Meet our 2017 Half Marathon Top Female
Jackie Adamson is having a remarkable running year. In May, Jackie ran her second ever half marathon and took the first place female win at the Fargo Marathon. The former Bisons runner brought it back home on Father’s Day and again took the top female spot in the Intrepid Dezine Half Marathon. With a humble attitude towards her success and a strong season under her belt, it looks like Jackie’s best is still yet to come.
Why do you run?
I have always been an active person and had a passion for running for as long as I can remember. It is a love/hate relationship but will be part of my life for as long as my body allows me too! Keeping in shape has always been important to me and going for a run is something I always look forward to at the end of the work day. It also allows me to eat ice cream guilt free!
What do you do for cross-training? Do you focus more on it in the off season or do you keep it consistent all year?
This past year is the first year I really actively incorporated cross training: I attend indoor spin classes at least 1-2 a week. Growing up I was a pretty “lazy” runner when it came to cross training and off day runs. I found in this past year when it came to half marathon training that it really helped with recovery after hard work outs.
If you could run any race what would it be?
Now that I have picked up marathon running I eventually hope to run a full and qualify for Boston. I also think it would be pretty cool to run an ultra-marathon or some sort of ultra-trail race.
When you think about setting goals for yourself, what’s the process like? How far in advance do you try to plan for?
Usually about six months prior to a race I have chosen I will discuss with my coach what I really want to achieve out of it, whether it is just feeling comfortable and confident with the distance or getting after a personal best. I am notorious for under estimating myself so my coach usually modifies my goals.
Do you have any pre-race rituals (food, organization, activities, etc.)?
Growing up I was notorious for forgetting one spike, one runner, socks or sports bra at track practice (all essential things you need to run) so I always make sure I pack my bag and layout my gear the night before to ensure that on race day I am not forgetting anything! I also always make sure I do a good pre-race shake out the day before. Pre-race warm ups always relax my mind and gets my legs excited for race day.
I can be superstitious when it comes to pre-race rituals. The past two half marathons I had wood fire pizza for my pre-race meal and won both races, so right now I will be eating pizza before my races!
What was the most challenging race you have ever completed and why?
I think in my half marathoning “career” it would have to be my very first half marathon last year at the Manitoba Marathon. As a former Bison athlete competing in the 600m-1000m I was still terrified of the distance. Because of that, toeing the start line knowing how many miles were ahead of me and the pain that was to come with it was very nerve racking. I ended up coming in eight place for women (running 1:36) and that was the first time I ever ran/walked (yes walked) 13.1 miles. I was always cutting my long runs short during training leading up to that race and I was just not mentally ready for the distance.
What is your favorite post-race meal or snack?
I am usually not really hungry post-race so I force feed myself some chocolate milk and later indulge in pizza or pasta!
What is your number one method for injury prevention?
Foam roll, foam roll & foam roll! Also strength training – us distance runners are guilty for not incorporating enough of this into our program (guilty!).
What advice would you give to someone who has just started running?
Enjoy it, if you need to walk. Walk.
Plan out your running route before you go, the more scenic the better!
Do you have a personal running hero or mentor?
Larry Switzer, former competitive runner, head of Winnipeg Optimist Athletics Track Club, and inductee in the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame. I wouldn’t be the runner I am today without someone like Larry: he always put his athletes first and pushed me to be the best runner I possibly could be and continues to show interest and support me in my running career.