Real sporty women: Mindy Bobe

Name: Mindy Bobe

Age: 33

Involved in: Running, #plankaday, strength training

If at first you don't succeed, try, try again

As a kid I wasn't super active. I skated on the speed team for awhile, did some ballet and played some tennis. In college I became serious about working out in the gym. I always wanted to be a runner but would start out way too fast, it would get too hard, and so I would quit. Once I got married and had kids my fitness went out the window. About two and a half years ago I was miserable. I still had extra weight on me from having kids and felt out of shape and unhealthy. I decided to give running another go. I was determined and although I had injuries and set backs, I persevered and became a true runner. I fell in love with running!

Staying motivated and challenged

GirlsGoneSporty (GGS): What is your motivation for staying active?

Mindy Bobe (MB): My motivation for staying active is my two little boys. I want them to see how important it is to be active and healthy. I also want them to see that being active can be fun!

GGS: What sports and fitness accomplishments are you most proud of?

MB: I am most proud of completing my first full marathon. I had always said I was a half marathoner and wouldn't ever do a full. Then one day I got the itch and started training for my first full. Completing a marathon was the hardest thing I've ever done but so worth it in the end!

GGS: How do you keep challenging yourself to improve?

MB: I challenge myself by always having a goal. It may be a goal to complete another half or full marathon. Or it may be a fitness challenge that I've found on twitter or in the blogging world. As long as I have something to work towards it challenges me.

GGS: Are you currently training for a race or event? What's your workout schedule look like?

MB: I am currently training for two more half marathons and the Walt Disney World Full Marathon. I use the half marathon races as training runs for my marathon training. I usually run two to three short runs during the week with some strength and cross training in between. On the weekends I run a long run...which are my favorite!

Tools of the trade:

GGS: What’s your favorite healthy food or dish?

MB: I hate to cook but love to eat! I recently started loving sushi! I am also a big Greek yogurt fan and have started using Chia Seeds mixed in my yogurt.

GGS: What's on your workout playlist?

MB: I don't listen to music much while I'm running. Usually I run with girlfriends, so we talk the whole time! But I love music...music is a big part of my life and I love all types. I go through music phases where for a few months I will listen to country, the next few months I will listen to pop, the next few months I will listen to contemporary Christian.

GGS: What’s in your gym bag?

MB: My gym bag always includes my Asics running shoes, a running skirt, a cute shirt, a Moving Comfort sports bra, compression socks, a ponytail holder, some type of hair accessory like Bic Bands or Bondi Bands, my Garmin Forerunner, GU, my hydration belt with water and a sports drink, Body Glide, sunscreen and my iPhone...gotta have those proof pictures!

Live the sporty life

GGS: What does the phrase “live the sporty life” mean to you?

MB: To me living the sporty life means incorporating health and fitness in everything I do. I love to encourage and motivate others to be fit and healthy and try to accomplish this by training women to run through my Sole2Soul Sisters running group. I also try to encourage others through my blog....www.roadrunnergirl.com.