Three cheers for Asheville Marathon Ambassador Julie!
“I am 251 days into a Runstreak! A little over two years ago, I found myself close to 200 pounds. Approaching my mid 30s, I knew that if I didn’t change my lifestyle, not just eating and exercise-but LIFESTYLE- I would be bound to a miserable, overweight life. I joined the gym in Asheville, North Carolina, and to keep me motivated, I signed up for the Triple Crown-a 5K in May, a 5K in July, and an 8K in October, through The Asheville Track Club. I hadn’t ran in years, but I needed something.
“So, I self-started a C25K. I remember the first mile I was able to run. I remember crossing the finish at my first 5K, never having ran that far, and beating my goal time by almost 2 minutes. I had lost weight and felt great!! Then in November 2012, my husband left me. Instead of going back to food, I worked harder. In February 2013, I bit the bullet, and signed up for the Asheville Citizen Times Half Marathon seven months away. It was my new goal. I trained hard all summer.
“I lost 60 pounds, I was feeling great. I had become a Pescetarian. I ran that half marathon with all my heart. Every step after 10 miles was the farthest I had ever ran!!!! As soon as it was done, I was hooked. Running is my addiction, my drug, my salvation. I need it! What I have found out about myself by running is that I CAN DO IT. I don’t need anyone else. But you know what, I love the running community. Waving at a runner, sharing successes and failures.
Julie Blanda Rockin’ her super sweet tee around Asheville
“My favorite distances right now are 10Ks and half marathons, but I am currently in training for my first full, the Monumental Marathon in Indianapolis in November. I ran the Chicago Rock n Roll Half on July 20th.
“I was a volunteer at the 2014 Asheville Marathon and really had a great time cheering folks on!
“My favorite post run food is a beer (only Asheville brews, please!) and tomato and spinach pizza! I haven’t quite worked my way up to distances that require training fuel during a run, but my favorite go to food for fuel is almond butter smeared on a granny smith apple!!”
Photo to the right is Julie wearing her super sweet Asheville Marathon Ambassador tee around Asheville!
Julie A. Blanda
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