Laurie De Freitas, 36, Southern California, Project Manager
What inspired you to start doing races? I have many friends who run, and I found myself inspired by their ability to complete races of such great distances. I wondered if I could too.
Do you walk, run or run/walk, swim, cycle, do obstacles? I like to run, walk and cycle. I’m thinking about swimming again too.
What distances do you do? 5K, 10K, Half and Full Marathons
How many have you done? I have completed 26 half marathons and three full marathons in three years of running. Unfortunately, I have lost track of the distances less than a half marathon.
What do you feel is your greatest race accomplishment? My greatest accomplishment has been completing a full marathon. I still can’t believe I was actually able to do it.
Favorite race and why? SeaWheeze is my favorite race because of the atmosphere and the city of Vancouver. Lululemon knows how to host an event. It really is quite spectacular.
Do you travel for races? Yes, I travel for races because nothing is better than a runcation.
Does your race schedule become expensive? How do you afford to make it happen? My race schedule does get rather pricey, but running is an investment. From the proper shoes to the right gear, it’s important to make sure you have the tools to make yourself successful. I try to save money on unnecessary expenses in my everyday life in order to make my running dreams a reality. I also book my trips well in advance and use mileage whenever possible.
Must-have gear on race day: I’m rather specific about what I have with me on race day. Clothing is typically a combination of Lululemon and Sparkle Athletic, running shoes are New Balance or Nike, race belt is Fitletic, headphones are SnuggBuds and lastly, I carry Clif Shot Bloks and Honey Stinger Waffles. I can’t say I remember the last time this wasn’t my routine.
Weirdest place you’ve ever chafed: I recently chafed on my right forearm from my armband. It was so odd because I didn’t expect it.
Do you prefer to run in warm weather or cold weather? I prefer colder weather because it gets hella hot here in the summer and running on a treadmill is the worst.
Favorite pre-race meal/snack: My favorite pre-race snack is a banana.
Weirdest/funniest thing you’ve ever experienced at a race: The costumes I see at the runDisney events are always the funniest. Someone dressed up as a churro once. I mean, how funny is that?!
Worst experience during a race: Most recently during the WDW Marathon, I developed a fever and became ill before hitting mile seven. I ended up walking almost the entire race and it was awful, but I finished.
Most awesome moment you’ve ever had at a race: Nothing will ever be better than crossing the finish line of my first half marathon at Tinker Bell. I cried.
Your favorite part of participating in races: My favorite part of all race weekends is spending time with friends. They are my race family really. The adventures and memories we share together have made me a better person and runner.
Do you wear costumes? If so, what’s been your favorite? I don’t know if what I wear is considered a costume, but I always rock Sparkle Athletic. Some part of my outfit has to have sparkle. Typically, it’s my skirt and visor. #teamsparkle
How important are awesome medals to you? I’m not going to lie. I’m all about the bling.
Best medal you’ve earned so far: My favorite “medal” would have to be from the Nike Women’s Half Marathon in Washington D.C. It was a Tiffany & Co. necklace.
Do you prefer to run alone or with a buddy? I enjoy running alone and with friends. I like to mix things up.
Favorite song on your playlist: Good to Be Alive by Andy Grammer is my current favorite running song. I find myself picking up the pace every time I hear it.
Who is your race hero and why? My race hero is Toshiko D’Elia. Being of Japanese heritage myself, her story really spoke to me. I named my youngest daughter (Dylan Toshiko De Freitas) after her.
What is the top race on your bucket list? One day, I would one day like to run the Big Sur and Boston Marathons.
What has been the best physical side effect of your participation in races? To quote Toshiko D’Elia, “I ran to live happily. It gave me strength. I was able to be a better wife and a better mother. . . Running has always served me as a support and therapy for a happier life.” Running simply makes me happy.
Your advice for others who might be intimidated by signing up for a race: You will never know what you are capable of until you put yourself out there. When you live in fear, the only person who loses is you.
Anything else you’d like to add? Other than, Fitz is awesome? Nope. I think that’s everything.
