This week, this knowledgeable subject just happens to be Janet Webb. An avid runner for more than a decade, five-time marathoner, veteran race runner... and coincidentally, my mother. She has made running a major part of her life and is perhaps my inspiration for embarking on this first marathon. And although she is mom herself, she has no qualms about delivering frank answers to my questions.
Claire Webb: What got you to lace up your running shoes in the first place?
Janet Webb: Two things:
One, I was in a car accident that was life altering for me. The realization your life could change dramatically in a matter of seconds terrified and I was haunted by a loss of control feeling. The idea of training and running a marathon seemed to harness this feeling. I was comforted by the idea of setting a goal and feeling empowered by achievement. I recalled being impressed by so many athletes' stories of gaining strength mentally and physically by testing themselves with an athletic endeavor.
The second reason was I was frustrated with failed attempts to maintain a healthy weight and exercise regularly and running seemed to work and I was successful at sticking to a daily routine.
CW: So it was somewhat about looking good after all the physical stress (and pounds) of children?
JW: Please Claire, don't flatter yourself. With running it's about me for once.
CW: What was your first marathon like?
JW: It was a rainy day in Seattle. I felt well trained and confident I could finish if I stuck to a steady 10-minute-mile pace. I kept thinking the book said I could–so I can.
CW: What book was this?
JW: Jeff Galloway's "Marathon: You can do it!," I believe. Hey it works for Nike.
CW: Ok continue, your first marathon....
JW: So I wore a fanny pack with a cassette player playing tapes I made.
CW: Really? that's pretty old school of you...
JW: Hey, it was easier than CDs because the player was lighter and they didn't skip!
So anyways, I trained alone and ran alone but my very supportive husband caught up to me 5 or 6 times on his bike. That meant a lot to me.
I also loved the feeling of camaraderie exuding from all the runners at the expo when I went to pick up my bib. I felt like they were my 'peeps' and I stayed in the hotel that hosted the race... something I recommend... and it was great to get in an elevator over the course of my stay and always see a runner or two. The friendliest strangers I had ever met.
CW: What keeps you motivated?
JW: Routinely registering for races. They are very motivating.
And joining a running group of 3-5 friends that meets three days a week. We have formed a relationship I really value because we are expected to show up and talk openly for an hour about whatever comes to mind.
CW: How should a beginner (like myself ) get started?
JW: Register for a race. Choose a training strategy. Document your mileage.
And something you have no problem with... buy some fun running clothes. Read a running magazine each month and feel the culture that makes you feel it is a way of life.
CW: What is the most important element of training for a novice?
JW: Be consistent. A very big rule I lived by was– never change the plan. If I left the house and said I was going to run 8 miles, I always did. If I was cold, I would tell myself I need to learn to run when I was cold– or whatever excuse I had to overcome.
CW: You mean you never have off days?
JW: Well I would make those part of my plan. Days off are important. But I never subscribed to the 'listen to your body phenomenon' ... I think that's a load of s@%$. Cause if that is true, my body would always be telling me I was lazy.
CW: Any rookie mistakes you made in training?
JW: Well I was a little lonely in training– and I got kinda sick of myself. Training with a partner or a group, like I said earlier, is the way to go. It helps to have support from running buddies.
CW: Day of the race, what is one mistake not to make?
JW: Come out slowly at the start– it really makes a difference for me.
CW: What are your Top Five songs to run to?
JW: Perhaps my favorite, memorable moment was running over the Golden Gate Bridge in breathtakingly beautiful fog listening to "I Feel Free" by Cream with Eric Clapton.
Other favs are "Have You Ever Seen The Rain?" by Creedence Clearwater Revival because it really got me through the 22nd mile of the Seattle Marathon.
"Stairway to Heaven" by Led Zeppelin because it's long and varied.
"Running on Empty" by Jackson Brown.
"Rebel Rebel" by David Bowie.
And any song by Jimi Hendrix.
"Paint it Black" by The Rolling Stones is great too.
CW: That's more than five...
JW: Rules are just guidelines Claire.
