At first glance, Nicole is drop-dead gorgeous (I’d kill for her beautiful blonde hair and bright blue eyes), but it’s her amazing attitude and warm heart that make her that much more beautiful! I first “met” Nicole, via our blogs, while we were both training for our first marathons (and both trying to run a Boston Qualifier). We talked a lot via email and text, and I so enjoyed getting to know her. But, it wasn’t until August 2011, that I got to meet Nicole in real-life. When I realized that I’d be running Leg 10 of Hood to Coast, just miles from where Nicole lived, I jumped at the opportunity for her to run with me! Not only is she super nice, she’s super speedy (check out her stats below). I don’t know how she does it all: 75-80 mile weeks, a successful business, 2 young girls, and a full-time working husband – I hope I can be that fast once I have a family.
I hope you enjoy getting to know Nicole as much as I have. If you want to learn more about her {dream to run} check out her blog http://mydream2run.blogspot.com/ and “like” her Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/Idreamofrunning
Name: Nicole Wagner
Age: 33
Location: Portland, OR
Years Running: 2
Favorite race distance: Half Marathon
PRs: 5K: 19:44, 10K: 40:59, half: 1:32:18, Full: 3:35:43
How did you get into running? I loved running as a kid but stopped at age 13. When I was approaching 30, I decided I wanted to pursue my dream to be a runner. The first 18 months I ran about 20 miles a week and would take months off at a time. I’m not sure I was really running because it was so sporadic….but in September 2010, I hired a coach and ran my first 30 mile week….This is when I feel like I really started running. I have been running and training regularly ever since. I’m deeply addicted!
How many marathons have you run? 1 – I got a stress fracture at mile 22 but managed to qualify for boston.
How do you find/make time to train: I get up early, before my husband goes to work and kids get up for school.
How do you find time to train with a family, full-time job, and a working husband? I MAKE time, that is the key word! It is a NEED in my life, not a WANT – and it’s NOT easy. I have a succesful business with 5 girls working for me. I have 2 children, ages 4 and 7, and a busy/working husband. I do anything I can to fit in. I get up at 5am if I need to to run, I stay up late to double if I need to. I take my kids with me or I run on the treadmill (if I have to) while they run around like wild indians. ha!
Favorite place to run: Downtown Portland Waterfront – 10 mile loop
Favorite/most memorable race: Runaway Pumpkin Half that I ran in October 2011. It was my first half after my injury. I had no expectations but really wanted to run a sub 1:34. I hadn’t been doing anything but base runs to get strong again. I felt so strong and happy and empowered in this run. It was exhilarating! I realized in the last 2 miles I was going to have to FLY to break 1:34…my last mile was a 6:40 something….I ran a 1:33 and was thrilled!
Favorite pre-race meal: usually a small bagel and banana for small races; oatmeal for big races.
Favorite post-race food: ANYTHING I can get in my mouth. Whatever they are serving at the race…and I ALWAYS take my recovery shake. But I love crappy stuff after races like doughnuts, cookies,……it’s the only time I can eat it and NOT feel guilty! Well…that’s not true…lets face it, I eat that stuff all the time and don’t feel guilty! HA!
Favorite quote: “There is no nobility in being superior to some other man. True Nobility is in being superior to your previous self” This apply’s to EVERYthing in our lives.
Favorite running shoe: Brooks Pure flows
Best running advice: Never count yourself out and don’t be afraid to shout your goals and dreams from the rooftops…no matter how big they seem or out of reach at the time. BELIEVE in yourself or you will never get to where you want to go.
Running accomplishment I’m most proud of: My first win. It was a 10K I ran during Boston training (2 months ago). It was at the end of a 75 mile week…not tapered. I ran a 40:59. I was SO happy that I beat that 41 minute barrier by 1 second! And completely surprised myself as my “lofty goal” that day was 41:30. It felt AMAZING!!!
10k winner & {shiny} new PR
What’s next? What are your racing plans for the fall? First I need to GET healty – fix my leg and get moving. I plan to cross train for the next 5 weeks…then train in the summer, run Hood to Coast in August, and race some 5k’s,10k’s & a half marathon in the fall. I can’t wait!
So inspiring! It’s great to read about women who are wives and mothers and who have a demanding job but still make the time to train.
So great!
I love that you post these!!
She totally rocks.
Love it.
Nicole is drop dead gorgeous. I seriously think she could be a model even though she says no. Not to mention she is sweet, sincere and FAST!
Enjoyed reading this interview – and I love the favorite quote!
Way to go Nicole, what a nice interview! I’ve met Nicole a few times when she did my make-up (another wonderful talent of hers). She is gorgeous inside and out! You should have a margarita with her sometime–just make hers a virgin. 😉
Nicole! You’re so amazing! I’m blessed to know you and witness you fulfilling your dreams!
She is gorgeous and fast! I really wish I was running Hood to Coast, sounds like some pretty amazing women. Congratulations on that 10K win Nicole!
I enjoy these posts! I love reading about mom runners who make it a priority while balancing all other aspects of life! Thanks for sharing:)
What an amazing lady! And she’s only been running for 2 years?!! Shows how dedicated she is.
What a great article. Really makes me want to get out there and run more….I use to do it all the time when I was young and in the last 1 year 1/2 i’ve started back doing it again, not as much as I’d like too, but I’m getting there!
I love that favorite quote!