March Runner of the Month: Deidre Rollins
When and why did you start running? I started running in the fall of 2013. 5Ks were a thing in my office and I thought it would be a good
challenge for myself. Jack (my youngest) was a year old at the time and I needed to get the rest of the baby-weight off.
First race? Autumn Breeze, November 2013, Shreveport, LA
Most recent race? Big Easy 5K, Little Elm, a couple weekends ago.
Favorite piece of gear? Mmmmm…. This is hard. I love my sparkle skirts. I also love my Nathan hydration vest because it’s
carried me through a lot. I’m looking at an Orange Mud right now, though. I feel like I’m cheating on Nathan!
What shoes do you run in? Saucony Freedom ISO. Men’s size 9.5. I have gigantic feet. My all time match was the Asics Gel
Nimbus 17, but they changed the footbed in the 19s and screwed it up.
Favorite way to cross train? Used to be CG, but my SI joint is the devil, so that’s that. I’m a swimmer, I’m picking up biking and also
starting to do weights.
Best running memory? When my boys got to run the chute to finish my full with me at Cowtown.
Bucket list race? Mount Desert Island Marathon, Maine. It runs around and through Acadia National Park. I also want to
do a half Ironman tri in 2019, but I don’t have a particular location I’m set on.
Favorite race so far? For a 5K, the Big Easy in Little Elm was amazeballs. Half – Ft. Smith Half Marathon. Full – Cowtown
(obviously).
Do you have a favorite distance? I love the half.
What is something that most people do not know about you? I’ve visited to 19 foreign countries.
Favorite tune to rock out to while running? “More” – Usher
Best part about running? Challenging myself and achieving what I never thought I could do. Helping others see they can do it too.
Who inspires you? In general, my dad was a huge inspiration. He overcame significant brain damage in 1985 and kept
pushing to create a new life within his new limitations. He worked full time until he passed away in 2004.
What has been your biggest challenge so far? Injuries, injuries, injuries. Oh, and I’m clumsy. Which causes injuries.
Any words of advice? Don’t give up on yourself. If I can run a full, you can run a full. Give yourself hard goals and work toward
them relentlessly. You’ll get there!