Runner’s World+ Member: Amy Nugent
Amy is a Runner’s World+ member. Join her and thousands of others chasing their goals with day-by-day training plans, expert advice from editors and coaches, and unlimited digital access. We regularly feature members online and in print!
Running has changed everything about me. Prior to starting to run some 25+ years ago, I was very sedentary and overweight. I simply started running because I thought all runners were thin and I could be too, if I ran (I obviously know now that runners come in all shapes and sizes). I didn’t know anyone who ran and I certainly was not a natural at it. But, that decision to try running did change me. It became the reason I got out of bed many days and gave me solitude when life got crazy. It ultimately led to a complete lifestyle change that has endured many years and has led to some of my proudest moments.
I was gearing up to run my second marathon after a 12 year hiatus. The first experience was so bad, I said I’d never do that again. I reconsidered as I approached my milestone birthday this year and had continued to build my mileage with my local running club. I was buoyed by setting new PRs at each of my last five half marathons. On Sunday, October 6, I completed the 2019 Twin Cities Marathon at 4:24:24, more than an hour faster than my first marathon. It was still painful but on Monday I was thinking about doing another.
My local running group is amazing and I seldom miss a run. We’ve built a great community that has stepped up my running game immensely. I gain confidence from their encouragement but I also get so much joy helping other people reach a new running goal or to simply just stick with running.
I prefer early morning runs but will run whenever others in my running group are available. I love how morning runs clear my head for the day and get it off to a positive start. I’ve run the roads in our rural area countless times. Our three mile hill loop is definitely the route I look forward to the most because I know it will make me stronger. The first time I ran the route, I couldn’t make it up the first of the four hills. I’ve worked up to at least two sometimes three loops.
1. My Garmin Forerunner 645. I’m obsessed with the stats and feedback on my training runs. 2. The Buddy System hands-free dog leash. I love running with my beautiful black lab, Liberty. The leash allows my arms to swing free when I’m running, keeping my stride in balance.
To finish a marathon strong, feeling confident I’ve figured out the proper nutrition, hydration and pacing strategy.
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