May Runner of the Month | Ayanna Backs
When and why did you start running? I started running in Elementary school. My earliest memory of running is in 2nd grade joining Xcel track club in Joplin, Missouri. We competed in AAU events over the summers. After high school I took a break from running but started 5k and 10 k races ~2005 while I was working. In 2014 I ran my first marathon. The why? Initially I wanted to be faster than my brothers and sister. We had lots of foot races growing up and my oldest brother always beat us. Surprisingly even now when we get together we still race!
As an adult I run to maintain a healthy lifestyle, promote fitness, set an example for my kids and family, and recently to push myself chasing a few time goals.
First race? My first race was the Kelsey Norman Kids Classic. 2nd grade. It was a mile race in downtown Joplin. I learned a lot about nutrition from that race. :). After the race I was unable to accept my award because I was having trouble keeping my pancakes and syrup breakfast down. Fast forward to now I know a lot more about what foods I can tolerate before hard efforts. My first half was Lewis and Clark half marathon just outside of St. Louis, Mo. My first marathon was the Houston Marathon.
Most recent race? In April I ran the Boston Marathon for the 1st time. Also this April I had a DNF at the Plano Half and paced the Murphy Half.
Favorite piece of gear? Right now I Love Altra Torin 3.0 but the newer model has changed significantly so I am looking to change to another Altra.
What shoes do you run in? The last 4 years I have run in Altras and I really love that my toes can spread out. I also run in Newtons for shorter distances.
Favorite way to cross train? Weights, hiking, walking, and yoga are my favorite ways to cross train.
Favorite races? Finishing my 1st marathon- Houston marathon! It was an amazing experience running to the finish in downtown Houston. Also the crowd support was amazing. The neighborhoods and busiest streets were packed with people. The food after the race was excellent. The organization from start to finish was absolutely perfect. I loved it. The biggest reward was seeing my family along the course and at the finish line. Meeting up with my mom in the family reunion section of the Convention center was very emotional for me. Tunnel Vision Marathon- loved the course! Running through the dark tunnel with water dripping from above and splashing in small puddles below was memorable. getting to the light was exhilarating and definitely a breath of fresh air. It was an amazing start to the marathon. Texas Independence relay and Laggo Maggiore Half marathon were also very memorable and scenic courses.
Bucket list race? California International Marathon I would love to run along the coast and see the beautiful views. Chicago Marathon I was born in Chicago and I have always wanted to go back and run this race.
A favorite running memory: I lived in Bologna Italy for just under 4 years. I joined a running group there called Pontelungo which translates to long bridge. The group competed against other communities at weekend races. The distances varied but they were generally between 3 and 10 miles. It was neat that the participation award was always pasta. If you placed you received other food goodies. I remember receiving a ham and panettone (sweet dessert bread).
Do you have a favorite distance? Half marathon is my favorite distance.
Favorite tune to rock out to while running? I don’t listen to music often when I run unless I am on the treadmill. I like upbeat music that I can sing to including Maroon 5, Coldplay, Bruno Mars and Macklemore & Ryan Lewis.
Best part about running? Being outside, burning calories, you can run almost anywhere, very little equipment needed ,an inclusive sport. I love the community of runners. The support, encouragement and camaraderie you find from other runners is heartwarming.
Who inspires you? Over the last couple of years I have read a few running books By Meb Keflezighi, Run to Overcome and Deena Kastor’s Let Your Mind Run. My biggest inspiration has come from other members of running groups. They have pushed me to try different distances, run harder during my training runs and set lofty goals.
What has been your biggest challenge so far? Last year in November I injured my knee running and needed to take a break from running. I did not take a break which prolonged my injury.
Any words of advice? -Make time for strength training and recovery. -Vary the pace of your runs.-Speak to yourself positively. -Gains in fitness take time.