Runner’s Spotlight: Meet Missy

This week I’m talking to Missy; she started running after she’d lost some weight to then further supplement her weight loss. She’s lost 90 lbs in total! While I hadn’t lost any weight at all (I just started at 100KG / 220 lbs) I do know that original mindset of running to lose weight and then having it morph into something totally different. That’s why I always say “It’s amazing what changes when you start to run”.

Missy Makes a Comeback

Hey Missy! So nice to meet you! Tell me – when did you start running? What was your goal at that time?

I started running on January 1st 2013. I ran the Commitment Day 5K and was hooked on running! At that time, I started running to supplement my weight loss and new healthy lifestyle.

Did you reach your initial goal? 

I would say I did! I had lost 60 pounds through healthy eating alone but when I added running I lost another 40 pounds. But more importantly, I fell in love with running!  


Do you have the same goal now, or have your goals changed or evolved with time?
 

No, my goals have changed. Now I am running because I love it. My goals now are to run further and faster!

Have you run any races? If yes, what distance was your first race? What was your experience – did it meet your expectations? 

My first race was the Commitment Day 5K. It was an AMAZING experience and exceeded my expectations! I am positive it is why I fell in love with running. 

Have you done other races since then? 

I love racing! I have run 5K’s, 10K’s, 15K’s, 10 milers, & half marathons. Right now I have my sights set on a full marathon.

What is your favourite distance? 

Hands down my favorite distance is 10 miles! It is the perfect distance to feel really accomplished but get it over with and on to the rest of your day.

Do you have a running support network? 

I do! My family is always coming to my races to cheer me on. I have my running friends who I can talk shop with. And I have my “team” of providers – my massage therapist, my chiropractor, & my podiatrist; they are all part of a great support network!

What about gear – have you got any gadgets that you love? 

Oh, gadgets! I have my Garmin 920XT with a chest strap, Garmin VivoActive 3, and AfterShokz headphones. I am patiently waiting for my OptiShokz Revvez which are bone-conduction audio sunglasses! They are going to be amazing!

What else do you do besides running?

 If I am not running, you can find me riding a bike or boxing!

or with four-legged friends

What’s the most positive thing that running has brought into your life? 

Confidence. I have always been a confident person but running gives me a different type of confidence. 

What, if anything do you find frustrating? 

When runners are embarrassed because they are slow, myself included. I have gotten over that but I hate when someone negates that they are runners by starting any running sentence with “I am a slow runner”. Pace does not matter! You are out there which is more than most! 

Have you been injured at any point? If no, what do you do to avoid injury? 

I have had several running-related injuries but the hardest one to recover from was a traumatic brain injury I sustained while running. Yes, you read that right I sustained a TBI while running! I slipped on ice and landed on my head and was knocked out.

Oh my gosh! What did you have to go through to recover from that?

 Recovery was a long road. I had to go through physical therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy. I was out of work for four months and spent the whole time focused on recovery. I worked my butt off to get back to work and my “normal” life. Even after being completely cleared to be active my body wasn’t ready for it. I tried running the two years after my accident but I struggled. I was finally able to get back to running last year. I had to take it slow but I was back out there!

How do you stay motivated when you don’t feel like running? 

I think about the two years when all I wanted to was run and I couldn’t. All I wanted during that time was to go out for a run to release stress and anxiety. I also know that I am always going to feel better after I run. Running is the one thing that keeps my anxiety in check. Running is better than therapy and I go to therapy!

What advice would you give to someone who wants to start running, but is maybe too unsure to start for reasons of weight, age, lack of athleticism?

 I would tell them that anyone can run! And running doesn’t mean that you run every step of a “run” or a race. As long as you are out there because you want to be you are a runner. I would also say that we ALL have our insecurities about running but the feeling you get from running will ALWAYS outweigh those insecurities.

Anything you want to add? 

Running allows me to process my thoughts and manage my anxiety. I strongly believe that I was able to get off my anxiety medication because of running. I still go to “real” therapy but between my sessions, running is what keeps me feeling good. In fact, my husband has said more than once he thinks I may need to get out for a run!

Smart man!

Facebook Page
Instagram
And Missy’s blog is at Getting Fit to Find Myself

Want to know more about Missy? What would you ask her? Did you start running to lose weight or supplement weight loss? Do you run to help keep your anxiety levels down? Have you ever had to recover from something so serious that it left you out of the running for a long period of time? What’s your favourite distance?

Thank you so much for participating Missy, and see you around the internet!

Would you like to be in the spotlight? Drop me a line at runlaugheatpie AT gmail DOT com.

The Running Coaches Corner

I’m linking up with the Running Coaches Corner! Your hosts are coaches Train with Marc and Coach Debbie Runs and the linkup is every Wednesday.

Comments

  1. Organic Runner Mom says:

    Missy is truly inspirational. Thank you for sharing her great story of weight loss and finding a love of running!

    1. missyjb17 says:

      Thank you! That is way too kind of you to say but I really appreciate it!

  2. I have not (yet!) met Missy in person, but have known her for a few years on FB, Insta & her blog. She’s a great role model for all things running & inspiration:-)

    1. missyjb17 says:

      Thank you, Kim! I hope the days comes that I get to meet you in person! I have my eye on a few more races in Iowa so hopefully we can make it happen then!

  3. I’ve been running most of my life but up until recently only done 5ks. Last year I did a half marathon and loved it. This year I’m planning on a 10k and hopefully another half. We will see which I end up liking most.

    1. missyjb17 says:

      Any distance is great! Enjoy running!

  4. kookyrunner says:

    Thank you for introducing me to Missy – she’s definitely a person that I would love to follow to see more of her journey :)

    1. missyjb17 says:

      Renee did an amazing job on the interview and makes me look way more interesting than I really am! ;o)

  5. I love Missy’s attitude and dedication. Coming back after a TBIis truly amazing. She’s very inspirational.

    1. missyjb17 says:

      Thank you, Debbie! I am not sure about inspirational but I am determined! Once I put my mind to something I will make it happen!

  6. contentwithcoffeeblog says:

    Wow!! Missy is truly inspirational. And I 1000% agree with her that running can be such a great form of therapy!

    1. missyjb17 says:

      Oh, thank you! Running is the best therapy!!! I’m injured right now and I am going crazy because I can’t run! My anxiety is getting a little hard to control. ;o)

  7. What an inspirational person to profile! I didn’t necessarily start running for weight loss, but when I am consistent at it, it does the trick!

    1. missyjb17 says:

      Thank you! Now I run because I love and when I am consistent I can eat whatever I want!!

  8. deborahbrooks14 says:

    I love to read about people falling in love with running! I agree that pace does not matter as much the accomplishment is doing it

    1. missyjb17 says:

      It’s funny how running can make people fall in love with it! I hated it until I actually embraced it!

  9. Liz Dexter says:

    Wow Missy is amazing, and what a comeback from her head injury too (and a sensible comeback, no less!). I get frustrated by the slow runner thing, too, in myself and others. I’ve mainly got over it, but it does creep up sometimes (e.g. having to do another 20 miler to check I can run fast enough to beat the next marathon’s cut-off, even though I know I can!). I am going to follow Missy’s blog and I can’t wait to see what she gets up to. 10 miles is a favourite training run distance and I’m still in love with marathons at the moment, although ask me again in two weeks’ time …

    1. missyjb17 says:

      Aww, Liz, thank you! My recovery was about the only sensible thing I have done! Good luck with training! I am sure you will make the cut off with no problem!

  10. Coco says:

    Yay, another 10 miler fan! Yikes on the TBI. So glad she recovered. I’m wondering if I met Missy at a Fitbloggin conference back in the day? Glad to find her blog again.

    1. missyjb17 says:

      Coco, we haven’t met in real life! However, when I was blogging more consistently I ALWAYS joined your monthly coffee link up. It was and still is my favorite blog post of the month.

  11. missyjb17 says:

    I don’t know what to say! I know I gave the interview but you make me sound so much cooler than I really am! I appreciate all the kind words from everyone! They fill my heart with joy!

  12. runswithpugs says:

    Love it!!!! Love the medals, the goals, the dogs and I would love to know more about the bone conduction sunglasses. WhAT????

    1. missyjb17 says:

      Right! I can’t wait to get them! I should be getting them in early June and will be doing a review on them once I get to try them out.

  13. Marc Pelerin says:

    When I read Missy had a TBI, I certainly didn’t think it’d be from running. Oh my goodness!

    1. missyjb17 says:

      That surprises most people! I hear often that peoples biggest fear is slipping on ice when they are running. That was not one of my fears until it happened. Now, I stick to the treadmill in the winter.

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