Runner’s Spotlight: Monica
Meet Monica! Monica and I have really enjoyed running together this past year. We realized both of our boys were senior together on one of our runs and then discovered many more things we had in common. We both are caretakers for parents with some health struggles and enjoy running as a stress relief. Monica is fun and has a great attitude about life.
How and When did you start running?
I have always been an active person. Some of my favorite outdoor activities have been paddle boarding, mountain biking, and hiking. After my kids grew up and were able to drive, I needed to find a new hobby for myself to stay busy. Since that time I made a goal with my friend to run half marathons in each state for fun, but we had only completed a few before life happened. In 2022, my mom was diagnosed with cancer and because of this I became my mom’s caregiver. My days became full of appointments and attending to my mom’s needs. I needed an outlet to relieve stress, and that is when I took running seriously. This is when running transitioned from a hobby to a necessity. One of my good friends, Maria Meza introduced me to the running club since she noticed my dedication. Since then it has become part of my daily routine and I can’t go a single day without it now.
What keeps you running?
Being active everyday makes me feel better about my health. I am constantly thinking of my future health and staying in shape.
Do you have goals associated with your running?
I would love to improve my running everyday by consistently beating my own time. I know this will take awhile but I hope to run a full marathon before I turn 45.
What do you like best/least about running?
I love the feeling of freedom while running and being able to clear my mind at my own pace. Beginning any exercise, especially running, can be mentally challenging to start the first couple of minutes, after those hard 10 minutes pass I am able run for what feels like forever.
Share a running story or adventure you have had (funny, struggle, injury…)
My funny story took place in the Muddy Princess race at Sam Smith park. My friend Maria has always thought of me as a “too pretty to get dirty” kind of woman. She then challenged me to do this race in efforts to see if I had it in me. She was then left impressed when I would throw myself at obstacles without thinking twice to finish the race. We both finished the race covered in mud from head to toes and we continue to joke about it to this day.
Thanks, Monica, for sharing your journey with us! I am loving learning something new about everyone!!
A bientôt!
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12 Comments
Jennifer
Aww the “too pretty to get dirty.” My friend wanted me to do a mud run and I thought about it but I don’t run and the time it’s at isn’t good.
Jennifer
Curated by Jennifer
mimifce
I’ve never tried one of those, but it would be fun to do one.
jodie filogomo
It’s so good to meet another runner. I love the mud story,
OXOX
Jodie
mimifce
I need to try one of those at least once!
jeanie
Monica sounds like a remarkable woman and a very dedicated athlete. Thanks for introducing us to her — and for stopping by my blog too!
mimifce
Thanks, Jeanie!
Marsha Banks
That last race she talks about sounds like lots of fun! Are you going to do one?
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
mimifce
I think I should, shouldn’t I?
Monica Betancourt
Ladies, thank you so much for the support!! 💞🏃🏽♀️
mimifce
Love you, Monica!
Carrie @ Curly Crafty Mom
Love this series 🙂 I agree, I feel like if I can just get myself out there or on the treadmill for that first 10 minutes or mile, I typically ease more into the run (and it goes a lot better on those days where I’d rather stay in bed)! I did a full marathon in my upper 30’s and I’d love to do one before I turn 50 (I’m 46 now). They’re challenging, but I highly recommend training in a pace group, it really helps the time to go by… I did a pace group of 11:30 for my full marathon, even though I was running my half marathons faster. I ran it to finish it and that pace was very doable after months of training. 🙂
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
mimifce
That is a good idea about doing a pace group. The friends I typically run with would probably be for a pace similar to yours or slightly slower. We just need to decide on which marathon, whether next year or the one after.