Lisa LeVeque, 38, Northern Virginia, Government
Do you walk, run or run/walk, swim, cycle, do obstacles?
This depends on the race and if I am solo or not. Often times, if I am with a group of people, we do the run/walk method, so we have short breaks and are still be able to chat and catch up. If I am solo, I typically run more and see how far I can push myself with speed and distance.
What distances do you do?
I have conquered many distances from a 5K, 10K, 20K, half marathon, and a full marathon! My favorite distance is the half marathon.
How many have you done?
I have completed four full marathons and 51 half marathons to date. I’ve also complete multiple 5K and 10K distances – too numerous to count!
What do you feel is your greatest race accomplishment?
Every time I cross the finish line for the half marathon and the full marathon, I get a surge of pride. Despite the number of races I’ve completed, it always feels like the first. It is still amazing me that I can cross the finish line! My greatest accomplishment was pushing myself to the limit, endurance wise, by finishing the Dopey Challenge in 2015. I think it was my stubbornness of not giving up and all my friends to help push me that made it a reality!
Favorite race and why?
This is a hard question to answer. I’ve run so many that I’ve truly enjoyed, but I think my two favorite so far are the Long Beach Marathon in 2014 and the Louisiana Half Marathon in 2016. Long Beach Marathon was my second full marathon that I completed. It is one of my top favorite races because it is on the beach, which is where I started running, and I was able to run with my running family the whole way, making it an awesome experience and day! The Louisiana Half marathon is my other favorite. What is not to love about Southern Charm! The scenery was beautiful, the race support was great, which included guys in curlers and bathrobes handing out donuts, and running with my running family is always awesome!
Do you travel for races?
Yes
Does your race schedule become expensive? How do you afford to make it happen?
Traveling for races gets very expensive, but along the way I’ve gotten very creative and made some great friends. Often times, I am doubling up races, so I get a two race weekend to reduce the costs of just going for one race. I’ve gotten to know several people through traveling groups to help share the costs of hotels/gas/etc and, through many of my new friends, I’ve gotten to know several race ambassadors that usually have discount codes to make the races more affordable than paying full price. The running community is one of the best support systems that I could have hoped for and we all try to support each other in many ways, including getting to/from races.
Must-have gear on race day:
I’ve run in all different types of weather and terrain. The must-have for all types is a great pair of running shoes that can handle the terrain and distance. Once your feet start hurting, the rest of the race is a challenge!
Weirdest place you’ve ever chafed:
I always chafe under my arms! I have no idea how this always happens. My stride does not change or my posture, but when running, I think I must pull in my arms toward my body. After a while, OW!
Do you prefer to run in warm weather or cold weather?
My perfect running weather is in the 60 degree range, not too hot, not too cold. My body responds fairly we
ll and I don’t have to overdress or try to shed clothing along the way.
Favorite pre-race meal/snack:
I keep it simple. I like about a half to a full size granola bar about an hour before race time. I’m not a big morning eater and most of my races are early morning, so I keep it pretty light and take light snacks with me for the length of the course (if its more than a 10K). Otherwise, I wait until I finish the shorter distances and eat a nice breakfast after!
Weirdest/funniest thing you’ve ever experienced at a race:
When I first really got into my running group of friends and family, we started off on a course that had many switchbacks, so you can see people running in front of us and behind us. We started seeing this guy pulling a rickshaw way in the back of the race. Every switchback he got a little closer and closer. Mid-way through the race, he caught up to us, pulling the wheelchair that had been adapted to the rickshaw. Sure enough he passed us and kept on going. By the time we were about 3/4 the way done, we could see he had finished and was milling around the finish line area. The whole time we were laughing and joking about having him pull us the rest of the way. He made the 13 miles fly by. It was great to finally meet him and become good friends with him at the finish line. You never know where your next running friends will come from!
Worst experience during a race:
The final day of the Dopey Challenge was the full marathon. By Mile 20, I was completely emotionally, physically, and mentally exhausted. I have never reached such a point that all I wanted to do was quit. It took everything I had left and a lot of support from both people cheering on the runners to my running family. I was close to quitting, but knowing that I didn’t and I had others counting on me to finish too was amazing.
Most awesome moment you’ve ever had at a race:
Completing my first half marathon, I had no idea what to expect and I didn’t know If I was even able to accomplish finishing 13.1 miles! As soon as I crossed that finish line, I cried. I couldn’t believe I did it and I then found the world that I should be part of.
Your favorite part of participating in races:
All the cheering and supporting of the people you pass along the course is a motivation like no other!
Do you wear costumes? If so, what’s been your favorite?
Sometimes, typically only at Disney races and specifically at the Princess Half Marathon, I like the non-traditional Princesses: Merida and Tiana. I am very partial to their dresses, too!
How important are awesome medals to you?
As many races as I’ve run, I do get a little snotty about the bling. I like to see what bling is offered or at least what last years’ design was to get a better idea. I appreciate the uniqueness of each medal and the designs that are region specific to where the race is. It makes it far more fun when I finally earn mine!
Best medal you’ve earned so far:
Hard question! I love my 2014 Long Beach Full Marathon seashell finisher bling with all the sparkle, but my 2015 Atlantic City Half Marathon with a blinking lighthouse is pretty cool, too!
Do you prefer to run alone or with a buddy?
The more races I complete, the more I enjoy running with my running friends and family. Ultimately it’s not the fastest times that I remember, it’s the time I was able to share with them and accomplish something together.
Favorite song on your playlist:
“Eye of the Tiger.” You can never go wrong with the best Rocky fight song ever!
Who is your race hero and why?
I can’t say I have one particular race hero. Each race I go to there is always that one person, typically toward the back of the running groups. The one that has this defiant look in their eye. That look that says, “Watch out. I’m going to do something that few people think I’m able to do.” Those are the people that are very inspirational too me. The ones that show me that I have no excuses!
What is the top race on your bucket list?
To run the Athens Marathon, where modern running started!
What has been the best physical side effect of your participation in races?
I can eat as much of my favorite food (pasta) as I can handle!
Your advice for others who might be intimidated by signing up for a race:
Running that first race is scary, but the benefits far outweigh the risks! You run for your health, for your family, for your friends. Pretty soon being scared away from the race is the last thought in your mind, but not running in a race is more scary. Who knows what/who you will miss out on by meeting and achieving!
Anything else you’d like to add?
Running is more than just an activity; It’s a way of life if you want it to be. Running has given me a world where I fit in, a family that’s supportive, and my health to keep me going!
