Real sporty women: Robin Johnson

Always the "sporty" one

Name: Robin Johnson

Age: 41

Involved in: Running, marathons, half marathons, triathlons, weight lifting...soon will be adventuring into Crossfit and ultras.

The rest is history

I have always been active, playing soccer, softball and volleyball throughout my youth and high school years. After high school I fell into the work/party lifestyle. After the birth of my first child, I started training for my first mrathon to help me lose the baby weight...and well, as they say, the rest is history! Now, it hasn't always been easy to stay motivated, but I always feel so much better after a good run, no matter what the distance is. I love running and being active. I think it is good for kids to see their parents active, so they are more likely to get involved in activities as well.

Staying motivated and challenged

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

Robin Johnson (RJ): My health, my youth and most importantly, my family.

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

RJ: Finishing my first marathon, the Houston Marathon, in 1996...it's was raining, sleeting, yet I was determined to run that marathon and not quit. I did it and I have never felt a high like that.

GGS: How do you keep challenging yourself to improve?

RJ: I stay motivated by trying to improve on my time or trying new things. There are so many ways to be active that I want to try them all!

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

RJ: I am currently training for the upcoming Houston Half Marathon in January 2013. Right now I am running three days a week and lifting weights two to three days a week. I also walk at least two days a week, too. As the race gets closer I will follow the Hal Higdon Half Marathon training guide, as I am hoping to PR at this race.

Tools of the trade:

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

RJ: Grilled Chicken Caesar salad...nothing beats it!

GGS: What's on your workout playlist?

RJ: Whatever is on the radio...I need variety.

GGS: What’s in your gym bag?

RJ: Lip balm, towel, socks, Nike running shoes, radio/head phones, cell phone, gel, workout clothes for the day

Live the sporty life

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

RJ: "Live the Sporty Life" to means get outside and get moving. You do not have to be an elite athlete to be sporty...just be active. Get involved in some sort of activity and be the best "you" can be at it. I love being sporty. My girlfriends in high school always called me the "sporty" one!