Team Member Michelle Dillon is getting ready to run the New York City Marathon this weekend. The Racing caught up with her to talk about her recent training and general thoughts on running.
Michelle Dillon
Clayton
Hometown: Kirkwood
Running Shoe: New Balance Zante
Preferred Race Distance: Half Marathon (PR:1:38:40)
Q: You ran in the MO Cowbell half marathon and won your age group (1:38:40). Why did you pick this race in particular and how did it go for you?
Dillon: I ran the inaugural MO’Cowbell and have run it each year since. It is a tradition at this point. For me, it is the race that kicks off Fall race season. It has been fun to watch the race grow. This year, my race felt good. I had a pace goal in mind and was able run it, always a confidence builder.
Q: You’re planning on racing the New York marathon on Sunday. Was Cowbell good preparation for that race?
Dillon: I think the Cowbell was a great tune up for New York. It gave me a chance to check my fitness level. It is always nice to race and use it as a practice run for an upcoming event.
Q: What are your goals for NYC?
Dillon: My goals for New York are varied. I want to enjoy this race, see all the sights and enjoy the crowd that I have heard so much about. I do have a time in mind, but it seems to change weekly!
Q: What’s the most difficult part of training for a half or full marathon?
Dillon: The most difficult part of training is to not push your workouts. More is not necessarily better. Whether it is intervals, tempo or easy long, you have to honor the plan.
Q: When did you start running and what got you interested in the sport?
Dillon: I started running a little over 5 years ago. I used to swim at least 5 days a week. I am also a Spinning Instructor. I thought that would be enough. A good friend and I were swimming laps together and chatting. She pointed out that I wasn’t getting any younger and really needed to include bone building activities, swimming and Spinning are not enough. She suggested running as she was an avid runner. I thought it would be so easy with my swimming and Spinning. I was so wrong. I dreaded my “running days” at first. I could barely run a couple of miles. Once I started, I knew I needed a goal, l so I signed up for the Go! St. Louis Half Marathon. After that, I was hooked. At this point, swimming has gone to the back burner and running is my favorite activity.
Q: Where is your favorite place to run in the St. Louis area and why?
Dillon: Forest Park remains my favorite place to run in St. Louis. Living so close to the park makes it so easy. With running so often in the park, you see the same people over and over. Even though you may not know their name, you always wave; it is like having an extended running family. I also like the mixture of flat and hills. No matter what the workout, there is someplace perfect to run.
Q: What is the best part of being part of the Big River Racing team?
Dillon: The best part about being part of the Big River Racing team is running with so many talented runners. Everyone shares the same passion for running. The team challenges me to be a better runner.
You can track Michelle’s progress in the Marathon this weekend here. For more coverage on the NYC marathon you can watch ESPN’s race coverage on Sunday morning. Another team member Matt Lawder will also be racing the marathon in New York.
(Boston 2015: Dillon completed the Boston Marathon this Spring with a time of 3:42)
