Heather Gannoe

Meet Heather Gannoe. Heather is one of our weekly contest winners.

Age: 27

Location: Myrtle Beach SC

Occupation: mom of two toddlers (it’s a full time job!), full time college student,  lab assistant in our University’s exercise science lab

What are some of your hobbies/interests/passions? Running is my passion!  I am jumping into the multi-sport world this year, so I’m hoping to add swimming and biking to that list.  My other passion is sharing my love for running and fitness with others.  I’m currently finishing up my bachelors degree in exercise and sports science, and I hope to be able to pursue this passion as a trainer and coach.   And of course, I love spending my free time with my family.  We love living here at the beach and being outdoors as much as possible!

How long have you been running? On and off (between pregnancies) for the last 3 years

How did you get started running? My older sister- I was completely inspired to take up running after watching her complete and finish numerous races, including a marathon, all while undergoing chemotherapy.

What other sports have/do you participate in? I love to surf in the summer, and I will soon be swimming and biking quite a bit in preparation for my first season as a triathlete!

What’s your favorite running workout? I couldn’t pick!  Some days I love pushing myself on shorter distance tempo runs. Other days, I love slower paced long runs.

What’s your favorite non-running workout? I enjoy plyometrics and boot camp style group fitness

What is the last race you participated in? Locally, New Years Day prediction race.  Larger race: Beach2battleship 140.6 relay (I ran the marathon leg.)

When is your next race? Myrtle Beach Half Marathon, 2/13/10

When you hit a psychological wall while running/training, how do you get past it? I remind myself that I’m not out here to win an Olympic gold, I’m out here because I LOVE it.  So if I hit that wall, I slow myself down and reevaluate.  I try to always appreciate the fact that I am able to be out there running, and never take that ability for granted.  And I try to never lose the love I have for this sport, I never want it to feel like a chore.

What is your favorite piece of running gear? A tie between my Garmin forerunner 305, and my Sugoi arm warmers

What are some of your future running goals? Short term: building my endurance, coming as close to logging 2010 running miles in 2010 as possible! (as long as the weather and my toddlers cooperate!)  Long term: a Boston marathon qualifying time!   I also really hope to run a marathon in all 50 states.