How a Full-Time Working Running Mom Continues to Set Goals After 40 and Train for the Boston Marathon- Highlights From Carrie Wisniewski
Listen in as Carrie describes her life as a full-time working professional, wife, mom, and runner (and Boston Marathon Qualifier!). Check out the show notes for all the real runners interviewed on our podcast.
Carrie got started running in middle school cross country because of a gift from her mom.
Carrie started running cross country in 7th grade after her mom promised her with a necklace if she participated in just one race. After winning the race, she went on to run countless races and just instill in herself a love for the sport and the grind.
Carrie’s 11 year old daughter is just starting her first season of cross country. Additionally, her 14 year old son has followed her footsteps and regularly heads out for runs ‘just for fun’ and exercise
Running is weirdly relaxing.
Although she has countless achievements, Carrie’s proudest moment is her athletic scholarship in college.
Carrie’s proudest moment was receiving a full ride track and cross country scholarship to a Division 1 university. She recalls walking away from college realizing how much the necklace from her mom had paid off.
She also emphasizes how running helps her ‘stay together’ mentally and physically.
Carrie stays motivated by prioritizing working out and just doing something!
Carrie isn’t perfect- she gives us the example of how just this morning, she wanted to shut off her alarm. For Carrie and most of us, it’s all about scheduling in our workouts and prioritizing it as part of our day.
Carrie explains without moving her body, she feels more edgy and just less productive. Check out our list of 52 quotes to keep you going all year!
By adding variety to her workouts, Carrie has stayed healthy as a masters runner. Some of her suggestions:
Tennis
Boxing class
Biking
Swimming
Body Pump Class
Carrie's Favorite Running Resources
Carrie recommends using the Fiton app for in-home or hotel workouts. She even has it set up with her friends so she can get notified when someone starts a workout. She tells us the workouts range from 10-40 minutes and include a wide variety of options.
Carrie’s favorite running item is her Garmin watch– she explains how she can listen to music and track her pace.
She also sets up her playlists on Spotify.
Her training programs are within the Hal Higdon app.
With regards to nutrition, Carrie shares how she does not restrict herself. She lives an overall healthy lifestyle and just tries to make healthy choices.
Carrie recommends practicing your nutrition plan for longer races during your longer runs.
If you are wondering how to qualify for the Boston Marathon, make sure to give the full episode a listen for all of Carrie’s tips. One piece of specific nutritional tactics Carrie practices anytime her runs are over about 12 miles. Depending on the weather and the projected sweat amount, she adapts her plan. She does typically take a salt tab and gel.
If you have a goal, and you put the hard work in that eventually, you can accomplish that goal.
Carrie recommends you to keep moving to keep living.
Carrie never wants to stop running and dreams of running a race when she is 90! She wants to show up at the starting line no matter the time. For now, staying in shape and providing an example to her kids are wonderful goals (obviously running the Boston qualifier time too!).
Carrie gives some recommendations if you are new to running or working out.
- Set realistic expections and small goals.
- Slowly increase your activity.
- Be consistent, because consistency is where you will see the goals actually getting achieved.
- Realize there will always be highs and lows in running.
