Just like the mother runners who will proudly sport it, The AMR Virtual Run bib multitasks: it’s a combination training countdown and race momento.
As we venture down this 10-week training program, we are going to check in with five different people—two friends running together, one mother runner going solo, two cross-country friends virtually training together—three times each, so we can all taste what it feels like to go through a training cycle, and, of course, so we can cheer them all on.
Up first are two beginning runners: Mandi Crisp , a 34-year-old mom of two (ages 5 and 1) and Aimee Carter, a 37-year-old mom of two (ages 8 and 4) who work together at the University of Virginia McIntire School of Commerce.
Pretty sure that’s Mandi on the left, Aimee on the right, but I’ll confirm that next time we check in with one another.
I wanted to get to know them a little bit, so I asked them a few questions:
How long have you been running?
Running? HUH?!? We’ve been working out together for a little under a year after we both ran/walked the Muddy Buddy challenge together last March. Aimee started training for the Muddy Buddy in January and Mandi winged it. We realized we both needed some work after the MB and have been working out 3-4 days a week together ever since. This is officially our first real try at really running.
What inspired you to participate in the AMR Virtual 5K?
The timing: we are now both committed to fully running and participating in the Foam Fest 5K on Mother’s Day Saturday, and it’s about time we quit saying we’re gonna run and really run. And, because we want to be BA – AMRs.
What has been your biggest speed bump(s) as far as running goes?
Finding the right shoes, the right motivation and the commitment. We’ve been committed to exercising but running isn’t our favorite part of exercising; now we have each other and this program to hold us accountable.
How have the first few workouts gone so far? (Caveat: I asked this question on Tuesday, so they’d only done one…)
Day 1 was a huge success… in that we finished and are alive to tell about it…. and nobody fell. So, HOORAY. In fact, at the end we both agreed it was do-able and achievable and we were actually impressed with how far we went and how good we felt.
What are you looking forward to most about the program?
We are excited to have the running practice 3+ days a week. Pn the XT days we’ll focus on lifting, squats, upper body, the No Girly Push-ups challenge, etc.. We want able to complete the obstacles in the Foam Fest, although, we’re not exactly sure how to prepare for the 45 foot death drop.
We are also looking forward to seeing what other moms are doing and looking forward to cheering one another on!
Other news: Grab your Badge + Bib today
A badge, designed by mother runner Michelle for your website or your Facebook profile.
Here is the HTML code to put it on your website: <a href=”http://www.anothermotherrunner.com” target=”_blank”><img src=”http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k16/michellesa/0b45bda4-774e-43cc-a30e-68b88d7962a3.jpg” border=”0″ alt=”Another Mother Runner”/></a>
Michelle is also helping out as a moderator of the AMR Connect Forums, and has offered to answer any questions about getting it installed; just ask them in AMR Connect. (Love her!)
We love this so much, we have to post it again.
Races 2 Remember, which designs a variety of custom bibs, cheering signs and pace bands, worked up this beauty for us—and you! Download it here, and then mark off your weekly progress to race day!
Finally, don’t forget to regularly check into the AMR Connect Forums: there’s support and camaraderie just swimming in there.
So awesome! I can’t wait to wear mine! I also went to the website for Races2Remember, and what a neat company and a great idea. Wonder why no one thought of it sooner?!
I’m running (or planning to run) my first 5K with my future sister-in-law, who happens to be 10 years younger than me, and doesn’t have kids. Lol. I have a feeling she will be much better prepared than I am on race day (although I think most moms work better under pressure). Oh well…I got her to agree to run with me by saying what a great way it would be for us both to lose weight in preparation for her upcoming wedding (three weeks after race day)!
Thanks for including us! We are so honored.
I’m so proud of myself for figuring out how to put the badge on my blog. I’m becoming SO advanced.
Thanks for being our aid station, hype girls and for believing in us!
(and yes, that’s me on the right, Mandi on the left)
Can’t wait to follow your running journey!