Rebeccah Mercado, 35, Gainesville, FL, Project Coordinator for the Center for Digital Health and Wellness at the University of Florida, currently working on a project called Playing4Life
Why do you run? To reduce stress, increase energy, and set an example for my kids.
How long have you been running? I started running in high school to improve my cardiovascular ability as a dancer. I stopped running after I got married and started my career, but picked it back up again in 2009 with the encouragement of a friend. I became absolutely addicted after completing my first ½ marathon in 2010 and since then I have run in 9+ ½ marathons, 3+ 15K’s, 10+ 5K’s and I ran the Goofy Challenge in 2011 (that’s a ½ marathon and a full marathon in one weekend).
Do you compete? I am not fast enough to compete at an elite level, but when I enter a race, I compete with myself by doing better than I did the last time I ran that distance. I set training goals to keep myself motivated, but I definitely concentrate on enjoying the experience and being in touch with my body. While 35 is still young, my body does not recover as quickly as it did when I was in my teens and I have learned to pay attention when it asks for rest.
Most challenging aspect of running: The most challenging aspect is finding the time. I am a mother of two boys (9 years old and 6 months), and I work full-time. It is not easy to get out the door and I am not always successful, but it is the only place I can go and not have distractions. I love to run because I can think, enjoy nature and do something for myself all at the same time.
Most fun aspect of it: The most fun aspect for me is how I feel when I am done. I especially love it when I accomplish something I did not think I could do. I try to challenge myself at least once a week to run farther or faster than I did previously and I am always amazed at what I am able to accomplish.
Most rewarding aspect of running: The most rewarding aspect is knowing that there are no limits except those I place on myself. This is the one sport that if you believe you can, “you can”. If you believe you can’t, “you can’t”.
Who/what inspires you when you’re feeling weak? I have three friends who are avid runners and when I am feeling low, I either think of them and what they would do in this moment or I pick up the phone and call them for a pep-talk. However, I derive the most inspiration from my husband and my boys. I envision the finish line of a particular race with them at the end cheering me on, that is usually what motivates me to put on my shoes and get out the door.
Advice for others who’d like to get started: Running is an amazing sport that does not require much to get started. All you really need to do is get out the door. Here are a few tips thought that might make the process a little easier
- Invest in a good pair of shoes. Your feet are incredibly important. If you take care of them, your back, hips and knees will thank you.
- Start gradually. Run for a few seconds and then walk for a few seconds. As you get more comfortable, increase the number of seconds you run and decrease the amount of walking. Set a reasonable goal and go for it.
- Ask questions. As you progress in the sport, don’t be afraid to ask more experienced runners how they train, or how they eat. Asking questions is a great way to learn.
- Find a friend. I have a running partner and we love the time we get to spend together talking and encouraging each other. We do not always run together, but it is fun to have someone else to train with when you can.
Your must-have equipment for running: You do not really need a lot of equipment to get started, but I do recommend getting fitted for a good pair of shoes. I would go to a running store or a local boutique sporting goods store and ask the person working with you how long they have been a runner or how long they have worked with runners. It really does make a difference to work with someone who has experience as a runner. The person I work with has helped me run injury-free for many years and I really value her input on my running technique.
Favorite training song: I have several songs I love to run to, but two of my favorites are the Rocky theme song and “Galvanize” by Chemical Brothers
Favorite healthy food: I have many healthy food favorites, but if I have to choose I will say blueberries, avocados and kale.
Favorite not-so-healthy food: French fries from Red Robin
Funniest /weirdest/most awkward experience running: When I ran my first large race (a race with more than 10,000 people) I found it a bit awkward that when the port-a-potty lines were too long, people start peeing on the side of the road. I have to say, it is very tempting, especially when you have to pee, the line is moving at a snail pace and the race is about to start!
