Health in Motion: Running the Half Marathon for Good Health and a Good Cause

By Let's Move Pittsburgh

Brought you by Let’s Move Pittsburgh, the Health in Motion blog series is intended to showcase the efforts of schools and community organizations in the Pittsburgh region who are leading children to a healthier future. A new project with a guest author or interviewee will be featured each month. Let’s Move Pittsburgh hopes that Health in Motion will encourage leaders to adopt healthy programs in their communities and inspire readers to make healthy changes in their own lives.

Let’s Move Pittsburgh had the pleasure to sit down with program director Mary Kathryn Poole before she gets ready to participate in the 2016 UPMC Health Plan Pittsburgh Half Marathon. Mary Kathryn discussed the importance of hydration, her favorite running routes and the motivation to keep moving. 

LMP: Why did you decide to run the half marathon this year?

Mary Kathryn: I’m an avid runner, but I’ve never participated in a race longer than a 10K. This year, I wanted to challenge myself and the half marathon seemed like an achievable goal. I’ve heard that the Pittsburgh half marathon course is fun, challenging and scenic, so I decided to go for it! I hope to work my way up to the full marathon next year if all goes well with the half. 

LMP: How did you get involved with running on behalf of the Alzheimer’s Association – Greater Pennsylvania Chapter?

Mary Kathryn: I appreciate the option of being able to run for a reason and raise money for a local charity that gives back to the community. In my opinion, running for a charity makes the experience more meaningful and contributes to the greater good. I am running for the Alzheimer’s Association – Greater Pennsylvania Chapter for a personal reason. My father began his fight against early-onset Alzheimer’s disease in 2008 at age 58. It has been a difficult eight years working through the progression of the disease, but my dad is a fighter! I am dedicating my race to him while raising funds for the Alzheimer’s Association which provides critical services to other caregivers and families impacted by dementia. 

LMP: What has been the most challenging part of training?

Mary Kathryn: The hills! I lived in Louisiana prior to moving to Pittsburgh last year, so it’s been a challenge adjusting to running on Pittsburgh’s many hills. I’ve had to ease myself into running on the new terrain and learn how to pace myself knowing that I have large hills ahead of me to tackle. From a fitness perspective, the hills are an awesome workout, so it’s been rewarding to feel like they get a little easier each time. 

LMP: Do you have any favorite running routes in the city?  

Mary Kathryn: I live in Bloomfield, so for a mid-distance run during the work week, I pass through Oakland and run the trails in Schenley Park. Schenley Park is perfect for hill training and the wooded trails are a nice escape from the city. For longer runs, I opt for other scenic routes like the Strip District Trail and Three Rivers Heritage Trail. I love the view of the bridges along the river. 

LMP: Do you have any tips for staying hydrated during training?

Mary Kathryn: I try to stay hydrated before and after my runs by keeping a reusable water bottle or large cup near me at all times. At work, I keep a glass of water next to my laptop so I am reminded to drink water throughout the day. I don’t like to carry a water bottle on my runs, so for longer runs, I will select a running route that has an accessible water fountain. After my runs, I make a conscious effort to drink water and get plenty of rest.

LMP: It is awesome you are providing a good example of leading a healthy lifestyle! What are some other ways you role model healthy behaviors?

Mary Kathryn: Well, here at Let’s Move Pittsburgh, we promote the 5-2-1-0 lifestyle: 5 or more servings of fruits and vegetables, 2 hours or less of recreational screen time, 1 hour or more of physical activity and 0 sugary drinks - every day! I’ve been trying to be better about the “2,” as it can be easy to get distracted by smart phones, computers and TV after the work day. I am making it a point to be more mindful about my screen time and make more time for things like reading, spending time outdoors and being physically active. I encourage others to do the same! 

Good luck to Mary Kathryn and all other runners in the Pittsburgh Marathon! View the marathon course map to find locations in your neighborhood to get outside and support runners as they fly by! Visit the Alzheimer's Association to learn more about Alzheimer’s disease, and check out Hilarity for Charity, an organization dedicated to raising awareness of Alzheimer’s among the millennial generation.