See Mom Run! ~ Susan Hood

I was drawn to Susan's blog when I saw the picture in her header. Red socks and running shoes! Each time I read about Susan running trails, running an ultra marathon and getting bit by a coyote while running in a park near her South Carolina home, I concluded, "That Susan is one cool chick!"
But running is not all Susan is about. She is wife, mom,  photographer, and a pursuer of "God Moments."

I asked Susan, what inspired her to start running. I began running 13 years ago this summer. I had just stopped teaching school to stay at home with my children, and I wanted to give it a try. I knew of a 10 year old little girl who had just started and was running races. I thought that if a 10 year old could do it, so could I! So, silly me signed up for an 8k race (4.96 miles) before I could even finish a 3 mile run without having to stop! But, I finished the race and declared to myself that I would be prepared from now on.


Susan motivates herself to run by...

[visualizing] those extra cookies and cake and doughnuts attaching themselves to my thighs! No, really, it is a part of my lifestyle, and I know it is something that I desire for my health. I am adopted and have no idea whatsoever of health issues in my biological family. So, being proactive with exercise and nutrition is about the only thing that I can do for prevention.


How many times a week do you run?
4-5 times a week. My mileage varies depending on what event I'm training for. It could be 3 miles of hill repeats or a 20 mile long training run. I don't do the same thing over and over--I get bored too easily!


Favorite route?
Trails, definitely! If I am at the beach, I run along the shore. The treadmill is my least favorite.

While running, Susan says she talks to God about everything!

I'll jump from one topic to another with the Lord! And when I run with my I POD (on low volume so as to hear any traffic or other runners), and I sing praises to Him (in my head! Singing is not one of my talents!)

Runner mom--no make-up!!! This is child #1 who flew through the course way ahead of me! I took my time and had several God moments! So worth it! It's not about the time...it's about the journey. ~ Susan Hood

What physical benefit do you enjoy most from running?
Being able to keep up with my teenage boys and husband! Plus, eating seconds of a delicious meal and not worrying about it. I do not do that very often.


Running goals?
These have changed significantly in the past year. This time last year I had just completed an ultra marathon on the trails. 34 miles in the woods really gets you to listen to the Lord! Listening to Him has made me put any big goals on the back burner. Life is about spending more time with the Lord and studying His Word than lacing up my shoes for a three hour run. My priorities are about my relationship with God and then my family. Training comes after my time with Him in the morning ~ not before. I will probably do a half marathon in the fall. Nothing on the calendar yet.

Lining up at the Paris Mountain Xterra 15K last month. One of my favorite races. (Susan in light blue bandana)








Cross train?Yes, m'am! I get bored too easily with just running. As one gets older (heehee!), one needs to work on flexibility. Pilates is great for that. Strength training(weights) and cycling ( on our trainer in the garage or classes at the gym) are great cross training activities.


How has running helped you be a better wife and mom?
It is a great stress reliever! If I don't run or cross train, it shows! I have much more patience with my family when I exercise.


Susan, any advice for a mom who wants to start running?
Give yourself an hour out of the day to exercise! Your family gets the other 23! Don't feel guilty at all. I started with a 12 month old and 3 year old. It can be done! Again, it's about setting your priorities. Your family will thank you! I promise!


Susan says...
Running with others is so much fun! Look for running groups in your town through the Y or health clubs. Stay hydrated--drink water a few hours BEFORE you run. You may have to set the alarm clock a little bit earlier, but dehydration can be dangerous. Also, I carry pepper spray--especially on the trails. I never run alone on the trails--period. Be proactive when you run. Watch the cars and assume that they don't see you. Wave and get their attention at stoplights and stop signs if you need to cross. Better safe than sorry. ( Can y'all tell that I ran with the high school cross country team this morning and felt like safety mom??) Above all, have fun and enjoy yourself!
Susan blogs here: http://scrunnermom.blogspot.com/