In the Limelight

I was recently asked to be the featured runner in the Weekly News Report of the Seattle Green Lake Running Group.  This may not seem like a big deal, but it was quite a surprise to me because the SGLRG has 3,273 members… And I have to admit I’m far from being the most involved, dedicated, or interesting of them all!  In fact, I felt a tinge of guilt because I only sporadically go to the many runs offered by the group each week and know of many other runners who might have been more appropriate choices.  With that said, I took the time to answer the questions and have pasted the article below.  Enjoy!

Membership Spotlight- For this week’s membership spotlight, we will have the opportunity to get to know Hilary Case a little bit better.

When did you start running and do you remember what got you started in the first place?  I got motivated to become a runner in the fall of 2012.  In addition to improving my fitness level, I really wanted to challenge myself and strive for new goals.  I’d been involved in other sports and recreational activities throughout my life, and I think I was seeking that same type of commitment to self-improvement.

How long have you been running with the SGLRG and how did you find us? I joined the SGLRG in the spring of 2013 after Rachel F. persuaded me that I didn’t have to be a world-class athlete to become involved.  I had been very intimidated by the group, but she was very encouraging.

Do you remember what you first event with the group was and how it went? I attended my first few events with the SGLRG as a guest because I was reluctant to start my own Meetup profile page.  I was concerned that I wasn't a "good enough" runner, so I was hesitant to officially become a member of the group.  I remember coming to a Casual Thursday run and pushing myself to run a lap around Green Lake much faster than normal because I was afraid of being the slowest person there.  I finished completely out of breath and realized that everyone else was so much more relaxed and social than me.  When I discovered that it wasn’t a race, I felt a lot less pressure!

What is your favorite thing about running? I love the sense of accomplishment that I get from running-- whether it’s getting a PR in a race or simply going for a run when it’s dark and rainy outside.  I just feel like I’ve achieved something!

Do you have a go to meal before a race? I eat a bagel for breakfast and homemade nachos the night before.  It has basically gotten to the point of superstition; I think I can’t be successful if I don’t eat these specific foods.

What does your race calendar look like for 2014? So far, I plan on running the Lake Sammamish ½ Marathon on March 8th, the Rainman Indoor Triathlon on March 23rd, the Vancouver Full Marathon on May 4th, the Shorerun 10K on June 8th, and the Ragnar Relay on July 18th-19th.  That should be enough to keep me busy.

Do you have a favorite shoe/model that you run in? I really like the Brooks’ Ghost 6 shoes.  I’m picky with my shoes because (in addition to running) I use them for teaching jump rope.  I need to find a lightweight trainer that provides a nice cushion to the balls of my feet and doesn’t have deep ridges on the bottom that could catch a rope.  I suppose we all have our shoe quirks…

If we wanted to track you down, which events do you currently attend? I most regularly attend the Saturday Morning Rise & Shine, although I’m hoping to come more often to the other weekly runs as well.  I feel a bit guilty that I’ve been so inconsistent lately.

Where is your favorite place to go for a run? I think that running is one of the best ways to explore new places while traveling… as long as I don’t get lost!  Locally, I enjoy running on the Burke-Gilman Trail.  It offers pretty scenery and covers a lot of ground.

If you could pick any one person to go for a run with, who would it be? This is a long story, but here is my short answer: I would run with Judy Fisher-- a local senior running legend.  Judy is 70-years-old and can still crank out sub-4:00 marathons.   I’ve never met her, but I’ve come across her in several races.  She wins first place in her age category without fail.  I find her to be very inspiring and would love to hear more about her running journey.  Maybe there’s someone out there who can make this happen!  :)