2013 September Featured Runner

Name: Eileen Cravens
Age: 56
Occupation: Physician

When and why did you start running?
I show horses. My horse was injured in about 2005 and couldn't be ridden for a time. I figured I'd better do something to keep my legs in shape until he came back healthy. I started out just running a mile and never thought I'd do much more.

Why do you run now?
I want to stay fit. I like the competition and especially doing races with my husband in different states when we travel.

What is your biggest running/fitness accomplishment so far?

Running the 2001 Chicago Marathon and just recently finishing the Muncie 70.3 Half Ironman - both without walking.

What is your next running/fitness goal?
My pie-in-the-sky goal is to someday be an All American Honorable Mention in triathlon.

Describe your typical running week. What other activities do you use to supplement your running?
Unsually I run 3-12 miles 3 times weekly with 2 days biking and 1 day swimming in the summer months. I run 5-6 days in the winter.

What is your favorite running-related snack/product/gadget?
My iPod Shuffle and my Garmin

What are your pre-race rituals?
Visit the porta potty!

How do you get through a tough run?
Just remind myself it's not about time or speed - just keep going.

What is your favorite thing about running?
I love the feeling after a long hot run - the pure physical fatigue is so much more satisfying than the daily grind mental fatigue.

How do you motivate yourself on days you don’t want to run?
I remember that I like to eat too much and need to burn those calories.

Who is your running hero and why?
My husband, Dana Reihman. He is the most motivated, dedicated to training person I know. No weather, illness, condition, or frequent injury prevents him from getting out there to train.

Are you a morning or evening runner?
Evening during work week and mornings (but not too early) on the weekends.

Are you a solo or group runner?
Usually solo.

What is your favorite type of run?
I don't do it as much as I'd like, but I love to run through the Earlham woods trails.

Fill in the blank:
I love running because: I love the feeling of pushing this old body to still do things I didn't think I could ever do.
When I run I think about: either nothing or the music on my iPod.
The hardest part of running is: just getting started after a long day at work.
The best running advice I ever received was: (I know it's a cliche, but it's true) Just do it!