{"id":19321,"date":"2013-03-19T06:58:28","date_gmt":"2013-03-19T11:58:28","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.fitzness.com\/blog\/?p=19321"},"modified":"2014-10-29T11:18:57","modified_gmt":"2014-10-29T16:18:57","slug":"jen-matz-this-is-why-i-run","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fitzness.com\/blog\/jen-matz-this-is-why-i-run\/","title":{"rendered":"Jen Matz: This Is Why I Run"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"WomensRunning_Matz1\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Jen Matz, 30, Medical Writer, Tega Cay, SC<\/strong><\/p>\n

Why do you do you run?\u00a0<\/strong>I run for stress relief. I can\u2019t tell you how many times I\u2019ve started off a run as a ball of nerves, only to finish feeling calm and refreshed. Running is way more fun than therapy!<\/p>\n

How long have you been running?\u00a0<\/strong>I was a sprinter in high school, but didn\u2019t start taking running seriously until I was in college. So, it will be 10 years this summer.<\/p>\n

Do you compete?\u00a0 <\/strong>Yup, I\u2019ve run in over 50 races, from the 5k to the marathon. My favorite distance is the half marathon. I\u2019m training for half number 17 right now.<\/p>\n

Most challenging aspect of running:\u00a0<\/strong>Not taking running \u2013 and myself \u2013 too seriously. Sometimes I get caught up in my pace and forget that running is supposed to be fun. I often remind myself that running is something I get<\/i> to do, not something I have<\/i> to do.<\/p>\n

Most fun aspect of running:\u00a0<\/strong>Running races, especially with friends. Racing is a celebration of running and it\u2019s so wonderful to see the running community come together for an event.<\/p>\n

Most rewarding aspect of running:\u00a0<\/strong>Doing the impossible. I vividly remember a time when I couldn\u2019t even run a mile. Now, I can knock out double-digit mileage without stopping. If you would have told me this 10 years ago, I would have laughed. It just shows that hard work pays and determination pays off.<\/p>\n

Who\/what inspires you when you\u2019re feeling weak?\u00a0<\/strong>My toddler son. I want him to know that you can do anything if you put your mind to it. Whenever I feel like giving up, I think \u201cwhat kind of example would this set for Wyatt?\u201d<\/p>\n

Advice for others who\u2019d like to get started:\u00a0<\/strong>Take care of your body. Ease into running, take plenty of rest days, and back off at the first sign of injury. You can have a long, healthy running career if you treat your body well.\u00a0\"Spinx2010\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Your must-have equipment for this activity:\u00a0<\/strong>My Brooks Adrenalines!<\/a>\"\"
\nSeriously, all you need is a pair of running shoes. The key is to get a quality pair that fits your foot well. Go to a specialty running store and get properly fitted for a pair of shoes.<\/p>\n

Favorite training song:\u00a0<\/strong>Lose Yourself by Eminem<\/a>. Angry music inspires me to push myself harder.<\/p>\n

Favorite healthy food:\u00a0<\/strong>Oatmeal with berries. I need a stick-to-your-ribs breakfast to get through tough workouts.<\/p>\n

Favorite not-so-healthy food:\u00a0<\/strong>Brownies. Cookies. Cupcakes. Notice a trend? I have a major sweet tooth and baked goods are my weakness!<\/p>\n

Funniest \/weirdest\/most awkward experience while running:\u00a0<\/strong>Oh man. I\u2019ve been breastfeeding my son for 15 months, and I\u2019ve been back running since 3 weeks postpartum. Let\u2019s just say I learned the hard way that I have to nurse my son immediately before a long run. We\u2019ll leave it at that. Fellow nursing mamas know exactly what I\u2019m talking about!<\/p>\n