This is the fourteenth edition of The Duluth Runner Interview Series, where we get in touch with (mainly) local runners and athletes to share a bit of their story while inspiring others to pursue an active lifestyle.
Intro
Today’s guest started organized running back in middle school and hasn’t looked back! Competing in cross country & track in high school eventually led her to run for both Grinnell and Carleton Colleges.
She has completed about 20 marathons (first road marathon in 1998, trail 2012), as well as numerous amazing sounding ultra marathons (Superior 100 mile (x2), Squamish 50 mile, Marquette 50 mile, TransRockies 120 mile stage race, Chippewa 50k, Wild Duluth 50k and Last Runner Standing)! Today’s guest is…Amy Broadmoore!
Interview
Why is running important to you?
Running is important to me because it adds adventure and richness to my life. Running also calms me. Running is my time to meditate, be present, and put any issues I am facing in perspective. Most importantly, I have made the best friends and met my husband Andrew through running.
What are the top two or three things that you do to prevent injury? Have you been susceptible to certain injuries in the past?
For 30 years, I avoided injuries by building up my mileage gradually and dstaking days off immediately anytime I felt pain. I also took a significant off season each winter where I ran 10 to 12 miles per week for a couple months. I am sure I could have run faster if I had run year round, but I suspect the winters off (or nearly off) helped me stay healthy and motivated for 30 years.
As a 40+-year-old runner, I have found yoga incredibly valuable.
What keeps you motivated when you don’t feel like heading out the door for a run?
I need a race on the calendar to motivate me to get out and run. When I don’t feel like running, I run with a friend, find a podcast to listen to, or choose an inspiring running route.
Who is in your running support group (training partners, people to bounce ideas off of, etc.)?
I LOVE my running group: Running With Friends! That name’s kinda dorky, but the folks in my running group are amazing humans.
When/what is your next race?
I look forward to participating in the Eugene Curnow Trail Marathon. If my body cooperates, I hope to be back in racing shape for the Marquette 50k and the Superior 50 mile.
Do you prefer roads or trails and why?
Trails — especially the Superior Hiking Trail — for the adventures and opportunities to connect with nature.
What is your most memorable race or running achievement?
I have many wonderful memories that make me smile when I look back on them. I recall breaking 6 minutes in the mile for the first time when I was young, qualifying for the state high school cross country meet in a downpour, running my first marathon post-kids and qualifying for Boston… but just barely (1hr 40min on the dot!), falling 4 times during my first trail race: the 2012 Moose Mountain Marathon, running my marathon PR at age 39, winning the Marquette 50 mile after running for 11+ hours in the rain, running the Grand Traverse with my son Jack, completing my first 100 mile race with the incredible support of my friends, completing TransRockies as a team with my husband Andrew… I wouldn’t refer to any of these as “achievements” really, but I have lots and lots of great memories to look back on.
Name one racing experience you would like to forget (please describe).
Dropping out of the Boston Marathon in 2012 and walking the final 30 miles of the Superior 100 this past year were both slightly humiliating.
What is something non-running related you would like to share with readers?
When the day comes when I can no longer run, you’ll find me gravel biking, hiking, knitting, yoga-ing and hanging out at coffee shops with friends.
Closing
Many thanks to Amy for agreeing to stop by The Duluth Runner and share some of her knowledge/experiences with everyone. I hope you enjoyed this edition of the Interview Series – stick around for more to come!
