Category — Interviews

Galvanize: shock or excite (someone), typically into taking action

Erudite: having or showing great knowledge or learning

Sassy: bold, full of spirit, cheeky
Lioness: a female lion

Today, I have an interview with Beth Risdon, the voice behind Shut Up and Run. She is an accomplished runner and a mother of two (although there’s no physical proof she carried those kids).  And she keeps it real. Her sharp humor makes you want to hug her and then throw her to the ground. But you don’t because you really like her. She is unabashed about who she is while still inspiring others to be their best. Beth is proof that age is a number, limitations are a mirage, and attitude is everything.

Gatorade Sucks, Wine Doesn’t: An interview with Beth Risdon of Shut Up and Run

Define runner.
 In literal terms: that moment when you break into a jog from a fast walk you are a runner. Any pace, any distance, any goal. In figurative terms: someone who is determined, disciplined and/or strong.

Why do you run? The endorphin release? The PR? The caloric burn? 
Running is a complete release for me. It brings me confidence and energy. It makes me feel strong and capable. Although part of my reason for running is to stay in shape, I don’t do it to lose weight. I don’t love every minute of every run. In fact, sometimes I hate it – when I am tired, sore, cramping or burned out. What I do love, however, is how I feel after every single run. Accomplished, productive and alive.

What’s up with the picture of you in the tub naked? I’m sure the male readers went crazy! I can see them now with their faces pressed to the computer screen playing scratch and sniff. Why do you torture them so? 
Scratch and sniff??? I wouldn’t recommend that! Being harmlessly provocative keeps people coming back. You have to walk that fine line and take risks. It keeps things interesting.

You are super lean. Hard work or good genes?
 A bit of both. My mom is thin and has a great metabolism, so I have that going for me. But to develop strength, muscles and endurance takes hard work. I don’t think you’re born with that stuff. I am very disciplined. I follow a strict marathon training plan and I incorporate lots of yoga. I throw in a triathlon race every now and then to ensure that I work on other cross training activities. I eat really well too – lots of whole grains and veggies. My vice? I drink a lot of wine and I’m not giving it up any time soon.

What would you improve about yourself? (Don’t say anything about your body because you look good and to say otherwise would make the women readers depressed.) 
My butt. Just kidding. I’m under strict orders to not talk about my body. I sometimes sabotage myself by caring too much what people think. If you read my blog, you may not believe that because I am brutally honest and expose myself on all different kinds of levels. But, in reality, I’m as vulnerable and fragile as the next guy. When you put yourself out there to thousands of people in a blog format, you’re going to get people who criticize you and want to bring you down. I would say for the most part everyone is incredibly supportive, but there is that occasional asshole. I try to shrug those guys off. Take in the positive, discard the negative, right?

On Motherhood
Rumor has it that motherhood is tough. How do you maintain both high mileage and normal children? 
Hey! Are you calling my children normal?? It is tough. It’s not all about you anymore. It takes a ton of balance. I am extremely high energy. Typically I will finish a long run of 16 miles before my children even wake up and know I’m gone. I try to not let my running interfere too much. The kids know it is a HUGE part of my life, however. We travel to races together and they have a deep respect for the challenge of the sport. They are both runners as well. Of course it is all about being organized in order to fit it all in. I stay on schedule big time and don’t deviate much from my plans.

Soon your daughter will be at the age when looks mean everything. Her friends and the media will pressure her to be a certain size and/or envy the people who are that size. What will be your message to her?
 Setting a good example is everything. I am NEVER on a diet. I NEVER talk about my weight or let her see me questioning if I look good enough. Kids pick up on everything. Even a small and seemingly insignificant comment about “pants being too tight” or “putting on a couple of pounds” can send the wrong message. The most important thing in our house is to nourish our bodies and take care of them. Moderation, not deprivation. This does not guarantee that she will avoid issues related to weight and body image, but it’s what we can do right now. I also am careful about the types of media she is exposed to including television.

On Music, Nail Polish, and Booze
If running distances were alcoholic drinks, what would a 5k be? What drink would a marathon be? 
Of course the 5k would be the tequila shot. Quick, strong and powerful. The marathon would have to be a sipping drink like brandy. You take it slow and easy, talking all the while. You start out too speedy and you pay for it later.

You’re in a race at the water stop. What do you choose? Water or Gatorade?
 I hate Gatorade and I’m pretty sure it’s given me the runs. During races I alternate a sport’s drink (anything other than Gatorade) and water. Sometimes I dump water on my head and drink the sport’s drink if I’m feeling sassy. One time I dumped sport’s drink on my head by mistake and I don’t suggest that. Water at aid stations is also good if you peed yourself while running and want to wash it away a bit. I don’t think, however, that this method would work with #2.

Do you paint your toenails? If so, what color?
 Heck yeah. I love a good pedicure. Right now they’re OPI’s Party in My Cabana Pink. Hands down OPI has the best nail color names.

Name three songs that put you in a good mood.
 Black Eyed Peas: I Gotta Feelin’
The Romantics: What I Like About You
Matt & Kim: Don’t Slow Down

If I run, do I have to shut up?
 Heck no. The point of the “Shut Up and Run” title is that you need to stop bitching and complaining and making excuses for not running and just get out and do it. If you’re already out there running, talk as much as you’d like as long as you don’t pass out.

The end.

Now that you’ve been inspired and entertained, go out and do something. Be active, be creative, be inspirational, be BOLD! And when you’re done, visit Beth at Shut Up and Run to keep the momentum going.

Her name is Lindsay Goulet. She has a beautiful face, a ripped body, and she’s nice! I’m left with no choice but to hate her. Actually, I am one of Lindsay’s biggest fans. She is a constant source of running inspiration and a friendly reminder that I need to do more abdominal work. I sat down with Lindsay to discuss her life as an elite runner. She’s an expert so take notes.

As an elite runner, you are pretty much at the top of your game. What are your personal running goals?
Eventually, I’d love to qualify for the Olympic trials in the marathon. The next time is 2012 and the window opens up next Fall. The standard is a 2:47. My current marathon time is a 2:49.

What has been your greatest running moment?
The Marine Corps Marathon ‘08 was my greatest and worst running moment combined. I came in 2nd place. By 11 seconds! As the race started, my legs felt more tired than usual. But I hung in there. I was in 3rd place for most of the race. I passed one of the girls at mile 21, which definitely gave me momentum to keep going. Then I was one minute behind the leader. Everybody was yelling to me, “You’re one minute behind.” From mile 21 to mile 26, I slowly gained on her until I was just 10 seconds behind. She was within touching distance. During the last 2/10 of a mile, my calves cramped up and I couldn’t get her. It was a tough race.

Does it hurt more knowing you were so close to a victory?
Yes. If I had come in third or had been a minute or two behind I think it would have been easier to say, “Well, she was better than me and it wasn’t my day.” But to come that close and not win was very difficult. You can be perfectly trained, have everything working out perfectly, and just not feel great on that day.

What is your pre-race routine?
I lay out my clothes the night before. On race day, I wake up at 6:00 a.m. I like to eat an hour and a half to two hours beforehand. For the 10k, I don’t think it’s as important to eat that far ahead but definitely at least an hour and a half. Once I’m at the race, I warm up for about three miles.

What is your ideal pre-race meal?
I’ve gone through a bunch of different things. Currently, I like eating the Cliff Bar Kids, the little Z-bars. I’ll have one before a short race. Before a marathon, I’ll eat two. It’s important to make sure you’re not eating things filled with fiber. You don’t want stomach issues.

What are the common mistakes of runners?
When they start seeing success in their races, they start thinking, “Okay, more is better, and I’m just going to keep pushing it and pushing it”.  And then they end up injured. It’s a major mistake and it really does hurt their training. Also, people don’t pay attention to the smaller things like stretching and getting massages. I do ice baths in the summer after my long runs and after races. They are torture but it really, really helps my recovery and prevents me from getting injured.

Do you strength train?
Yes. I love doing weights, yoga, and ab work. It’s important to strengthen other muscles and keep your core and upper body strong. Strength is crucial during a race when you’re fatigued and your form starts to fall apart. I lift weights three times a week. It has definitely helped my running.

Have you ever had a bad day? Felt like taking a nap instead of running?
I have days during marathon training when I say to myself, “Oh, when is this going to be over?” I’m one to go out the door and then realize I “forgot” to do something. I will try to put it off every second possible. Even though I may not want to do it right then, I think of how much better I’ll feel when I get back. That’s what gets me out there and gets me going. It’s the feeling you get while you’re doing it and the feeling you get when you’re done.

Too many people don’t pursue their dreams because they’re afraid of failure. How do you stay driven and focused?
Running takes talent and training but a huge part of it is mental. Sometimes I struggle with that. I’ll think, “Oh, that person is better than me”. And then I’ll operate as if that person is going to beat me. But you can’t do that in running because you never know what will happen. You have to really believe in yourself and believe you can do it. Anything is possible!

The end.

When you see Lindsay running down the street, be sure to honk, wave, or throw money. If you decide to toss her some cash, make sure the bills are neatly rolled and secured with a rubber band so it will be easier for her to carry.

Fiery. Magnetic. Spirited. Rare.

That’s how I would describe the subject of my most recent interview. She is a choreographer, dancer, b-girl, and shining light. She’s hard to miss and impossible to ignore.

She’s like Dance Dance Revolution supersized, only more cool and less structured. In one word, she is magic, oozing passion and grit all over the dance floor. The evenly worn tread on her broken-in Nikes reflects the balance and fluid percolation that is her trademark. Putting her heart into every plie, jack, and toprock, she bleeds vulnerability into the fabric of her oversized basketball shorts.

Naturally, you are drawn to her. She is mesmerizing, dancing with the sincerity of a mother’s last wish. Your awe toggles between jealously and admiration, but you keep the green-eyed monster in check because you know that’s how she’d want it. Any compliment you serve will never go to her head. Instead, it will take the HOV lane straight to her heart. She will dance the love right back to you, for it is her thank you.

I introduce you to the one and only: Miss Jojo Diggs.

Describe yourself in five words.
Funny, smart, artistic, spiritual, free

You lived an ordinary life in D.C. Now you are living your dream in L.A. How’d it happen?
I started drinking when I was 13 years old. When I was 18, I started drinking every day. Four years later, I found dance and quit drinking cold turkey. Dancing saved my life! In 2006, I decided it was time for a change so I moved to Phoenix. I didn’t leave D.C. to follow my dreams because I didn’t know what they were. I left to find me. In 2008, I decided to take a journey from Phoenix to Seattle, driving in my car and writing a documentary about how dance affects people. I slept in my car a lot and ate peanut butter & jelly sandwiches. After two months, I ended up in L.A. That’s when I realized, “Wow, I’m going for it!” I just kept following my gut instincts and trusting God. And now I’m here, living a dream. It’s amazing!

What is your favorite dance accomplishment?
It would be teaching at Debbie Reynolds and Edge Performing Arts Center in L.A. I’ve traveled many places but the excitement and challenge that comes from those two schools creates a feeling that I haven’t had before. I’m honored to teach among the best choreographers in the world.

Let’s talk choreography. What’s your process, genius?
I hear the music first before I choreograph. I start with a base of choreography, the most natural one that comes and then I add on and build from there, trying to add more musicality and more ‘me’. Bruce Lee said to be like water. If there is a cup, it becomes a cup. If it’s placed into a bottle, it becomes a bottle. I attempt to be like water. I attempt to become the music. Not only am I choreographing to the lyrics and the beat, but I try to capture the inflections of the artists’ voice, the emotion behind the drums, the pattern of clicks. I feel blessed to have this gift.

How important is physical strength in dance? Can you be out of shape and a great dancer?
You can be out of shape and still be a great dancer, but I feel your expression will be limited. A lot of the dance world is getting more into isolation movement, which won’t generally break a sweat in a class but I prefer massive and strong movements. It doesn’t make me more of a dancer, I just love the feeling of using and challenging my body physically. I want to leave a class feeling exhausted and happy.

Are there good and bad dancers? Is it possible to have no rhythm and still be “dancing”?
Dance should feel good more than look good. Some of my favorite dancers to watch are the new ones. It’s easy for an experienced dancer to get in the middle of a crowd and dance. But there’s something to be said for a brand new dancer who stands up in that same crowd and dances. It requires so much courage and freedom. If they are smiling and having fun, heck yes I think they’re dancing. If you are not waiting for anyone’s approval, simply dancing for your own satisfaction, you are a dancer!

Dance is your heart and soul. If you became physically limited, what would you do?
Whatever God hands me, I will do my best to continue to share what I love. If I was suddenly handicapped, say in a wheelchair I would still dance. I would open a class for other people in wheelchairs to come dance. If I was paralyzed from head to toe, I would start up a meeting in the hospital where we all lie around listening to music and imagine ourselves dancing. I love dancing, every part of it.

When you are tired, bloated, and your allergies are raging, how do you stay motivated?
This is a difficult question for me because dancing is a dream to me, so it’s rare that I’m not motivated to do it. I could be dead tired with the flu and if I hear music it’s over; I’m dancing! I would encourage people to write down the feelings they have when they achieve their goals. Whatever your feelings of satisfaction and success would be, write them down on a piece of paper and keep it posted on your wall or something. Read them often and focus on how great you’ll feel afterwards.

What is the dream for your life?
My dream is to be happy and help others feel confident. I honor Mia Micheals because she is able to inspire and touch lives. I honor Angie Bunch, founder of Culture Shock because she created an opportunity for dancers to come together and celebrate life and dance. I hope to be able to have a similar impact. I want to travel the world teaching. I want to be recognized globally for having an impact on the direction of dance by encouraging others to live and be free. I want to make my parents proud, and I want to succeed so that others can see that when you believe in yourself anything can be accomplished.

Jojo epitomizes physical strength, mental clarity, and passion for life. In case you need more proof, here’s just one of many videos where Jojo’s light shines.

Today, we have Lance from the Jungle of Life as our guest writer. His passion for writing stems from his passion for spreading goodness. His blog is a constant reminder to stay focused on the important things in life. You may be wondering how the two of us got connected. Well, it’s simple. We have a bond that no one can break: neither of us can swim. Lance’s words will humble you, inspire you, and encourage you to live your best life. Read this inspirational post directly from the man himself.

“Champions aren’t made in the gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them, a desire, a dream, a vision.” ~ Muhammad Ali

What is it you want?

Really, and deeply, what is it you want?

Are they different answers? the first question and the second?

“I want to look good for my 10-year class reunion. ”

We may want this. However, do we deeply want this? Probably,
there is something deeper. What we might more deeply want is a feeling
of being more self-confident in our bodies, for instance. Wanting to
look good is one way in which we can feel more self-confident.

Look deep.

What’s there? What do you see?

This might not be an easy place to get to. In going to the depths of
our being, we may have many doors to open, and many paths we can take.
Some may be dead ends. Some doors may lead back to our surface wants.
If we keep looking, keep opening those doors, we will find that center, our
core.

And this is the place to look.

Find that place, look for answers, and find what it is that really motivates
you.

Why?

There will be days when you want to give it up. There will be days
when it’s easier to quit. Maybe to fall back on old habits.

It’s in these moments, when it’s a struggle to get out of bed, when the
lure of past vices pull at you, when it’s easier to plop down in front of the
television, that we define really how much we want that thing. If
it’s a surface want that we’re focusing on (like looking good for the class
reunion) then it’s going to be easy to slip and fall back into old
habits. However, if we’ve dug deep, and really identified what the core
value behind this is, we’re in a much better position to fight past these
moments.

Without understanding the “why”, without going deep to find an
answer, we’re only looking at temporary solutions, not lasting change.

You! You are in charge of your life. What are YOU going to do
with it? What are your deepest desires? Go after them!
Challenge yourself. Be afraid not of what may go wrong. Instead, be
buoyed by a real belief in yourself and in what matters deeply to you.

And sometimes, “it” may not all work out. There will be
moments when we’re not our best. Or we miss a target we were shooting
for. That’s okay. We pick ourselves back up, review why it is we’re
doing this, and tackle “it” again.

Will you get “there”? To that place you are seeking, that
has value and meaning to you? That’s a question only you can
answer. Know though, that you’re setting yourself up for much greater
success if you’ve done this important work up front. Look deep. See
what’s truly there. And live!”