. In races he finishes before people, he will park his butt at the finish line and cheer ever last person coming in.
What has been your biggest challenge so far? Overcoming injury the last 6 months without wanting to totally quit.
Any words of advice? “The best runner out there is the one having the most fun” So have fun!!