ikilledit

I started this tumblr because I was tired of my old blog and I had just found my passion for running. So for the very first time in a long history of blogging, I had a dedicated topic I could focus on. One of the great things about tumblr is the community it builds. Along with twitter, I’ve managed to form some good friendships. I’ve met a few people off of the Internet as well (they’re not crazy - I promise).

These other runblers, tweeps, keep me focused and inspired. So I decided that I’d do a few profile/interviews. Only a few people have signed up thus far, but hopefully I can get more as this blog continues.

Everyone has a unique story when it comes to their entry into this sport, this passion, this crazy addiction that we call running. I hope you can find some inspiration and enjoyment with this series of “Other Runners”.

Name: Jacqueline Valencia
Age: 38
Height/Weight: 121 lbs
Occupation: Poet, artist and autism advocate.

Blogs: http://jacquelinevalencia.wordpress.com/ & http://somethinggoodisgoingtohappen.wordpress.com/

Twitter:  @jacqvalencia

1) How long have you been running? When/why did you start?

I’ve been running since 2006. After having my kids I went through a major depression. I was up to 225lbs. Slowly I worked myself into a 30 minute workout regimen (using videos, going out for walks with the stroller). I lost a bit of weight and coasted for while. In 2006, I started to go for fast walks. One beautiful May afternoon, I picked up my pace and started running. I was high fiving tree branches. That’s when I knew running was for me.
 
2) What keeps you motivated?

It makes me feel so good. I am a depressive sort and even when I have my lowest lows, I can count on a run, no matter how long or short it is, to energize me and keep me going.
 
3) Do you follow a specific plan, training, running program?

I usually give myself a race or marathon to train for, and the last one was Chicago. Right now I’m on a bit of a hiatus in training and mostly running distances and speeds for how I feel. I plan to keep running, that’s my training plan.
 
4) How often do you run?

I used to run every day. Then I got injured. I run every other day at varying distances. I never do a distance that I’m not used to and I keep it at a slow pace if I’m going anything over a 10km distance.
 
5) What is your favourite thing about running?

I have a great sense of accomplishment after running. I remember my first 5km and I remember feeling like I’d just defeated every thing I had ever let myself down for. I had conquered my own self-doubt.
 
6) What is your least favourite thing about running?

Traffic, injuries, and weather that doesn’t let me run. I run in all sorts of weather though, except for slushy roads. Oh and the competitive aspect of it. You can’t say you ran a race, a marathon or your daily run without someone inquiring how fast or how far you went. I used to display my times via Nike and garmin all the time. Now I do so rarely because running has become very personal and I don’t want an insecurity keep me from being happy with the sanctuary running has given me.

7) Shoes or Barefoot?

Vibrams and sometimes barefoot.
 
8) With headphones or without?

Depending on my mood. Most of my races this year have been without headphones or music. I don’t want to miss out on the crowds and experience.
 
9) Do you race? If so - why?

As much as I can, especially during race season. Honestly, I do it for the medal and the shirt. I love seeing my medal holder filled with them. Trinkets, I know, but they’re my trinkets.
 
10) Ideal pre-race/post-race meals? (If you do not race - then you can ignore this question.)

I’m a vegan and base my diet in The Thrive Diet. My pre-race lately has been a giant load of gluten-free flax seed pancakes or sweet potatoes. Post-race it’s all about the fruits, vegetables and nuts. Fruit, avocado and potato milk smoothies go down real well too.
 
11) Most embarrassing running moment/memory?

Having to relieve myself in public at the Chicago Marathon. It was under the first bridge with everyone else, but still.
 
12) Solo runner or with a friend?

I’m a solo runner, but when a friend needs company or needs some help with pacing, I’m there. It’s fun to be able to carry on a conversation during a race or a casual run.
 
13) If you had to give some advice to someone just getting into the sport: what advice would you give?

Start of slow and go by distance, not by speed. Don’t over-train. Running is addictive and we can sometimes get injured when we do too much all at once.