Fall Racing Series Feature: Marcie Schumert

 Throughout our fall racing series, we are featuring athletes who are participating in our races. Today we sat down with Marcie Schumert who is a long time Spewak Training runner. She’s using this series as motivation for future running ahead. Read her story below!  CS: Why did you sign up for the Virtual Fall Racing Series? MS: I found myself in a habit of running the same route at roughly the same pace over and over. It was relaxing, but I also felt like I was in a bit of a rut. The virtual race series is holding me accountable to challenge myself to really push for some faster times and to mix up routes and distances. CS: What expectations do you have for yourself racing in a virtual setting? MS: Realistically, I am not in "PR shape." So, rather than aiming for a PR, I'm trying to race in a way that I'd be proud of if I were racing with a group. I imagine running with a fast friend or other competitors and ask myself what I'd do in each moment if I was really in that setting. Rather than go easy on myself or ease up when it gets tough, I expect myself to stay as focused as I would if I was running in a live race next to other speedy folks. CS: With there being little to no in person events, what are you doing to keep yourself motivated? MS: Signing up for virtual races! I've had ups and downs with running and strength training over the last 8-9 months and ultimately recognized that I am accountable to myself. Running (and physical activity in general) makes me feel better mentally and physically and improvement is addicting. I've realized that staying consistent makes every day a little better and that's enough to keep me motivated for now.  CS: Do you have any goals for running in 2021?  MS: I'd like to continue to run healthy and work my way back to running fast 5k and 10k races - whether those are virtual or in person.