Growing up in sunny California, Writer Leah Singer may not have imagined herself a Hoosier at heart. In 2016, Leah found herself leaving her San Diego life behind and moving to Terre Haute, IN with her family. She quickly adjusted to the changes by doing something that she didn’t do in California: she went for a run. Since that October 2016 day, Leah ditched her cheap walking shoes for a pair of Brooks. She has since settled into her new life in Terre Haute, and can be found exploring her community by foot at local trails and parks. It is true that home is where your heart lies, or where you hang your running hat.
Please enjoy our recent chat:
When did you decide you wanted to join a running group?
I ran solo and did 1-2 mile runs every few days for about a year. Toward the end of 2017, I felt like I hit a wall with my running. I wanted to do more miles and I wanted to meet people who were like me and wanted to run. I knew about Wabash Valley Road Runners, so I joined Trained in Terre Haute as a way to increase my running and meet people in that community. That was one of the best things I’ve done for running. Since then, I have increased my mileage, built endurance, and met some awesome people. Now most of my friends are runners.
I know you are a writer. What are some things you enjoy writing about?
One of the best things I have written and the piece I’m most proud of love was the feature story I wrote for Terre Haute Living about the Terre Haute ultra-running community. Those individuals have been a huge inspiration to me in terms of my personal running and made me want to be a better runner. I feel really connected to the ultra mindset.
I like to write about living in the Midwest and Terre Haute and the cool things people do here. I think people tend to ignore the Midwest and not realize how much potential there is here. So I like to draw attention to that and the businesses doing awesome things.
What inspires you to keep running, or as your running?
I think what keeps me going and wanting to do more is learning about myself, and what I can do. It has helped me so much mentally and physically as well. Being a part of this community that really cares about one another and wants each other to succeed is so inspiring to me. For me, it’s not about race times or finishing as much as the whole experience – learning about yourself with people who feel the same way.
What is your favorite distance to race, so far?
I like the half marathon distance a lot. My favorite event I’ve done so far is the Hawthorn Half Day where I did my first ultra and that was 32.5 miles. I had never been on my feet moving for 12 hours the way I did that day. Even though I was hurting toward the end, it was it was the most incredible day for me.
How many miles a week do you run?
I had been averaging 20 – 30 miles a week, but I added in another day of running because I’m training for a 100K race in the fall, so it will definitely get higher.
Do you prefer to run alone or in groups?
Both. I always thought I was a solitary runner and preferred to run on my own. But I’ve come to really love finding a group of people to run with. Especially on those longer runs when you’re out for several hours. It’s harder to do those distances when you’re by yourself. I find it really helpful to have people to talk with and keep each other going. But I still like to run by myself a couple of times a week because it helps me mentally process things.
If you could give a beginner, or someone interest in beginning to run advice to get out there, what advice would that be?
Everyone can do it. I never thought I could run. I never thought I was physically capable of this. If it is something you want to do, just keep going. We are all a lot more capable mentally and physically than we think we are. If you want it, you can do it. It’s just a matter of time. One of my goals this year was to build endurance. It’s hard to see [improvements] week to week; but when you compare year-to-year, or even where you were a few months ago, you can see the change. So keep at it and know that it takes time, but it will happen.
What is your favorite thing to use for nutrition or fuel on a long run?
Over the last year, I started using the Advocare products and I love the Rehydrate drink. I think that’s what kept me going at Hawthorn Half Day. I didn’t get dehydrated or swell up and was able to keep moving. I filled up my 12 oz. water bottle every 3 miles with Rehydrate and water. It was really hot that day and I just kept downing it. It’s my lifesaver!
What kind of running shoes do you wear?
I never realized I was in the wrong shoe for a long time. Thanks to the people at Pacesetter’s, I was fitted in Brooks Adrenaline. People told me don’t think about how much a shoe will help you. But I swear I started running in these Brooks shoes and my times increased, I can run longer, and I have less pain in my legs. These shoes are a godsend.
Music or podcast while running?
Music
Favorite song or genre to run to?
I have a playlist of songs that I listen to when I run that I typically don’t listen to otherwise, but for some reason they just help me move. One of my favorite songs on there is “Solsbury Hill” by Peter Gabriel and anytime that song comes on, I just take off.
Favorite Quote?
There is a quote my dad always said to me when I was young and it’s still one of my favorites. It’s by Lao Tzu, a Chinese Philosopher, and it’s also perfect for running: “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”
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