This runner is particularly special to me. She is the one that got me hooked on running, she is my running mama. I’ve known Bern for several years before we started running together. I remember when she started on her road to healthy living. I kid you not when I say, she now looks 20 years younger than she did just 10 years ago. I watch her transform herself into an entirely new person with new found confidence and beauty. I remember the time when she told me that she just finished a 14 mile run in the rain. I have to admit it, I didn’t believe it. How can this person run 14 miles and why the hell would she do it in the rain? When it came to a point when I could no longer practice Krav Maga because of shoulder impingement, she suggested that we go out on a run together. Now, I’ve ran on the treadmill before, but never on the road. I almost puked at mile one during our first run. I wasn’t immediately hooked, but she kept encouraging me until the running bug bit me. From there, I was in Forest Gump mode. She believed in me and because she did, she showed me a new passion and changed my life. She inspired me then and continues to inspire me now. I adore her. Below is our interview.

SWIR: When did you decide to make healthy changes in your lifestyle?

Bernadette: In late 2006, when I realized I was fast approaching a milestone age. I wanted to be 40 and fit, not 40 and fat!

SWIR: When did you start running and why? Did someone or something inspire you, if so what or who? 

Bernadette: I started walking for exercise in early 2007. One day I felt like my pace was too slow, and decided to run to the corner. I was winded by that very short distance, but it was enough to get me hooked.

SWIR:  Tell me about your first race. How did you feel after you crossed the finish line? 

Bernadette: A coworker challenged me to run a 5k with her in August 2007. It was a late afternoon race at a local vineyard. I was so nervous! I almost backed out, but my husband convinced me to give it a go. It was such a rush to approach the finish line with family and friends cheering me on. The wine and picnic dinner afterward was nice, too.

SWIR: Is there a particular distance that you are aiming for or have you found your favorite distance and are sticking do it? 

Bernadette: Half marathons are my longest distance, and I’m happy with that. I think 10k and 5-mile races are my favorites, though, because they’re long enough that I get warmed up but short enough that I can go fast.

SWIR: Do you cross train? If so, what else do you do and how often? Do you switch it up if you’re training for a specific race? 

Bernadette: Yes, I definitely cross-train. I find my body is not as efficient if I run too many days a week, so I mix it up to keep things fresh. I’ve also been told that cross-training reduces the risk of injury and hey, I can use all the help I can get there! I have a stationary bike that I use on bad-weather days, and I also try to do weight training twice a week.

SWIR: What about nutrition? Did that change when you started running?

Bernadette: Yes, it definitely did. I have a good friend who had been helping me overhaul my diet before I started running. When I started training for my first half-marathon, we reworked my nutrition plan to make sure I was getting enough protein.

SWIR:  What’s the most challenging part of running?

Bernadette: Getting started! I run in the early morning, and there are some days when it’s really difficult to get myself out the door.

SWIR: How do you get through the really tough runs when you can’t find your motivation or your body just isn’t cooperating?

Bernadette: Running with a friend helps a lot. If I’m having a tough run, she pushes me to finish. I listen to music when I run alone, so I’ll change the playlist to something really upbeat if I need some motivation.

SWIR: Do you train with groups or by yourself?

Bernadette: Both. I love the social aspects of training with a group, but I value my alone time, too.

SWIR:  Have you ever hot the wall during a race or a training run? If so, how did you get through it?

Bernadette: Definitely! I’ve learned to recognize the signs that I need to refuel, but occasionally I’ll have a run where there’s no warning. Distraction is key – talking to a friend (or listening to one), changing up my music playlist, setting short goals along my route (run to a certain landmark, look for 10 red cars along the route, etc.) are ways I keep myself moving.

SWIR: What nutrition do you use during your runs?

Bernadette: I usually don’t pack any fuel during short runs (less than 5 miles) unless I’m planning to do specific training exercises such as speed drills or hill repeats. My stomach doesn’t tolerate gels very well, so I use gummy chews (I like Cytomax energy drops. I also make my own high-protein snack for long training runs – it’s a magical mixture of peanut butter, dried fruit, honey, and protein powder that tastes great and doesn’t upset my belly.

SWIR:  What’s your typical pre-race meal?

Bernadette: I usually go for half a protein bar, or a small bowl of plain oatmeal with some chopped nuts and dried fruit.

SWIR: What’s your favorite post-race meal?

Bernadette: A protein smoothie – fruit, protein powder, almond milk, and ice cubes. Perfect refreshment.

SWIR: Do you listen to music when you run? If so, what’s your go to song or songs?

Bernadette: YES! I change up my playlist regularly, but core artists include Rihanna, Pink, Evanescence, and Halestorm. I love the high energy in their music!

SWIR: What is your most favorite piece of running gear?

Bernadette: My Garmin. I admit, I’m hooked on statistics and am constantly competing against myself.

SWIR: How has running changed your life? 

Bernadette: So many ways – I’ve found a stress outlet, developed new friendships, discovered I’m not athletically challenged after all, and become more comfortable in my own skin.

SWIR: What advice would you give to a first time runner?

Bernadette: Don’t give up. You don’t have to run fast or run the entire route… just finish.

SWIR: What’s the funniest thing that has ever happened to you during a run?

Bernadette: Gosh, that’s a tough question. I honestly can’t think of any laugh-out-loud funny moments that happened while I was running.

SWIR: What did you accomplish that you thought was never possible?

Bernadette: I ran a half-marathon! Actually, I’ve run quite a few of them, but that first one was a MAJOR accomplishment, and something that up to that point I never thought I’d be able to do.

SWIR: If there came a day when you couldn’t run anymore, what would you do?

Bernadette: Cry. And probably throw a major tantrum. Running isn’t my entire life, but it’s certainly an important element in my life! I’m sure I’d find a way to stay in the mix. Maybe I’d volunteer at local races so I could cheer on my running buddies, or I’d be one of those spectators along the race route who holds up a goofy sign like “This is the worst parade I’ve ever seen!” or “Don’t pants your poop!”

I wouldn’t be here writing this blog if it weren’t for this lady. I’m so grateful for all she has done.

Please feel free to share this post if it has inspired you or if you believe it will inspire others.

I saw Nyree’s profile on one of the Facebook pages that I follow and I was instantly inspired by her determination and her accomplishments in living a healthy lifestyle. I knew she just HAD to be a part of my Runners Inspiring Runners series.

SWIR: When did you decide to make healthy changes in your lifestyle?

Nyree – In March 2013, I had surgery to remove my gallbladder and instead of letting that scare me into being healthier, I ate everything I hadn’t been able to eat the previous 3 months and ballooned. I jumped on the scales one day and realized I was almost back to my heaviest weight ever and I knew I needed to stop the backslide ASAP or I’d end up dead. I lost my job at the end of April and all of a sudden I had no excuses not to use my time wisely. The next week I was signed up to the 12 Week Body Transformation (12WBT) program, after some nudging by a dear friend of mine.

SWIR: When did you start running and why? Did someone or something inspire you, if so what or who?

Nyree – I started running in May 2013 weighing in at a dainty 146kg. I signed up to the 12WBT and chose the Learn to Run exercise program. It was partly out of wanting to be able to run and partly out of wanting to be able to exercise at my own time and my own pace. I liked the fact that I didn’t have to deal with a timetable…I could run whenever I wanted at my 24 hour gym.

SWIR: Tell me about your first race. How did you feel after you crossed the finish line?

Nyree – I did my first ParkRun in November 2013 and while it’s technically not a race, I try and beat my time every week so to me it is a race. (We don’t have a lot of events where I live!) That first week I was shitting myself – even just turning up took all of my strength. I came second last (in front of a 65+ year old walker) but I was so proud of myself I cried to the point of hyperventilating. I was just thrilled that I’d conquered the fear of showing up and had made it.

SWIR: Is there a particular distance that you are aiming for or have you found your favorite distance and are sticking do it?

Nyree – As much as it makes me feel sick to my stomach, I’m training for the Brisbane Marathon in August 2014. I have always wanted to run a marathon – I have no idea why – but it’s something I’ve always wanted to tick off my bucket list. I am following a training plan and will do some shorter events in the lead up (a 14km and a half marathon). I read somewhere that if your goals didn’t terrify you, they weren’t good enough for you. Well, I’m officially terrified.

SWIR: Do you cross train? If so, what else do you do and how often? Do you switch it up if you’re training for a specific race?

Nyree – I am starting to incorporate some strength training into my routine – I do 3 runs and 3 weight/strength training sessions a week (mostly body weight at this point eg push ups, lunges etc). If I’m sore, I’ll do some swimming or go for a light walk. I try and do active stuff during my down time as well – I’ll go for a wander on the beach or get stuck into the garden…secret exercise is the best.

SWIR: What about nutrition? Did that change when you started running?

Nyree – I started out on a 1200 calorie diet and while it worked in terms of weight loss, I just didn’t have enough energy. That number is so arbitrary. I eventually went Paleo which has just been fantastic in terms of weight loss and energy and making me less obsessive. It has changed my body completely and my relationship with food. As an emotional eater, it’s been lovely to cut the emotional ties with food.

SWIR: What’s the most challenging part of running?

Nyree – Dealing with my mind, particularly in the early stages of any run. I’m close to the car, my knee hurts, I’m tired, it’s hot and my brain says “come on…let’s just go back to the car and you can run later.” Getting past that mental block is the biggest hurdle for me. Luckily I am stubborn.

SWIR: How do you get through the really tough runs when you can’t find your motivation or your body just isn’t cooperating?

Nyree – I use the “just run to the next light post/tree/bin” method. There’s only been one time when I actually stopped at the next landmark and I had to accept that I was exhausted, my body needed rest and I’d done the right thing.

SWIR: Do you train with groups or by yourself?

Nyree – I am a solo runner.The idea of running with another person just doesn’t work for me. If I want to have a conversation with somebody, I’ll have a coffee with them. My run is my time to tune out and just be alone.

SWIR: Have you ever bonked during a race or a training run? If so, how did you get through it?

Nyree – (Hahaha here in Australia, to bonk is to have sex so no I’ve never managed that during a run. 🙂 ) I hit the wall a few weeks ago during a 7km training run. I’d woken up late, I just couldn’t be bothered, it was so, so humid, I didn’t take any water with me, I’d eaten rubbish the night before and at the 5.5km mark I just fell apart. I even had the thought at that stage that “maybe we don’t like running.” Luckily for me that thought annoyed me so much that I decided I would crawl home before I would stop and I managed to make it. It’s that stubborn streak.

SWIR: What nutrition do you use during your runs?

Nyree – Nothing yet – my runs aren’t long enough at this stage but in the next couple of weeks my mileage will increase to a point where I’ll need to start carrying something. I’m thinking gels are probably the best bet for me.

SWIR: What’s your typical pre-race meal?

Nyree – I run early morning so the night before I have a steak with mushrooms and a big side salad.

SWIR: What’s your favorite post-race meal?

Nyree – Scrambled eggs with sundried tomatoes, feta cheese and sweet potato.

SWIR: Do you listen to music when you run? If so, what’s your go to song or songs?

Nyree – Yes! I broke my headphones the other day and had to listen to myself breathe on my run the other day and that drove me mental. “Get Lucky” by Daft Punk is my current favourite song for running but I have a really eclectic mix of music that gets me going. I like the Running Trax mixes by the Ministry of Sound too.

SWIR: What is your most favorite piece of running gear?

Nyree – I love my running belt. I hate carrying things while I run so being able to stash stuff somewhere safe has been the best thing ever.

SWIR: How has running changed your life?

Nyree – How hasn’t it changed my life! I am a different person because of running. It’s made me understand the power of my mind – my legs will do what they are told and as long as I tell them to keep going, they will. It’s also made me realize that it’s OK to be scared or intimidated or way outside my comfort zone – that’s where growth happens. And I am worth the effort of getting out of bed and doing something good for myself. Those lessons have all translated really well into my life outside of running and changed how I see the world and my place in it.

SWIR: What advice would you give to a first time runner?

Nyree – Don’t compare yourself to anyone else! You may not run as fast as that other person, but you’re running! Go at your own pace and improve against your own performance, not someone else’s. I come last every week at ParkRun: if I took that as my only measure of success or failure, I’d quit. The fact that I get faster every week is the only measure of success that matters.

SWIR: What’s the funniest thing that has ever happened to you during a run?

Nyree – I got stalked by a family of plovers that had just nested on the side of my favourite running track. I was trying to scare them away and so I’d run 2 steps and then do this weird star jump type movement. It seemed to aggravate them further. I must have looked like a complete lunatic.

SWIR: What has been the most memorable moment to date in terms of running?

Nyree – The day I ran for 30 minutes non-stop on the treadmill was amazing. Up until then I’d only run for 15 minutes maximum and on this day I decided I was going to run for 30 even if it killed me. It almost killed me but once I’d run that 30 minutes, I promptly burst into tears at having achieved something I’d actually set my mind to. I knew then I was unstoppable. It was all in my head.

SWIR: What did you accomplish that you thought was never possible?

Nyree – Running in public. I was always so ashamed of my body and how big I’d gotten and I thought everyone would stare at me and laugh because the fat girl was trying to run. I found for the most part the opposite was true. Once I got out of the gym and into the open air, people were so encouraging and friendly. And I was proud of the fact that despite my size, I was doing it. I was running. That was huge for me.

SWIR: If there came a day when you couldn’t run anymore, what would you do?

Nyree – I assume one day my knees will pack it in and running won’t be enjoyable anymore but I hope I will still be able to get out into the fresh air and do some exercise, even if it’s just a walk. I enjoy the solitude.

SWIR: What drives you to do what you do?

Nyree – Self-improvement and achievement. I see how running has changed the way I live my life and how I feel about myself and I want to keep going. I want to get faster and push this body further than it’s been pushed before. I want to know what it’s like to hold a medal for finishing a race.

SWIR: If there was one thing that you would want the world to know about you what would that be?

Nyree – I am stronger, fitter and faster than I look. 🙂

I’d like to thank Nyree for taking the time for this interview. And I’d like to thank for teaching me that “Bonking” does not mean the same all over the world! LOL! Good to know!

I wish her much success on her quest to complete the Brisbane Marathon in August 2014. You’ve got this Nyree!

If you think this interview will inspire someone else, please feel free to share it.

It’s been a little while since I interviewed someone for my Runners Inspiring Runners series, but this week, I will be posting an interview every day through Friday. Today, I’d like to introduce you to Chandra Sullivan. I saw her before and after picture online and read about her recent accomplishments and immediately thought about Runners Inspiring Runners. I just had to interview her!

SWIR: When did you decide to make healthy changes in your lifestyle?

Chandra: February 2010. After trying for a baby with my husband and miscarrying twice, and at the time having a 40-hour-a-week sit-down job and being driven crazy by my rolls of back fat touching each other, I’d had enough.  I decided I wanted to get healthy, slim down and be a fit, healthy, active mother, wife and human being.

SWIR. When did you start running and why? Did someone or something inspire you, if so what or who?

Chandra: I started running in February 2010, using a Couch to 5K (C25K) app on my then-iPod Touch.  My husband was a big inspiration for my start in running.  He related stories of his cross country days and we occasionally run together, when we are able.  He encourages me, helps keep me accountable and truly cares about my aims and goals.

SWIR. Tell me about your first race. How did you feel after you crossed the finish line?

Chandra: My first race was a local 4 miler (Fort4Fitness, Fort Wayne, IN) in September 2010.  I ran it solo and didn’t stop once to walk.  After I crossed the finish line, I saw my husband and mom waiting for me with huge beaming smiles, and I felt invincible!  I had just accomplished something that just a few months prior I would never have even thought possible.  I was hooked!

SWIR. Is there a particular distance that you are aiming for or have you found your favorite distance and are sticking do it?

Chandra: I’m becoming a fan of long distance running.  I ran my first half marathon in September (2013), and am planning for my first full marathon in November 2014.  Who knows where I’ll go from there!

SWIR. Do you cross train? If so, what else do you do and how often? Do you switch it up if you’re training for a specific race?

Chandra: I do cross train. My other loves are kickboxing and yoga. I love yoga for the flexibility and really feel it improves my run training. Since I don’t have a gym membership, I’ve relied on a lot of workout DVDs.  Jillian Michaels and Bob Harper are two of my favorites. Currently, I’m doing my very first round of P90X, mixed in with a half marathon training plan to keep up on training through the winter.

SWIR. What about nutrition? Did that change when you started running?

Chandra: Oh yes! I started a full-on overhaul all at the same time in February 2010.  I cleaned up my eating habits one-by-one. I signed up on www.myfitnesspal.com and began logging my calorie intake and exercise calories burned.  It helped make me very aware of what I was eating, how much, and an avid nutrition label reader.  I learned how to eat healthier, smarter, better.

SWIR. What’s the most challenging part of running?

Chandra: The mental aspect, staying disciplined. I set a plan but it’s up to me to stick to it, even on those days I’d rather not. I said recently to a friend that self-discipline is just like a muscle, a mental muscle, that has to be exercised regularly to be strengthened.

SWIR. How do you get through the really tough runs when you can’t find your motivation or your body just isn’t cooperating?

Chandra: I think of those who CAN’T run.  I think about WHY I’m doing this in the first place.  I slow down and go at my body’s pace, tune in to my music, dig deep and pull through as best I can.  Throughout the years I’ve learned to not be so harsh or judgmental toward myself when I’m having an “off” day.

SWIR. Do you train with groups or by yourself? 

Chandra: I mostly train solo. Occasionally my husband and I or my good friend, who is also a runner, and I will run together, and this past year, my mom just started running and I ran her first 5k right alongside her.

SWIR. Have you ever bonked during a race or a training run? If so, how did you get through it?

Chandra: OK, to be honest, I had to look up the term “bonking during running” to be able to answer this one. Thanks for the assistance, Google! Now that I’m better informed, I can say that yes, I believe I did kind of bonk during one race.  Fort4Fitness, my third year, September 2012.  I’d just had a baby in February 2012 (Yes! After losing 50lbs I got pregnant and carried to term!!)  So, training was rather hit-or-miss that entire summer.  Around Mile 3, I came to a dead stop. My body wouldn’t carry on and I experienced dry heaves. It was pretty terrible, but there was a pair of really nice race volunteers who made sure I got some water & Gatorade, stayed with me until I recovered, then I soldiered on toward the finish line.

SWIR. What nutrition do you use during your runs?

Chandra: I hydrate well before running.  Other than that, I haven’t really gotten into the whole gel or chews or energy things during a run.  Even through my first half marathon, I stuck with the water & Gatorade provided (alternating them every other station).  Oh, and the beer shot at Mile 12!  I suspect that I may have to alter this current method and do a little research on a plan for nutrition during a full marathon.

SWIR. What’s your typical pre-race meal?

Chandra: I usually do the carb-loading the night before.  My husband often spoils me by making spaghetti with homemade noodles.

SWIR. What’s your favorite post-race meal?

Chandra: Immediately post race, usually a banana or something light. Later in the day, a big ol’ meal because I’m super hungry. An omelet, breakfast for dinner, something along those lines. 🙂

SWIR. Do you listen to music when you run? If so, what’s your go to song or songs?

Chandra: I do!  Currently, my run playlist includes songs by Puscifer, Tool, Cynic, AWOLNATION, August Burns Red, and UKF Dubstep 2012.

SWIR. What is your most favorite piece of running gear?

Chandra: My shoes. I’m on my third pair of Asics. Next favorites would be my phone, armband and ear buds. 🙂

SWIR. How has running changed your life?

Chandra: It has made me much more confident in other areas of my life. If I can achieve and accomplish such laser-like focus in achieving my running, fitness and workout goals, then I can do the same with business, home, family, relationship and other goals, too.  In May 2011, I started a Facebook page to “pay it forward”.  I called it Motivation. (www.facebook.com/SparkYourMotivation) and love connecting with and helping to inspire and motivate others!  I also, more recently, started a running-related Facebook page (www.facebook.com/RunningIsMyZen).  My good friend has a health and fitness podcast that I co-host with her (www.facebook.com/healthy.everyday.lifestyle.podcast).  I LOVE sharing my story and experiences with others!

SWIR. What advice would you give to a first time runner?

Chandra: Pace yourself. Expect it to be difficult at times and really amazing at other times; just know that you are strong enough to overcome any physical discomfort or mental blocks along the way. You will have great runs and you will have really crappy runs. Don’t be so hard on yourself but never give up!

SWIR. What’s the funniest thing that has ever happened to you during a run?

Chandra: In my really early running days, for some reason I thought it would be a good idea to run with a pair of those “slip on” sneakers without a back to them.  It wasn’t funny at the time, as I went out on my run and came back thoroughly frustrated that they kept slipping off and I didn’t get my run in after all.  Looking back now, it is pretty darn humorous. Rookie mistakes! I’ve come a long way…

SWIR. What did you accomplish that you thought was never possible?

Chandra: Many, many things. My first big milestone was running for 20 minutes straight. I thought I was dying toward the end of it but I pushed through and I did it. My first big race, 4 miles. My first 11 minute mile. My first 10 minute mile. Now I hit under-10-minute miles consistently. Achieving 7, 8, 9 and 10 mile training runs. My first half marathon. “Proper” push ups.  Holding plank position for 2 whole minutes. Tree pose. Other yoga balance poses. And so on. That’s what it’s all about for me at present, setting goals for myself that at first seem nearly impossible and working toward achieving them. Next stop, full marathon!

SWIR. If there came a day when you couldn’t run anymore, what would you do?

Chandra: I would most definitely need to find myself some form of physical activity that would take running’s place. Running and working out in general are my stress relief.  I would cheer on other runners and perhaps coach in some capacity.  Maybe write a book reminiscing about my running days. 🙂

SWIR. If there was one thing that you would want the world to know about you, what would that be?

Chandra: I go my own way. I do my own thing. I live and let live. I’m adventurous and rebellious. Oh, and as a profession, I’m an independent virtual assistant and social media manager (www.sparkyourmotivation.com). And I LOVE my life. ———- (OK so that is technically more than one thing.. hope that is ok, lol)

I’d like to thank Chandra for spending the time with me and allowing us to get to know her. Please don’t forget to visit her Facebook pages to continue follow her on her journey and find inspiration!

I’d like to thank Chandra for taking the time for this interview and wish her continued success in her healthy living lifestyle.

If you’d like to follow Ashley on Facebook, click here and let her know that So What? I run. sent ya. You can also follow her motivational page at at www.facebook.com/SparkYourMotivation.

Also, if you enjoyed this interview or think that someone else would be inspired by it, please feel free to share it.