Becki Mueller - January 2020
Tell us your running story Becki! -How’d you get into running?
As I approached 50, I asked Jack (her husband) if we could do a family 5k for my birthday. Since the Seaway Run was close to my birthday, we signed up and participated in it. We were very active with an outdoor fitness program that we participated in 3 times a week. The instructor stepped away to focus on her business and I was looking for another way to stay active. I was out hiking at Snug Harbor and met Brandi Laban. She invited me to a Wednesday night run and I went that same night. I continued to come weekly and finally convinced Jack to join me. The rest is history! • What piece of running gear or equipment can you not live without? My Garmin! Although my shoes are pretty important too. • What’s your favorite running distance? 10k. I love my weekend long runs but the long miles aren’t agreeing with my aging body anymore. • Favorite Race? GR Bridge Run. It’s a perfect time of year and I LOVE races in GR. This past year was an exception. My mom was diagnosed with glioblastoma, which is an aggressive form of brain cancer with a poor prognosis. I decided to run the Gazelle Girl Half Marathon with a purpose and committed to be a charity runner and raise money for the American Brain Tumor Association. My friends and family helped me exceed my $1,000 goal and I was able to donate $2,600 to the ABTA in honor of my mom. It was an emotional race and the mental fatigue was very different from the physical fatigue I was accustomed to feeling during a race. I was humbled by the support. • What other fitness activities do you like to do besides running? Pilates, biking and swimming. I started doing duathlons a few years ago and decided to work towards a triathlon. I began working hard in the pool and before long, I was swimming across Silver Lake. It’s very time consuming to train for 3 disciplines but it’s something Jack and I can do together. The Pilates has really helped with my running. I should’ve listened to Pedro (Run Muskegon member) years ago! • What is your favorite post race food/drink? Beer and chocolate milk • Favorite season to run in? Spring. After a long winter, it’s refreshing to see everything outside come to life. • Tell us about your first races! I signed up for my first half marathon in 2016. I trained all winter with a group of girls and it was an excellent way to make those long miles tolerable. Race day came and it was 30 degrees warmer than anything we trained in, creating a nutritional and hydration disaster. I hit the wall at mile 9 and ended up walking a bit in order to get to the finish. I was so happy to finish that race but I fell short of my goal. I spent the next 3 days in tears. 3 weeks later, I ran the Riverbank 25k much smarter and the results were wonderful. • Favorite places to run? To the beach, near the beach, around the lake…….because every day at the beach is a good day. • Did you run before joining Run Muskegon? Only for a few months. Once I joined RM, my friendships grew, my miles increased and I was encouraged to sign up for distances I never thought I was capable of. • Best advice for someone new to walking/running? Be patient and train smart. Increasing miles too fast can lead to injuries. • What would you say to anyone looking to join Run Muskegon? Trying to break into an established group takes persistence. You will eventually settle into a group that runs your pace and make lasting friendships with a common love for running. • What’s your favorite thing about Run Muskegon? The friendships established at RM are unlike any other. We truly are a family. • Do you have a nickname? Not really • Who would you like to nominate for the next Runner Spotlight? Morgan Witmer
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