EBR Rock Star: Jessica Grimes

Posted by Christine in Blog, EBR Rock Star, Running, Running Gear, Training, Winter Dash 12/13 | 2 comments

It’s EBR Rock Star time! Today we’re chatting with Jessica Grimes, who is training for her first half marathon this spring and is part of our Winter Dash. (Have you shared your run with us yet? You really should!) Welcome, Jessica!

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.