September Runner of the Month | Dora Scarborough
When and why did you start running? The Why: Gretchen, one of my Dragon boat team mates was training for her first Half Marathon. She ran before practice, she was so dedicated to her training. She inspired me to start THINKING about running...and so it began. I ran a few miles just to know what running one minute felt like. My thought "I can do this" The When: I didn't actually start running consistently until late February or early March 2018.
First race? I've been walking 5Ks for a number of years. I never considered myself a runner. So imagine my surprise when I ran the Resolution Run in January 2018 in 38 degrees non the less! Couldn't figure out why non of my friends would run with me. I ran alone and it didn't bother me.
Most recent race? Run for the Blue July 7th in support of my son Dionicio. He is a Dallas police officer
Favorite piece of gear? I am learning all about running gear, but I would have to say that it"s a close one between my Garmin and shoes
What shoes do you run in? I have 3 running shoes, long distance running shoe is Saucony Cohesion 10, Hoka and New Balance for short runs
Favorite way to cross train? I enjoy the stationary bike, I also yoga once a week and Dragon boat paddle once a week
Best running memory? Running (mostly walking) the Hot Chocolate last year. Nothing better than a cup of hot chocolate after a cold race.
Bucket list race? I am going to stick to running Half Marathons, but don't really have a special future one yet. I am just excited that I am able to run!
The favorite race so far? My favorite race will have be my first Half Marathon,The Fairview Half. I finished it at my set goal and I DIDN'T DIE
Do you have a favorite distance? My favorite distance to run is 10K miles just to train, followed by 15K. I consider those a good workout. I look forward to staying Half Marathon ready going forward.
What is something that most people do not know about you? I like shooting! I fired a gun for the first time a few months ago. It was not as hard as I thought.
Favorite tune to rock out to while running? I don't run to music, I like to focus on my breathing and stay aware of my surroundings (must be a "Girl Scout" thing)
Best part about running? The best part about running is making new friends and seeing my body composition change (I get to eat whatever I want)
Who inspires you? Oh my, that has to be MRTT frunners. I was part of MRTT in the Fall of 2017, and just reading the posts got me hooked! You are all amazing athletes!
What has been your biggest challenge so far? My biggest challenge was recovering my Hysterectomy. Something went wrong while they were getting me in position. They caused an over stretch of my right side that caused hip and leg pain and delayed my recovery. I thought I would never be able to run again. Airrosti Treatments got me back on the road in a few weeks!
Any words of advice? Don't worry about the pace, the finish time or anyone else. Your body will get across the finish line as long as you keep going.