Interview with an UltraMarathon Runner: Moca

This awesome lady is Moca in 2009. I'm working on getting photos from a recent super-marathon (8 HOURS of running, folks!) to put in with this two-post blog post, but I am so excited to introduce her that I'm putting it up here now and worrying over pictures later! She is one great lady who is truly inspiring. Read further to get tips on how to get into - and stick with - running, no matter what your level. Part 2 will post on Friday!

Okay, I have to update this for a correction - it turns out that she is NOT a "Super" marathoner, but an "ULTRA-"marathoner. Either way, I'm inspired and plan to keep the interview handy to refer back to later on!

TFF: In what general "age range" are you? 

Moca: I have no problems telling you that I am 41. I am usually in the 40-49 age category in races. I didn't start running distance until I was 37. Age only matters in that I'm proof that age should not be used as a reason for why we aren't in shape or can't even start to work towards it. I am in better shape now than I was in my 20's. Youth only plays a small part in fitness; a 20-year-old isn't automatically healthy just as a 60-year-old isn't automatically arthritic. It's what you do with your body and life that matters. Get out and run.

Resolutions - Winning in 2012

Are you Resolved for 2012 yet? Have you set out the often-elusive goals of what you "hope" or "plan" to achieve in the upcoming year?

If spring is the Natural time for the world to awaken and begin work for the next year, why do we work so hard to begin our renewal in JANUARY??

We're a bit premature maybe. If we followed the calendar nature sets for itself, we would use winter as a time to be dormant and rest, using up energy stores (fat) set aside during the other three seasons. But instead of feasting during those months and fasting through the winter, when food is naturally harder to find, we turn nature on its head and have our largest feasts of Christmas and Thanksgiving.

Celebrating Goals = New Shoes?

Oh, the pressure! 

I don't really run (except after the rogue two-year-old) and don't own a pair of tennis shoes, so when our merry trio hit the mall for a celebration shopping spree this last Saturday, I was feeling the pressure!

Being the friends that Spinster Beth and Slick are, the pressure was really self-imposed. They were there trying on clothes for meeting goals or for upcoming family events; I was there for a coffee and to be with my friends. Whatever our reasons and goals, having a strong support system, a set of people who are there to cheer for victories big and small, is important. So we were all at the mall to cheer and have girlie-fun commenting on new clothes!