Sarah Hourigan and Meghan have been friends since first semester freshman year at Hamilton College. Sarah loves sports - watching and playing. She's the best person to go to a game with or have on your softball team. However, running? Meghan never knew her to run, except to the Yankee's stadium or around the bases in softball. When she emailed Meghan to say she was running a half-marathon and needed help, Meghan was thrilled to work with her. Sarah did all the workouts - even in freezing temps and ran an incredibly strong first half-marathon. She's signed up for her second half this fall and we are just waiting until she runs a marathon!
When did you start running?
To this day, I maintain that I was tricked into running. One day, out of the blue, a friend of mine decided we should run a half marathon to celebrate our 35th birthdays. After a lot of procrastination, I reluctantly signed up for the Lake Placid Half. Almost immediately after signing up, my now ex-friend injured herself and withdrew from the race, leaving me, the girl who has rejected the very idea of distance running for quite some time, to train by myself...in the middle of winter....in NYC. Thankfully, I have known the Hot Birds since college and blackmailed them into helping me!
Who inspired you to run?
One word....REYNOLDS....my girl is inspiring, motivating, tough, and doesn't put up with my sh*t. I get away with nothing and am better for it.
What is your favorite running route? Why?
Tough question. It took me a long time to understand why people run. I have heard people say it relieves stress, that it frees the mind, blah blah blah. I always thought they were full of it. Running is painful. It is hard. Every step is a struggle for me. I never experienced the euphoria people rave about....until I ran in Santa Monica. I had to go to LA for work. I woke up one morning at 4AM, super stressed. I really just wanted to order room service and stay in bed until it was time for my meeting but I had that ridiculous half marathon in a couple of months. I dragged myself to the beach and started to run. It was the first time I didn't check my watch every five seconds to see if I was almost finished. I finally let go of all the work stress and allowed myself to completely take in my surroundings. I haven't had an experience quite like that again - probably because I run the same loop in Central Park so often that I know exactly what comes next and when I will be done. There are no surprises. Nothing new to experience. I need to find a new route asap!
Favorite post-run meal?
First, I chug a couple of giant seltzers, then I make pancakes or french toast and coffee. Pure heaven.
What is the best piece of advice you ever received?
Hydrate...I often run totally dehydrated and it is a bad idea.
Who would you love to run with and why?
Roger Federer...because he is awesome and super cute.
Are you running for fun or sport?
Hmm....good question. I do not run for fun or for sport, I run for pizza and beer. The more running I do, the less guilt I feel when I consume pizza and beer. Amazingly, if I run, I can eat these delicious treats without having to purchase a new wardrobe. I guess there is something to this running thing after all.
Favorite way to sweat other than run?
Random dance parties in my apartment.