September Runner of the Month | Heather MHutchison
When did you start running? I started running because I was taking a fitness class and a classmate and I would always “race” when we were doing the warm up on the treadmill. He begged me to join him at the Run Club and I finally caved, even though “I was not a runner”. I have been hooked and sucked my family in as well!! This was back in January 2015!
First race? My first race ever was Rock N Roll Dallas Half. I knew nothing, so despite ice, rain, snow (which we had a lot of all three that year), and sickness…I never missed a single training run. (Belinda, you too girl...we froze our tushies off and got lost sooo many times!) I didn't run a different distance until several months later, but I did run my second half a week after the first and ran every distance through marathon before that year ended. The best part of my first race was that my younger son decided to run it as his first as well! So proud of him!
Most recent race? My last race not pacing was the Yes You Can 5k. I hadn’t trained or run at all since April (pneumonia and a broken arm halted me…yep, I’m the person with a broken this or that for what feels like always.). That 5k was such an amazing race for me. I ran it very casually (I had planned to walk the whole thing to support Team Hoyt, but I had running shoes on so…) and didn’t even look at pace or care. I had my music turned up and just enjoyed myself and felt that freedom and peace I fell in love with running because of.
Favorite piece of gear? I mean, my runner friends! But if not people...Maybe my watch?!? I don’t know what or how to use even half the stuff on it, but it is a really nice watch and it’s cute too! (I'm slowly learning, don’t worry!)
What shoes do you run in? I love my Newton’s, but recently tried Brooks Launch and they aren’t bad, but always a blister or two.
Favorite way to cross train? Hip Hop dance!!!
Best running memory? When my run club got together to run El Scorcho Ultra in honor of my mom after she passed away and I was really struggling with it. The race even let us put up big pictures of her along the course and everyone wore blue (her favorite color) and a lime green ribbon (non-hodgkins lymphoma awareness color). One of the most touching things my runner family has ever done for me…and they have really been my family here in Texas!!
Bucket list race? Maybe the TransRockies Run or Gorge Waterfalls 50k/100k.
Favorite race so far? Ragnar Trail races and The Light at the End of the Tunnel marathon have been my favorite races so far. So beautiful, amazing camaraderie, and I love non-pavement races!! And I LOVE running with my husband!
Do you have a favorite distance? I don’t really. I hated 5ks for a long time, but I am finding a peace with them now. I enjoy pretty much every distance for so many different reasons.
What is something that most people do not know about you? I was a dancer for most of my life (you know...graceful) and was a National Champion just 8 years ago. I also taught competitive (national winning) tap, ballet, jazz, contemporary, acro, etc and you have very likely seen at least one of my dancers on TV, in the movies, on Broadway, or even at a concert. Falling isn’t my only talent! ;)
Favorite tune to rock out to while running? Outta Your Mind by Lil Jon, Rompe by Daddy Yankee, and sometimes Adam Lambert And when I need a kick…Shots by Lil Jon
Best part about running? The cleansing of my mind on the runs and the most incredible people I have met.
Who inspires you? So many that it wouldn’t be fair to list. So many in the running community that are great and reach greatness…and so many that think they go un-noticed and make differences in people’s lives in ways they don’t realize make such a difference. Honestly, very few runners (and their families) don’t inspire me in some way. Passion, kindness, supportiveness, people on their own journeys, people that cross my path for a moment, people that join me on my path for awhile…all are an incredible inspiration in all I do.
What has been your biggest challenge so far? Probably very obvious, but learning to run again with a leg I can’t feel at all and that doesn’t have muscles that fire or work and never will. I am officially able to qualify to Boston as a disabled runner, but truly just being able to get out and run is much more satisfying for me and helping others is a goal I would rather strive for everyday. And to be honest, having people believe I can run and run well since my knee injury has been tough.
Any words of advice? The last couple of years has made me stop and evaluate so much. My best advice to anyone is to move through life in a way that not only brings smiles and joy to others, but also allows you to feel joy and happiness, as so many feed off of you when you least realize it or don’t even know. And directly with running…don’t let your running goals surpass your joy of running. It isn’t your livelihood..it is your passion and escape. Keep it that way. And my mantra…eyes forward and only you decide your course.
