Every month I will feature one of PBRC’s runners in our “I AM a Runner” Series. Juanita Yarrell has been generous enough to be our first runner featured.
PBRC: When did you start running?
Juanita: I started running in January 2010. I’d never belonged to a running club until I joined the Purple Butterfly running club.
PBRC: Why did you start running?
Juanita: Initially, I started running because the 2009 – 2010 winter season was colder than usual. So I wasn’t able to play much tennis due to the cold. I needed something to do consistently instead. Eric Worthy (Commissioner of the WTL tennis league at Wachovia – Wells Fargo) sent an e-mail regarding the Purple Butterfly running club. I thought joining would be perfect because it would help increase my endurance. This, in turn, would help with tennis, especially 3-set matches.
PBRC: What do you enjoy about running?
Juanita: I enjoy being able to clear my mind and focus on nothing else except running at that moment. I also enjoy the burst of energy and sense of accomplishment I get post-run.
PBRC: Did you enjoy running right away?
Juanita: Oh, no!! I didn’t enjoy running right away because I’d never run consistently. I truly struggled to even run 5 minutes when I first started!
PBRC: What is in your running playlist?
Juanita: Eric Roberson, Michael Jackson, Maze, Featuring Frankie Beverly, John P. Kee
PBRC: You recently ran the Cooper River Bridge 10K , that was your first organized race. Was it what you expected??
Junaita: I really didn’t know what to expect since it was my first race. My intention was not to make my first race a 10k. But I’d heard so much about this particular race that I wanted to participate. I could not believe the number of people there that morning.
PBRC: What is your most memorable running moment?
Juanita: So far, my most memorable running moment was when I crossed the finish line of the Cooper River Bridge Run race. My 8-year old son was so proud that he took my race shirt and race bib to school that following Monday to show his classmates and teacher! I felt like I’d finish a full marathon!
Juanita you are doing wonderful in the running!!! And ooh how my heart gushed when you talked about your son bringing your CRBR shirt & bid to school the next day!
Just imagine all the “actions” you are showing your kids in how to live a healthy life!! You Rock Mama!!!
This is a great feature! There’s nothing like the first road race and the feeling you get from it. Can’t wait to read the next feature.