Runner’s World+ Member: Elissa Quinn
Elissa is a Runner’s World+ member. Join her and thousands of others chasing their goals with day-by-day training plans, expert advice from editors and coaches, and unlimited digital access. We regularly feature members online and in print!
Whenever I think the distance is too great or the mountain too high, I break it down into smaller portions or legs. I’ve encountered other challenges in my life and I’ve used this same philosophy. Also, whenever it feels like the race or the training run is about to derail I try to smile. Being able to run and with awesome people is a blessing.
Inspiration and tips! I always love the insight I get.
I find the training runs meditative. I focus on the day’s training plan, my form, my steps, my breath and I just empty my mind. I also like challenging myself: How far can I go? How fast can I go? Can I do it better?
I run first thing in the morning. I’ve started 18 miles runs at 3 a.m. in order to finish by 7 a.m. I run in the Greater Neponset area with the Greater Neponset Running Club. It has the convenience of being close to Boston coupled with the beauty of the countryside. My favorite run is along Powisett Road in Dover right as the sun crests the Powisett Farm. The fog rolls off the fields and sometimes you can spot deer.
Banana costume. I ran the Maine Coast 39.3 challenge a year prior to a bad breakup. Post-breakup I wanted to run it again as my newly single self sans the emotional baggage and memories. So I bought a banana suit. Actually two suits because it would have been gross to wear the same one for the next day’s marathon. I ran the 39.3 challenge as a banana for three consecutive years which included a nor’easter, an extra half mile added to the marathon, 80 degree plus weather and more. I ran until the race was discontinued but the banana suit lives on! In fact, my now husband really proved he was the one for me by wearing his own banana suit to cheer me on.
I consider myself a marathoner but I may have converted to ultras thanks to my first 45-miler. My next big goal is a 100 mile ultra.
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