GET MOVING!
Running helps D-M employee feel at home when she moves
Tucson, Arizona | Published: 09.27.2007
Melissa Kinzner is a contingency contracting officer who's been stationed at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base for a couple years. This is her second tour in Arizona. Running helps her feel at home when she moves someplace new.
"I find it is easy to meet new people by running. You see the same people at the gym or the track or on your morning/afternoon run. You develop a kinship by that knowing nod as you pass them daily. You see the same people as you start to stack runs under your belt and attend clinics at local running shops," she said. "So I have to say that running has most definitely made moving around a lot easier."
She plans on running Get Moving Tucson's 10-miler. Here's the rest of an e-mailed Q&A:
Do you consider yourself a runner or a walker?
"I like to consider myself a runner. Real runners may consider me a jogger, though!"
How long have you been running or exercise walking?
"I have been running since my junior year in high school. So about four years. No, really, about 13 years."
What cross-training do you do?
"I spin at least twice a week. I also strength-train. I try to stretch and maintain flexibility as I get older, but I will admit, I am bad about that."
How many miles a week do you do?
"Anywhere between 20 and 35, depending on how much time I have and what I can fit in. Right now I am really busy so I am down to only about 20 miles per week, but my thought process is, a little is better than none. I always feel better after a run, even if it is a quick four miles. If that is all I have time for, I will at least get that in."
What's your goal when you do a race?
"My goals are always crossing the starting line and crossing the finish line. I rarely set a time goal for myself. I like to concentrate on how I feel. Am I adequately hydrated and fueled? Am I running with proper form? Am I enjoying the run? I run for the exercise, the health benefits and the pleasure of it, not for the medal or the time."
What is your favorite part of training?
"Going past that part you tell yourself you will stop. Going one minute or one rep further. Always just one more."
What is your least favorite part of training?
"Starting. Starting is always the hardest part. But once you get going, it always feels so good."
What mistakes have you made in training?
"Running through the pain. An injury is an injury, even if you ignore it."
What advice do you have for someone planning on training for Get Moving Tucson?
"Proper gear! Good running shoes are imperative! Get a proper fit done at a local running shop and you won't regret it! Fleet Feet will put you in a pair of shoes specific to your foot. For those who are just starting to run, you won't believe the difference it will make!"
What lessons from training have applied in other aspects of your life?
"You can do more than you realize. Like Nike says, just do it!"
If you could snap your fingers and improve anything in Tucson's running/fitness community, what would you change?
"I have enjoyed the running community. All the runs that I have been to, everyone has been very friendly and kind. I really like all the local running shops and the complementary clinics they put on. I think it is a great way to meet like-minded people and share tips."
If you listen to music while you run, what artist/song do you find most motivational?
"There is not one specific song I find most motivational. I do, however, listen to music while I run. I know the purists out there are cringing! When I first started running I never listened to music while I ran. It was great 'me' time. Now, however, I find that I enjoy running with music! My iPod is jammed full of everything from rock, country, rap alternative, to hip-hop, R&B and everything in between."
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