I.R.G. ProFile: Janice Lewis

This month's Inspired runner girl is the perfect picture of a life long runner. California native and Marine wife, Janice Lewis is October's I.R.G. (Inspired Runner Girl). Janice has lived in many places including Arizona and Colorado; and  has only incurred one major running injury in her running history. She married in 1975, while her husband was on leave in his hometown of, Palmetto Fl. She not only gained a life partner at the time, but I life long love for running.

Lexx:How long have you been running? What got you into it initally?

 

Jan:Started running after I met my husband in 1975.  He was 26 and I was 25.  He loved sports I would go and take pictures of him. Then he bought me my first pair of Nike Waffle trainers.  They were so expensive for that time frame in my life, I felt I had to use them. (Humor in the last statement), I was trading the  bad habit of smoking to a new habit of running.  He was supporting my efforts.

Lexx: What are some other things you do to stay fit and workout?

Jan: Zumba, Body Pump and casual biking not competitive biking.

Lexx: What inspires you to run?

Jan: Getting up early,(feeling) blessed with another day of good health, getting out the door and jump starting another day. My day is just not the same if I can't get a run in.  I want to stay healthy to enjoy my family in my older years. 

Lexx:What has been the biggest key to your longevity in running?




     Janice (on right) at the BonnieBell Race 1975 with her first child. 

Jan: Hard to explain after 30+  years of running, I would have to say the joy of being outside.  The way running can put your life into perspective, it became a lifestyle.  I have started to do yoga for runners routines, now, as I age.

One thing I have to say though, my best memories and motivated  times have been  when I could run with running groups.  Young or old, kids no kids, I just love being able to run with others, women primarily. 

Lexx: What was the first race you ever?

Jan: It was a race in SC, 1977 can't remember the name of it. 
 

Lexx: What has been your favorite distance to do (ex 5k, 10K, half or full) and Why?

Jan :Honestly I think the half is a nice race.  Don't have to run at such a speedy pace but feels like such an accomplishment for me when it is done. The full marathon takes up a lot of my time to train for.  I may still have another one in me thou.  

Lexx: What are some things you do to train for long distance events?

Jan: Drink more water . I like supplementing organic barley, nutritional yeast, and  a daily vitamin. I also eat many small amounts of healthy food whenever I get hungry. Small portions, high fiber, low sugar, and protein drinks.

 

Lexx: I know you have lived in several different cities. What has been your favorite place to run and why?

Jan: San Diego, CA.  because it  has plenty of health food stores.  I love the climate, no humidity and the terrain. Hills or flat whatever you want, you can find.  (There were also) great women running groups with the YWCA.at the time I was there. 1978, my husband was a Drill Instructor and had very little time to help watch our child so I would take my daughter to the sitter there, and then meet up with the other ladies. 

 

Lexx: Do you have any dream races, that you'd like to do but haven't? For example The Boston Marathon or the Eclipse Marathon in Australia (doesn't have to be these any that you could think of).

Jan: There used to be a Marathon in the Red Woods Forest of California not even sure if it still exist...  or the race near Niagara Falls through Canada.  Somewhere scenic.  Always beware when the route says scenic, by the way......Hills Hills Hills.    I love the mountains but, realistically maybe the OBX Marathon.

Lexx: What if any advice would you offer to other new women runners?

Jan: Set goals but  be flexible, don't beat yourself up over a bad run day. Run with a faster partner sometimes.  Do not do too much too soon.  Don't increase distance, speed work and hills all at once.  (Finally), as you age continue to enjoy your level of running and forget what you used to do.  Just continue "to do".