Runner’s World+ Member: Danielle Rigsby
Danielle 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.
When I began my career, married and became a mom, it was a struggle to make it to group fitness classes or even to the gym on a regular basis. As someone who’d always played sports and worked out, I was frustrated at my new lack of endurance and overall feeling of blah. I knew I needed some way to keep moving. I started running. It wasn’t easy or fun at first but after that first race (a 5K), I loved setting goals to push myself. I’ve run over 10 half marathons and an endurance relay race. I love the feeling of knowing that I have the endurance and the grit (finishing a run after puking!) to go longer distances. I know what it takes to train for the hard races and complete them. I am not fast but I will finish.
Right now, my running is my biggest way to relieve stress. With all the added pressures of working from home with changes in routines, I’ve tried to keep up (and even increase) my mileage. I am big on setting goals (weekly mileage, monthly mileage challenges, race goals) and sticking to them. I love getting outside and running it out. My husband can tell when it’s time for me to run! He will encourage me to go out, and get a run in!
I love meeting up to run with my group of girls, but my favorite place to run is a country road near my house. It has pastures, cows, donkeys, and ponds to run by. It’s nice being near my house so I can literally run out the door and feel super safe. I usually see people I know driving by and we wave! It’s not uncommon to run into a neighbor or friend who says “I saw you out running the other day!”
My favorite shirt to run in is a soft cotton t-shirt that I received from completing Run Across Georgia. It may not be the best technical shirt to run in but I have an emotional connection. lt reminds me that if I can get through that race (240-mile relay on an eight person team), I can get through any run!
One of my funniest running stories I usually share with new running partners is that I’ve been chased by a wild turkey on a run! Those things can move!! I had to kick him three times to get him to back off. I sprinted to get away from him!
To complete two half marathons this year and one trail race (something new for me!).
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