Amanda Wins First Prize!
an interview by Dave Cook
In the November ORRC survey, Amanda Dumler won first prize,
a trip to the Boston Marathon. Dave Cook recently interviewed
her:
How did you learn about ORRC?
As my weekly and daily mileage began to increase (and running
the bridges wasn't cutting it anymore) I did a Google search
to find popular longer running routes in and around Portland.
ORRC came up as one of the results. The rest is history!
How did you learn about the survey?
I saw the survey on the ORRC site on one of my visits. I'd
started coming to the site occasionally for a glimpse of the
local running community and upcoming events.
What is your interest in a running
club-what do you want from one?
I'd love to find a group of people with similar running goals
to not only run with once or twice a week before or after
work in the downtown area, but with whom I can exchange information
and suggestions. It would be great to all be on the same running
plan, executing similar daily and weekly mileage. Amassing
a great group of people to inspire and motivate me would be
fantastic. Plus, I'm still relatively new to Portland and
would love to make some more friends.
Do you most of your training alone?
With a friend? Do you have a favorite running route?
I was SO lucky to find my amazing running partner, Kari. I
advertised my desire to run a marathon on CraigsList.com.
Kari and I hooked up from that site. We run independently
during the week and get together Saturday mornings to do our
long runs. We've really enjoyed this route lately: Start at
my apartment in the Pearl District. Run up Broadway and pick
up Terwilliger. We run Terwilliger down to Barbur and back
over again. From there we do a mile or so (depending on our
required mileage for the day) on the track at the YMCA (also
to use the bathrooms!) and head down to the waterfront for
a loop over the Steele Bridge, back over the Hawthorne Bridge
and back to my apartment by the horse barn on Nato Parkway.
Have you run other ORRC races? I did the Chase out at Hagg
Lake last Fall.
Is that one of your races?
When my marathon is over, I'll use all the fun upcoming runs
to stay in shape for my next goal.
When you run your next marathon, what
will your goal be?
My goal for the upcoming marathon is 4:30. It's not overly
ambitious and fairly realistic for a newbie. But, to tell
you the truth, I will be ecstatic to simply cross the finish
line!
You said your next marathon is Las
Vegas (do I remember correctly?)? Have you done others?
Avenue of the Giants (May 1) will be my first marathon ever.
I have plans to compete in the Honolulu marathon 2005 and,
of course, Boston 2006.
You're obviously more than a casual
runner-what's your average weekly mileage?
My training partner and I are on a program that varies our
weekly mileage. Last week we ran 39 miles. It varies between
25-40, depending on the combination of our long Saturday runs
and our independent weekly runs.
Ever have a running-related injured?
Last July, when I decided to become "a runner", I'd never
run more than once around the track in middle school....and
only because it was part of a fitness challenge and someone
made me do it. I showed horses through high school, which
was the extent of my athletic development. I wanted to look
and feel athletic as an adult, so I picked up running after
my birthday. However, I jumped in WAY too fast and really
injured my shins. I still have to be careful and considerate
of my body's hard work every week. I've invested in a couple
pairs of good shoes and have made stretching a real priority,
especially after a run, and extended sessions on my days of
rest. Listening to your body is certainly a skill in the business
of running.....more than I ever anticipated.
Have you been in Portland long? What
do you think of Portland as a place to run?
I LOVE Portland. I moved here after college to take a job.
I don't think there are many places where EVERY single person
on the waterfront, road, trail or track says hello, waves
or says "good morning". How lucky are we to live where support
from strangers exists like that! I love how dynamic the city
is, while still remaining serene and accessible. That paradox
makes exerting myself such a joy. Plus, drivers, for the most
part, are considerate and safe.
Do you mind sharing your age?
24
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