Renee Barr
Monday, August 21, 2017
On who you are…
My name is
Renee and I am a Mother of 4 and a Grandmother of 1 from Wisconsin. Now that I
am almost an empty nester I am working on discovering who I am in this new
place in my life. I love to travel and am hoping to do more in the coming
years.
On running…
I ran 1
season of track in high school and hated it. I was always last to finish and my
team was not very supportive so it really turned me off of running. I did not
start running again until 2004. I went on a long weekend trip to New York to
run a half marathon with a group of amazing friends that I travel with. I was a
pack a day smoker back then and thought I would not have a problem completing
the half with little to no training. Boy was I wrong. 3 hours later I crossed
the finish line with a blown out knee but also with the vow to quit smoking and
start running. Although over the years I had a few setbacks with my smoking, I
have not gone back and I continue to run but now I do so with enjoyment. I love
to travel to races with several close friends as well as my parents.
On
your First Run…
My track
season was probably my first run. As far as my first race, I really do not
remember when or which one it was.
On Street culture…
Where I
live there are always people out running. We have some great trails. I prefer
the solitude of running alone for my training but I love the atmosphere of race
day. We have a local running group but I am not a member. I guess mostly
because my running/training is my me time and I need to be alone with my
thoughts. It is nice to occasionally run with friends though.
I think the
running culture has shifted over the years. Women only races (picture below
bottom) are becoming more popular and a great way to support fellow women
runners. I have ran a few and it is a very uplifting and powerful experience. I
also see a lot of older runners which is so inspiring. My 83 year old Dad is
one of those. In his earlier days he was quite a fast runner. He continues to
keep moving and has inspired me as well as so many others. He is my main reason
for running.
On gadgets…
I love my
Garmin 235 and don’t think I could live without it. I also use my ipod quite
often but there are those times I like to just get lost in the sights and the
sounds of the world around me. Especially if I am out on the trails.
On injury…
I have had
plenty of injuries over the years. The hardest injury for me was when I was
training for my first full marathon in 2009. I wound up with a severe case of
tendonitis in my leg and was unable to recover in time to run it. I went along
to the race as I had several friends running it. I cried the entire day and did
not attempt another full until 2016. Which I will cover in the next section. I
also broke my foot and was off of running for almost a year which was very
difficult for me.
On achievements…
My biggest
achievements are the following – Finally my first full marathon! In 2016 after
having some health issues and being in a car accident 5 weeks before the
marathon (slight concussion and slight whiplash) I was able to finish the
marathon. It was black flagged when I was at the half way point due to the heat
and humidity. Over 2,000 did not finish the race. It was one of the hardest
races I have ever run. I had to walk more than I cared to but I finished. I
said never again would I attempt a full. I planned on sticking to the half
marathon distance. Well, Chicago lottery opened and I knew I had to redeem
myself because I was not happy with my finish time at Grandmas marathon. So, I
will be running Chicago Marathon in October. Wish me luck! J
My next achievement that is huge for me was in June of this year I finished my
first Ultra Marathon (50k) even though I had suffered some setbacks injury wise
and my training was not what it should have been. It was an amazing day and
went way better than I ever expected.
On future goals…
I would
like to run a 50 miler next year. To me the sky is the limit. I know now that I
am capable of anything I set my mind to.
On your social media…
The running community
on Social Media has been awesome! Very supportive and encouraging. I have made
some amazing friends on Social Media. Some of which I have been lucky enough to
meet in person already. And, some that I have future plans to meet. The first
one I had met in person is my friend Jen (pictured in all of the pictures below)
We have become great friends and have run several races together (well
technically not together because she is faster than I am 😃) There are several others I have met as well.
Tommy and Dana in the top left picture and Toby, Jenn, Emily
On
Pink…
I never
used to be much of a pink girl but am starting to wear some here and there now.
But, when I think of pink I think of women. Women who are strong, determined
and powerful in so many ways.
For me pain
is not just about physical pain. It is more about mental and emotional pain. I
do not talk about this often but I suffer from depression and anxiety. I feel I
need to share that here because I want others to know that it is okay to open
up about it and if you need help ask for it. Social stigma makes us think it is
wrong to open up about mental health. I think we need to be more aware of this
so that those that need the help are able to get it without feeling ashamed. For
me, running helps with my depression. I won’t go into details about my issues
but I just want others to know they are not alone and it’s okay. You are still
strong and amazing even if at times you don’t feel that way. Keep your head up
and keep smiling. Things will eventually get better.
On women’s running…
I think
women should run for whatever reason they feel they should run. Everyone’s
reason for running is different. I think though as women we should lift each
other up and encourage the fastest of the fast and the slowest of the slow.
Showing love and support for each other will make this a much better world.
On the Past
you…
You are
capable of anything you put your mind to. Never give up and keep moving
forward.
When I die…
I hope that
I have left a positive stamp on this world and I wish for my children and their
families to be happy and healthy and have an amazing life.
#RunRevolution
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