January Runner of the Month | Molly Rutty
When and why did you start running? Until recently, I have been overweight my entire adult life. In 2017 I lost 80 pounds and as a challenge to take my health to the next level, I started training for half marathon in January 2018. Since I had not been exercising, I was starting from nothing and I was scared to death! LOL! But my friend had picked a race12 weeks out, the Rock N Roll Dallas, so I downloaded the “couch to half” app and started training. My goal was to finish the half without dying, and I ended up being able to run the entire thing, so I was really excited about that and surprised that a sport I have detested for 38 years is now my go-to exercise!
First race? My first race ever was a 5k in college.
Most recent race? Recently I ran the BMW Dallas Half Marathon
Favorite piece of gear? My pants are my favorite! They have a handy side pocket where I can keep my phone while I run and they are nice and snug around my mommy belly. LOL!
What shoes do you run in? I run in Brooks
Favorite way to cross train? I’ve only recently started cross-training, and I have enjoyed swimming and weight-lifting. I am looking to also incorporate exercises like yoga to help with keeping my muscles limber.
Best running memory? So far my best memory was when I crossed the finish line at the Rock N Roll half, my first time to ever run that distance. I was exhausted, sore, and felt like I was going to cry, but my friends and cold beer were at the finish line! I just remember thinking that I could actually do this. Literally going from couch to running a half in 12 weeks is something I never believed I could accomplish, and so I think crossing that finish line created an addiction in me for more! Inspired by that race, I ended up running two more halfs in 2018.
Bucket list race? I’m not sure! I am so new in this arena that I’m not even aware of what all is out there. Running in another country would be fun, so maybe I need to find a great destination and make it happen!
The favorite race so far? BMW half
Do you have a favorite distance? 8 -10 miles
What is something that most people do not know about you? ? I play the bass and was in a band for a few years after I first got married. We wrote original Christian music and even recorded 3 albums. LOL!
Favorite tune to rock out to while running? Toby Mac is my jam!
Best part about running? As a mom of 3 little boys, I honestly enjoy the alone time. Haha! But really, the time to think, or NOT think at all, and breathe. It’s also a simple and reliable workout that I can do pretty much anywhere, anytime (except I hate the treadmill…me and that machine are not buds).
Who inspires you? Everyone in this group inspires me because of the community and dedication to perfecting the craft. I am awed every day by other MRTTers. My husband also inspires me; he seems to effortlessly run any distance, and very fast. When I grow up I want to be a skinny male like him who can run in any shoe and never get blisters! LOL!
What has been your biggest challenge so far? I got injured in May and it took me a very long time to recover, so my biggest hurdle has been getting back to pain-free running like I was when I first started.
Any words of advice? I feel so novice at running that my only words of advice would be to always have a towel for the car ride home! LOL! No, honestly, it would be to set bigger goals than what you know you can do, make a plan to achieve those goals, and then find an accountability partner or group to help you keep moving forward. I think the key to accomplishing any goal is to know where you are starting, where you are going, and why it matters to you to get there. Essentially answering these questions: What do I want? Why do I want it? When do I want it by? And what am I willing to do TODAY to help get me there?