Nicole Matich Interview

This week my interview is with Nicole Matich. Nicole is a very good runner who I have ran a few races with and see her very often while training. I would consider her one of the better woman in her age group and if it wasn't for injuries I think she would be one of the elite woman in Pittsburgh.


SB- When and why did you start running?

NM- I was on the cross country team in junior high. That was my first running experience. I reunited with running in college as a stress reliever. Running really helps with my anxiety, so running in college really helped me.


SB- This past May you ran your first marathon. How did you train for that race?

NM- I didn't train particularly well for my first marathon. I planned on training with this really cool guy named Shaun, but I got injured and I had to take a month off from training. I followed the Hal Higdon novice 1 training program for a marathon, but since I got injured I had to stop. So, I gradually added miles on my long runs to make up for the miles I lost from my injury. I would run about six miles during the week, and then on Saturdays (my long run days) I started with seven miles, then the next Saturday I did eight, and so on and so forth. Regrettably, I only trained up to 15 miles. But thank goodness that was good enough because I finished the marathon!


SB- Will you be running the Pittsburgh marathon this May and if so how will your training differ from the previous year?

NM- I won't be running the Pittsburgh marathon in May. I debated on running it, but my body is still in recovery from the marathon this past May! I will be running the half marathon. I will train more effectively for this one. I'll follow a strict schedule and not skip days! When I do run another marathon I will follow a more structured schedule and stick to it!


SB- What is your ultimate goal with running or what do you hope to accomplish?

NM- If you were to ask me a year ago what my ultimate goal with running is my answer would have been to qualify for the Boston marathon. The fastest race I ever ran was the Turkey Trot 5 miler last year, with an average pace of 7:36 a mile. I used to be really fast, but since I got hurt I really put running in to a different perspective. Speed doesn't matter to me anymore. My ultimate goal now would be to run another marathon, injury free, and to average less than a ten minute mile. Running a marathon is an accomplishment enough, who cares about speed!


SB- Are their any runners you look up to or anyone that has mentored you along the way?

NM- My sister and brother in law influenced me to do the half marathon in 2012. That's what got me going. My good friend John mentored me for my first half marathon, and he helped me mentally prepare for the full marathon as well. Shaun, you have been an inspiration as well! John and Shaun helped me the day before the marathon when I was getting cold feet. They helped me stick with it. When you talk to people who have been through it, who can give you pointers and inspire you in any way, you want to hold on to those people!

SB- You have a twin sister that is also a runner. Do you compete against her during races and training or do you try to motivate each other?

NM- Gab and I have never really been competitive. It's funny though, because when we were on the cross country team in junior high school she would always be the person to beat me. There were 12 girls on the team, and my sister was the 2nd fastest and I was the 3rd. But it was never really a conscious competition. We motivate each other with running, and we give each other tips. When it comes to competing, I am always my own biggest opponent, because I always want to improve.


SB- Like me you are a runner who has had to over come some injuries, describe the feeling when you finally run a race after being injured and what was your injury and how did you cope with it?

NM- I have had my injury for a year and a half. My sacroiliac joint was inflammed on the right side of my hips. My hamstrings were so tight they pulled on my pelvis and caused the joint to inflame. It's funny, because I had my injury during the marathon, but it didn't give me any trouble at all during the race. I literally broke down in tears when I crossed the finish line because completing the marathon seemed so out of sight to me because of my injury, and running it without having to stop or walk was so liberating. I went to physical therapy for a month to cope with it. I stretched four times every day, and I still sit on a cushion in my car to prevent irritation.


SB- You have been running a few years now, do you see a change in the running scene in Pittsburgh?

NM- I definitely see a change in the running scene in Pittsburgh. I forget the exact numbers, but I think the amount of runners in the 2009 marathon compared to the amount of runners in the 2013 marathon increased dramatically. Running is definitely getting more popular and it's awesome to see Pittsburgh embracing it. I know the store TrueRunner opened in Shadyside, and I know Dick's is selling more Brooks brand running shoes now. I remember in college the only place to buy Brooks was FInishLine, now Dicks has an array of models of that brand. It's really cool to see this hobby expanding.


SB- As a female runner do you think that gender has anything to do with ones performance? And do you think woman runners are looked at different than the men runners?

NM- I think gender has a little to do with running and pace. Obviously a woman can't run as fast as a man, so that definitely is an aspect, but other than that I really don't think it has anything to do with one's performance. I'm not positive, but I am pretty sure women may be more prone to injury, since we have wider hips than men. I'm convinced running is 90% mental and 10% physical. No matter what gender you identify with, as long as you have the drive and motivation to make it, then you will. I know plenty of talented athletes who say to me, "I could never run a marathon" and I myself have never identified myself as athletic, so if women could empower themselves, then they can definitely run like I did! I may be completely wrong, but I don't think women are looked at differently than men as runners. I reel like runners are gender neutral. We all understand each other. I love the quote, "never underestimate the strength of a woman. Never **** with one who runs 26.2 miles for fun."


SB- Anything you would like to say to anyone that is just starting out or maybe thinking about getting involved with running?

NM- The first thing I tell beginners is don't worry about pace. It's easy to beat yourself up if you haven't improved your PR. I used to do this all the time, but now I am trying to tell myself time doesn't matter! It's easy to go overboard. Second, I tell people to STRETCH STRETCH STRETCH. You want to prevent injury. And just like Nikki said, anyone can run, anyone. If you put your mind to it, and devote your physical and mental energy towards it, you WILL get there. Remember, you won't get there overnight. Work hard each day, and keep your mind on the prize. You kind of have to be very stubborn if you want to quit. Don't take no for an answer! I ran a marathon with only 15 miles of training. If I can do it, you can do it!

Interview with Anna Dillon

This week I decided to interview a good friend of mine, Anna Dillon. Anna approached me a few years ago and told me she wanted to start running.  After running a few times with Anna I eventually convinced her to run a 5K race with me (the selling part was me telling her she would get a free t-shirt).  Anna may not be at the top of the woman class right now when it comes to running, but she possesses all of the skills to one day reach that level.  She has the form and the endurance; all that she lacks is the confidence. One day I hope Anna will see what I see in her. If she just lets go and doesn't listen to her mind when it says to stop or give up, I would not be surprised to see Anna run a sub twenty minute 5k.

SB- 1. When and why did you start running?
AD-I started walking a few years ago for weight-loss purposes. Slowly the walking turned into an occasional jog, then running. You are the one who encouraged me to run. You probably don't remember, but I told you I wanted to start. You invited me to run with you at Wilkins school. You said you hadn't ran in a while, so I thought I would kick your butt. Wow was I wrong! I still run for weight-loss but I also run to destress. It is the part of my day that I do not think about work, dinner, cleaning, or laundry.

SB- 2. How often do you run and what distance do you normally do?
AD-I used to run four or five times a week about 3 or 4 miles. Now with a newborn, I'm lucky if I can get out for 15 minutes! It is getting more difficult now that it's getting darker. I am excited for spring when I can take him with me.

SB- 3. Do you prefer to run alone or with a group while you are training/ exercising?
AD- I prefer to run alone. I love music. One of my favorite parts of running is turning up the music and just going! But I never ran with a group before. I don't know if I would enjoy that.

SB- 4. Do you have a goal for when you run? ( a time, a distance)
AD-I like to time myself. I usually run the same routes, so I try to beat my previous time. I am not always successful. I still can't figure out why sometimes I do so good, and other times I do so horrible.

SB- 5. As a mother who runs, a lot of woman can look up to you. Do you think it's been harder to run since you became a mother?
AD-Yes! Running was the first thing I would think about after work. My entire day would revolve around how quickly I can get my shoes and earphones on and get going. Sometimes I would change at work and start my route from there. My husband and I are still adjusting to becoming parents. Our life and house have become pretty chaotic. Running now revolves around naps, feedings, and my husbands schedule. Not to mention the colder weather and darker evenings. It can be hard to find the time, But I take every chance I can get.

SB- 6. Is there anyone you look up too as a runner?
AD-I look up to you. You have always encouraged me and told me I could do it. You have taught me that I do not need to be perfect or excellent at it, as long as I enjoy it.
I also look up to my sister who is a full-time worker, wife, mother, and runner. She runs every chance she can get. And kicks butt!

SB- 7. What will be your next race and how will you go about training for it? Or if there is no race in your future how do you decide your workout?
AD- My next race is undecided. I really wanted to do the marathon relay, but due to the baby, training has become difficult. Exercising has also become difficult. My waistline is suffering! I think I will do the local races next year. I always enjoy a free T-shirt!

SB- 8. Since you have started running would you say there has been a change in the running in Pittsburgh?
AD-I am not sure if there was a change, or if I was just ignorant to how much running there is in Pittsburgh. There is a whole world outside of local 5K's. Before running myself, I never noticed how many runners are out there. Have you ever gone to Mount Washington?! They must be the healthiest people in the United States. They are always running!

SB- 9. Do you think female runners are givin the same respect as a man during a race or training?
AD-Truthfully, I don't know. I would assume yes, but I have never been in competition with elite men and women. I have always done fun races where everybody is encouraging.

SB- 10. Any advice or anything you can say to someone who may just be starting out or about to take up the sport of running?
AD-Just do it! Don't be scared or embarrassed like I was. I would also say not to get discouraged. That is much easier said than done because I still get discouraged a lot! Just sticking with it has made me better and I enjoy it more.

Mike Smith Interview

       Every week I will be showcasing a runner with a 10 question interview.  I hope to interview people of all athletic levels to illustrate how each person is different in the ways they train and prepare for races.  I will also be interviewing casual runners, who may only be running for the purpose of losing weight or to de-stress. My goal of these interviews is to show how people began their journey and where they are now.
       My first interview is with Mike Smith.  He is my cousin, so I have been privileged to see him grow as a runner.


SB: When and why did you start running?
MS: Junior High Track and Cross Country team. Running is a great sport that emphasizes self-discipline, especially when you're not strong enough to play football!

SB: How often do you run when training for a race? Do you still run when your not training for a race?
MS: Depends on how close to the race. I try to keep up a 3-4 times a week run during the month leading up to it, even if it's just a 5k. And my running comes and goes in spurts. I haven't ran once since my last race (Great Race 10k), so I hope to start again December 1.

SB: What is the next race you are training for? And do you have any goal for that race?
MS: Pittsburgh Half Marathon (though I may run one or two small races in between). I ran it for the first time last year, and had to walk a few times beginning at mile 10. I certainly wish that didn't happen, but my pain was terrible and walking helped lessen it for a bit. So my goal this time is to run without stopping, which by itself should knock off a few minutes.

SB: A lot of runners have certain rituals they do before a race or before a run, is there anything you do?
MS: I'm usually too antsy before a race to focus on any routines. The only must-do before a race is peeing.

SB: What brand of shoe do you wear while running and why?
MS: Asics. Only because that's what the guy at True Runners gave me. But these new shoes have been great so I'll probably stick with them.

SB: What do you think about people who say running is not a sport?
MS: False, false, false. Besides the obvious (Track & Field, duh), how can one consider competitive racing where there's a clear start, goal, finish, and order of finishers NOT a sport? It's a physical activity that includes competing against other people. If that's not a sport, I don't know what is.

SB: Your wife and her twin sister also run, do you ever compete against them in races or would you say you try to motivate each other to do better?
MS: We certainly motivate each other to do better, but I don't think we compete against each other. I usually beat Gab in 1 out of 4 races, and my sister-in-law is usually way ahead of both of us. My favorite aspect of running is competing against myself. Other runners can help (i.e. motivation) or hurt (i.e. distraction) in that process, but once that gun fires, I'm on my own.

SB: Is there anyone you look up to as a runner and why?
MS: Well you obviously, for your consistency in training and accomplishment in your races. Plus so many people in our family. I remember it was amazing watching my sister-in-law cross the finish line for her first marathon. Gab, for all of her races. And it was awesome watching our cousin Katie cross the finish line of her first 5k last year, and then her first 10k last month. My friend Allison is also an avid runner and often blogs about it; it helps motivate me when I'm being lazy.

SB: I understand you will be running for a charity at the Pittsburgh half marathon can you describe what is the charity and how people can donate?
MS: I'm running on behalf of The Neuropathy Association, a non-profit organization dedicated to advocating research and providing resources for patients with neuropathy. Neuropathy is a simply a neurological disorder affecting the motor, sensory and autonomic nerves, which can either be a direct symptom from another disease or for a completely unknown reason. They're a great organization and I'm happy to be running on their behalf. Here's a link with a ton more info (with a link on how to donate to my cause!):
http://www.neuropathy.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=8565

SB: Is there anything you would like to say to someone that might be on the fence about running. Words of encouragement a helpful hint anything?
MS: Running is a cheap an easy sport to get into that serves as a way to increase your self-discipline while also helping whip you into shape. Racing (and competitive racing) is just a bonus, but even running a few miles every week can make a huge dent in your exercise needs. But it's also a sport that's prone to injury if not done the right way. The web has a plethora of resources on how to avoid injuries: stretching, cross-training, things to focus on, things to avoid, etc. Be a *smart* runner or else you'll spend the majority of your time recovering from injuries.

Running Sport or Not?

Many people will ask the question is running a sport? The answer is yes, not only is it a sport but its one of the oldest sports,  dating back to the early Olympics.

       As a runner I hear it everyday, running is not a sport.  This statement cracks me up when people say it.  One argument I hear is "well anyone can do it."  This is true, anyone can run.  But not every runner is competing in races and training for marathons or races week in and week out.  I can go outside and pick up a bat and ball but that doesn't make me a baseball player.  There is a difference in a person who is running to lose weight and a person who is running for the sport of it.  If anyone had the chance to watch the NYC Marathon this year they may have picked up on just how much of a sport it is.  A group of runners bunched up for 20 miles jostling for position, looking back and fourth at each other to see who will make the "move".  And then it happens one runner takes off as if to say lets see what you guys have and pushes the pace and soon you have a race within a race.  Its a tactical sport in which people draft off each other and wait to use their kicks at the end.  So yes anyone can run but not everyone is runner.

       Hopefully with this blog I can give some advice to other runners and people looking to run for whatever reason it may be.  Also i would like to hear what works for other runners, what shoe they prefer and why, some race tactics they use and so on.....  And last but not least i hope to inspire people who are on the fence about running to give it a try and come into the running circle.  Once you give it a try you will soon see this is an addicting sport.