You completed your first half marathon on May 5 – go you! Do you have any top tips for runners thinking about taking the plunge to try a half marathon?

I did finish the Navigant Half Marathon which runs part of the way along the Blackstone Valley bike path. Because it was in early May, I knew I’d want to train all winter which meant learning to love to run in the cold. Surprisingly, I DID love it—with the right gear and the right attitude, the cold weather feels so refreshing and it was awesome to run outdoors when almost everyone else was feeling housebound.

For me, that distance—13.1 miles—was HARD. It took a lot of out of me to run anything more than ten miles in training and during the race itself. In hindsight, I wish I had done some strength training to build up my legs more, and I wish I had sought out some hills too. Running on flat roads is great for confidence but I’ve learned my lesson: Hill training will be part of my life from now on.

For runners who have done a 10k, a half marathon is a very real and attainable goal. I ran/walked at a 4 minute: 1 minute ratio which felt right for me, and I finished with a smile on my face. No, I wasn’t a speed demon, but it was still such a feeling of accomplishment.

We here at EBR like food. What are your favorite pre and post race snacks/meals?

In the mornings, I must first start with a cup of coffee (coconut creamer and sugar too!) and a banana. Anything more than that and I feel like my stomach has a lead weight in it. If I’m running more than 4 miles, I bring a “GU” and water to slurp down. GU is truly disgusting and you should see the faces I make when I eat it, but it gives me the biggest kick in the pants and is pretty easy to get down. I’ve tried the chews and my jaw gets tired trying to eat them!

After running, I usually don’t have much of an appetite for a while. But, after a long run, I definitely down a big glass of chocolate milk which has all but eliminated the crushing fatigue I used to feel after an hour (or more!) of running.

Tell us about your essential running gear.

I’ve been wearing Brooks’ Adrenaline running shoes for years and years. I just buy the latest-and-greatest model whenever I get a new pair. I love how much room my toes have;  these are just the perfect shoes for my feet.

I really like Target’s C9 by Champion line of running clothes which don’t cost a fortune but fit really well. And I just started wearing a Brooks running baseball cap which keeps my head cool and keeps the sweat out of my eyes. I can’t do without my Nathan Running Belt for my longer runs, and I put NUUN tablets into my water bottles for a little extra boost.

In the winter, I run in my old Hot Chillys skiing tights which are awesomely warm but not too bulky or hot, and then I layer, layer, layer on top. And, for running on snow, I adore my YakTrax which come on and off so easily and really do keep me from slip sliding away.

And finally (wow, I am a high-maintenance runner!), I prefer to run with music, so my iPhone is another essential piece of equipment. Tucked into my SPIbelt, it’s easy to reach if I need to take a call or check my pace on RunKeeper.

We know you dig tech. Tell us what social tools have helped you keep accountable while training.

The entire reason I am still running more than a  year later is because of Jeff Galloway and his wonderful apps.  I used his run/walk method to safely build up mileage without injury, and I will say it is a great way to get established as a regular runner without a lot of aches and pains which would normally derail me a couple of months into a training program. My pace was always pretty good, even with the walk breaks. I am now working on “only running”, and I credit Jeff Galloway’s method for preparing my body for this more intense workout.

I also love logging my runs on Daily Mile where friends can come and cheer me on or offer suggestions. And I just started tracking my progress on Run Keeper which allows me to see my progress day-by-day and also motivates me during a run by telling me my split times.

Are you inspired by any running bloggers? If so, who?

I love the Another Mother Runner website started by Dimity McDowell and Sarah Bowen Shea who both wrote the Run Like A Mother and Train Like A Mother books. Their articles and podcasts are perfect for anyone who is trying to juggle fitness and family, and their sense of humor always makes me smile. Also the women on their forums and on the Facebook page (also known as BAMR’s–bad-ass mother runners) are so supportive, funny, dedicated, and helpful, they make me want to be the best runner I can be.

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Christina Refford is a homeschooling mama to three kids, Senior Associate Editor at Cool Mom Picks and Cool Mom Tech, and blogger at The Fairly Odd Mother. She lives south of Boston with her husband, kids, and lazy black lab who refuses to run with her. She hopes to do a triathlon in 2014, and maybe tackle another, flatter half marathon in the not-too-distant future.

Katie (right; rocking her finisher shirt!) with running buddy Alison (left)

We love that you’ve joined us for all three of our virtual gatherings (Fall Fun Run, Winter Dash, Spring Fling); how has social media helped inspire your running journey?

Without social media, I wouldn’t be a runner. It’s as simple as that! My sister got me started three years ago, and since she lives in Arizona and I’m in Massachusetts we relied on social media to encourage each other. The virtual community and online social networks I’m part of keep me honest, keep me on track, keep me accountable, and give me unwavering support.

You recently completed your first half marathon on April 28 – go you! Do you have any top tips for runners thinking about taking the plunge to try a half marathon?

The Nike Women Half Marathon in Washington DC was a fantastic experience for a first half. It’s definitely more of an Experience Race (with 15,000+ runners!) than a pure Road Race, and that atmosphere of fun, camaraderie, and energy was definitely what I needed as a first-timer. I could focus on just enjoying the experience and finishing, and not worry about time. So my tips:

• Find a race that really interests you – whether it’s a large Experience like Nike or a small road race where you can push yourself for time. You have to want to be there.
• Do the long training runs. I worked up to a 12.3 mile run a couple weeks before the half, and the last two miles during the race were still very challenging for me. Do-able, but quite challenging.
• Just pick one and register! There’s nothing like a looming race date to provide great motivation.

We here at EBR like food. What are your favorite pre and post race snacks/meals?

I was experimenting with different pre-run foods during the training runs for this half. I can’t eat peanut or nut butters, unfortunately, so that was one typical suggestion that wouldn’t work. I tried half of a whole wheat bagel, which definitely disagreed with me on the long runs. In the end, I found that a banana and Luna bar with water pre-run was the best for me.

Post-run, I would really only need lots of water (sometimes with a splash of fresh lemon juice) immediately. After a couple hours, then I needed something rich in good protein.

I’ve also found that if I’m doing a run longer than about 90 minutes (I’m slow, so the half took me about 2:40), I need to fuel with something. What my body tolerates best during a run are gummie snacks. My favorite is the mixed berry flavor of Life Saver Gummies.

Tell us about your favorite running gear.

My Brooks Dyno 7 shoes (they’re actually wide enough for my feet!). My Garmin Forerunner 405. My Flip Belt (I need to order a second one!). Running capris from Old Navy. And for winter running in New England, fleece lined pants and tops from Brooks and inexpensive, lightweight fleece gloves and hats from Old Navy.

Are you inspired by any running bloggers? If so, who?

In addition to Eat.Blog.Run? I love the community at Another Mother Runner. And I find great tips at the Brooks Running Blog. Otherwise, my inspiration comes from my fellow runners, especially other running moms who are just struggling to find time, that I connect with online and in real life – like my sister Dani, my friends Katharina and Alison. One of the amazing things about the Nike Half was looking around at the hundreds, even thousands, of other runners who were running at my pace and we were all so supportive and proud of each other for doing our 12:00 minute/miles together. That was truly inspirational.

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Katie lives about 30 minutes outside Boston with her husband, three kids (11, 8, and 4), and two cats. She works part-time as a Director with media relations firm Savoir Media. She blogs occasionally at Katie’s Korner and likes to overshare on Twitter (@bunnums).

You are a busy mom who also runs a business. How do you find time to run?

I wake up, drink a liter of water and run out the door. Most days it is still a little dark when I set out and it seems like I wake up when I am half a mile away! Honestly, since my youngest turned 4, I have slowly started getting my mornings back! That means that I can actually go on a run in the morning while my husband gets ready for work without worrying about having to take care of a little monster that randomly woke up

When and why did you start running?

I started running in Jan 2013. I had started to consistently have my mornings to myself and felt that I need to do something meaningful and fun with them!
Moreover my doctor said I am letting stress take over my life …so I figured I really need to focus on my long term health. Running seemed like a great idea and I figured that in a place like California (the weather here is unreal in an awesome way!) , running is indeed fun and satisfying.

Are you inspired by any running bloggers? If so, who?

My biggest inspiration is Allison McDonald – author of No Time For Flash Cards. Allie is a friend and advisor to my company, MeMeTales. The past few years, I have been watching her run multiple times a week(with a baby in a stroller too!) . In December she registered for the Dallas Rock and Roll Half and encouraged me to do it as well.

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

Since I run first thing in the morning, I usually don’t eat anything right before I run. Before my Rock and Roll Half Marathon, I ate a banana.
I drink some carrot juice a few minutes after I get back from my run. Post run I always long for some fresh veggies – cucumber dipped in hummus …yumm!

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

I am rather boring or perhaps lazy. I turn on Pandora to latest radio hits and just go. I guess my favorite is Kelly Clarkson’s What Doesn’t Kill You. I sense my pace pick up when I hear that song.

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Maya is the founder of MeMeTales – a parent resource to help raise smarter kids. She loves tech, her 2 girls and is deeply in love with the man she married 10 years ago. Running is her latest happy obsession and she is working to make a habit of it.

We love that you’ve joined us for all three of our virtual gatherings (Fall Fun Run, Winter Dash, Spring Fling); how has social media helped inspire your running journey?

Well, I LOVE the virtual gatherings that you all put on! Keep ‘em coming! I loving the running community, everyone is just so nice.

Social media has definitely helped inspire me as a runner, whether it’s by gaining new Facebook friends through my running group (more on that later), following runners of all paces and abilities on Twitter, or getting encouraging comments from people that I’m friends with on the MyFitnessPal app.

One thing I never imagined would happen was using social media as an accountability tool. When I started training for my first half marathon last fall, I would post my Nike + workouts on Facebook and on long runs, I would use their “cheer me on” tool. I was amazed how many people responded to those posts! People started cheering me on, commenting on my improvements and paying attention. Because it mattered to me, it mattered to them. That just goes to show you how amazing my friends and family are! It really helped motivate me to get off my butt and out the door every day for a run.

You’re gearing up for a half marathon on May 5 – go you! Do you have any top tips for runners thinking about taking the plunge to try a half marathon?

I think my best advice would be to just do it already. If you are on the fence, signing up for a race is the best motivation you can have to get out there and get running. I’ve been a runner off and on for most of my life, but every time I start to fall off the running wagon I find a race, sign up and it totally motivates me! After college, I started focusing on my career and finding my own way through this crazy world and running was no longer a priority to me. Once I got engaged, my husband and I joined a local workout club that is put on by the track and field coaches at our city university in order to lose weight for the wedding. And I was hooked again. I signed up for a 5k about a year after our wedding, then a 10k six weeks later, then a 15k about a month after that and decided the next logical step was a half marathon! So, I just signed up. After my first half last October, I was addicted. It is hands down my favorite distance.

I think it also really helps to have a buddy or a running group that are training for the same race as support. Last fall, I trained all by myself. We had recently moved out into a very rural area outside of Wichita, I didn’t know anyone that ran in the area and I didn’t really have anyone in my life that I knew that was training for the same race that was at my pace. Firefly Yoga Studio is a studio in Wichita that has a running group (that is FREE to join, how awesome is that?!?) and I always wanted to join in, but the studio was fairly far from my house. This past December, they opened a west side studio that is much closer to my house so I’ve started running with their running group two days a week and have started incorporating yoga into my training. It has made a WORLD of difference! The group has improved the pace of my easy runs over a minute a mile and I’ve joined a huge support group. Two girls I know are also training for this upcoming half and run a Facebook page and blog called Build Lean Eat Clean and it’s so inspiring to read their posts and know that they are going through the same thing!

You’re also planning a super hero themed 5K in July – AMAZING! What inspired this project?

YES! I am SO EXCITED about this project! I am the current Wichita City Center Director for the Wichita Branch of the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) and this 5k is a fundraiser put on by the Wichita Branch of IIDA for Rainbows United, Inc. in Wichita. Along with the Kansas City City Center of IIDA we form the IIDA MidAmerica Chapter and cover the majority of Kansas and some of Missouri. IIDA KC is now planning their 3rd 5k and we thought it was time to get in on the action here in Wichita!

Rainbows United is an organization here in town that has a wonderful mission of “enhancing the lives of children with special needs and their families by bringing together community resources and providing customized services.” The organization is very well known throughout the city and we felt like they would be a great beneficiary of our first ever 5k!

We here at EBR like food. What are your favorite pre and post race snacks/meals?

I eat the same thing every time I have a race. The routine keeps me calm and I can just focus on making it through the race without worrying about upsetting my stomach. I always eat a banana and a piece of toast with some sort of nut butter on it. Almond and sunflower butters are my current faves! And a water bottle full of cold water. I also chew gum every time I run. I know that bothers a lot of people, but it find that it helps me breathe and keeps my mouth from drying out as bad. If it’s a race over 10 miles, I eat Honey Stinger Chews for my fuel. They are really good and taste just like candy! And I cannot stand Gu, it just gets stuck in my throat and I feel like I’m running with a bowl of pudding in my mouth. Gross.

After a race is when I tend to indulge! I love love love breakfast food and we have a really good local diner here in town that is pretty much my go-to after a race. I get a big ol’ plate of eggs over easy, hash browns, pancakes, toast, bacon and chocolate milk! I mean, when you burn over a thousand calories in a race, you gotta make up for it somehow, right!?!

Tell us about your favorite running gear.

I’m a gadget lover, so I love running with my iPhone and I use the Nike+ Running app to track all of my runs. I have a FlipBelt that I like to wear during races and longer runs. It’s awesome to carry my phone, cash, car keys, etc. And that works amazingly with my second favorite piece of gear, my bluetooth headphones! Running without those dang earphone cords has changed. My. Life. Seriously, those things are so annoying! My husband bought me this set for my birthday last year and they have been amazing!

Are you inspired by any running bloggers? If so, who?

I love bloggers, but runners really are the best bloggers, aren’t they?  Some of my favorites are:

• Ali on the Run: Ali is hilarious and so incredibly inspiring!
• Go Fork Youselves: I actually found Krissy through your EBR Rock Star series! She’s a hoot and I love following her Twitter, she has some of the best running tweets I’ve ever read.
• SkinnyRunner: Again, I think she’s hilarious. (Are we seeing a trend here?)
• NYCRunningMama: I loved hearing Michelle’s running story and her posts are always super informational and helpful. She’s always a great read!
• Build Lean Eat Clean: I know I’ve already mentioned these girls, but they are such an inspiration and I love that actually know them IRL and get to see them at races and around town!

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Catie lives with her husband, two dogs, cat, and 24 chickens in the middle of nowhere, about 30 minutes outside of Wichita, KS. She’s a commercial interior designer for an architecture firm in Wichita. Catie blogs over at C to the C (www.ctothec.blogspot.com) when she has free time and is just starting to evolve into a running blog. 

Tell us about your inspiration for and what you cover at 100 Routes Across America – I want to hear more about the intersection between family travel and personal growth!

I’ve always loved to travel. In September 2011 my family took a road trip from Chicago to New Jersey. That road trip was an epiphany for me. We stayed off the interstates as much as possible, opting for the scenic routes and exploring as many historical places as time allowed. I discovered my passion for American history, and decided I wanted explore every state this way.

Since then I’ve road-tripped quite a bit and with every trip comes some learning. I learn about the kind of person I am, about what motivates me, about my fears. One time I planned to visit a place in the middle of nowhere, Tennessee, that claimed to have the World’s Largest Treehouse. I was alone, and as I followed the directions down a dirt road past a corn field, I was scared. I almost turned around. But then this amazing treehouse appeared. There were families with little children exploring the house with wide eyes, teenagers pushing each other on the huge tree swing, senior citizens taking photos. It was inspiring.

So the blog is about my travels, with and without my family, and how we all learn and grow together. I love being exposed to new places and new cultures and I hope to encourage others to do the same. I’d love to run a 1/2 marathon in every state, but since I’m 43 years old, I’m just not sure that’s possible!

You have a half marathon coming up in March; do you have any recommendations for those considering their first half? (I have a selfish interest here!)

My recommendation for anyone considering a 1/2 marathon is this: Don’t worry about time and just do it. Anyone who is even a little bit fit can walk a half marathon within the time frame (most give you four hours). Once you’ve done a 1/2, you will be hooked and motivated to get stronger and faster. My second piece of advice is to get fitted for proper running shoes. I ran for a YEAR without knowing you’re supposed to buy running shoes a half to full size bigger. And I wondered why my toes would get numb on long runs. Duh.

We here at EBR like food. What are your favorite pre and post race snacks/meals?

I’m rather unimaginative when it comes to food. I go with pasta, bagels, raisins and KIND bars before a race. Post-race, my first choice would be a big chef salad and some french fries. But I’ll pretty much eat whatever is in front of me!

What are you essentials when it comes to running gear?

I live in New Jersey (and loathe the dreadmill), so for cold weather runs I am absolutely in love with my Columbia base layer tights and shirt with Omni-Heat. They are super comfy and warm.  Sweatybands to hold my hair back. My iPhone and the Run Training Pro app.

Are you inspired by any running bloggers? If so, who?

Dorothy from Mile Posts inspires me – she’s amazing. I also love Jenn from Girl Heroes – not a “running” blogger, but I adore her attitude and commitment to fitness. The Hungry Runner Girl is fun to read, but her blog makes me hungry, and I don’t need help in that category.

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Shannon Entin is a travel writer and homeschooling mom on a quest to drive through all 50 states in America. She’s hoping to run through quite a few, too! Read more at 100 Routes Across America.  

1. When and why did you start running?

I started just after Christmas, 2011…you know, I didn’t want to be like everyone else and start on January 1st.   So, it’s  been a little over a year since I started.  I’ve never enjoyed exercise, but always had this little “pull” to try a 5k.  After talking with Amy from She Wears Many Hats about her Couch-to-5k success, I decided to give it a go.  Now, I actually WANT to run….it’s weird.

2. What races are you gearing up for this year? 

I haven’t decided yet.

3. Are there running gadgets you love to use? What are they and why do you love them?

Well, when I started I LOVED the Get Running C25K app.  I just wanted to hug the British lady telling me when to run and cool down.  I’ve been using the Bridge to 10K app lately, and I love it.  I’m not sure I want to run a 10k race, but it has pushed me to run a little farther.  And, I couldn’t live without my Incase arm band for my iPhone.

4. We’re all about the eat on our blog too. What are your recommendations for fueling up en route?

I run in the mornings and always just have a Kind bar about an hour before I head out. The Dark Chocolate Cherry are my favorite.  You can never go wrong with a little chocolate in the morning.

5. Are you inspired by any running bloggers? If so, who?

Yes, yes!!!  As I mentioned, Amy from She Wears Many Hats really motivated me to try running.  I’m so thankful to her for giving me the nerve to get out there.  Then, several of us connected on twitter and started calling ourselves the Red-Faced Runners.  Last year, with Dara from Cookin’ Canuck as our leader, we encouraged others to get out and run a 5k with us…all over the country…on the same weekend.  It was very inspiring to see.

Tell us about your blog and why everyone should click on over after reading this interview!

I think I’m someone a lot of women can relate to. I am a mom of two who works full-time and is trying to balance work, family, motherhood and  living a healthy lifestyle.  On Keeping Mommy Sane, I write about my attempts to juggle it all, as well the things, like running, that keep me sane — including fashion, vegetarian cooking and pop culture.

I see that you’re a speed demon! Can you share a bit about your running journey? Have you always been speedy or is this something you’ve been working on?

It’s funny, I’ve never considered myself a “speed demon,” but I guess I am a sprinter at heart. Maybe it’s because the sports I played growing up – tennis and softball – required short bursts of speed.  I only started running seriously in 2010, but by that fall I discovered I was pregnant with my daughter, so running took a bit of a a hiatus. I jumped back into it again in October 2011, when she was 3 months old, with a goal of finishing a 10K in April 2012, followed by a few 5Ks. I ended up competing in six races in 2012 and set a PR in every single one, which was pretty crazy, and in my last race I missed my first sub-25 5K by 2 seconds. Even though I’m looking forward to crossing that goal off my list this year, 2013 will mostly be focused on increasing my endurance … I have two half marathons (my first) coming up!

You’re doing two races as part of Winter Dash (go you!) as tune ups for the Boston Run to Remember Half Marathon. How have you been training with the brutally cold weather this winter?

Honestly,  I am a wuss about the cold, and I’m a born and bred New England girl! Lucky for me, I don’t mind treadmill running, mostly because I have to do many of my runs at 5am. To help me get through tedious treadmill runs, I set the incline at Level 1 to mimic the road and try to alternate between speed work and hills for my shorter runs. I also use my music as the inspiration: when the chorus kicks in, I either sprint or crank up the incline. It makes it more like a game, which keeps me engaged.

We here at EBR like food. What are your favorite pre and post race snacks/meals?

I am a total creature of habit. Before races, I always have coffee and wheat toast with almond butter and sliced banana. It’s not very exciting, but it does the trick. Afterwards, depending on the distance, I like Gatorade G2, bagels and any type of granola bar. Oh, and it never hurts when they’re serving post-race beer!

What are you essentials when it comes to running gear?

As far as sneakers go, I am a Brooks Glycerin girl all the way, and last year, I discovered an unexpected love of running skirts (especially lululemon’s Pacesetter skirt). I am a bit fanatic about my hair falling into my face when I run (so distracting!) so I alternate between SparklySoul headbands and a visor for longer runs. I am also in love with Yurbuds, which have to be the best headphones ever. I swear, those suckers do not budge, which is key because I have to run to music.

Are you inspired by any running bloggers? If so, who?

I am inspired by all my fellow running mamas who have to squeeze in their runs and training in between work and carpool and field trips and soccer practice.  And some of these gals are marathoners – I don’t know how they do it! Some ladies  I follow include Jessica from 30something Mother Runner, Laura from Mommy Run Fast, Dorothy from Mile Posts, Jill Conyers from Fitness, Health & Happiness … the list goes on and on!

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Jessica Grimes is a freelance writer, PR gal and the blogger behind Keeping Mommy Sane. She’s still getting used to calling herself a runner, even though she is training for her first half marathon in May. Jessica lives in the Boston suburbs with her husband, 6-year-old son and 1-year-old daughter. You can find her on Twitter and Instagram at @SaneMommy and on Facebook.

Tell us how and why you started running.

I’ve been an on-again-off-again runner since high school. I’ve struggled with staying in shape for a good chunk of my life. In the past I’ve gotten discouraged when I’d feel like dying after a mile or two — I never felt like a “real runner.” This past summer I moved to Boston and started biking everywhere. When I decided to take up running again I realized commuting via bike had really built up my endurance and I could actually run without keeling over. I’ve been slowly increasing distance and speed and recently completed my first 5k. I’ve always wanted to run races, but have an irrational fear of competitive sports. I’m proud of myself for taking the leap!

You are awesome for taking the leap! How did your first 5K go last month? And what (if anything) did you do to prepare yourself for this monumental occasion?

I’m a chronic over-preparer in all aspects of life and running is no different. I knew that if I could hit my goal time consistently, I’d be fine on race day. I try to run at least two days a week to keep my butt in line. I know that isn’t a lot, but keeping my expectations manageable has kept me from feeling defeated and throwing in the towel. I may have also bribed myself with some new Lululemon digs.

What are your favorite pre/post running snacks or meals?

I’ll start off by saying that the worst pre-running meal I’ve ever eaten was a giant Chipotle burrito. I’d eaten one for lunch but was still determined to get to the gym after work. Holy heartburn, Batman! I don’t like to run on a full stomach and have found that a banana seems to keep me powered up without feeling too full. I don’t drink a lot while I’m running, so I make sure I have a glass of water or two post-workout.

Are you inspired by any running bloggers? If so, who?

I don’t read many running blogs, but I love Jesica D’Avanza of rUnladylike‘s Friday Fitspiration posts. Without fail, I feel like being lazy and going home to lounge on Fridays after work and her posts have gotten me moving on more than one occasion. Jesica’s blog is also how I discovered Monica of Run Bang Run. Her journey is beyond inspiring — this perfectly sums up how I feel about running.

What’s your next running goal?

I’d love to do another 5k! I’m also working on getting my 5k time under 30 minutes — that will be a huge accomplishment for me, and I’m almost there!

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Kaitlyn Dowling is a digital strategist at Women Online and The Mission List. She lives in the Boston area with her chihuahua, Carla Sagan, and tweets at @kaitlyndowling.

Tell us about your running journey Melody.

I’ve been running for the last 2 years off and on, with really no purpose other then weight loss. About two years ago when I met my boyfriend, at the time we were only friends, he and I both shared a passion for health and fitness. We started running together but shortly after we started I hurt my knee pretty badly. It put me out of commission for a good couple of months. But after some serious struggles this fall, with the help of Krissy and the wonderful community of people on Twitter I was able to get serious about running again. With the Pile on the Miles challenge in November I decided to jump back in. I picked a half marathon training program to follow. I figured it would be easier for me to keep at it with a plan of attack and to help take any guess work out with what I should do.

You just ran your first race ever on Thanksgiving – go you! How did it go? Do you have any tips to share for first time racers?

Have fun! Surprisingly I was only nervous when I was parking my car. After that I was completely cool, I was totally ready! I ran the race alone, had my best time ever at 8:49 min/mile. I came in 50th out of 184 people. Having people there that I was mentally racing helped, it kept me pushing myself. I will definitely do that race again next Thanksgiving, but now I feel so much less nervous about racing. I always wanted to do them but didn’t feel good enough to sign up. And now I know I can do them alone! But as for tips: make sure you get there on time, make sure you eat a little something first, and having someone at the finish line is really awesome. Sharing that proud moment crossing the line is such a great feeling, at least it was for me!

What are your favorite pre/post running snacks or meals?

Well, I’m still working on the whole running nutrition. Because I usually run after work I always eat my dinner right after, which is usually meat protein, carbs and veggies.  I don’t like to eat before running, I don’t even like to drink too much water. I dislike the feeling of it bouncing around in my stomach as I run. And my miles just started to get longer so I’ll be playing around with nutrition while running. Still need to figure that all out, which is why I’ve been trying to find more girls on Twitter and who might blog so I can learn more! [Melody and other interested parties, check out our carbo loading 101!]

Are you inspired by any running bloggers? If so, who? 

The first one has to be Katie. First off I love her blog name and second it’s really powerful to see someone like her who’s come such along way. She’s super inspiring. I don’t know how I even found her but I’m glad I did! And I started reading Shut Up and Run. She cracks me up! She’s a lot of fun to read.

What’s your next running goal? 

I’m training for the Disney Princess Half Marathon in February! I’m really excited for it!  I always wanted to be one of those marathon girls… Not completely sure I love the marathon distance, but we’ll see after the Half. I’ll probably have to do a marathon just to have completed one. I love little challenges like the Winter Dash — they keep me accountable! I was looking for more runs in December in CT but there seems to be nothing from after the second week of December to January. While I hate running outside in the cold if a short race pops up I think I will do it.

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Melody is an administrative assistant who also writes Fly In My Martini. She struggled with her weight for many years and after joining Weight Watchers and engaging in exercise, lost almost 70 pounds. She recently ran her first race and is gearing up for the Disney Princess Half Marathon in 2013.

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

GoForkYourselves.com is about me and my thoughts on food and fitness, uncensored.  I try to write like I was having a conversation with my friends or family, super casual, and certainly without any formality.  I like to think I bring a new sort of perspective on living a healthy lifestyle, hopefully with some humor  I’ve been rocking a healthy lifestyle for close to 6 years now, and I’m passionate about giving out the knowledge I’ve gain on my ongoing journey.

I read that back in 2007 you lost 85 pounds and you’ve kept it off. What has been the best thing to help keep the weight off? 

Yeah, right, that’s like a couple of toddlers or something?  I started by just going to Weight Watchers with my mom (who also lost 50 pounds, she’s such a hot tamale) and basically relearning how to eat—which I’m sure sounds weird.  I think the best thing for me has been tracking my food, whether that be on an online calorie tracker, snapping pics of what what I eat, or even jotting it down on a post-it—it really keeps you accountable.  It’s really not as time consuming as some people would lead you to believe—and it works.

Since I’ve started to run, I’ve been burning off a ridiculous amount of calories, and haven’t had to keep such a watchful eye over my calories intake, because—it’s tough to get enough in some days, honestly. But, even still, I’m always mindful of what kind of food I’m getting in my body.

Have you always been a runner or did you just get started?

No way, haha—in hindsight, I wish I had been! I started when we bought a house in a nice neighborhood in July, I felt compelled to get out on the streets.  So, I laced up and off I went.  I started really getting addicted in August—where I logged 29 miles, In September 60 miles, and then in October 90 miles!  Goal for November—100, seems doable after last month!

I see you’re signed up for a Turkey Trot 5 miler from our Fall Fun Run event. Have you ran a race before?  

Ran/walked a 5k back in 2009 with my mother and sister in Manchester, NH—and I wasn’t really taking it too seriously then.
This month I have a 5k scheduled on 11/10/12 for RunForRovers.org , then the Turkey Trot!  Totally excited—I want to find some funky themed knee socks for the runs!

I also see that you’re signed up for your first half marathon in January. What are you doing to train? 

Yes, and as we speak I just signed up for another at Disney World in February!

Generally, I am following the Hal Higdon 13.1 training schedule—but I tend to add an additional short run each week, I’d like to keep my rest days to two a week.  The mileage increments are going great, and I’m always pumped to see how I do on my long runs each Saturday.  I try to do some strength and stretching on my running rest days—always feels great to get things stretched and loose (that’s what she said.)

Also, my training included figuring on my on-the-run nutrition—I’ve tried all the big names—Gu, Sports beans, Shot Bloks—and honestly, the best in-run fuel has turned out to be Swedish Fish!

What is a go to meal for you when you’re in the zone and training? 

Before my long runs, I try to eat a big ol’ bowl of pasta (original, right—but I’m Sicilian, so this is easy, and my favorite   the night before around 6:30-7, that way I have time to digest before I lie down.   I usually set my alarm for 1.5-2 hours before and chomp down on a Clif Bar (White Chocolate Macadamia—the best!) and slug 3-4 glasses of water and get back to sleep—then I’ll get up, slug more water—get ready to go, bathroom, and out the door!

So far, this has been the best combo for endurance/long runs in my book!

Here’s a few more things to love about Krissy: 

Name is Krissy of Go Fork Yourselves and twitter @ForkYourselves – lover of health and fitness, a nurse in my late 20s and married to the best man ever.  I’ve been told I’m a little weird, tend to veer off the beaten trail, and a generally terrible excuse for a girl J although, have recently come down an illness called ‘baby fever.’  I’ve lived tons of different places, and a few completely different careers, and finally found my niche and much happiness in the nutrition/health/fitness world!

Health/Fitness/Nutrition/Running—seriously I love it all, and I love to chat about it, so please don’t be shy.  Living healthy isn’t always easy, and it’s a commitment—a commitment to yourself.  If you can’t make time for you, what’s the point??  It sounds cliché, but I have never felt more confident in my life.  Ditch those that don’t support you and bring you down—toxic mindsets will guarantee failure—Mind over matter, if you can get there mentally, you can do ANYTHING.

— Awesome!! Thanks for sharing, Krissy. Good luck to your upcoming races!