 The RunDown
Natalia Espinosa, Age 21.
Lives in Katy, Texas.
Senior at Texas A&M studying Early Childhood Education.
Running Club - Team in Training (08) A&M Rec Sports Marathon Training (08-09)
I've been running since January 2008. I started off training for my first marathon in Anchorage, Alaska through Team in Training and raised money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
Since then, I've run the San Antonio Half Marathon, and most recently, I completed my second full marathon in Houston.
Read about Natalia Espinosa's 2009 Chicago Marathon
Training Habits
I'm currently training for the Heels and Hills Half Marathon in Irving, Texas in preparation for my next big race - the Chicago Marathon in October. Depending on my workload, I try to run at least four days during the week plus a long run on the weekend. Typically I run between 20 to 30 miles a week. I don't really pay attention to speed. I run marathons because it's fun for me at the pace that I go, which is between 9.5 - 10 minute miles.
I enjoy running with friends and talking to take my mind off of the distance. At this point in my running, it's not about the speed, it's about enjoying it. I just do what I can as best as I can. Click here to post a comment.
Why Running
I decided to start running as a New Year's Eve Resolution in 2008. I really can't say why I decided to start running and specifically train for a marathon right off the bat. But I'm so grateful I did; it's been such a great part of my life. I enjoy the challenge of training for marathons, and the companionship of running with friends.
Racing
My first marathon in Alaska meant the most to me; it was so challenging for many reasons. Marathons are difficult anyway, especially your first one. Alaska was so unlike other marathons - it was mostly on rocky, uneven terrain, and a lot of the course was uphill.
It's meant a lot to me to accomplish it. It's definitely a great achievement and one that I'll always remember. Celebrating
After completing a big race, I like to celebrate by going out to eat with my family and friends who support me along the way. Then afterwards I veg on the couch the rest of the day! Taking Care
On a regular basis throughout my training, I take yoga classes for relaxation, and I stretch thoroughly after runs. After a full marathon, I force myself to take an ice bath because it really helps in the long run, but its torture during the process. For my second marathon, I got a full body massage the day after, and that really helped with my sore muscles. Sustenance
I eat a lot of fruits, vegetables, and pastas. Because I'm a vegetarian, I also try to eat a lot of protein everyday. I love doing long runs because it gives me a great excuse to load up on carbs. My favorite pre-race food is definitely pasta. Motivation
I generally enjoy getting out the door most days to run, but what drives me the most is an upcoming race. I'm so much more motivated to run when there's a big race on the horizon pushing me to train. Toughing it Out
The hardest part of long distance running for me is staying hydrated. Compared to other runners, I tend to get dehydrated really easily. During races, I try to drink at every water station, but it's much harder to stay hydrated when I'm training on my own. It Takes a Village
My family is my biggest fan club. They support me every step of the way. Even though they may not understand why I run the number of miles I run, I know that they're proud of me.
For my first marathon in Alaska, my family flew out to see me run. My sister made lots of colorful signs to cheer me on, and my family met me at several locations along the marathon course. It makes all the difference in the world to have your family there with you. I run with my running buddy and good friend, Farah. We try to get together to run two or three mornings a week before we have class.
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Life in Balance
I try to start my day off with running. When I've already gotten my run in for the day before most people have woken up, I feel like I've accomplished something. Being a Woman
I love being a female runner because of the satisfaction I get when a male is completely taken aback by my ability to run marathons. To non-runners, it's very impressive, and even more so because I'm a woman. Top of Page Natalia Espinosa's 2009 Chicago Marathon
 Editor's Note: Congratulations Natalia on your Chicago Marathon! Here are Natalia's thoughts about her big day...
I recently ran my third marathon in October – the Chicago marathon. Thus far, it was my favorite race.
The expo was really great, the people in Chicago were so friendly and supportive, and the weather was absolutely wonderful.
After training in the summer heat in Houston, the 30-degree weather on race day was a welcomed change.
Natalia Espinosa, '09 Chicago Marathon The race was incredibly organized, especially considering the number of runners participating. I ran Chicago with my two good running friends, Farah and Jacob. We trained together and it was a great feeling to run the marathon together.
We were all amazed by the great crowd support in Chicago. The entire race was lined with spectators cheering and encouraging us to keep going. I have never seen so many people turn out for a marathon.
Although my family was unable to travel and see me cross the finish line, they were so supportive. When I arrived at home, they greeted me at the airport with balloons, flowers, and signs.
So far, the only race plans I have right now are to run the Houston half marathon in January with my older brother. (It will be his first!) I will probably run Chicago again next year, and eventually I’d love to run the London marathon as I have family in London.
I've caught the running bug and I don’t plan on stopping!
Natalia Espinosa
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