December Runner of the Month | Shilpi Adya
When and why did you start running?
My first attempt at running was in 2013. It didn’t last long enough, a couple of months maybe, as I injured my knee. I started out in 2015 again and absolutely fell in love with it. We were living in England and we didn’t have a car that time. I used to catch a bus and go for the Brueton parkrun every Saturday. Moved here in 2016 and found CRRC and MRTT ( Jeanette introduced me to it.) Running makes me feel like its my own thing. It energizes me and keeps me sane. After my first race and earning my first medal, I just got completely hooked on to it.
First race? Texas Big Star 5k 2017. I did not know “interval running” and ran the whole 5k. I remember it being so hot that day, I thought I would die!!
Most recent race? I volunteered at the McKinney half. It was blast to cheer on so many frunners while dancing and shouting.
Favorite piece of gear? My Garmin forerunner 235. Absolutely love it.
What shoes do you run in? I mix them up. Have used Hokas, New Balance and Under Armour. Currently I have been reading a lot about barefoot running and zero shoes. I just bought a pair and walk shorter distances in them and ran a 5k too. My newest pair is a Rincon2 Hoka one one with a 5mm heel drop and I am loving them.
Favorite way to cross-train?
Biking and swimming. I have missed out on swimming this year though. But honestly I don’t cross train enough.
Best running memory? My best running memory has to be my first half, Plano Balloon half. I had pain in my hip and was struggling for the first three miles. This complete stranger kept pushing me and post mile three I kind of eased into running. We ran together but at mile 10 she started feeling very hot and was almost ready to give up. Well I pushed her, I ran with her, ahead of her and then kept coming back to her. She urged me to go the last 300 meters as we saw the finish line. We crossed the finish line and hugged each other. ( Well those days we could freely hug) It was so awesome and wonderful. And no I never met her post that race too. But I will cherish this memory forever.
Bucket List Race?
Let’s see Chicago Marathon, Antelope Canyon Ultra, NYC marathon. Oh wait it said race, I added races!
What is your favorite race so far?
It has to be Marine Corps Marathon. My First and only marathon. I loved the energy of the crowd. It was fantastic!! I remember seeing people standing and cheering the runners in the pouring rain, right from mile 1 till mile 26. It was so surreal, the energy of the runners and everyone cheering around.
Do you have a favorite distance?
My favorite distance is a half marathon.
What is something that most people do not know about you? Well most people don’t know that I love baking and dancing and find folding laundry as therapeutic as running.
Favorite tune to rock out to while running? I usually don’t like to run with music at all. I love listening to birds chirping when running alone or chatting with my frunners. Very rarely I listen to some upbeat Bollywood music while on a run.
Best part about running? Running gives me a sense of calm, achievement and makes me feel happy. I get that warm fuzzy feeling inside of me and I am a better person when I burn off the crazy. The icing on the cake is friends. That’s my favorite part. My social circle is my frunners. I love it how we connect so easily and everyone is so approachable.
Who inspires you? I am inspired by all the runners. I love how we all have different goals and work hard to achieve them. I admire the way we open up on this platform without the fear of being judged.
What has been your biggest challenge so far?
Staying away from nagging injuries. I have always been haunted by them, ever since the beginning. I know it has to do with the fact that I don’t do a proper warm up or cool down or don’t cross train enough. Been trying to improve since last two months and already seeing some differences.
Any words of advice? I know you some of us would not like to hear this (including me) but cross train, cross train, cross train. Don’t make all your runs, hard runs.
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