August Runner of the Month | Lynda Tilley
When did you start running? My first race was the 2013 Hot Chocolate. I had run an average 10:30-12:00 minute miles in the social runs and decided to give a race a try. I had no clue what I was doing and just joined in with running at the speed of people around me. To this day that was my 5k PR of a 10:01 minute mile. I haven't ever been able to break the 10 minute mark. I then joined one of my Lifetime Frunners at the Dallas Rock n Roll half in March 2013 even though I had never run over 6 miles. We had a great time pacing it slower at about a max 12 minute average mile. I've been addicted to running ever since!
First race? My first race was the 2013 Hot Chocolate. I had run an average 10:30-12:00 minute miles in the social runs and decided to give a race a try. I had no clue what I was doing and just joined in with running at the speed of people around me. To this day that was my 5k PR of a 10:01 minute mile. I haven't ever been able to break the 10 minute mark. I then joined one of my Lifetime Frunners at the Dallas Rock n Roll half in March 2013 even though I had never run over 6 miles. We had a great time pacing it slower at about a max 12 minute average mile. I've been addicted to running ever since!
Most recent race? My most recent race was the Hot Trot on August 10, 2019. I paced the 3:00 group for the half. Even though the temperature was super hot, I managed to stay cool and finish in 2:59:56 and not get overheated as I had done the year before.
Favorite piece of gear? My favorite piece of gear is my Garmin 235. I love to check out my stats after each run...and as many people feel, if it isn't recorded in garmin...it didn't really happen.
What shoes do you run in? Brooks Glycerin is all I've ever run in...need the extra cushioning and support.
Favorite way to cross train? I'm still a Lifetime member and participate in their team GTX cut class 3 times a week. I also ride my bike occasionally and just did a Playtri run-bike-run this past summer. So now I've taken up swim lessons in hopes that one day I may actually be able to do a real tri.
Best running memory? My best running memory was probably finishing my very first half in 2013. It was a unbelievable accomplishment for me and it has led to many, many more happy running memories.
Bucket list race? Well I guess it has to be doing my very first full marathon, which I have just signed up for the 2019 BCS full in December.
Favorite race so far? All 56 half marathons I've done have been my favorite...they are all very special in their own ways.
Do you have a favorite distance? Half marathon...for sure!
What is something that most people do not know about you? I have a very difficult time managing my weight...even with all the running i do. When I started running back in 2012 I was close to 200 pounds. I lost 60 pounds that first year and have to work very hard to keep that extra weight off.
Favorite tune to rock out to while running? My Hope Fellowship Church worship playlist on Spotify
Best part about running? All the very special Frunners that it has brought into my life. My kids are grown and mostly on their own now, and my full time career was pushed into retirement almost 3 years ago....so running is the highlight of my life now. The health and happiness it brings to me is a blessing that I thank God daily for.
Who inspires you? All my special Frunners inspire me...we're all on our own unique path, but share the same common passion for running together.
What has been your biggest challenge so far? My biggest challenge has been continuing to run through the medical challenges I have had. 2017 was a cancer diagnosis and i ran as many half's as i could to get me through chemo. Then in 2018 I had to have my thyroid removed and even though the surgery was not that much of an impact...the metabolic adjustments were way too slow and took way too long.
Any words of advice? Always count your blessings and be thankful to God for every one of them!!!