Faith Dority, Fort Mill, SC, 39, Group Fitness Instructor
What inspired you to start doing races?
I was inspired to run my first half marathon at a red light after teaching a kickboxing class. I felt like I needed a new personal challenge and a half marathon would be a great place to start. I needed to feel I was still growing as a person, mentally and physically. I needed a new chapter in my life’s story — one that would inspire me, my family, my class members, and one that would push me past what I thought were my limits. I haven’t looked back!
Do you walk, run or run/walk, swim, cycle, do obstacles?
All the above. Obstacle stuff can be challenging, but I try. My strategy varies on the distance I’m covering. I am very passionate about the run/walk/run method and its benefits for running long distances and recovering quickly. I could discuss/argue that topic all day. My run/walk/run half marathon PR is five minutes faster than my straight run PR. Call me a convert.
Faith and Fitz square off after running the Star Wars 10K.
What distances do you do?
3.1, 6.2, 13.1, 26.2, 39.3, 48.6
How many have you done?
Ooh…you made me have to try and count them up 🙂 Collectively, I’ve completed 60-ish race events.
What do you feel is your greatest race accomplishment?
The inaugural 2014 Dopey Challenge held at Walt Disney World Resort. This Challenge requires you to run a 5K on Thursday, a 10K on Friday, a half marathon on Saturday and a full marathon on Sunday for a total of 48.6 miles. This race challenge also coincided with a personal accomplishment, making it quite the memorable experience.
Favorite race and why?
Disneyland Half Marathon. Originally from the west-side, I started visiting Disneyland at the age of five, so it’s at the forefront of many cherished childhood memories. I found a magic there (no pun intended) that made me believe!
Do you travel for races?
Yes.
Does your race schedule become expensive? How do you afford to make it happen?
It does become expensive, especially for destination races. I’m fortunate that I’m able to use the money I earn as a fitness instructor to offset some of the costs. I also owe the “make it happen” part to a husband that’s more supportive than I deserve.
Must-have gear on race day:
As much as I’d love to run without it, I need my fuel belt for 13.1 or more — I have found my fastest times were when I had water on me. I also need ear buds, there is something primal for me when I run with music. Good socks, good shoes, good sports bra, and bottoms that don’t ride up my inner thighs.
Weirdest place you’ve ever chafed:
No one will ever look me in the eye again if I tell.
Do you prefer to run in warm weather or cold weather?
Warm. I’ve spent the last five years training through the summer for the same race and it has reset my internal thermostat.
Favorite pre-race meal/snack:
Coffee and a banana (I’ll add peanut butter if time permits).
Faith and running legend Jeff Galloway
Weirdest/funniest thing you’ve ever experienced at a race:
I can think of something to answer this for every race I’ve ever done, races are special that way. Looking over and seeing a Churro running next to me was pretty awesome. And one time I rode in a van to the start line that ended up driving over the start line to drop myself and others off, that doesn’t happen every day.
Worst experience during a race:
The 2013 Diva Half Marathon in Myrtle Beach, SC.
Whatever I ate the night before The Diva, DID NOT like me race morning. I’ve never been ill like that before in my life – I want a do over. The 2012 Disneyland Half was a tough one for me, too. My mom had a severe stroke just two weeks prior, at the age of 54 (so young!). After arriving in Connecticut 48 hours after her stroke, and spending three days with her, I went home with this race as the last thing on my mind. I did end up able to attend and I cried the whole race. I also remember it was crazy sunny during the half and I was thankful my sunglasses could hide the tears. I #run3rd for her and PR’d, I haven’t PR’d since. After the race, I quickly went back to my hotel room for a conference call with her medical team and my sisters.
Most awesome moment you’ve ever had at a race:
There are three that stand out:
1. While running the 2014 Walt Disney World Marathon, I saw someone I knew at mile 1.5ish. I was discouraged because my watch was dead, I forgot my ear buds and here I go for 26.2 miles. With nothing to lose and a long race ahead of me I said “hello”. We ended up running the entire race together and it was awesome! We ran into other friends along the way and we crazy stopped for photos! Best race ever!
2. During the 2014 Disneyland Half Marathon I was a corral ahead of my husband and I stubbornly stayed in my corral convinced he was going to slow me down. I ended up not fueling properly and was gassed, miserable, and ready to be done at mile 12.2, then someone grabbed my hand….. it was my husband who had caught up to me and could have flown right by, but he saw I needed him. I was instantly at ease having him by my side and he held my hand until we crossed the finish line.
3. The 2015 Disneyland 5K. We’ve run several races as a family of five, but this race was by far the most fun I’ve ever had with my crew. We laughed, we ran, we stopped for photos, and my six year old daughter was family MVP after bringing her A-game on race day. The five of us crossed the finish line together in under 40 minutes.
Faith and Fitz post-Disney Princess Half Marathon.
Your favorite part of participating in races:
The people I’ve met along the way and when I can run with my family.
Do you wear costumes? If so, what’s been your favorite?
I’ve never run in a full-on costume, but I do love to run in functional running gear that is themed. I also like to raid my daughters’ dress-up boxes for accessories I might be able to use. And I try not to forget about adding something to my shoes. For example, I’ll get some felt and cut out a shape that represents a character or a theme I may be trying to convey, punch holes in them with a hole punch, and then lace them to my shoes. So cheap. So easy.
How important are awesome medals to you?
It’s pretty darn cool to get an awesome medal, but I *think* I’d still run without them 😉
Best medal you’ve earned so far:
My very first one. It’s what started it all.
Do you prefer to run alone or with a buddy?
If I’m running for a good TIME, alone. If running for a GOOD time, buddies, all the way!
Favorite song on your playlist:
C’mon (Catch ‘Em By Surprise), Tiesto vs. Diplo feat. Busta Rhymes
Who is your race hero and why?
Every single runner that shows up at the starting line regardless of their situation or circumstance. I’d also be remiss not to mention Jeff Galloway, he’s revolutionized the sport of running for so many people! I’m a Gallo-liever.
What is the top race on your bucket list?
Big Sur, Chicago, Key West, Paris….
What has been the best physical side effect of your participation in races?
I think I’ve incurred more mental benefits than physical. The mind is the hardest muscle to train!
Your advice for others who might be intimidated by signing up for a race:
Do not allow the preconceived idea, or images, of what a runner is, or what a runner looks, like to interfere with your own personal potential. We all have different capabilities, find yours! Don’t compare yourself to anyone else, just stop!
Anything else you’d like to add?
Run the race that has been set out before YOU, and be the best at that! In short, be the best YOU.
