Be Inspired: Tina

It is my hope that you leave this blog feeling inspired.  Whether you spend 2 minutes reading the blog every month or check the blog on a daily basis, it is my hope that when you click away from my site you leave inspired.  Inspired to try something new.  Inspired to step out of your comfort zone.  Inspired to embrace a new challenge.  Inspired to make a difference.  Inspired to dream big and chase those dreams.  Inspired to live life a little bit different.  Inspired to be the best you possible.  This series introduces you to people and stories that inspire me and it is my hope that they will inspire you as well.

I met Tina through the world of blogging and I honestly couldn’t tell you exactly how we met (and neither can she!) but I do know I’m glad we did!  I can not even imagine running a mile at the same pace as Tina but I do know that her running inspires me to be a better runner.  Last week she raced as an elite in the Chicago Marathon and I loved reading the recap of her experience and look forward to continuing to follow her running journey.  You can follow Tina on her blog, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.

What dream are you currently pursuing?

I am greedy, and have a few of them: representing Great Britain in an International competition, running a 2:30 marathon (but first I have to get the shorter term goal of getting under 2:40), and successfully running my own healthy meals-on-the-go business.

What is your biggest dream?

The dream that gets me out the door every day for my runs is that someday I will represent Great Britain in an International Competition. Ideally, this would be in the marathon, but I would be happy with a shorter distance too. I have had this dream since I first started running at age 14, and I am not going to stop until I get there!

I would also say that the dream of opening a business is also very real for me. I am not in a position where I can right now, but I hope over the next few years I can set it up, and ride the wave as more Americans realize how important eating the right foods, is for their future.

What accomplishment are you most proud of in your life?

Finishing 3rd in the 10k at the 2012 Olympic Trials was probably one of the greatest moments in my running career, especially being asked for autographs after the race. That was very special knowing you are having an impact on young children’s lives. I never thought I would win a medal at a race like that, but it just goes to show that hard work does pay off!

Who has been an inspiration to you and how have they inspired you?

Paula Radcliffe, the world record holder in the marathon was always my hero as she was so fearless, breaking barriers in the women’s marathon that no one else in the world has come close to since. I loved watching her run by me when I watched her in London, and she inspired me to become the best I could be.

How do you handle obstacles that arise as you pursue your dreams?

Even though it can be difficult as it is happening, I try to keep in mind that setbacks always make you stronger. Those challenges we face always give us an extra level of grit to be able to dig down deep when you are given the opportunity to compete. I usually run the best after a setback, as I know there is no way I will give up after all I have been through! I also like to trust in the process, that things will happen as they were always meant to, and as long as you work hard and stay positive, you will get there, when your body is ready.

Can you share five interesting facts about yourself?

-Hmmm, well readers of my blog will know I am a sugar addict, nothing is too sweet for me! Therefore my favorite snack would be anything sugary, although peanut butter m&ms are my biggest weakness.
-I know how to surf, I learned when I was living in California from 2006-2007
-My favorite color is yellow
-My favorite running shoe is the Saucony Kinvara; I train and race in them
-My favorite thing to do when I go home to England is to go to a restaurant called The Waffle house…..no, not the American Waffle house, this is a hole-in-the-wall place in my hometown that serves all kinds of sweet and savory waffles. My favorite is the bannoffee (banana, toffee sauce, chocolate shavings, and ice cream) waffle. I miss that place a lot!

Who is your fitness inspiration?