I.R.G.: ProFile: Pamela Lister Bright

This month's I.R.G. has accomplished some much in a little over a year of running. Pamela Lister Bright began running October 2011, after suffering a back injury in a car accident in August of 2011. Due to her injury she was unable to do high impact classes at the gym and began looking for activites outdoors. Pamela shares her motivation, and how to she went from only running 3-5 miles at a time to completeing her first 26.2 at the Raleigh City of Oaks Marathon.

 

Lexx: What peaked your interest in running?

 

Pamela: I was just looking for something to challenge me and to help keep me fit and healthy. I did a google search and found Black Girls Run.

Lexx: What motivated you to enter your first marathon?

Pamela: I decided to do a marathon after being tickled pink with doing a half. I just wanted to be able to say I did one.

(Pamela has completed several half marathons including the Baltimore Half Marathon and the Divas Half in Myrtle Beach).

Lexx: What was the most difficult aspect of training?

Pamela:The most difficult aspect of training was the long distance running and learning what pace would work for me.

Lexx: What were things you did to mentally prepare  for  the race ?

Pamela: To prepare for the race mentally I prayed a lot. I held on to the saying “Mind Over Miles”. My mom passed away almost two years ago and I got her angel wings put on the back of my race shirt. That gave me an extra boost too.

Lexx:What do you do for cross training?

Pamela: For cross training I do weight training, I like to ride my bike, water aerobics, walking and I take some aerobics classes (body pump, body attack and zumba).

Lexx: What do you feel are the most important benefits of running?

Pamela: The most important benefits of running for me. Running helps me to clear my mind. It allows me to be free and to push myself to the limit. It gives me confidence to know I can do anything I put my mind to.

Lexx: Every runner has a wall or stagnant point. What do you feel yours has been?

Pamela: My biggest wall has been to learning my pace and not starting out to fast when I race. Not getting caught up in the energy of take off.

Lexx: Whats one lesson running has taught you?

Pamela: Running has taught me anything is possible. I can do anything I make my mind up to do.

Lexx: Do you have a dream destination race you'd like to do?

Pamela: I would love to do the Disney full.

 

Lexx: What are some of your favorite pre-race and post race foods?

 

Pamela: I drink the Energy Fizz sticks by Arbonne pre-race. I also like to eat the Marathon energy snicker protein bar before the race. Afterwards I do another Fizz, bananas, protein, and pasta.

 

Lexx: What is one thing you advise new runners to do to be successful?

Pamela: I advise new runners to learn the only person you are running against is yourself. Run your own race at your own pace.