High Level Happy Hour: Sierra!

Today's High Level Happy Hour is with Sierra, Marathon Runner Extraordinaire!

Q: So when did you run your first marathon? 

A: The Cowtown Marathon in Fort Worth was my first (February 24, 2013)

Q: What kinds of runs did you do prior to the marathon?

A: I had done a few 10K's through the years and then ran a half marathon early last year. 

Q. What inspired you to run a marathon?

A. I had been tossing around the idea ever since my half marathon, but my true inspiration to start training came when an amazing family from my hometown lost 3 family members in a car accident. Through the tragedy they banded together to help heal by running a marathon in honor of their loved one's lives. 

Q: What was your training like? 

A: My training was four months of running four days a week. I trained on the Trinity Trails and ran through some crazy Texas weather extremes. 

Q. Did you use any training prep tools? 

A. I used the training plan from marathonrookie.com. I needed to structure of a training plan to keep me on track and accountable for my weekly runs. 

Q. How did you stay motivated? 

A. Staying motivated is hard, especially when you're raining for 1/3rd of the year. I could say I stayed motivated by never losing sight of the end goal-but I'd be lying. I did it by occasionally rewarding myself with new workout gear. 

Q. What was the best part of your training? 

A. It sounds corny, but the best part of my training was the self discovery that naturally happens when you're running for hours at a time, and breaking down the mental and physical barriers by running farther than you've ever gone. 

Q. What was the worst part of your training? 

A. Completely destroying my feet. Only slightly kidding. The worst part for me was the self doubt that plagued me after I was injured during my 16 mile training run. 

Q. What was the most surprising thing about marathon day for you? 

A. How BORED you get when running for so long! The spectators were amazing and kept it fun, but I kept thinking "are we there yet"?!

Q. If you could change 1 thing about your run marathon day, what would it be? 

A. Honestly I over analyzed everything, so it went very smoothly for me (metaphorically and literally- thanks Body Glide!) The only thing I would change would be to remember to take Advil at mile 16.

Q. What tips would you give to people thinking about running a marathon? 

A. If you are the type to overanalyze the situation, DO IT! I spent countless hours researching online and harassing experienced runners, but felt more comfortable on race day because of it. But my #1 TIP: don't underestimate chafing.... body glide. everywhere. 

Q. What came first, the chicken or the egg?

A. Chicken!

Wanna connect with Sierra? Twitter

Thanks for sharing your marathon story with us Sierra!! 

-DBC 

Every Wednesday I interview someone who has an interesting job or perspective and feature some of our chat here for the High Level Happy Hour. Are you interesting or know someone who is? Fab! Email me DoriTheDocent@gmail.com