In our 33rd edition of our favorite weekly post, we decided to kick off September and Motivation Monday with another great local runner spotlight. This weeks spotlight runner is Amber Spencer and I am thrilled to share her great story. The aim of having a Featured Runner of the Week is not to necessarily single out any individuals, but we want to feature runners who through their uniqueness may one day inspire you to run or reach for new running highs. Every runner has broken down their own barriers, whether it was the big obstacle to take the first running step or entering a race. Each runner will have their own story and to most, these stories to others are very inspiring. Amber Spencer – Featured Runner of the Week is a great way to kick off our weekend!

Grab a cup of coffee and get to know Amber a little better this morning!

Name:   Amber Spencer

Age:   29

Where are you originally from?   Beaufort, SC

What is your favorite distance to race? Why?

This is a tough one. I started
running 4 years ago but just only started racing last year. So I don’t have
that much experience with longer races. I plan to do a half sometime this fall.
However, so far I would have to say the 10k was my favorite. It was long enough
to test your ability, but not too long to have you out recovering for a week
afterwards.

What originally got you into running?

If I had to be honest, I would say
searching for a hobby that was healthier than sipping wine on the couch during
the weekend. Haha! But no, I believe overall it was just about finding
something that helped me feel and look better.

What is your main motivation to keep going?

My main motivation is probably the
way I feel after a run. Most days the weight of work and home life can get the
best of me, but when I go for a run I am able (for just 45min -1 hour) forget
about all of it. It truly helps me feel better. I love that feeling, and don’t
want to lose it.

Also, I just love the fact that my
son now wants to become a runner. The influence it is having on him, to just
see me do it, feels good too.

When you’re not running, what do you do?

When I am not running, I am
working. I am a licensed insurance agent full time. If I am not working from
9-5, I am usually hanging out with my son. He is 10, and loves sports. So we
are usually at one of his events. And, if we are not at any of those things we
usually help out with our church. We generally have a full plate most weeks
but, I always find time for running. If I didn’t I would probably go crazy.
Like I said, it is my outlet.

What is your next race?

My next race, hmmm. I haven’t
decided. I’m pretty determined on completing a half sometime this fall, but
I’ll probably participate in an upcoming 5k in the meantime. It will possibly
be the Beaufort Shrimp Festival 5k coming up here soon.

Describe your perfect run:

My perfect run would probably be a
Solo Sunday Evening Run. The weather is cool, but not too cold. That perfect SC
fall weather, when the sun is just going down. You are running just to run. No
where to be, no one to beat. Distance would be anywhere between 8-10Miles, but
no one is counting.  I would consider
that the type of run that sets you up for a new week, and allows you to let go
of the stress from the prior.

What piece of advice do you have for someone who is just
starting out?

DON’T GIVE UP! Take it little by
little. Start with a lap around the track, then two laps. Make sure to set
goals and to not give up on them. Running can be rewarding. It never gets easy,
but in my opinion it is worth it. Also, find people to run with. If there is
something that keeps me going on my runs, it’s the girls I run with (all of
them). They are amazing and they keep me motivated even on the days I would
rather give up and go home.

What has been the single greatest thing you have gotten back
from running?

The single greatest thing I have
gotten back from running? That is a tough one, because I have a few. I guess I
would have to say, as cliché as it sounds, just a better version of myself.
I’ve developed better habits while in my efforts on becoming a better runner. I
feel that I am healthier and happier.

Goals for this year?

My goal for this year is just working on my long runs. I would like to complete a full marathon next year. So that is what I am working towards.

Grounded Running Beaufort

2139 Boundary Street, Suite 108 Beaufort, SC 29902

843.379.3200 www.groundedrunning.com