This is the seventy-third edition of The Duluth Runner Interview Series, where I get in touch with (mainly) local runners and athletes to share a bit of their story while inspiring others to pursue an active lifestyle.

Lead photo by: Mike Ward

Intro

“Hello! My name is Aurora.

I am significantly older than I feel most days.

I have two kids that are older than they should be and two cats that are my feeble attempt to replace the babies I once had.

I am a woman of limited hobbies, but an endless interest in yours. I love to listen and am always energized by your adventures!

I am the woman you see outside running on the world’s shittiest day and wonder what the hell is she thinking. The answer is – probably not much!

My attitude is best summed up by Forrest Gump: ‘I just felt like running.'”

Interview

Why is running important to you?

When I was thinking about this question, a lot of reasons came to mind: stress relief; anxiety cure all; a time to decompress; and an escape from adult responsibilities. Running is just an “easy” way to exercise.

Though, I think what it all boils down to is that running is my own. I am not doing this for anyone else and if I want to go it alone that day, then I can and I will. I am accountable to only myself and no one else cares what I am doing. The freedom to go where you want and to run the miles without the burden about worrying about what others think about you and what you are doing feels amazing. It is okay to be selfish sometimes and this is mine.

What are the top two or three things that you do to prevent injury? Have you been susceptible to certain injuries in the past?

In recent years, I have had a handful of injuries that have taken me out of doing things that I enjoy for longer than I would care for. I try my best to listen closer to my body now; however, it is a fine balance of knowing when to hold ‘em, and when to fold ‘em.

I think the best activity to do for preventive care is not the uses big weights or even lots of yoga (though highly enjoyable each in their own right). The best activity to do is the fussiest and looks the lamest: bands. Bands, bands and lots of bands. Bands will get all those tiny muscles working. Sometimes I am great at working those in a few times a week, but other times I find them so tedious and boring that I skip them all together. I’m constantly a work in progress

What keeps you motivated when you don’t feel like heading out the door for a workout?

There are certain days that I really hate: windy days and hot days. It is hard to get motivated knowing that I will either get assaulted by wind for the next two hours or that I will melt into the pavement.

I rely on a lot of internal motivation though to get me out. I have to remind myself that there will be no better time than right now and that this is your best opportunity so take it. Even if I can only muster half of my plan, at least I tried. I always feel worse knowing that skipped something I never even tried.

Who is in your workout support group (training partners, people to bounce ideas off of, etc.)?

I like to think that everyone that I run or workout with is part of my support group. Meeting new people through the DRC or Movo run clubs, for instance, and talking about all things running is so much fun! You learn so much about people and these conversations open your mind up to new approaches and training plans for your own runs. Always learning and always growing.

While the majority of my runs are solo, it is always a special treat when Sarah A. joins me on a weekend long run. Bonus – we generally hit up yoga and grab a coffee afterwards. A full day by 11 a.m.! She is a running pro and always has great stories to listen to. Mostly listening because I am too catching my breath and trying to sound put together behind her.

When/what is your next race?

I love thinking about next races! Especially post-race! I feel like I can do and sign up for everything! So, if you asked me post 100k, I would have said I am doing the Lutsen 100 miler. Tomorrow. Without even betting an eye.

However, after my body settled, I realized that perhaps I should start smaller and work my way up again. Practical thinking is so dull. With that said, winter running is my FAVORITE! So right now, I am looking forward to doing the Winter Trail Series through Adventure Running. You never know what life will throw at you though so one race at a time.

Do you prefer roads or trails and why?

I think it is really important to have a healthy mix of both. I have no scientific reasoning for this, but in my opinion I think each works your muscles and body in general differently and by keeping a mix of activities in your schedule you will feel stronger overall.

What do you think about while you run?

Sometimes when I am running, I am thinking about everything and anything. I am drafting to-do lists and preparing this response. But most times, I am thinking about absolutely nothing. I do my route and suddenly I am done. How did I get here???

I think that running is great for giving the mind the opportunity to do what it needs to do without time limit or forced agenda. You can just be you.

What is your most memorable race or running achievement?

Every race is memorable each in its own way. Ninety percent of the time I am having so much fun! Every race’s atmosphere is bubbling with excitement that it is hard not to take in that same energy.

With that said, the last (big) run I had was the Wild Duluth 100k and 10k (Wild Woman Challenge) in October. So currently this is at the forefront of my mind and quite frankly the most exciting thing I have ever done. Does that make me dull? Ha! Yes, it probably does. It was so weathery! It took FOREVER! Then tying my shoes to move again the next morning! It was exhilarating! And I would do it all over again in a heartbeat. I always have that worry that I am not enough or not capable of doing something and that was the most capable and alive I have ever felt. The energy of the entire event was so phenomenal. It was a foot tour of the best parts of the area. Time flew by because it was so much fun! If considering a longer race, I would highly recommend.

Name one racing experience you would like to forget (please describe).

Ugh nearly all of the grandma’s marathons (reference to the full only – the halves are a blast!). Why do I keep signing up for these???? The first one I ever ran was pre-technology and I was just guesstimating I was training at the right distances. Wow… was that a long day.

Most recently though and a real learning experience was the Curnow this past July. Mentally, I could not work through it. It left me feeling worse with each mile and the disappointment in myself was such a drag (physically and mentally). Was I too hot? Was it the muscle I pulled the week before? Did I not sleep good? Did I not fuel right? Maybe all of the above? In that moment, I don’t know. But it was a good reminder that absolutely no one was judging my time. So what if it took longer than I hoped for? I signed up to try my best and have fun. What I am doing in that moment is my best. So next time hang out at an aid station longer – the volunteers are so sweet. I love them. Most importantly, do an attitude check and remind yourself that not every run works the way you want.

What is something non-endurance activity related you would like to share with readers?

Now that my homemade best friends have their own interests and hobbies, it has freed up time for me to start doing more of my own things.

Something I love to do the most: group fitness! I spend a lot of my time solo during the day working (and sitting) and I crave personal connection and movement. I am currently loving the atmosphere and variety of classes at Duluth Yoga (no to running in the heat, but yes to sweating it out in a studio), the positive vibes and diversity of offerings at Movo and group fitness classes at the downtown Y.

Yes, I can work out alone and I do. Thanks AP Training and its online program! It really got me through COVID.

But there is just something special about being connected with people all working towards their separate, but common goals.

I have made some great friends through these fitness classes over the years and I really appreciate having the opportunity to get out and see them and just in general soak up the positive energy of everyone around me.

Closing

“In sum, my favorite thing to do is experiencing the freedom of just stepping out the door and going for a run. No matter the distance. I have seen more sights running than I have doing anything else. I have met more people and made more friends just through running. I am incredibly grateful for each and every day that I can go outside and do something that I enjoy. You don’t have to be great at something; you can just enjoy it.

‘I’m pretty tired… I think I’ll go home now.'”

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Many thanks to Aurora for stopping by Duluth Runner to share some of her knowledge/experiences with everyone. I hope you enjoyed this edition of the Interview Series – stick around for more to come!