Featured Athlete – Laura Wetz – Running Proof that New Years Resolutions DO Last!

Welcome to the first of a recurring Featured Athlete Post. This is where we celebrate outstanding accomplishments by RefinedRun Athletes.

Laura C. Wetz

Laura is a quite an inspiration. She has proven her tenacity throughout the past 3 years of racing while having quite a full non-running life. She is an amazing mother of two beautiful boys, Liam (5) and Landon (3), married to a very supportive husband, Andy, teaches art at Brookside Elementary in Worthington City Schools, and at  41 years old, she’s finding her place in competitive racing. Some of you may know her, but all of you should! Learn a little more about Laura and use her story to inspire your own goals!

1. How long have you been racing?

I started running again in January 2011 when my son Landon turned one year old.  It really started as a New Year’s resolution to get back in shape and run a marathon that year.  That first mile was my hardest ever!  Running a marathon was always on my bucket list to do since I was 21 years old.

2. What is your favorite race distance?

My favorite race distance is the marathon.  I thought I would stop after finishing my first marathon in Columbus 2011 and scratching it off from my bucket list.  However, there was something special about crossing that finish line that had me craving for more.  I have since run four more marathons (Flying Pig Marathon in Cincinnati 2012, Chicago Marathon 2012, Boston Marathon 2013) with my most recent one in Columbus, Ohio on October 20, 2013.

3. What are your personal records?

5k = 19:03

5 mile = 31:06

10k = 39:42

14k = 56:51

Half Marathon = 1:27:50

Full Marathon = 2:56:40

4. What is your upcoming racing goal?

My upcoming racing goal is to improve my half marathon time.  I would like to run 1:25:00 or faster at the Cap City Half Marathon in 2014.

5. How do you stay healthy while training and racing?

Kari has helped me get ready for the Columbus Marathon by analyzing my gait, helping me strengthen my hip muscles through exercises (to improve my running form), and providing physical therapy on my tired piriformis and gluteus medius muscles!

6. What’s your favorite post race meal?

Right after a race, I crave chocolate milk and a banana right away.  But then after I have cooled down and showered my appetite has really grown and I always reward myself with a giant cheeseburger and fries.

7. What do you enjoy most about running and/or racing?

What I really enjoy the most about running is the realization that what you put into it, you really get out of it.  It has taught me to set goals for myself, to push myself to see what I am capable of, and to find a balance between my health, my family and friends, and my career.  I also really enjoy all the people I have come to know and become friends with through running.  I have met some pretty amazing and fun people!