Meet the winners - Doris

Doris says she's not a great example of a runner, I beg to disagree! This charming woman has won several of our most recent challenges. She loves running, it makes her feel great and she makes sure she gets the running in.

Where do you live and what do you do when you're not running or being a mom?

I live in Vancouver. I am an anesthesiologist but I'm taking a year off after having my third baby.

How did you start running? For how long have you been running?

I'm not really a runner but I've always tried to run. I restarted running about 8 months ago. I'm slow. Really slow. Painfully slow. Old men with walkers and on oxygen pass me.

When do you go running and where? Do you have a favorite run?

I run in the mornings on the trails by my house. My favorite run is when it's over.

What do you like best about running?

How I feel when it's done. Happy.

How did you find Run with E?

On Heidi Swanson's blog. End consumer is hilarious BTW.

Thank you Doris!

Meet the winners - Lina!

My foxy neighbor Carlina, Lina, brought home a double victory. She won both the Running into October AND the Fridays vs Sundays challenge. (In picture above, Lina transports herself in her favorite mode, by letting someone else do the running for her).

She stormed in to our bookclub last week, fuming cause someone had beat her to the win. Turns out that someone was herself!

My 12,6 kilometers seemed like they were all wasted when I thought they hadn't registered. I'm a competitive person. When I lose, I can get a bit bitter.

Where do you run?

Mostly in the forest, sometimes I run in the streets. And I've recently taken up running at the running track!

How far and how often do you run?

No matter what, I try to run 3 times a week. Since a few weeks back, I run at least 10 k each time I go running. It's taken me a year to run that distance comfortably.

What's your goal when it comes to running?

Getting in (even better) shape, to be by myself, to get some fresh air. To be honest I'd also like to get more of a long distance runner's body, but I think I have to let go of that goal.

What would you like to say to people who can't make it out the door?

Try to think of the running as a promise to yourself and a competition against yourself. Think of your body like a machine, your head just happens to sit on top of this fantastic running machine. And remember that you'll feel so much better once you're out running and even better when you're done.

THANKS LINA!

Meet the winners - Annika Ekdahl Nordh

Lovely Annika Ekdahl Nordh is one of my favorite moms at school and daycare. Her daughter My is one of Vanja's closest friends. Her son Max shares many things with Joel. Like right now, chicken pox. Annika is currently in Moscow at a wedding, but she'll be back soon.

Annika ran like crazy to bring home the victory.

How does it feel?

Great, thank you! I had really made up my mind this time. It was my turn to win.

What was your strategy?

To take the lead early on, and never let it go.

How often did you run? And how far?

As it turned out, I had to run more or less every day to keep up against Nikki and Clara. Mostly, I ran 7 km runs but every now and then I ran 12k and 6k too.

And now, how much are you running now?

Not much. My legs need some rest!

Congratulations Annika!

Meet the winners -Clara

Author, editor and foodie Clara won the most recent challenge. No wonder she did, she's been running like a maniac. She and her husband welcomed 3 kids in less than 4 years and Clara often goes running to get a little time to herself. In the past year of running, Clara has lost over 10 pounds and an close relationship with her Nike+.

Congratulations Clara!

Meet the winners - Emi

Ciléne said...

I have questions... with 3 kids, how do you find the time to run? When? And I want to know your playlist.

Anders is a runner and encourages me to run so whenever he's home, I can go running. When he's not, I could go running with the stroller which I hate. Luckily for me, my dad works from home and lives nearby so I often have him come down and read to Niki for half an hour while I run. My mom babysits too, when she has the time. But the secret is really that I go running when there's time, not when I feel like it.  I don't have the luxury of feeling inspired.

R said...
What goes on your mind while running? I’m curious to know if that 'power song' feature really works for you?

My mind is often blank when I run, very focused on the running and the song. I think "I'm running running running" while I sing along. It's meditative. Other times I go over work, kids, relationships. I never use the power song thing anymore. In the beginning I used it a lot. Deeper and deeper with Madonna helped me become a stronger runner. 

Lulu said...
Where would you most like to run? Someplace on your normal route? Somewhere you've been and can't forget? A place you've never been?

I'm your cliche runner - dreaming of running in the parks of big cities - Hyde Park or Central Park. Or through the streets of Paris, along the banks of the Seine. I love cities. Would also love to run in Sicily, Tuscany, Oregon and New Hampshire. The place where I live is ridculously pretty and perfect for running. Meadows and horses and lambs and birds and wooden fences and forests and little brooks and a little bay. 

Alpha Monkey said...
How is your foot feeling? Also, how did you celebrate the victory?

My foot is so much better, thanks for asking! I celebrated by eating out with the kids. I had red meat (organic lamb) and potatoes au gratin. Very good. Also tried on a dress I can't afford. But it looked great, which was kind of a reward in itself. 

-------

let me also thank all you people for running with me and making running so much fun! I run for myself but the unexpected community you've created together with me means so much. To my surprise, I'm currently in better shape than I've ever been in my life! At 37, with three kids! Who knew?!?!?!? I started running to have energy to play with my kids and to work and enjoy life.  ! How well it paid off!

What prize did I pay for this happiness? The boobs have left the building. Completely. Though, for a runner, I guess this is actually an advantage. 

Meet the winners - Heidi

I've followed internet legend Heidi Swanson for years, first because she was the force behind ChickClick, dating back to the pioneer years of man's journey into cyber space. Then because I love her photography. These days, Heidi runs 101 cookbooks, a site not to be missed by anyone who loves food. But today, she's our hero because she was the first to complete 100 kms. 

How did you get involved in the runwithe challenges?
I was a reader of LTMJ, and then LFTEC, and I noticed Emi wanted
people to run with her. It's good motivation for me.

Have you always been a runner? If not, how did you get started?
Not at all, and I'd argue that calling myself a runner is a bit of a
stretch. My pace is more that of a jogger. I started doing it about a
year and a half ago, after a friend (who was a long-time runner)
pointed out that it was one of the most efficient workouts you could
do. Just run out your front door and be done with it in under an hour.
No more driving across town to the gym for a class, looking for
parking, etc. I just got to the point where I was tired of that and
wanted a change. It took me a while to "get it" - in the beginning I
didn't know how to pace myself at all, and I'd get tired and want to
quit 5 minutes in, but now if I'm tired and on the verge of quitting,
I just slow way down until I feel better.

Why do you run?
I like how I feel for the rest of the day after I run. I like being
outside, watching how the seasonal changes impact my running route.
It's a challenge, and something relatively new for me, so it's
interesting in that regard too.

How often, at what time and how far do you run?
Right now I run 4 or 5 times a week. I usually do 2 or 3 days on, one
day off. I run 7- 8kms. No set time, just whenever I feel like it.

Haruki Murakami writes about how his body slowly transformed into a
runner's body. Have you noticed any such body changes?

I definitely don't have a "runners body" but I am a lot leaner than
when I started. Id say I'm 20 pounds lighter than before I switched to
running - I also make a real effort to eat healthy too.

What kind of shoes do you run in?
My neighbor gave me a pair of NIke Air Vomeros that I really like. The
first time I tried them I thought to myself - this is like running on
clouds. I think I've worn them out though, they're ready to be
retired.

Any equipment you long for?
No, I think I'm all set. I wear pretty much the same thing every day -
I just keep multiples of my favorite pants, pullover, etc.

What music do you run to?
I actually listen to podcasts when I run, news and current event
mostly. I listen to the BBC Global News podcast, and I also enjoy
Leonard Lopate's WNYC podcast.

How do you beat the "I don't want to go running" moods?
I think to myself, if I go today then I can take tomorrow off.

thanks heidi!

Meet the winners - Linda B

I've never met Linda, but feel like I know her anyway. When she had 17 kms to run to beat Heidi, I thought she'd just might do it. And she did. Linda is a copywriter who lives in Lidingö, just like me. But she's much younger and she once studied to become a doctor. She also knows how to skate really well. As you can tell, she favors heel- and toeless pantyhose.

How did you get involved in the runwithe challenges?

Like many others, I’ve been an addicted follower since Letters To Marc Jacobs and The End Consumer.

Have you always been a runner? If not, how did you get started?
Yes and no. I started when I was about eleven and my figure skating trainer made us run in the summers when we didn’t have any ice to practice on. I hated it. Since then, I’ve either been running compulsively or not at all.

Why do you run?


For a number of different reasons! I run to get in shape, to be able to eat whatever I want (a.k.a. chocolate and white bread and French fries and more) without feeling bad, to be happy and to feel better about myself in general.
This time I ran thanks to Heidi. I really wanted to win.

How often do you run?

Hard to say – it depends on my mood and on the weather. Sometimes once every three weeks, sometimes five times a week.

When do you run?

Usually in the mornings. But when it’s this dark outside it’s hard getting up, so I try to compensate by running during the weekends instead.

Do you run alone or together with someone?
Sometimes alone, sometimes with my boyfriend.

How far do you usually run?
About 7 km.

What kind of shoes do you run in?
Asics Kayano. I love them!

Any equipment you long for?
No, not really. I’ve bought it all so I wont have any excuses not to run…

What music do you run to?

Loud music that keeps me from hearing my breathing.
My playlist right now:
Coldplay – Viva la Vida
Kleerup/Titiyo – Longing for Lullabies
A Flock of Seagulls – I Ran (So Far Away)
Alphaville – The Jet Set
Kleerup/Robyn – With Every Heartbeat
Michael Sembelo - Maniac


How do you beat the "I don't want to go running" moods?
Usually I don’t. But if I have a chance of winning a challenge it helps.

Meet the winners - Jenny!

Jenny is one of those smart foxy blondes that make up 78 percent of the female part of the Swedish population. The rest of us are smart foxy brunettes and redheads. I've never met Jenny, which is a little weird, considering that she works just a few hundred meters from where I live. She's a producer. And no, that's not yellow Evian she's drinking, it's cheap and sour white wine. 

Jenny's victory in this challenge was fast and definite. This is how Jenny runs:

How did you get involved with runwithe?

My very good friend Linda Börjesson told me about runwithe when I told her I wanted to start running. I liked the idea with having my own personal trainers on the web cheering for me and challenging me.

(editors note: that's lindab for those of you who are now familiar with the other runners user names)

Have you always been a runner?

No! I used to hate to run! But one day (5 months ago) I heard about
Nike + iPod and I decided to try it as a challenge.

Why do you run?

Women running look so powerful and cool. I want to be that too. And
also loose some weight.

How often do you run?

I try to run at least 3 times a week.

When do you run?

I run mainly before work at the gym on the treadmill. I like to have it
done so I can do some yoga or fitness training after work.

Do you run alone or together with someone?

Always alone. Can´t run and talk so its meaningless to have someone
with me.

How far do you usually run?

Nowadays I run about 5 km. I remember when I thought 5 km was a
marathon!

What kind of shoes do you run in?

When I started to run I bought a pair Saucony Omni. My feet and knees
love them and so do I!

Any other equipment you dream of?

An arm pouch for my iPod would be nice!

What music do you listen to when you run?

Often its music I wouldn´t listen to if I didn´t run. I need the beat.

Be my world - Milky is really good!

How do you beat the "I don't want to go running moods?"

I don´t run! I think my body tells me when its enough. But it´s easy
to get lazy so I need to listen carefully if it´s just laziness or a tired
body. If its not a tired body I go to the gym and just run.

....

thanks for your replies Jenny!

Meet the winners -Meaghan!

Meaghan Edwards lives in Toronto with her new husband. They're having as cold a time as we are up there, but she keeps running all the same. Meaghan is a researcher at a MukiBaum treatment centre for adults and children with complex disabilities. Other things she likes to do: hang out with her hubby, read great books, spend time with her family, talk politics, have adventures and generally try to enjoy the city as much as possible. 

This is how Meaghan runs.

How did you get involved in the runwithe challenges? 

Well I also have a certain affection/obsesssion with marc jacobs so I got here via LTMJ and later the end consumer


Have you always been a runner? 

Even now I don't think of myself as a runner...and I only won this challenge because snow and holidays prevented all of us ladies from reaching the end ;) But I do like to run and I guess I've been doing it for about 3 years.

Why do you run? 

Running is something I do to clear my head-it keeps me sane. Usually :)

How often do you run? 

about 4 times a week

When do you run? 

always always early morning before other things get in the way

Do you run alone or together with someone? 

I don't think I could run with other people---

what's your favourite route? 

That depends on the weather--I sometimes love parks and I sometimes love spying in shop windows for sales...

How far do you usually run? 

5-6 k sometime less sometimes more


What kind of shoes do you run in? 

Nike something or others at the moment

What music do you run to? 

I love to run to indie rock songs that make me move, old school hip hop, the ramones, MIA, nneka and whatever I happen to stumble upon. I love a good audio book too.

How do you beat the "I don't want to go running" moods? 

I really don't try to beat them--I just don't go. But I usually want to run unless I'm sick or it's colder than -15. I'm just a geek like that.

thanks meaghan!

Meet the winners - GURO!

Hot runner Guro is 27 and a political scientist. She lives with her boyfriend in Olso, Norway and works at TNS Gallup, in media research.
This is what she has to say to you, fellow runners.

How did you get involved in the runwithe challenges?
I am a fan from the Letters to Marc Jacobs-days. I was thrilled when you started blogging again, and I decided to give the Nike+gear a try. And it's so much fun. You're a good coach!

Have you always been a runner?
No, I started running in August. But I was sportif in my younger days.

Why do you run?
Because it feels great! And now I have talked so much about my newfound love for running to friends and colleagues, I have made it impossible for myself to stop.

How often do you run?
I run less frequently in wintertime, but I try to run twice a week.
When do you run?
After work. I am not a morning runner.
Do you run alone or together with someone?
I always run alone.

How far do you usually run?
About 10 km. The first 3 kms are the hardest.

What kind of shoes do you run in?
Some old Nikes, I will replace them during the January sales.

What music do you run to?
Nowadays I run to Mika, Kylie, REM, Kent, Depeche Mode and the Juno soundtrack. I downloaded some of the top ten powersongs, Eye of the tiger and Van Halen's Jump, but I got tired of them, it felt like such cliches. But one of them really works: Pump it by the Black Eyed Peas.

How do you beat the "I don't want to go running" moods?
I try to change my mindset into thinking that running is a reward in itself, but I am not at all there yet.

Meet the winners 5 - Reen!

Reen came out of nowhere to bring home the victory last challenge. Or out of nowhere isn't really true, she comes from Malaysia, where she's running with us. She's supernice and started running for a reason. Read up below.

How did you get involved in the runwithe challenges?

Through LFTEC. When I took up running and struggled to keep doing it, the runwithe challenge came to mind. It really motivates me to run when I see that I am lagging behind.

Have you always been a runner?
No.

Why do you run?
Mainly to lose weight which I have steadily put on over the years. Earlier this year, my BMI was almost in the 'Obese' category. So I started eating more healthily and joined kick boxing classes. Kick boxing then became somewhat expensive, so I took up running in October. It's a really good and way cheaper alternative, although I am still at the stage where I find it really hard/painful.

How often do you run?
I try to run 3 times a week... but if I slack off during the weekdays, I'll do a long run on the weekends instead.

When do you run?
Varies on how my day is. If I am going to have a long day at work, I'll try to run in the morning. I really like running at night in my housing area, though. The neighborhood is really pretty at night.

Do you run alone or together with someone?
Alone.

How far do you usually run?
I aim for at least 3kms (which sometimes doesn't happen!) and more than that on the weekend.

What kind of shoes do you run in?
New Balance.

What music do you run to?
Mika, Prodigy, Morcheeba, The Beatles, Travis, Foo Fighters. Really random.

How do you beat the "I don't want to go running" moods?
I think about the scale. The fact that I've lost some weight in the past month is enough to keep me going for now. But then again, since I am still new to running. I might still be a bit enthusiastic about it. We'll see :)

Meet the winners 4 -Marjan Esfandiari

Foxy Marjan Esfandiari is the most recent runwithe challenge winner. She lives in San Francisco with her husband and works as an assistant buyer at an online retailer. But in the picture above, she's visiting Sweden, enjoying a tasty tunnbrödsrulle. I've never met Marjan in real life, but that doesn't matter when you run together. Only this time Marjan ran longer in a shorter period of time than I did. Than any of us did. Here's how Marjan did it all.

How did you get involved in the runwithe challenges?

I found runwithe through lftec (and ltmj before that). The runwithe challenges actually came at a perfect time when I really needed the extra motivation to run/exercise.

Have you always been a runner?
Yes and no. I've started and stopped running at different points in my life but it's not something that comes easy for me. I think in the months that I have been participating in the challenges on runwithe I have improved a lot!

Why do you run?
I run because it makes me feel good. It's an added bonus if it improves the way I look too.

How often do you run?
It depends on the week but my goal is 4 times a week.

When do you run?
This varies but most recently I have been going early in the morning before work. It was really painful at first but it's worth it.

Do you run alone or together with someone?
Always alone.

How far do you usually run?
I sort of have to base this on how much time I have. Before work it's usually 5-6 kilometers. Weekends I try to run further and just last weekend was the first time I ran 10 kilometers without stopping.

What kind of shoes do you run in?
Saucony Grid Stabil

How do you beat the "I don't want to go running" moods?
I just try to think about how good I'll feel after I'm done.

Thank you Marjan!

Meet the winners 3 - Karin

Charming, funny never-lost-a-boardgame Karin really shocked all of us when she won the most recent challenge. Not because she won, for afterall it was a COMPETITION and she hates losing, but because she won by running. She has never been a runner. She's used to taking long brisk walks, imagining she's wearing tweed, walking about some British region where she'll soon open a door to a lovely little cottage where she'll have tea and scones with clotted cream.

But now, she runs like the wind. Here are the secrets behind her win.

How often do you run?
3 times a week.

When do you run?
At night, usually before dinner.

Do you run alone or together with someone?
Always alone. I don't see the point in running together.

How far do you usually run?
Until last week, only a little more than 5 kms. But I realized that I had to run further in order to win. So last Sunday I increased the distance and ran 11 kms. So I guess now you can say I run between 5kms and 10.

What kind of shoes do you run in?
Nike, no clue what kind.

How do you beat the "I don't want to go running" moods?

I've activated the robot brain - there are no excuses to not go running. No matter what kind of excuse I give my self, I have to get out there. And now, I actually want to go running. I never thought I'd get there.

What music do you run to?
Robyn and Justin Timberlake

What is it that you like about running?
Being alone.
I also like to notice my improvement, that I can run faster and further....

Any winning tip?
Get into the competition! Josefina and I were so close along the way, the suspense was killing me, and there were others behind us, getting closer all the time. Without Josefina, I'd never have run as far as I did this weekend, so I guess you can say a huge slice of my progress is a result of the challenge.
-------
That's all from Karin. She's off to Nice to celebrate her win. Seriously.

Meet the winners 2 - Clara

Clara won the "Run for victory. And great legs."-challenge. She really does have great legs. Clara is a talented copywriter, a wonderful friend and a hilarious dinner companion. She lives in the apartment of your dreams with her handsome husband and lovely kids. You want her around, like, all the time. Just perhaps not when you're in a competition. Cause she's likely to win. In her high school days, she was a very fast junior sprinter and hedge runner.

How often do you run?

I aim for 3 times a week, but that never happens cause life is so unpredictable.

What time do you prefer to go running?
Always at night, preferably before dinner, but sometimes after. Am too tired in the mornings.

Do you run alone or with somebody else?
It's just me. Me against time!

How far do you usually run?
At least 5kms but not further than 10 (so far) and everything in between.

What shoes do you run in?
New Balance

What music do you run to?
No music so far. The sounds of my breathing and panting are my only company. I will start running to music, I just haven't made any playlists yet. I think it will improve my running even more.

What do you like about running?

I like being outdoors, spending some time by myself. I also enjoy watching my own improvement.

Any winning secrets?
Try to consider your running as a privilege. Think of running as a moment of luxury instead of as a disgusting thing you need to carry out. Go running even when you don't feel like it. You'll never regret a run, but you're likely to regret not running.

Try to find your winning instinct, I'm sure it's there somewhere. When you find it, you're invincible.

Meet the winners 1 - Josefina

All of you have not met Josefina, so let me start by telling you that she is a wonderful person. It's also her birthday today.

Josefina is the nicest programmer I've met. She's also very funny. She's from the north of Sweden and talks in the most appealing dialect.

She tells me she runs in Nike+ shoes but she can't remember the exact model.
Here are some more winning answers:

How often do you go running?
I try to run at least three times a week

When do you run?
Post work during the weekdays and mornings or early afternoon during the weekends.

Do you run together with someone?
No, mostly I run by myself.

How far do you usually run?
At least 5kms.

What do you listen to?
I listen to talk radio. Documentaries. When I listen to music, I tend to go for pop. On my most recent run, I listened to all saints, sugarbabes and amy winehouse.

What do you like about running?
I like how it clears my head and I like the exercise. I also like the competition. No way I would have run this much without the challenges.

Would you share your key to success, the secret behind your win?

I don't really have a secret. I think I just lucked out.


-----
sure. luck. see how modest she is? she was the winner. she ran further, faster. luck had nothing to do with it.