Runner Spotlight - Laurie Wirz
Occupation: Training in Museum Work (curator NOT tour guide) but Wirz family household President and CEO right now (aka Mom).
Where are your from? Born in
How did you get started into running? I ran cross-country and track in high school–I had terrible coaches, and I only ran occasionally in college, like around finals time, when I was super stressed. Then about six years ago, a woman I didn’t know very well came up to me at church and said, “You look like a runner. Why don’t you run with me?” She was so intimidating, I couldn’t say no, and I’ve been running ever since–through two pregnancies and a move. I’ll be forever grateful to her!! (we still run together when she visits from
What teams have you been on? I’ve been on the less-than-amazing Springville Red Devils track team, and the SDRR Wasatch Back team 2008, and the
Stories: The only interesting story I can think of about running was that one of my running partners in Colorado Springs would ALWAYS have to go #2 when we ran anything longer than 5 miles, so she would go knock on random people’s doors, ask to go potty, and I would be stuck talking to a bemused homeowner while she did her business.
Current Mileage: My current weekly mileage is about 30 miles. I’m trying to decide whether or not I have time to train for a marathon.
Next Race: I didn’t sign up for the Ogden Half in time (dang it!) so my next race is a 5K at my sons’ elementary–Reading Elementary. You’re all welcome to come run it–they have great prizes! It’s on May 30th at the school.
Future Race Plans: Ragnar Relay Wasatch Back, Centerville Freedom Run 5K, Farmington Festival Days 10K, Manzanita Beach 10K (beach run in Oregon!), Garden of Eden 10-miler (if they have it), Park City 1/2 Marathon, Hood to Coast (hopefully), and MAYBE St. George Marathon
Favorite Run: My favorite run is to take off and go wherever I feel like it. I like including the Farmington Pond/Lagoon Trail in it.
Fav Race Distance: 1/2
PRs: My best 1/2
Favorite products: I love my Asics shoes, my orthotic insoles, my Nike hat, my new Oakley sunglasses, and the Garmin Forerunner 405 that I am going to get (hopefully soon).
Why do you run? I love it. I’m a much better person when I run. That’s when I work out all my stress and get my best ideas. I love going out for a run in the Spring and smelling the earth coming alive, or in the summer and feeling the heat off the road, or the fall and crunching the leaves. I can’t run in the winter because I have asthma, but I have grown somewhat fond of the treadmills at the Rec Ctr! Running is the only “me time” I get during the day.
What are your running goals? This year I want to get faster, more competitive, stronger. I’ve always been a recreational runner, but this year I want to see what my body can really do.
Best advice you have been given by someone about running? Strengthen your core and your running will be WAY better. (Thanks, Lora!)
Best advice you can give to others just getting started into running? Don’t decide whether you like it or hate it until you have good shoes and you’ve done it consistently for at least four months. When you’re just starting out, you’re trying to figure out your pace, your breathing, your form–just do the best you can, and it will fall into place. You’ll be addicted.
Other hobbies or interests? I love history, museums, historic sites, crocheting (I sound like an old Grandma), reading, government, hiking, playing with my kids, good movies, eating out, travel, bike rides, football (watching and playing), meeting and talking to interesting people, ballroom dancing (not good at), hanging out on the Oregon beach (much different than CA)
Tell us more about you (family, work etc…)? I have a husband (from TX), and three amazing kids, Max-almost 9, Kiegan 6 1/2, and Catie 4. They are some of the most interesting little people I have ever met, and I love hanging out with them! My extended family lives in
