Here at runladylike.com, Fridays are all about sharing the inspiring stories of fit people who motivate all of us to be better tomorrow than we were yesterday. My Friday FITspiration series profiles runners, triathletes and casual exercisers who are making choices every day to be as healthy as they can be – in both huge ways and through simple, small victories. Their stories are about the journey of transforming from ordinary to extraordinary each and every day.

“Don’t be intimated by the unknown; just take your first step to start the change.” ~Lauren Lanter

Today, I’m very excited to introduce you to Lauren Lanter. I am BLOWN AWAY by her story! Lauren made a decision nearly 3 years ago to change her life. Big time. A journey that started as an effort to lose weight for her wedding has turned into a complete lifestyle change, including becoming a boot camp instructor and endurance runner. You are going to love what this inspiring athlete has to say and share.

How long have you been running, and what inspired you to start? 
In January of 2010, after recently becoming engaged, I decided I wanted to lose weight for my upcoming wedding. I was 26 years old, and I weighed upwards of 170 pounds. I didn’t have a huge goal mapped out; I just knew I wanted to feel my best on my wedding day.

My sister recommended I approach Mari Garner, owner of the The American Boot Camp Company, about joining her program. I did. I also started running in January of 2011. I found a 5K race through the University of Georgia and convinced my college girlfriends to run it with me. I’d been taking group workout classes for 1 year and thought it would be a fun new challenge!

During the next 22 months – through lots of exercise (boot camp, running, and TRX) and dietary changes – I managed to reach my maintenance weight of 122 pounds in October of 2011. I drastically changed how I viewed food, and the destructive relationship I previously had with it. That same month, I became a boot camp instructor and ran my first half-marathon. I fell in love with teaching others the things I’ve learned (and continue to learn) about training and nutrition, and I also fell madly in love with distance running. As I celebrate the 1-year anniversary of achieving my weight goal, I’ve now run 4 half-marathons and a marathon! I’m always looking for a new adventure, and I’m excited to see what the future holds!

 

Finish this sentence: I run because _________________.
It makes me feel free and empowered.

What is your favorite race distance? Why? If you’re comfortable, brag about your race PRs :). 
My favorite race distance is the half-marathon. I love to train. Why would anyone love to train? Because I love running longer races with my friends, and I love the time we spend together while training. It’s what often inspires me to be my best. My best finishes are: 5K – 21:56, 10K – 48:25, half-marathon – 1:47:45 and marathon – 4:01:46. I also completed my first sprint triathlon in August at the PT Solutions Women’s Sprint (400-yard swim, 13-mile bike, 3.1-mile run) in 1:19:00, which was an amazing experience.  I would love to compete in an Olympic distance tri next!

What running/racing accomplishment are you most proud of? 
I’m most proud of my Cleveland Marathon finish. I wasn’t meant to run this marathon, which is why I’m so proud of this race. I trained with friends for the Nashville Marathon. It was the first for all of us, and we trained by the books. I never missed a run, and while I already tried to eat well, I cleaned my diet up entirely. Unfortunately, through a series of different events (hot temperatures, pushing too hard and not listening to my body), I collapsed at mile 23 from severe dehydration. I was devastated. I’m very proud of myself for registering for Cleveland 3 days later and completing my first marathon less than a month after my Nashville heartbreak.

What is the hardest challenge you have had to overcome? How did you do it? 
I honestly think my hardest challenge was my initial one: to lose weight. I was so intimidated by gyms and runners. It took me a long time to overcome my fear and take the first step to a healthier life.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to start running or who thinks they can’t do it? 
I honestly feel like I am living proof that you can. I ran my first mile at a 13-minute pace in January of 2011, and I haven’t stopped running and improving since. Don’t be intimated by the unknown; just take your first step to start the change.

What is your running mantra(s)? 
Usually I repeat: “Don’t stop” and “You can do this.” Not too inspirational, but it does the trick for me.

What running gear do you never run without?
My Garmin Forerunner.

What keeps you hydrated and fueled the best (us runners are always looking for the best tips and secrets on nutrition!)?
I usually stick with water, but on longer runs, I take a GU (favorite flavor is tri-berry) and occasionally throw in a Nuun tablet after.

What’s on your iPod right now?
Usually some mix of the top 10 chart on iTunes, but it’s always an upbeat, fast tempo!

What are you most passionate about? What inspires you the most in life? 
Understanding what a “healthy” lifestyle means for me. I love learning new things about food, whether it’s a new way to cook a vegetable, how certain foods are processed, or how the body actually breaks down the nutrients we give it. I find it all incredibly fascinating! I used to decide what to eat based on calorie counts. Now I care much more about the ingredients in my food and how they will fuel my body.  One of my favorite things is sharing recipes and nutritional advice with friends!

How can people connect with you?
I’m an instructor with The American Boot Camp Company and have started teaching at their PowerOUT TRX Boot Camp. If you live in Atlanta, we have free drop in classes every month, so come see me and check us out!  I also post a weekly recipe for their Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/DoYouBootCamp.

 

Thank you Lauren for sharing your story with us! Your health and running transformation is truly remarkable. If you or someone you know would be a great candidate for Friday FITspiration, email me at runladylike@gmail.com.

 

One of the things Lauren loves is sharing recipes and nutritional advice with friends. What is your best nutrition tip? Do you have a favorite recipe you’d like to share?