Catching up with Colleen Murphy

Colleen Murphy

The basics: 27 year old drug store manager from Easton, MA

When/How did you start running?
I began running 10 months ago. I started Weight Watchers on Feb. 24, 2010, and over the summer of 2010 I started running and training for my first 5K. I ran my first 5k on Sept. 17, 2010, and I just got hooked.

You weighed quite a bit when you started running. Was it difficult to get started? How did you start?
Yes I weighed about 220 pounds when I began running. It was hard, it sucked sometimes. I started exercising after I had my baby when I weighed 272 pounds. At first all I could do was muddle my way through the 30 day shred, or a walk on the treadmill. Slowly I built up to walking on the treadmill doing a hill routine, and using the elliptical. After about 6 months of that I began a “Couch to 5K” type of program and started running.

Why do you run?
I run because it keeps me sane. Before running and losing weight I was on medications. I have several medical conditions – running has allowed me to get healthy and I have been medication free for about 7 months! It also helped me overcome my post-partum depression, for that I am forever grateful. I tell people I run to live, but sometimes I feel like I was born to run. When I am running I am the happiest version of me.

What advice would you give to a beginning runner?
Do what feels comfortable for you. Look for a beginner program and stick to it. Never over-do it in the beginning! I am a firm believer of the walk/run intervals because it keeps your legs fresh and enjoying running. It is easy to overdo it in the beginning and hurt your body, and an injury is not fun to deal with. I see a lot of beginners get injured and discouraged fast and then hate running. I think it is better to enjoy it than rush it!

When do you prefer to run?
I prefer to run in the evening after work but usually due to time and my schedule being hectic I run early in the morning before work.

When/Where was your best run ever?
Best run ever is still that first 5K on Sept 2010, in Wrentham, MA. That was where I grew up. I grew up knowing that 5K happened every year and never caring about it until that day, kind of ironic. Nothing can beat that sense of fulfillment and accomplishment for me – it changed everything.

What is your proudest moment in running?
Proudest moment was hitting my PR in the Quincy Half marathon on March 20th, 2011. I did it in 1:48. I never thought it possible especially since I had just done my first half marathon in Hyannis 3 weeks before that and struggled to do it in 1:59. It was a huge sense of pride for me, and in that moment I began to consider the possibility of doing a full marathon.

What is your biggest running disaster/embarrassing moment?
One time I wet my pants while speed training… not so fun!

Boston's Run to Remember Half Marathon

What are your running goals?
I keep setting myself new goals because it keeps me training harder and working. Next big goal is to complete a full marathon: November 20, 2011, I will race in the Philadelphia Marathon.

What is a typical dinner for you?
Chicken or turkey breast with veggies steamed or sauteed. I always have lean protein with some sort and veggies for dinner.

What do you bring to every race?
Water, body glide, a change of clothes, a VixiBar, fresh fruit, arctic ease wraps, polar heart rate monitor, a bundle of nerves and a lot of heart.

What is your favorite guilty pleasure?
Coffee! After a race or long training run I usually treat myself to a skinny vanilla latte with soy milk from Starbucks! Sometimes I literally remind myself while the run that it is waiting for me if I finish ;)

What do you listen to when you run?
I have a mix of music on my MP3 player from Ke$ha, Dr. Dre, 50 Cent, Kanye West, Nelly, Katy Perry, Pitbull, Rihanna, Lady Gaga etc.

What is something most people don’t know about you?
I live in New England, but have never skied or snow boarded and have no intention to! LOL – most people find this odd.

Follow Colleen’s progress at http://www.thefitbee.com.