Name: Lacy Pool
Age: 32
Involved in: Running, Spinning, Group classes, Yoga
Turning punishment into reward
In middle school, my mom would make me run with her as punishment when my grades were slipping or if I broke the rules. I hated it. I could not fathom why she would wake up in the dark and choose to run before her long day of work even began. I was always involved in team sports, so in my eyes, running was lonely, boring and monotonous. It was not until my first taste of the real world while I was in college that I decided to go out for my first long run by myself.
OMG. Euphoria.
The repetitive action of jogging at a steady pace, with a conscience breathing pattern, was best therapy ever. Free, calorie burning therapy.....why doesn't everybody do this?! I was hooked, and now I am obsessed. Although I have incorporated other forms of exercise into my routine, such as spin and group classes, I have to run every other day or I am totally out of whack. Running has become a part of my life. I am a wife, mother and a runner.
Staying motivated and challenged
GirlsGoneSporty (GGS): What is your motivation for staying active?
Lacy Pool (LP): Honestly, I want to look good, feel good and be a good role model for my kids.
GGS: What sports or fitness accomplishments are you most proud of?
LP: I set a goal for myself to run a marathon within one year of giving birth to each of my kids. This was a great way to discipline myself to get back into fighting shape after having babies. I remember the look on another runner's face when he noticed that the first thing I did after crossing the finish line was to find my daughter and breastfeed her. I wasn't stretching, taking photos or puking (like so many other first time marathoners). He turned to the guy next to him and said, "Now that is an athlete."
GGS: How do you keep challenging yourself to improve?
LP: Within the last year, I have increased my speeds drastically by coming to the realization that cross-training and weight training really do effect my overall training.
Tools of the trade
GGS: What’s your favorite healthy food or dish?
LP: I have recently fallen in love with Fage Greek Yogurt with frozen berries, raisins and honey. I eat it once a day. Seriously.
GGS: What's on your workout playlist?
LP: Jay Z. Uncensored.
GGS: What’s in your gym bag? (beauty products, clothing items, snacks, etc.)
LP: Frozen protein bar and headphones.
Live the sporty life
GGS: What does the phrase “live the sporty life” mean to you?
LP: It is a lifestyle. It is not an option. I "make time" for other activities, but there is no compromising my workout time. Sure the laundry might pile up, the bed might not get made first thing in the morning, and I might be dressed in Lululemon for parent-teacher meetings, but I am happy, healthy and totally capable of taking control over my well-being. My kids and husband are proud of me, and I am proud of myself!
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