Racey Runner: Dale Martin

 Dale Martin, Sarasota, FL, 44,  Administrative Assistant

What inspired you to start doing races?

I met a friend at Disney to cheer her on for her first half marathon during Princess 2013. I then went home and signed up for a few 5k’s and started training. Did my very first 10k at WDW in 2014 and met a really good friend of mine (Brittany) who was getting ready to run her first half and her first back to back. She said she was nervous, but excited. We talked for four miles and I vowed that I would go home and sign up to run the Princess Half Marathon in February. I actually never went  over 6.2 miles in my training – hey, I had a little over a month to train right?! I had to get my race bib through a travel provider, because it was less than five weeks away. When I called I was talked in to buying a challenge bib for the Glass Slipper Challenge. I had no idea what that meant, but bought it anyway. I told my new-found friend about the purchase and found out that I signed up to run a 10K on Saturday followed by a half marathon on Sunday. On the same weekend? Oh Boy!! Every day I would either run or cross train. I very carefully upped my mileage in time to do the challenge without pain afterwards. I had so much fun, but it was an emotional rollercoaster.

Do you walk, run or run/walk, swim, cycle, do obstacles?

I walk-run-walk, cross train with weights and do the elliptical.

What distances do you do?

5K, 10K, 12K, and half marathon.

How many have you done?

I would have to go through my bibs in order to give a correct tally. But … LOTS!

What do you feel is your greatest race accomplishment?

Any race I finish is an accomplishment.

Favorite race and why?

My favorite race was the last Disney  Tower of Terror 10 Mile race. Not only because it was the last one, but because my son did it with me.

Do you travel for races?

I do, usually friends con me in to going. For example, I finally went to Disneyland last year (2015) and will be traveling to Virginia Beach for the Yuengling Shamrock run this March. My running friends are a bunch of enablers and pushers. I guess most of my vacation time is spent doing “runcations”.

Does your race schedule become expensive?

Yes, it can become really expensive…I need a second job to support the habit. 

How do you afford to make it happen?

I travel with a group. I split a room with people I know. I plan in advance and buy one way airfare so I don’t get that financial hit all at once. I plan out meals and go to the store and stock up on supplies to lessen the amount I spend on meals while traveling.

Must-have gear on race day:

Clothes haha. Okay, on a serious note I must have my Body Glide, good shoes, and a really good sports bra.

Weirdest place you’ve ever chafed:

I would have to say the middle of my back. I believe it was from wearing my camelbak and it rubbed against my sports bra for 14 miles. Only happened once.

Do you prefer to run in warm weather or cold weather?

Good question…can I pick in between?! I love 70 degree weather as a typical temp, but living in Florida, those days are few and far between. We go from Spring to Summer to Spring.

Favorite pre-race meal/snack:

I like to have either peanut butter toast or an oatmeal bar (nature valley), and then a stinger waffle right before take-off. I have not found my ideal pre-race meal/snack, but I do experiment.

Weirdest/funniest thing you’ve ever experienced at a race:

Well, I run with a group that craves fun, creates fun, and causes fun. We have taken up to four hours to finish a half marathon.  Not because we are slow, but because we were having fun. It’s all about enjoying your race (with our group).

Worst experience during a race:

Trying to run a half marathon with back spasms and calf cramps that did not want to go away. I have a twisted sacrum so when I get out of alignment it causes some major pain. Very recently I ran a very painful half marathon. I made it, not with the best time, but I finished.

Most awesome moment you’ve ever had at a race:

I would have to say finishing my very first half marathon. I teared up at the beginning and cried at the end. I did not have running friends when I started, but anyone that knows me knows that I make friends very easily. I paced (stalked) with two people that were in front of me that were doing a pace that I found comfortable and right before we went in to the Magic Kingdom I introduced myself. They embraced me and helped me finish with a 3:09 half marathon.

Your favorite part of participating in races:

My favorite part of participating is the environment. Runners are special people. We pay to put our bodies through running, we motivate, encourage, and nudge each other. When one feels like they can’t take one more step we help each other. I think that is my favorite part. That and maybe finishing and having a beer.

Do you wear costumes?

I am very simplistic in my running costumes.

Dale with Fitz, Rudy Novotny and more running friends!

How important are awesome medals to you?

I love bling, but if there’s no bling and it’s for an awesome charity I am there.

Best medal you’ve earned so far:

Any medal I have comes with it’s own story and own accomplishment. My favorite is Tower of Terror (again because it holds a special place in my heart because I earned it with my son).

Do you prefer to run alone or with a buddy?

Running with friends is the best. If I am in a mood or need to expel energy … I prefer to run alone, otherwise I am all about running with people. They motivate me and keep my thoughts distracted.

Favorite song on your playlist:

Okay, I don’t really have a favorite, but heavy metal is my blood pumping choice (usually if I am running alone). Otherwise, I go with upbeat tempos to keep my feet moving. If I am running with friends, then I usually don’t listen to music while I run. 

Who is your race hero and why?

My race hero is anyone that laces their shoes and gets their butts out the door. I don’t care if you are just beginning or if you are a novice. It takes courage and determination to get out there.

What is the top race on your bucket list?

At this present moment “Dopey” is on my bucket list. I am planning and training for 2018. Who is going to join me?

What has been the best physical side effect of your participation in races?

Hmm, I would say losing the frown and gaining a smile. Exercise and running does more than affect your physical traits, it enhances your mood and releases stress. Oh, and I have lost over 48 pounds so far.

Your advice for others who might be intimidated by signing up for a race:

Just do it!! Don’t sign up for one next week, unless you are already trained for it. Find one a couple months out and sign up. Use a C25K app that will help you get up and get moving. Another good pointer, find a good running group. I belong to a couple great groups. I belong to the Mickey Milers, Team Shenanigans, and Magic Milers. A support system is always helpful, but my best advice is to believe in yourself!! You are capable of such amazing things.

Anything else you’d like to add?

Limitations are only set by you! (unless you have a medical ailment). Don’t be afraid to start. Keep creating new goals and keep moving forward.