Still looking for a New Year’s fitness resolution? How about running? Running is not only great for your heart, it is a great way to slim down, improve bone health and slow the aging process. Here’s what College Station’s Kantessa Castillo has to say about preparing for her first half marathon, The ‘Dillo Dash:
Q. What prompted you to start training for your first half marathon?
A. It is something I have always been interested in doing at some point in my life. I am trying not to take my health for granted. I am physically able to give or show support for a cause by running.
Q. What is your past running experience?
A. I started jogging in high school. I haven’t been consistently jogging since that time, but it is an exercise I fall back on when I’m not doing anything else.
Q. Are you running for a cause?
A. Race proceeds go to Scotty's House: Child Advocacy Center of the Brazos Valley
and Still Creek Boys and Girls Ranch.
Q. Are you training on your own or with a group?
A. Mostly on my own, but I do have an accountability partner. We don’t run together, but we “report” to one another and give encouragement to one another.
Q. What is your training program like?
A. I am loosely following Hal Higden’s virtual training program. I give myself wiggle room – if I miss a day, then I don’t stress. I do what I can.
Q. When did you start training?
A. 2 weeks before Christmas.
Q. How many days a week are you running?
A. 3-4 days a week.
Q. How do you increase your runs?
A. I started at 3 miles, I try to add a mile each week.
Q. Are you following a specific diet or not?
A. Not really.
Q. Are you planning to do anything in particular the week before the run to prepare?
A. I haven’t made it that far. I am taking one week at a time; I haven’t really thought about the week before the run yet.
Q. What keeps you motivated?
A. I believe that God blessed me with an able body and good health; this is one way I can contribute to good causes by raising money and using my good health for the benefit of someone else.
Q. What has this process taught you?
A. It is helping me to focus and rely on God for my strength and endurance.
Q. Would you do it again?
A.Yes
Kantessa is a 39 year old wife and mother of 2. She is Director of Spiritual Formation at Christ United Methodist Church.
Stay tuned as we follow Kantessa's training over the next two months by clicking here to subscribe.
Comments
Yay Kantessa! Kurc and I are planning on signing up for the 5K. We may eventually do a half marathon one day. I am excited for you!
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