March Runner of the Month | Dawn Downham
When and why did you start running? I dabbled in running in my youth, but at the time, my passion was dance. It consumed much of my time from the age of five through my early twenties. As its presence became less demanding, and I began my first teaching job, I started running again but only as a part of my workout routine. Running seemed to be the only way I could really get out all of the stress and negative emotion that accumulated over the course of the day. No other form of physical activity had the same result. It wasn’t until six months ago that running took a stronger presence in my life. Prior to October 2018, I had only run a few 5Ks. Since October, I have completed, two half marathons, one 15K, two 10Ks, and one 5K.
First race? The first race that I actually ran was the Firefly Run two years ago. I did it on a whim with my friend, Kate, and her daughter, and I loved it. There was so much excitement in the air and I couldn’t help but be consumed by the experience.
Most recent race? I completed the Disney Princess 1/2 Marathon on February 24. On April 20, I will be running the Texas Bluebonnet half in McKinney.
Favorite piece of gear? My shoes!! But, I always have to pack-up my Nathan flip belt with my platypus water bottle, Gatorade chews, and gum. I can’t run without gum!!
What shoes do you run in? Saucony Freedom--I am obsessed!! I never had to break them in. My first time out in those beauties, I was able to just keep running (I completed 13 miles that day). I like them because I can still feel the ground, and they are super light.
Favorite way to cross train? After I stopped dancing, I had to do something to keep active, so I started going to the gym. I've been a gym girl for the most part of 15 years. I have taken some classes over the years, but I like the freedom of walking-in and being able to decide what I want to do and for how long. I took a year or so off after I had our daughter (she is now 6), but I am usually at the gym five to six times a week.
Best running memory? Probably not the time I flew off the treadmill...yup, no. For sure, my most recent race. As we were running up to the castle in Magic Kingdom, I saw my favorite princess, Snow White. I felt like a little kid all over again. So much of the race was about the experience and not something that could be replicated. Some wonderful memories were created that day.
Bucket list race? I’m not really sure. Up until six months ago, I had only done a few 5Ks. I love seeing what all the amazing MRTT ladies are doing and the options available. I have been toying with the idea of maybe something longer than a half…I am always open to suggestions ☺
The favorite race so far? I think my most memorable race was the Disney Princess Half Marathon; however, my favorite, or most accomplished was the Eagle Run. After I ran it last year, I set an unspoken of goal to finish in the top three, and this year, I came in third in my division.
Do you have a favorite distance? I don’t know where I want to go with my running. I just know that I don’t want to stop. I haven’t done anything beyond a half…perhaps more is in my future.
What is something that most people do not know about you? Simply put--physical activity (especially running) is how I cope with my anxiety. I didn’t know what it was when I was younger--we didn’t talk about things like that; and honestly, it is still hard for me to talk about. But it is real, and I know I am not alone. It was the absolute worst when I returned to work from my maternity leave. In the first couple years of my daughter’s life, I made the decision face it. I was in mental space that made it difficult to get through the day, and after beating the odds to even have our little miracle baby, I was not going to allow it to rob me of being the mom I knew I could be. Today, anxiety still has a presence in my life; I just don’t let it have the control it once did.
Favorite tune to rock out to while running? Pretty much anything Eminem or upbeat 90s. I will say though, as I was wrapping up a recent workout, “Outta Your Mind” by Lil Jon started playing and I pound out a few minutes on the treadmill.
Best part about running? During a run, I love the feeling of freedom. After a run, I relish is the sense of accomplishment and peace. For so many years, I was afraid to run outside and stuck to the treadmill because when I was younger, I had horrible shin splints. Now, I try to run outside as much as my schedule allows.
Who inspires you? The biggest inspiration I have in my life is my daughter. It was a two-year battle to have her and the process taught me so much about myself. I want her to see the value of hard work, strength, and perseverance.
What has been your biggest challenge so far? I have a tendency to over-think and it messes with my head. Sometimes I just have to do because if I have time, I can talk myself out of something.
Any words of advice? Do what makes you happy, and don’t compare yourself to others.