We’ll be highlighting some of the participants of Run Hub’s fall training team leading up to the EWEB Run to Stay Warm this Sunday. Jennifer Riportella is training for the half marathon with the goal of PRing and finishing in 1:40.
Get to know Jennifer:
What was your “AHA I love running” moment?
I would probably say my “AHA I love running moment” came when I was running at Cumberland falls (in Kentucky where I went to college). It was a cool morning and the leaves were changing and the sight was absolutely beautiful and I was just extremely thankful to have the ability to run and get to enjoy gorgeous views. I’ve also had many of those moments here in Eugene and anytime we go to a new place I try to have more of those moments. 🙂
What are you most excited for on race day?
I love race days in general, just the atmosphere and all the people and the adrenaline. But I really want to get a PR for this race and I would be so excited if I could!
What’s your pre-race power food?
Kodiak cakes and oatmeal.
What is your running mantra when things get tough?
You can do it, you’re almost there! (I repeatedly tell myself this during races.)
What is your favorite cross training activity?
Rock climbing 🙂
What has been your favorite part of the training team so far? What has been the most challenging part?
My favorite part has been making new friends and having people who push me during workouts! I don’t think I could make it through long runs if I didn’t have friends to do it with! Most challenging- pushing myself during workouts! (And also all the hills.)
If you could offer one piece of advice to others who are training for a race, what would it be?
Stay consistent! We all have bad weeks (especially when you have kids) and miss days due to circumstances out of our control, but just get back out there and keep going.
Good luck on the half marathon Jennifer!
