October Runner of the Month | Jessica LaPrade
When and why did you start running?
I started running when I was going into high school. My 8th grade year into 9th grade. I was made fun of when I was younger for being a curvy girl and I was determined to change my body before going into high school! We lived in Atlanta, GA during that time and my mom would run with me at 5 a.m. before she left for work or before I went off to school.
First race? My first half was the Dallas Rock n Roll half in 2012. I had trained hard and had met the best running team at Luke's Locker.
Most recent race? Rudolph run 5k last Dec. in Allen. My brother had taken up running and wanted to race! He's very competitive and talked a lot of trash talk leading up to the race. I had to push myself and make sure I could beat him! He's also 6 foot 5 so he got all the height in the family! hahaha!!
Favorite piece of gear? My Garmin 235! I am not very tech savvy and this is a Garmin watch that I love!! I have to remember to charge it though!
What shoes do you run in? Brooks Adrenaline! I love brooks!!
Favorite way to cross-train?
I started doing One Fit Miss when my son was 6 months old and love getting to workout with my gal pals! We do a mix of cardio, strength, and core! None of the workouts are the same and I am hooked!!
Best running memory? The one that comes to mind is when I ran the wounded warrior half pregnant! I was newly pregnant and we were planning on telling my parents at brunch after the race! Well...it rained and was delayed for atleast 1 hour so after the start it was hot and humid. My pregnant body was already sick and so I had to walk a ton. My mom was really concerned and wanted to steal my husband's shoes to go and make sure I was ok! I finished the race way after my goal time and we had a blast telling my family at brunch that we were expecting our first child!! My mom then told the entire restaurant!!
Bucket List Race?
I have always wanted to do a race in California! Just for the view alone!! Probably a half in Cali someday!
What is your favorite race so far?
I would have to say the Ragnar/TIR races. The races were out of my comfort zone and non stop fun! It's a challenge because it's not your typical race but such a fun memory and I loved getting to hang out with all of my favorite running buddies!! No sleep, lots of running, and good memories!!
Do you have a favorite distance?
I would have to say 5 or 6 miles! Just a fun run with friends!
What is something that most people do not know about you? I did not eat brisket or bacon until I was pregnant with our daughter! I gave up meat in high school to slim up and hadn't touched it since recently!!
Favorite tune to rock out to while running? I cannot work music while I run. It just doesn't happen! haha! I prefer chatting with my friends!
Best part about running? I love that I can clear my head during a run. Whether it's talking to my friends, praying, or singing I am able to do something just for me that keeps me healthy and happy. It allows me to be the best wife, mom, and friend I can be simply because I took care of myself first by doing something that I truly love.
Who inspires you? I would have to say my mom. She has run with me since high school and to this day continues to run and race with her buddies. We get to race sometimes but she gets competitive. 🙂 She has done marathons in London, Italy, and doesn't let anything get in her way. We enjoy running together whenever we get a chance. We love catching up with one another and figuring out all of our girl drama!! haha! I joke with her that I have to keep up with Gran when we do race!!
What has been your biggest challenge so far?
I would say adjusting to my body/running after having babies! I am not a very patient person so waiting to run and workout after having my little ones was hard. I made sure to do the post baby exercises so I could jump back in when I was cleared! Taking it one day at a time and adjusting to being a mom has plenty of challenges. You have to give yourself grace and be patient with your body and your new schedule!
Any words of advice? Take it one day at a time. Take a rest day when you need to and just keep working towards your goals!
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