September Runner of the Month | Gina Peterson
When and why did you start running?
I started running in August (not a smart choice 😜) of 2016. A friend of mine kept bugging me to run with her and I finally gave in. I wanted to run a 5k that benefited Down Syndrome (my son William has Down Syndrome) and my goal was to run the whole thing without walking.
First race? My first race was a 5k in September 2016 that benefited the Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network.
Most recent race? My most recent race was the Phoenix Marathon in February (before the world shut down)
Favorite piece of gear? My favorite piece of gear is my new Garmin Fenix 6s Sapphire (it was an anniversary gift from my husband)
What shoes do you run in? I run in New Balance Beacon v3 And sometimes my Hoka Carbon X
Favorite way to cross-train?
I am horrible at cross training (I just want to run all the miles) but I signed up to try CG and I’m hoping to stick with it.
Best running memory? Seeing my parents and aunt at Mile 17 during the Boston Marathon cheering me on! Having them there to support me and cheer me on was an amazing moment that I won’t forget.
Bucket List Race?
I have so many 😂 My ultimate goal is to become a 6 star finisher and run all the majors (1 down 5 to go). I think NYC Marathon is at the top of my list for bucket list though.
What is your favorite race so far?
My favorite race hands down is Boston. The energy in that city from start to finish is unparalleled. The community comes out to support all the runners, the crowd support is phenomenal you just can’t help but feel happy and excited to be there. I’ve never wanted to savor every moment like I did in Boston, I honestly didn’t want it to end. Each mile I got closer to the finish line I was a little sad because that meant I was one step closer to being done. I just wanted to soak it all up and I enjoyed every minute because I had worked so hard to get there.
Do you have a favorite distance?
Favorite distance is a half, marathons are long and a 10k is too short a half is just right for me!
What is something that most people do not know about you? I am an adrenaline junkie, I went Bungee Jumping in New Zealand. I love things that get the heart pumping (hence why I fell in love with running). Favorite tune to rock out to while running? Favorite tunes, Imagine Dragons Whatever it Takes, Radioactive, Believer, Eminem Lose Yourself, Carrie Underwood Champion I have a bunch of different tunes on the play list.
Best part about running? Best part of running is traveling to new places and the genuine friendships I have made through a shared love of something. To find people that share the same passion and goals is refreshing and something I cherish very much. I have loved getting to a know a good group of ladies not only on a running level but a deeper friendship level.
Who inspires you? My kids and my I Run 4 buddy are my biggest inspiration. I started running because of my son and the inspiration he gave me; from an infant until now being 5 he has faced many physical challenges and I continue to see how hard he works every day. Seeing what he has overcome and continues to push through on a daily basis gives me the drive to continue to push even when it gets hard. He never gives up and I don’t intend to either.
What has been your biggest challenge so far?
My biggest challenge has been the injuries that seem to plague me. I have had 3 stress fractures in the past two years and two of them have required me to be in a boot. It has been very defeating and frustrating to say the least but with my new goal of more cross training I’m hoping to help prevent these from happening.
Any words of advice? Never give up, reaching a goal can be a lot of hard work but if you want it bad enough you will find the time for it and make it happen.
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