in their shoes: Lara
Each week, we'll be profiling members of our action team. Tune in and learn some more about these amazing womyn.
In their Shoes: Lara G.
Q: Who are you? Describe your work, life, and sport of choice.
A: I’m Lara G., (find me on instagram at runningpoky) I work as a Human Resources Manager. My hobbies include reading and traveling. 2020 put a damper on one and provided unlimited time for the other. My sport of choice is running. From marathons to ultras. Normal life, I try to run at least two marathons a month, but 2020 cancelled those plans quickly so I’ve had to rely on virtual challenges to keep me motivated. I have completed a marathon or more in every state in the US, currently have 38 states for round 2, and I’m attempting to finish a marathon in each Continent. So far I have North America, Asia, Australia and Europe.
Q: What is your sport of choice? How did you get started with it? Do you compete in races, if so what's your favorite distance?
My sport of choice is running. I started running back in 2002 to lose weight. For the longest time I only ran 3 miles a day and only 5k or 10k races. It wasn’t until 2009 when I felt ready to run my first half marathon and in 2010 I ran my first marathon. Since then, I’ve committed to only running marathons and ultras. My favorite distance is the 50 miler. You get to run a to your heart’s content, while getting to sleep in your own bed the same day! As much as I would like to say that I love 100 milers (I have completed 13) they are a much better idea before and after the race. Not so much during. LOL
Q: What is your driving force behind your sport?
Running is definitely my “me” time. My time to be by myself, to process issues I might have at work or home, to meditate, to relax (crazy I know!). If I miss more than one day I immediately feel guilty and unbalanced.
Q: What are three words that people use to describe you?
Persistent, upbeat, adventurous
Q: What is your favorite thing to listen to while working out (music, podcast, audiobook, etc)...or do you prefer to go without headphones?
I run with audiobooks or podcasts. Light comedy for short runs, running podcasts for longer races to get that motivation when you hit the pain cave.
Q: What is your favorite meal or recipe?
I guess, being from Puerto Rico I would have to go with rice and beans, pork chops, a slice of avocado and a side of tostones (fried plantains). Nothing like comfort food. (See why I have to run?)
Q: Name a book or author you recommend to all your friends?
Anything by Leanne Moriarty, Stephen King or Gillian Flynn. You just can’t go wrong with any of those authors.
Q: What is your secret pleasure TV show to indulge in?
True Crime shows: Forensic Files, Unsolved Mysteries, Law and Order SVU. I can watch them over and over again and I’m always enthralled!
Q: Last question - what are your favorite workout shoes?
Hoka Bondi or Mafate. I’ve been a loyal Hoka fan since they were a very obscure brand owned by a French company then during the “what are those clown shoes?” phase and now their popular phase. Love them and cannot wear anything else.
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