Name: Denise Kidder

Age: 37

City: Lafayette

 

How long have you been running? Hmmm, define run?  I went faster than walking with a hop about 7 years ago.

Where do you do most of your training? Circling Lafayette a million times while avoiding getting killed! Bendel Gardens and River Ranch is where we spend most of the time.

What’s you’re average weekly mileage? Well, let’s look at the spreadsheet (I’m the spreadsheet queen) – Starting this week 20 something.  Just got back on a plan to do an ultra in January but I’m at the very beginning.

Do you consider yourself a serious runner?

Long or short distance?  Most of the time I think it is weird to consider myself a runner but I guess I am.  I am definitely not serious as far as tracking time, trying to accomplish negative splits, blah blah blah.  I just like to run and lately I find myself training for ultras.  However, I still do the 5ks, 10ks, ½ marathons because they are fun!

Leisure runner or for health? I am definitely focused on a healthy life style and my leisure runs are part of it.

Why did you start running? Running was the easiest thing to do with a family and a full time job.  I also had a friend that made me wake up REEEALLY early to go meet her while she ran backwards to encourage me to keep going.  Thanks Jheri!  I had no idea at the time that it would define me later.

Favorite place to run?  TRAILS!!!!!  LOVE RUNNING TRAILS!  ADDICTED TO RUNNING TRAILS!

What shoes do you run in?  Brooks and Salomons – I’m not the shoe geek type for reciting the stats of my shoes.  I know my Brooks are light, flat, pure something, and BRIGHT pink.   My salomons are grippy with a hard sole, shed water good and are black with blue and pink.

Favorite & least favorite workout?  I think they are all fun or I wouldn’t do them.

What does the voice in your head say when you want to give up?  I try to remember my successes in running and push through the negative thoughts trying to defeat me.

Guilty pleasure? A delicious dinner out with a good bottle of wine.  Makes me happy

One piece of training gear you can’t live without?  I like wearing a watch that at least tells time.  I’m usually always on a schedule and I like confirmation that I’m still on track.  It’s also good to make me accountable to cover a certain distance if it has a gps.

Who or what do you look to for motivation?  The amazing people that I have met along this running journey!!!  If I have a bad day, I just open facebook to see the miles everyone has run.  If that doesn’t quite do it, I cry help to my “Hot Running Thangs” friends on facebook and we meet up to get over the hump.

Pet peeve of other runners or races?  Everybody’s got to be somebody so I try and not focus on aggravating traits of people.  I would like to tell all races -  I want my dang shirt and I want it to fit!

Do you have a bad habit?  I’m sure I have a ton, but when it comes to running I look like I’m trying to take off with my arms.  Maybe I’ll start flying one day.  Still working on that bad habit.

Favorite pre race/workout snack? I’m moving to oatmeal, seems to sit well.

Favorite electrolyte replacement?  I usually drink Gatorade.

Favorite post race/workout meal? Beer, French fries and a homemade hamburger

In your opinion, what is your biggest achievement? Even though I did an ultra, I feel like my biggest achievement was getting out of my comfort zone and doing my first 5k.   It was a cold day and I wore a sweat shirt, wind pants, and cheap shoes that were too small.  Lol!  The fear of stepping into the race line was a bit nerve racking.

Lifetime goal?  Continue to ENJOY running!  That’s what it is really all about! Oh and find more trails to run!

What’s your secret weapon? Determination to check my box on the spreadsheet