December Runner of the Month | Amanda Davis
When and why did you start running? I was a soccer player growing up and have always loved running. I continued to run in college to stay in shape.
First race? Big D Marathon 2008 - I thought it would be a big challenge and wanted to see if I could do it. My husband, mom and dad all signed up and completed the race as well, it was a special day. As soon as I crossed the finish line I was hooked and couldn't wait to do it again.
Most recent race? I started the California International Marathon on Dec 2nd. Unfortunately it was my first DNF due to an injury, I made it a little over halfway.Before that I ran the Air Force 10K in Ohio.
Favorite piece of gear? That is so hard! I would say my Goodr sunglasses or my Koala clip.
What shoes do you run in? Saucony Kinvara
Favorite way to cross train? Ahhhh definitely an area I need to get better at - long walks, pool running, weights
Best running memory? I have 2 - First, in 2014 I ran the Boston Marathon for the first time. I was able to train and race with one of my best friends, Katlyn Phillips, and we crossed the finish line arms raised, hand in hand. We were tired and hot but it was an amazing feeling to share the entire journey from training to finish.Second, in 2016 I went to Kansas to run the Garmin marathon, it was 9 months after my second daughter was born and I knew I was in PR shape and was excited to test my fitness. Before I left my oldest daughter, 4 at the time, said "Good luck mama, I hope you win!" I kissed her and said "oh honey, I won't win but I promise to do my best." The day all came together and I ran a 10 min PR and won the race! Breaking the tape was one of the coolest things - but being able to call my daughter and tell her I won was definitely the best part.
Bucket list race? The Berlin Marathon
The favorite race so far? Boston, the crowds and atmosphere is electric.
Do you have a favorite distance? The marathon, it's long and you never know what will happen. It's a journey to get there and then it's always a surprising journey from the start line to the finish. It is a challenge every time and it has taught me so much about life.
What is something that most people do not know about you? I LOVE to sing - loud and all the time...but I am horrible at it, really, really bad!
Favorite tune to rock out to while running? I favor podcasts or sermons while running - Rogue Running, The Rich Roll Podcast, Morning Shakeout, Armchair Expert are a few of my favorites.When I do listen to music a few bands on my playlist are : Barns Courtney, Welshly Arms, The Revivalists, Royal Blood and Greta Van Fleet
Best part about running? It's a chance to better myself every time, mentally or physically. It's provides an opportunity to be alone or to be social, to think or to pray, to strive for something new. I am thankful for the opportunity to be able to run. When I run I can feel the day, the stress of life, melt away for a little while.
Who inspires you? Every single runner. Everyone has a story and has overcome some obstacle to get where they are and it inspires me to hear each and every story. People bring excitement and joy into this sport - no matter the distance no matter the speed everyone gets to the finish line in the same way - it’s infectious.
What has been your biggest challenge so far? Overcoming disappointment and setback. I am rehabbing an injury right now and cannot run. It really does bring a whole new perspective on thankfulness for the ability to run but it is hard to wait.
Any words of advice? Des Linden has said it best - "Keep showing up" - no matter what, if it is hard, when it's cold or hot, when your running buddy bails, when you are tired and want to do something else - show up! You never know what will happen or how that run might surprise you. I have learned so much and met so many friends through running, I am continually thankful and I plan to keep showing up.