{Runners Who Rock} Courtney D.

It’s time to share another runner with you! This week, the spotlight is on Courtney who I have interacted with through my blog. Her blog Eat Pray Run DC is full of great info and a fun read!

When did you start running? I actually was a sprinter in high school…go figure because now I’d much rather run five miles than do sprints! I ran my first half marathon in law school but after that didn’t run very regularly. I became more serious about running within the past year.

Who or what inspires you to run? I’m inspired by other runners and by how running makes me feel (which is a good thing on MOST days!). I love setting goals and accomplishing them and running is a fantastic platform in which to do that!

What is your favorite running mantra? “There will be a day when you can no longer do this. Today is NOT that day.”

What is your favorite running or fitness blog? It’s hard to choose just one – I enjoy so many different blogs. I enjoy Amanda’s writing style over at The Lady Okie and I also enjoy Natalie at This Mommy Runs….. Amanda is funny, honest and I like how she writes. Natalie is a total beast and a complete sweetheart. She’s super supportive of other runners and I enjoy reading her training recaps!

What is the first race you ever ran? First race ever was a 100M hurdle when I was a junior in high school. I’m pretty sure I threw up before hand because I was so nervous! My first road race was the Charlottesville 10 Miler in 2007.

Name one thing you learned from your first race? The best thing I learned is that running with friends (who are about the same pace as you!) is always more fun than running alone.

What are you currently training for? I’m currently training for my second full marathon — Shamrock in Virginia Beach in March!

What one piece of running gear you cannot live without? My music. I love having music when I run and enjoy the time to just space out and listen to tunes. I live in DC and don’t drive much, so I listen to music primarily when I am running.

Share one piece of advice to new runners… Get fitted for a pair of good shoes. The investment is completely worth it!

And for fun… What do you like to do besides run? I love to read, dance and eat. I also am an obsessive college football fan (Roll Tide!) and love spending Saturdays in the fall watching football games all day (after my long run, of course!)