Name: Andrea H.
Age: 37
Involved in: Running, cross training and boot camp classes
Lovin' the long run
I've been sporty most of my life; I started competitive swimming at age seven and continued through high school. When I got to college, I started running to keep the Freshman 15 at bay. I didn't enjoy the running but it got results! After my second child turned one last year, I decided I needed to have a goal and get out of my comfort zone/rut of just running three or four miles a couple times a week. So I trained for and ran the Seattle Half Marathon, and loved it. I realized that the reason I hated running in high school was because it was always centered around running "The Mile" (unless you joined track), and that short, fast distance is still grueling to me! I found that I really enjoy myself after getting through at least the first two to three miles of any run, and its become addictive to get into that zone.Staying motivated and challenged
GirlsGoneSporty (GGS): What is your motivation for staying active?
Andrea H. (AH): Well, foremost, to stay in shape. One of the reasons I've been active my whole life is because if I don’t exercise, I gain weight fast. I love to eat and cook too much! I also have found that it keeps me energized and able to deal with/run around after my kids, while also giving me a little break from them when I need it. It’s like what I assume Xanax is like! It just wipes the slate clean -- I can get my anxieties flushed out and mentally recharge. I also want my kids to have a good role model for exercise. My dream is to go out and do races with them; especially my little girl! As she grows up I hope that she is healthy and has a healthy body image.
GGS: What sports and fitness accomplishments are you most proud of?
AH: I'm most proud of the effort that I've put into running faster and shaving time off my races while leading a pretty busy life with two small kids. Its not that I've run the half marathons, but that I improved my time by ten minutes by working hard and setting goals.
GGS: How do you keep challenging yourself to improve?
AH: I sign up for a race every month, and utilize all resources to keep me motivated (fitness websites, twitter feeds, magazines, etc). I'm an information junkie as well as a sign-up aholic!
GGS: Are you currently training for a race or event? What's your workout schedule look like?
AH: I'm working on few 5k's this summer as well as training for the See Jane Run Half Marathon in Seattle this July. I try to get in a long run, interval run, tempo run and maybe a hill run every week. In addition to my favorite weekly boot camp class and strength/core work. Oh, and lots of stretching!
Tools of the trade:
GGS: What’s your favorite healthy food or dish?
AH: I love healthy baked goods and like to share those recipes on my blog, Born and Raced in Chicago. Things like oatmeal raisin cookies, sweet potato bars or healthified rice krispie treats with ground flax. My favorite meal is a big steak dinner, though!
GGS: What's on your workout playlist?
AH: I love cheesy top 40 (Call me Maybe - yes please!) as well as techno pop. My favorite tune this year is for sure 'Levels' by Avicci and anything David Guetta does.
GGS: What’s in your gym bag?
AH: Er, I run around sweaty and gross until I get home to shower! I have Nuun in my car, Oiselle clothes on my body and maybe I'll cram a banana in my bag which is usually full of diapers, wipes, and fruit leather for the kids.
Live the sporty life
GGS: What does the phrase “live the sporty life” mean to you?
AH: "Living the sporty life" has such a fun ring to it! I feel that it means exercise should be fun and something you want to do for yourself, to take time for yourself and live life to the fullest.
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