Running for a good cause: Autism Speaks

It is time for another installment of “One Fit Mommy”!
As I surf around the blogosphere, I come across fit moms (and dads too!) who inspire me to fitness.

Today’s fit mommy is Susan, a busy mom of 3. My good friend Nora virtually introduced us when I was looking for other fit moms to feature.  Despite her very full schedule,  Susan still finds time for fitness, especially running.  She has completed nine marathons, including Boston!

Susan is the Event Director for Autism Speaks.   She has organized the annual Autism Speaks 5k in Potomac, MD for the past nine years; an event she started to help her nephew. This year is the 10th anniversary and you can now participate from ANYWHERE!   Runners and walkers who cannot make the event can compete and participate virtually.

Please read on for more about how you can participate in the 2010 Autism Speaks 5k and why Susan is definitely “One Fit Mommy”!

Q: Have you always been fit?  What inspired you to live a fit lifestyle?

I grew up the youngest and only girl with two older brothers. I was always trying to keep up.  We were all close in age and close.  My middle brother, Mark, was the athlete and an avid runner in high school.  H started me running when I was 12 or 13.  I vividly remember him timing me on a mile course to get me ready for high school cross country.  He also taught me how to play basketball and softball.  However, the running bug stuck with me.  I ran throughout high school, recreationally in college but came back to running post college for fitness.  I’ve run several road races but ran a marathon in my late 20’s and since then, have run 8 more (most recently the Boston Marathon on 4/19/10 – see photos)

Q: What advice do you have for moms who claim they don’t have time for exercise?

Exercise has always been a part of my life and my psyche.  I have built it into my schedule as each child arrived in our lives (we now have 3-Luke 16, Grace 13, and Noah 11 ½ ).  With my first child, I had a baby jogger so we could go out on runs together.  When it became too cold, I ran on the treadmill while he napped.  Or, I would get up before the kids would wake up to get the exercise in.  Now that they are in school and I am working part time for Autism Speaks, it’s really a challenge to find time for exercise.  We hike and/or bike on the weekends and I squeeze in runs during the week whenever I can.  Usually, as soon as the bus picks up, I’m out the door for my run. Try to get to the gym to lift but that usually takes a back seat.

Q: What is your favorite exercise and why?

Can you tell I mostly run?  I like to run because it’s easy and efficient.  I can get my exercise done fairly quickly.  I enjoy setting goals for myself.  I’ve run 9 marathons.  Just ran Boston this past April and loved every second of it.  It wasn’t my best time but it was a gorgeous day and it was a tremendous experience.  I love running when I am on a trip. It’s the greatest way to see a new place.  Just this month, my husband and I took a trip to France for our 20^th wedding anniversary.  We biked through Provence and enjoyed every second of the biking, wine tasting, delicious food and wonderful conversations with our group.  When we got to Paris with just a few hours before our flight home (our first time there), we laced up our sneakers and headed out for our running tour of the city.  Great way to see the sites!

Q: Are you more of a cardio mommy or strength training mommy?

I’m more of a cardio mommy but I’m working on the strength aspect of my training.  I truly notice a difference when I work on my core strength.  I know it’s important, I just need to build it into the schedule and that’s the tough part.

Q: What’s this event that you are organizing?

My nephew was diagnosed with autism back in 2000.  At that time I decided I wanted to do something to help him.  I started a 5K/1mile fun walk in Potomac, MD on July 4^th in 2001 and raised $100,000 that first year.  Each year the number of runners/walkers has grown as has the dollars raised.  Over the last 9 years, we’ve raised $1.5 million for research, awareness, family services and advocacy. This year we are celebrating the 10^th Anniversary of the Autism Speaks 5K.

Last year we launched the “Run Anywhere” initiative. Runners and walkers who can’t be with us on July 4^th can compete and participate wherever they might be. They register via the website, get their performance shirt in advance and join us virtually on July 4^th.  You can run and raise money for autism anywhere.

Check out our website at www.autismspeaks5K.org to learn more about the July 4^th 5K and if you can’t join us on race day, by all means, RUN ANYWHERE!!

Q: Do you have any mental tricks that you use when you just don’t feel like working out?

Mental tricks.  That’s a good question.  I think I focus on the fact that I just feel so good after I exercise and that’s the best motivator of all for me.  I also LOVE to eat so that’s always been my motivator to exercise.  I exercise so I can EAT!!!!

Q: Random question:  What is your favorite breakfast food?

Poached eggs and if I can have something sweet, then homemade waffles with maple syrup!

Thank you Susan for being an inspiration to moms everywhere!
For more information on the “Run Anywhere” initiative, please visit the Autism Speaks 5k website.
You can also “like” them on Facebook here.

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