Hola, another week another Wednesday. I hope everyone is having a great holiday season. This week we're talking to the bridge queen, /u/ProudPatriot07.

How/when did you start running?

I didn’t grow up running and was a super unathletic, nerdy kid. Now I’m an unathletic, nerdy adult who just happens to run. I started running in 2009. I ran off and on, alternating with zumba, yoga, and boot camp classes. At the time, my software company job sponsored a Polar Bear 5K trail run that benefited a local school. The president of my company was a runner and always encouraged me to run the race- I believe he was the race director. I finished in around 31 minutes, and I was hooked. I continued running signed up for a 10K a few months later.

What are your PRs?

5K: 20:53 (April 2016) 10K: 44:41 (April 2016) Half Marathon: 1:38:14 (January 2017) Marathon: 4:15 (September 2013- only ran one)

Favorite shoes to train or race in?

I’m kind of a shoe geek! I alternate several pairs of shoes depending on where I’m running, how long, and the purpose of the workout. My favorite training shoes are the Mizuno Wave Sky and my favorite racing or workout shoes are the New Balance Fresh Foam Zante.

What's your next race?

I love running local races and joke that if there’s a starting line and a t-shirt, I’m there. If I’m not running the race, you can usually find me volunteering with one of our local timing companies or on the sidelines “pit crewing” for my friends.

What is your favorite distance to race and why?

I love half marathons because it’s a race distance that requires training (sometimes soccer dads can post surprisingly fast times in a 5K) but half marathon training doesn’t rule your life like full marathon training does. It’s a great distance for a destination race, because your legs aren’t too torched to explore a new city. I ran my first half in January 2011 and ran a 2:08, so I’ve technically dropped 30 minutes in the half. I also love 5Ks because it’s a distance everyone can enjoy, from walkers to beginner runners to local elites. You get to run and spend time with all your friends!

What are your goals this year?

I love reading runners goals. A few weeks ago, I saw where a friend posted that she wanted to break 19 minutes in a 5K. As for me, I just want to run races and not break any bones. Truthfully, I hope to stay healthy this year and set a PR in something. I may have to run a marathon or a new-to-me distance to set that PR. I also have a goal to volunteer at more races. In September 2017, one of my closest friends, Cindy Salyer, passed away in a car accident. She was a runner and volunteered at so many races- often volunteering while wearing her race bib because she was about to run it. In Cindy’s memory, I try to volunteer once a month at a race or run. I’m not the fastest runner out there, but I can give back to the sport.

Proudest running accomplishment?

My proudest accomplishment has been not quitting when I’ve contemplated it several times and had non-runners (and sadly, some runners) suggest quitting. In the years I’ve been running, I’ve had severe anemia, peroneal tendonitis (twice), ITBS, and a hamstring injury. The Charleston running community is welcoming and embracing and keeps me coming back. I’ve never found that kind of love in any other sport.

What do you do outside of running?

I work as a technical writer for a computer software company. It’s one of the things you can do with an English degree. I work from home, which is awesome for training/running but can be lonely when you’re an extrovert (token ESTJ).

What other hobbies/interests do you have?

I write a running blog, TheTinyTerror.com, and love social media (I think Mark Zuckerberg is a modern-day genius). I obviously write a lot for my big-girl job but blogging is fun too. Through the injuries, I’ve found that I really love yoga, especially hot yoga. I enjoy shopping- mainly bargain hunting and thrifting. Travelling is always great, but I don’t do it nearly enough. I also love trying new (or new to me) restaurants and businesses. I’m a gold-level Yelp Elite. What runner doesn’t like to go out to eat and party?

What is your favorite route/place to run?

My favorite place to run in Charleston is by far the Cooper River Bridge. We have the annual Cooper River Bridge Run each year, which I usually run, but the bridge has a pedestrian path that you can run any day of the year free of charge. I often incorporate that into my long runs. I also love running track workouts and lead a track workout group run.

Do you have a favorite run/race that you’ve ever done?

I have a few local races I love and would recommend. For 5Ks, I love the Race the Landing series, which is five 5K races through the months of May, June, and July. The course is beautiful and shaded, and while temperatures are hot and humid, it’s a great way to stay in shape during the summer and not get out of the habit of running. The series is reasonably priced and offers dinner after each race. The James Island Connector Run 10K is a local 10K that benefits charity. While Charleston is known for the Cooper River Bridge Run, the JICR 10K is actually a tougher run, with more and steeper inclines. It’s also less crowded, welcomes dogs and bicycles, and gives finisher’s medals to everyone. The views are incredible and so is the after party. For half or full marathons, I’ve only run the Kiawah Island Half Marathon once, but it was a very well organized race that I’d highly recommend. I signed up for 2018 the day after the 2017 race!

If you could run anywhere in the world with anyone in the world, alive or dead, where would you run and who would you run with?

I’d love to run with Desi Linden, because she’s short like me and when I was a beginner runner, never thought of short people as good distance runners until I discovered Desi (the year she ran Boston and placed 2nd). As far as where we’d run, I’d love to run with her in downtown Charleston because I like pointing out the local landmarks to people who visit here.

What do you think has been the greatest contributor to your success in running?

The amazing running community we have in Charleston. The running community here is not particularly “competitive” but more social. Of course, everyone has their rivals but most people are welcoming and chill. You’ll often find the top local runners at the same group runs as the age groupers, mid-packers, back-of-the-packers, encouraging each other.

What is your favorite post long run food?

Shrimp tacos

If you had a year to train, with no other distractions, how fast do you think you could get?

This thought doesn’t excite me at all! I’m Type A and very motivated. Knowing me, I’d train too hard and get injured.

Favorite subreddits?

Obviously this one! But I also go to /r/Charleston, /r/nostalgia/, and /r/Gamecocks.

Origin of your username?

My college mascot was Patriots (Francis Marion University) and I graduated in the year 2007.

Strava link if you use it?

https://www.strava.com/athletes/4089254 http://www.thetinyterror.com