Friday Spotlight: Polgara19
It's Inauguration Day here in the US so to remind everyone reading that the rest of the planet is important too, we've featured yet another baker and from outside the US. Today's highlighted athlete was totally new to me and I love taking time to hear more about newer members. So let's get ready because we're about to do some learnin'
Ladies and Gents, introducing... u/Polgara19!
Let's do this!
###The Runner:
First Name?
Alexis
Age?
34
Where are you from?
Toronto, Ontario
Occupation?
I am an archaeologist, and I currently work as a museum teacher. I teach school groups that visit the museum, introducing them to the museum collections and the way that artifacts can be used to construct and understand the past.
###Running Q&A's:
What are your PR’s?
I’ve only run an handful of races, so my PR’s are up for reassessment this year as I’m running my first live 10k in May, and intend to do a HM in October!
5K - 32:25 10K - 1:14:31
What is your distance PR?
10k. I did the Zombies, Run Virtual 10 last spring, and that was the first and only time I’ve ever run 10k!
What’s your highest recorded weekly mileage?
Can I say I’m not sure? Maybe 15k? Aren’t you all impressed?
How long have you been running?
I started running 2ish years ago as I was coming out of the fog after my 2nd child was born.
Tell us why you began running?
I started running as a way to get back into shape as I had started playing ringette again. I hadn’t played in 10 years, and wanted to be able to play as well as I had when I was 16 (hah!). Running was a way to get my cardiovascular endurance back up since I was only playing once a week.
Most memorable running moment?
Last summer I ran a sprint triathlon with my sister. Running down the finishing chute after completing that triathlon was the hardest and most exhilarating run I think I’ve ever done. I could hardly breathe, and it was awesome!
Do you have a running mantra?
I do not. I try to listen to podcasts and Zombies, Run so I don't really have one. I do tend to feel the tips of my fingers with my thumbs repetitively though... does that count?
What time of day do you prefer to run?
I really like having run in the morning, and while it is hard to convince myself to get up and do it, the chances of my doing it if it’s after 11am are almost nonexistent!
Any big races coming up?
I have signed up for a local 10k in May, and intend to ramp up to a half-marathon in the fall. I think we will also be reprising our triathlon this summer, though we will have to wait and see.
What are your short-term running goals?
My short term goal is to run 10k without injury (important since I’ve not run much over the holidays and need to ramp up slowly).
What are your long-term running goals?
I think my long term goals are to run 10k regularly and get myself into good enough shape to play ringette intensively without feeling like I’m sucking wind!
What is something you need to work on to become a better runner?
Consistency. I’m not very consistent.
What is your current shoe choice?
I have very narrow feet, so I buy whatever won’t give me blisters. Right now that is Asic GT-2000
Trail? Road? Track? Or Treadmill?
Trail, definitely trail. But I’m also fairly happy on a treadmill with trashy tv, preferably trashy food tv! Great British Bake Off and running are a combination made in heaven!
What is your ideal running weather?
5C-15C is my ideal. I hate hate hate being hot and sweaty, so I prefer it cooler than warmer.
Do you have any social media accounts you’d like to share? [Facebook, Strava, Twitter]
I'm on Strava, but I'm not comfortable posting it here for the world to see forever and ever. Message me though, because I want more friends to follow!
###Just For Fun:
What’s your spirit animal?
Panda. I’ve always been obsessed with pandas, collected pandas in all forms, and love watching them as often as I can. They’re just so lovable!
What hobbies and interests do you have besides running?
I’m a baker and a reader by inclination. I read fantasy at a ferocious rate. I bake cinnamon buns, cakes, cookies, and gingerbread houses.
Do you have any hidden talents?
I’m a ringette player, and am therefore a pretty talented skater. I'm also a pretty confident (and loud!) public speaker!
Biggest pet peeve?
Can I say my children chewing their hair? That’s my current biggest pet peeve. Drives me batty.
Dream job! What would it be?
Is it bragging to say that I have my dream job? I have always wanted to be an archaeologist and have worked as one for a few years. I am not in the field due to sproglets, but I love how am using my love for the past in a museum.
Favorite Quote or Poem?
“You’re big enough and ugly enough to do it yourself” My mom. Usually in response to us asking her if she would get us a drink or something!
What is your favorite movie?
That’s hard. I love and rewatch a bunch of different movies. I will always watch things like Lara Croft, The Mummy, and other things an archaeologist really shouldn’t like - but I do! But I’ve seen a number of movies recently that I think are just amazing. I loved the new Ghostbusters more than I think I can say, and also loved The Force Awakens (have yet to see Rogue One, see above regarding sproglets). I’m really more into tv than movies, and have seen Gilmore Girls more times than I can count, and love Sex and the City!
What is your biggest character flaw?
I’m the least patient person you can possibly imagine. I am so annoyed by people that are illogical and inefficient, and heaven help me if I’m stuck behind them!
What songs have you been listening to recently?
I’m not a big music person, so the most recent song I listened to was a Raffi song. Yay.
What are some of your favorite non-running subreddits?
I like /r/fantasy, /r/DresdenFiles and /r/AskHistorians
###One Last Question:
What is the origin of your username?
I have been Polgara on the internet since I first started interneting, at which point I was really into David Eddings’ Belgariad series - Polgara is a powerful sorceress in that series!
That's it folks! Have a great weekend and enjoy the miles.
####Thanks for reading everyone!
#Please tag u/Polgara19 when asking a question in this thread.
Previously Featured Spotlight Runners:
Posted Jan 20, 2017, 12:50 PM UTC · edited