EBR Rock Star: Amelia Sprout

Posted by Heather in Blog, EBR Rock Star, Fall Fun Run 2012 | 4 comments

It’s EBR Rock Star time again. Today, I caught up with Amelia Sprout, who has her first of Fall Fun Runs this weekend. (Have you shared your run with us yet? You can do it anytime!) Thanks for sharing your story, Amelia!

What your blog is about and why everyone should click over after reading this awesome interview?

I write a lot about my journey to get healthy. Both with the exercise, the eating, and my mental health. Sometimes I write about crafty things, my garden, politics, Minnesota weather.

Who is a blogger who inspires you to blog?

There are so many, but Kristen Chase and Liz from Prior Fat Girl are two important ones.

When and why did you start running?

I have tried more than once to start running, but about two and a half years ago, after doing the 30 Day Shred I followed the Shredheads on to the Couch to 5K. After I struggled to even start, I went and saw and asthma/allergy doctor and found out that I was a. allergic to our dog and b. have asthma. Once I treated my asthma (it is mild but makes sustained cardio challenging) I found I actually liked to run. I wish I had known this during gym class. I’m incredibly slow. I am basically starting over right now since I wasn’t able to run while I was pregnant and/or sleep deprived this last almost two years.

What’s your favorite piece of running gear?

I was going to say my shoes, since I wear a size 12 and a good pair is hard to find.

Really though, it is about the bra. I always giggle when people list off their favorite “well endowed” sports bras. What I need as a plus size woman with a decent chest is usually one step beyond whatever people suggest. I have this bra by Champion and this Moving Comfort Maia bra. I also really love the new focus on technical gear for plus size women. It is much more comfortable to run as a “big girl” when I can wear wicking gear.

What song (or songs) get you totally pumped when you’re on the pavement?

I have a really eclectic music collection, and what is in my “running” playlist is no different. There is a lot of classic Prince (I’m a Minnesota girl after all) and Replacements but also things I would rarely admit to, like Spice Girls and ABBA.

Do kids run with you?

My oldest has always been interested in running, mostly because she likes to win things. This fall we will be doing at least once race together. (weather permitting since it is in October and it has been known to snow here then) I am hoping she keeps being interested in it, and that she learns to lose gracefully. The toddler has to hang out in my jogging stroller (got off Craig’s List). She hates it. She will learn to love it.

What’s your favorite pre or post race snack or meal?

I run at night mostly, after I get the kids to bed. If dinner was too far away, I like nuts or fruit. Something small since I’m going to bed after I run. On the rare chance I get to run in the morning (weekends sometimes) I usually have toast with peanut butter or something similar with carbs and protein.

What’s your next goal?

I have three races I’ve signed up for this fall. Even though I just restarted the Couch to 5K program again. I know I’ll likely walk most of the first one, and maybe the last one, but I don’t care. I waited too long to get back in to it, making too many excuses. Now that I am back to it, I can see that. I’ve even started dreaming about maybe running more than a 5K some day. Maybe even a half marathon some day. It is like I hardly know myself.

Thanks again for sharing your story. Go, kick butt, this fall with your running events. We’ll be cheering for you!