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".

 

 

 

 

I.R.G. ProFile: Fit Chick Bebe Ramzah

This blog was created with the idea of motivating the everyday women. What better way to inspire; than by sharing stories of women determined to live healthy lifestyles and pay forward that motivation. This month’s I.R.G. (Inspired Runner Girl) is Greensboro running coach, group exercise instructor, and Fit Chicks Movement creator, Bebe Ramzah.

S.I.R.G :How long have you been consistently working out?

Bebe: I have been consistently working out for over 4 years. I had been struggling with Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) since I was 19 years old after a visit to the emergency room with elevated blood pressure I took the advice of the doctor and started working out 4-5 days a week.

S.I.R.G : Has your condition improved?

Bebe: Definitely, I was taking 3 different medications to control my high blood pressure before I started my health and fitness journey. Today after committing to living a fit and healthy lifestyle I am just on one medication. My blood pressure no longer runs me I RUN IT!

S.I.R.G: What has been you biggest challenge and your biggest accomplishment in reaching your health goals?

Bebe: My biggest challenge has been eating right and watching my sodium intake. Its really hard to plan meals and find the time to cook healthy meals sometimes. Especially when there are so many options out their at the drive thru and they are so convenient. I try to plan my means and make healthier choices when I have to grab a meal from a restaurant.

My biggest accomplishment would have to be my non-profit 501(c) organization Fit Chicks Movement. I love the fact that I am able to reach girls and teach them the importance of living a fit and healthy lifestyle and share my love for running with them.

S.I.R.G: What inspires you to run?

Bebe: I am inspired by those who have had to overcome obstacles in life and still push to be the best. I am inspired to run by those who can't run do to health or other reasons. I run for those who struggle with chronic illness and who aren't as fortunate as myself to be able to get up, lace up, and hit the pavement.

S.I.R.G: What's the greatest message you try to pass to the ladies of Fit Chicks?

Bebe: That is it so important to start now and make exercise and proper nutrition a part of your everyday life. It’s about prevention not waiting until you are borderline diabetic or dealing with high blood pressure. That it’s not about a diet or a pill. It’s about watching what you eat and getting up, out, and on the move!

S.I.R.G.: What’s your favorite crossing training activity?

Bebe: Circuit Training class because it pushes me.

S.I.R.G: What’s the longest distance you’ve ever run/walked?

Bebe: 11 miles plus of straight running. Currently training for my first 1/2 marathon (Vegas Rock and Roll Half Marathon) after a couple of injury set backs.

S.I.R.G: Whats your ultimate race goal? For example half, full, ultra?

Bebe: Currently my focus is just on my half in December. After dealing with a couple of injuries and set backs I have learned to take one day and race at a time.

S.I.R.G: What are 3 songs you must have on your playlist.

Bebe: Lupe Fiasco - Show goes on. Rhianna -Fly and Jay Z - Forever Young