Clarissa has been an ARC member for many years, and this year she’s been training with us for the TCS New York Marathon! She will be running with Team Flatwater to support the Flatwater Foundation, a local nonprofit dedicated to providing mental health resources to those diagnosed with cancer, their families and loved ones. We wanted to get to know her a little better as she prepares for race day…
Tell us about yourself:
I’ve been a runner most of my life. I enjoy the outdoors, especially the water. I love the beach, and I am very much a “beach” or “coastal gal” at heart. I attribute my love for the beach to my love for home. I grew up in Ingleside, Texas, which is a small town in the Coastal Bend community. My family lives in Corpus Christi, Texas, and have many relatives and friends that live along the coast. I am also a dog lover and the proud fur mom of two dogs, Kona June and Porter Charm. To know me is also to know I believe in “pura vida,” and part of living this way of life is surrounding myself with family, friends, and adventures!
When did you start running?
I was very much a tomboy growing up, so running around the yard and climbing trees was fun for me! Running led to competing in track and cross-country in junior high and high school. I hadn’t run anything beyond 3 miles until about 10 years ago. I ran my first 10K and thought; I can run a half-marathon. The rest is history! Since then I’ve run too many half-marathons to count and the upcoming TCS NYC Marathon will be my 6th marathon.
Why did you start running?
Running is an outlet for me, and it’s not hard to do in our beautiful city. It’s a way for me to unwind, clear my thoughts, and personally challenge myself. I valued it even more after going into remission from breast cancer. I was diagnosed with breast cancer just weeks after setting a personal record in the 2013 Houston Marathon. I was so shocked and hurt by my diagnosis, but I coped by continuing to run with Austin Runner’s Club. I ran as much as my body would let me, and after several surgeries, I just worked my way back to it. I wrote a blog and compared much of my experience with running a marathon. During this time, ARC was very supportive and many friends, including my training buddies Ashlee and Cristin, were with me along the way cheering me on to remission.
What are your running goals?
When I think about my cancer diagnosis, I think that running may have saved my life. I will always continue to make personal goals for myself especially when it comes to races, but my biggest goal is to stay in love with running, cancer-free and healthy enough to continue running for the rest of my life!
What else do you do outside of running?
I like to cross train and I go to places like ONNIT and workout with other area fitness groups in Austin. I’m a member of Outright Fitness and Performance. About a year and half ago I fell in love with stand-up paddle boarding. I have my own board, so if I am not getting miles on the road or trail, I’m getting them on the water with my SUP which I refer to as my “Pink Serenity.” I enjoy yoga and would eventually love to learn to SUP surf. It’s also a goal for me to try a triathlon. Before my cancer diagnosis, my goal was to begin triathlon training so I could do an Ironman, but those plans got put set aside. One day…
How did you hear about Austin Runners Club?
When I ran my first marathon, I trained on my own and didn’t do a very good job training. The next year, I saw Austin Runner’s Club on Town Lake and after reading about them, I decided to join. I’ve been a member since 2009. Austin Runner’s Club has been an extension of my fitness family and I’ve made lifelong friends, so I hope to continue to build friendships, continue running with ARC and supporting their community efforts.
What is your pre-race routine?
For the most part, I try to keep it low-key. I always shoot for a light and early dinner. I also make sure to get plenty of rest. A couple of days before a race I intake more calories, but not a significant amount. I do my best to stay hydrated throughout the week. Many people can eat the morning of a race, but I cannot. I may take a GU and I definitely drink water. I keep it simple and just do what works for me, and I always encourage others to do the same.
Favorite type of food?
I love Mexican food, especially chips and queso. When it comes to running, I do my best to eat a balanced meal with more protein than carbs, skip the processed foods, and stick with wholesome foods. I also love smoothies! The Soup Peddler is my go-to place for smoothies. My favorite is the Voltron smoothie, and if I don’t get one after my run, I stop by Thom’s Market to pick up a Vanilla Rebel, a plant based protein drink.
Do you like to listen to music or podcasts while running?
When I first started distance running, I listened to music all the time, but now I am totally fine with no music. It’s my time to clear my mind, enjoy the experience, and/or company.
Your favorite running apparel/products?
I’ve run in a variety of apparel, and I am always looking for functional and comfortable dri fit clothing with pockets! Right now I am loving my running shorts and tights from Athleta. Pockets, true to size, and durable. I also go to Title Nine for any of my outdoor activities like running or paddleboarding. Brooks, Nathan, and Northface are a few of other of my faves. Some of my favorite running socks are Balaga and Features. I am a huge fan of Brooks. I’ve been running in Brooks since I started distance running. I recently tried the Launches, and I like them for track workouts and tempo runs. For longer runs, I prefer the Brook Glycerines and Ghost model.
Over the years, I’ve developed life long friends, and I feel like ARC is another one of my extended families in Austin. Now that they have partnered with Flatwater, I feel all the more connected since two of my extended families have come together. I am thankful to ARC for supporting Team Flatwater in the TCS NYC Marathon.
Thank you for sharing your story with us, Clarissa! Good luck to you and everybody on Team Flatwater at the TCS New York Marathon!!!
