Femme Fitale Fit Club presents Fierce Women Series – Randi Wood

FFFC: Please introduce yourself to our readers.

RW: Hi Femme Fitales! I am known to most as Randi. Bmore born and raised. On the playground playing hide and go and seek, skating up and down the street with one skate ( because we would share), riding bikes, and jumping rope is how I spent most of my daysJ In a nutshell, I am a city loving healthcare professional who aspires to see the best in everything and everyone. I love working out and inspiring others to be actively engaged in creating their own world of happiness.

FFFC: How and why did you get started running?

RW: My first go at running was around the ages of 9 or 10 with a track and field team. I competed in a few meets, but I hated that I came last or next to last. I don’t know the distance I was running, but I just remember coming next to last. With no real guidance, I quickly abandoned that sport only to come full circle in my mid 20’s. Fast forward to mid-20s and I guess I had never really dealt with the trauma of “failing” at track and field, so running fast or distance became an extreme sport which I needed to revisit and achieve some level of satisfaction. Having just returned from California, which is a pretty active and fit state, I saw a mailing for a marathon. The American Heart Association was recruiting for their team. You could run 26.2miles in California, Arizona, or Hawaii! I was sold! All I saw was extreme challenge, travel, and an opportunity to embark on something not considered “normal”! I went into the kitchen and told my mom, I am going to run a marathon next summer. I started training for the Kona marathon in January 2005. Since that moment, I have never looked back.

FFFC: What inspired you to start running?

RW: I started running on a treadmill after returning home from college. At that time I was just trying to stay in shape. I started with only being able to do 5 minutes on the treadmill at a decent speed and then I would walk. I can remember the treadmill being right in front of the mirror. I would concentrate on the intensity of my own eyes and I pushed daily until I reached a solid 30 minutes of running.

FFFC: What do you like most about running?

RW: I love the feeling of accomplishment! I love the natural high. Camaraderie and friendships developed on the pavement

FFFC: What is the furthest distance or longest time you have run?

RW: My furthest distance is 26.2 miles

FFFC: Do you belong to a running group? Show’em some love right here.

RW: My first run club was Full Circle!! It’s my baby!! I started this club in 2011as a result of a few women wanting to run their first 5k. So I started it as a way to be an informal coach. Since then, many members of the Full Circle Running Group have joined and supported the national run group Black Girls Run. This has been great because it has allowed Full Circle members to grow as runners and also build running communities throughout Baltimore City and Baltimore County. I also support this group and their mission and I support and partner with other local running groups such as the Baltimore Pacemakers, City Sports Run Club, and Falls Road Running Club.

FFFC: What do you do to stay in tip top running shape (exercise, nutrition, etc.)?

RW: I cross and strength train. But more than anything I try and remain consistent. I also incorporate Bikram into my weekly workout regimen. Nutrition is also a biggy! I try and fill my body with purposeful food. Don’t get me wrong, I love good food and drink, but everything in moderation.

FFFC: Do you follow any pre or post run routine to prevent injury?

RW: I often stretch after, although there are different thoughts of practice regarding stretching before running. I often start my run at a conversational pace and pick up the pace after warming up to help prevent injury.

FFFC: What was the biggest challenge when you started running or still is even now?

RW: Properly Breathing!!

FFFC: Have you ever had any major setbacks? What were they and how did you overcome them to get back out there?

RW: But of course!! Training for my first marathon. I incurred one of the infamous running injuries due to beginning out too fast….such a novice I wasJ I followed the suggested recommendations and proceeded with rest, ice, compression, and elevation.

FFFC: Do you run races? What are some of your favorite races?

RW: In the beginning, I loved races, but now I only run a select few. I have more bling and shirts than I know what to do with. Fave races would be the Baltimore Women’s Classic…I also serve as a lead coach; Baltimore 10 miler; Dreaded Druid Hills; and the Celtic Soltice. Outside of Baltimore, I love the Broad Street 10 miler in Philly.

FFFC: Who helped you as you developed your running skills?

RW: Chauncey D. Whitehead of CDW, my coaches in Team In Training, and fellow experienced runners.

FFFC: Any advice for someone interested in starting to run?

RW: Start out slow. Pace yourself. Believe in the process and know that with consistency you will only become a better runner. And my favorite advice is that “if you can breathe, then you can run.” So if you find yourself gasping for air, slow down, no one is paying you to be out there.

FFFC: What has been your biggest accomplishment to date?

RW: My biggest accomplishment has been encouraging so many others to take control of their lives and become better stewards of their mental and physical being.

FFFC: Who are some of your running idols (Male or female we don’t discriminate)?

RW: My idols are everyday folk who I see running through the streets of Baltimore. I love seeing veteran and newbies and knowing everyone has a story to accompany their journey.

FFFC: How can our readers learn more about your running journey? (i.e. Blog, Facebook, Tumblr, Instagram, Twitter, etc.)

RW: Readers can follow my journey via Facebook (Randi Elisabeth or Full Circle Fitness & Wellness) or Instagram (Randie1977).