January r.o.m- amanda becker

Congrats to the January Ultimate Fit Runner of the Month, Amanda Becker!  Here is more on Amanda:
"I am 33 years old and was born and raised in Evansville, currently living in Newburgh.  I am a manager at a local credit union.  I have a passion for animal rescue, so I have one dog and four cats that were all rescued or found as a stray.  I currently serve on the Warrick Humane Society board and the Evansville St. Jude Give Hope Run committee.  I try to volunteer for other local nonprofit organizations as much as I can, as well."

What motivates you to run/walk?
I was born with my hips dislocated, so the fact that I can even walk is amazing.  I have arthritis in my left hip, and running actually relieves that pain.  But also, getting faster motivates me!

How many races have you participated in? (Estimate if needed)
I’ve lost count, but it’s definitely over 40.

What age did you start running/walking for fun & competitively?
I started running at 31.  I would attend some races and just walk for a bit before that, but I really started training at 31.

Favorite place to run/walk?
Evansville riverfront

Favorite local race?
The St. Jude Gives Hope Run is my favorite because it benefits St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.  But also, the Blazin Glazin race because of the race shirt!

Favorite race outside of the Tri-State?
Firecracker 5k at Marengo Cave.  It is so fun to run through the cave!

Farthest you have traveled to do a race?
Marengo, Indiana

Favorite race distance?
I enjoy running Half Marathons, but I like doing 5ks or 10ks more often.

Favorite race memory?
I did the 8 mile distance for the Back to the 80s race in August.  I was struggling a bit towards the end, but my friend (who had just completed the 4 mile distance) found me at the 7.5 mile point and ran the last half mile with me.  That was the mental push I needed! 

Funniest race memory?
Well I get lost sometimes during trail races… and I’ve not finished one due to getting lost haha.

Craziest thing you saw at or during a race?
A man running a 15k barefoot!  I admire his dedication!

Favorite pre & post-race meal/drink?
I always eat a Clif bar before a race.  I cannot have too much in my stomach when running.  I don’t eat anything specific after a race, but I am always craving carbs/potatoes afterwards.

What is your favorite brand of running shoe?
Right now I’m really like New Balance.

How many miles do you run/walk a week?
During the summer, it is usually 10-20 miles.  Right now I’m lucky if I can get in 3 miles.

What are your future goals for running/walking?
My goal for the 2020 Evansville Half Marathon is to finish in 2 hours.  I finished in 2 hours 9 minutes in 2019, so I think it’s possible! 

Favorite time of day to run?
I don’t have a preference as long as the sun is up!

Favorite weather to run in?
Anything above 75 degrees for me.  I know most runners hate the heat, but it’s my favorite!

Music or no music?
No music.  I like to enjoy the journey. 
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