I am a mom who runs. I run errands. I run the vacuum cleaner. I run the dishwasher. I run kids places. I run the household.

I also run on roads, on trails and on beaches ~ my favorite!

Run alongside me as we inspire, encourage and motivate one another to run Farther, run Faster and run Fearless.

Friday, June 25, 2010

See Mom Run! ~ Elaine Olsen

Elaine Olsen, author of Peace for the Journey:  In the Pleasure of His Company, is a wife, mom and runner. I first became acquainted with Elaine through her blog. Elaine's sensitive and poetic writing drew me in and the recording of her journey to know God more and better draws me back.

Elaine began running as a college student and now runs 3 - 4 miles three times a week in her native North Carolina. Entering races no longer attracts her; it is the discipline of running Elaine enjoys. I asked Elaine how she motivates herself to go for a run.

"I put my clothes on; honestly, it takes a lot of mental work for me to lace up my shoes these days, especially since it's so hot and the kids are home for the summer. I adore time by myself, so that benefit alone is enough to motivate me!"


Elaine added she enjoys the adrenaline rush that comes with a run and always feels so much better "...like I've actually done something good for my soul, not just my body."






What do you think about when you run?

"I listen to my Christian music and do a lot of thinking and praying. I find great inspiration for my blog posts while pacing around. There is great freedom to think and breathe and feel the pulse of heaven, even as I feel the pusle of my heartbeat rising while running."

"In my recent book release, I have an entire section dedicated to the 'insight' I've gleaned while 'on the road' out running."

In answer to how running is beneficial in her role as wife and mom, Elaine responded that running is a huge stress reducer.

"I feel better about my body, thus affecting the way I look at myself. I also have more patience with my 'dailyness' after a good workout."

Elaine also adds weights to her fitness routine and utilizes Leslie Sansone's walking program, as well.

Her #1 tip for a mom who wants to start running:
"Find a friend to run with; if not, load up the Ipod with great music, and ALWAYS CARRY YOUR PEPPER SPRAY!"

To order Elaine's book or see a trailer for Peace for the Journey: In the Pleasure of His Company, go here.

12 comments:

  1. DebbieJun 25, 2010 08:24 PM
    So glad you featured Elaine as a running mom. I've enjoyed getting to know her through her blog and also her book. She's great!
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  2. DeniseJun 25, 2010 09:45 PM
    Elaine is fantastic.
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  3. elaine @ peace for the journeyJun 26, 2010 08:12 AM
    Thanks for this, Melanie. You made me sound me better than originally billed. I'll try and post a link sometime tonight or tomorrow. I actually took my first run in my new neighborhood yesterday. Very hot, but very fulfilling.

    Keep to it, sister, keep the road. We aren't home yet.

    peace~elaine
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  4. LorenJun 26, 2010 12:10 PM
    I love Elaine and what a great interview :) What an inspiration you both are!

    As I was working out this morning I was thinking about all you shared when you first starting running ~ I LOVED running and would agree with all that Elaine shared! It is exhilarating for sure! I hope to get back into it

    Have a blessed weekend my dear friend
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  5. PaulaJun 26, 2010 12:30 PM
    Elaine is so sweet and her running has inspired me. Great interview!
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  6. spiritmomJun 27, 2010 12:22 PM
    Elaine,
    Why pepper spray? Is it for dogs? I hope you don't mean an attacker, because it's my biggest fear. Wouldn't Satan love to use that to keep me from running??
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  7. elaine @ peace for the journeyJun 27, 2010 07:35 PM
    Dogs... it really does work; don't let your fear keep you from running or walking. Just be well-armed for dogs. Most are harmless, but my friend was recently attacked and could have used a heavy dose of this! Check your state laws to make sure it's legal. The kind I used is cleared in NC and was ordered from a police supply company online.

    peace~elaine
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  8. jetJun 28, 2010 06:17 AM
    I love this site.. so glad I came across it via Peace for the Journey!! woohoo!!
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  9. Kelly CombsJun 29, 2010 06:03 AM
    I love Leslie Sansone's walking fitness! I lost 10 lbs doing her fitness walking. Of course, when I quit walking I gained it all back, but like most anything, you have to be dedicated to it.
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  10. Beth E.Jun 29, 2010 08:20 AM
    Hmmmm...friend Elaine has a way of saying something that I need to hear...and giving me a sisterly nudge in the process! ;-) I guess if she can run 3-4 miles in this scorching heat, I can certainly WALK my 2 miles!

    I have not been able to run for a few years (due to a previous ankle fracture) but I have recently begged off walking since this oppressive heat began. I guess it's time to hit the pavement!

    Thanks for the push, Elaine, and thank you, Melanie, for setting up this guest post with my sweet friend.

    Blessings...
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  11. LisaShawJul 1, 2010 03:12 PM
    Love Elaine and Leslie Sansone too! Great post and blessings to you Melanie and your family!
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  12. LauraJul 9, 2010 10:02 AM
    Elaine is one of my favorite runners :)
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Thanks so much for "running" your thoughts by me! Check back because I enjoy keeping the conversation running.