Name: Pam Estill
Age: 45
Hometown: Missoula
Miles Run Per Week: Not enough! Right now, I am running 20-25 miles per week depending on what else I have on my schedule.
Currently Training For: My big races for this summer are a few 70.3 triathlons, with the ultimate goal of racing in Australia at Worlds in September. I am also doing some half marathons and shorter triathlons.
Favorite Race or Run: The Rut! I think this is one of the best events/races that I have ever been to. The entire weekend has a festival-like atmosphere and the course is amazing.
Favorite Pre-Race Meal: Anything boring and bland…I have a weak gut. Something like white rice, a chicken breast and veggies.
What Age Did You Start Running and Why? I ran for a couple of years in high school but did not start running consistently until I was 37. My youngest had just turned one and I was not losing the flab as quickly as I had with my other two kids. I joined a boot camp and running was incorporated into the training plan. I remember “sprinting” my first test mile at an 11+ min mile pace and felt like I was going to die. But I stuck with it and now running has become my escape.
Words of Wisdom: Keep it fun! If running start to feel like a chore, it has lost its meaning. On easy days, I like to leave my Garmin at home and ignore the miles and pace and just run according to total time. This helps keep me relaxed and to enjoy the feel of running and to take in my surroundings.
Favorite Quote: I am not sure that I have a single favorite quote, but I believe strongly in working hard for what you want. I like this quote by Mario Andretti: “Desire is the key to motivation, but it’s determination and commitment to an unrelenting pursuit of your goal – a commitment to excellence – that will enable you to attain the success you seek.” And, in light of the fact that I am not a young runner, I like C.S. Lewis’s quote, “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream“.
Anything Else You’d Like to Add: I am very appreciative of the inclusiveness of Missoula’s running community. Regardless of where I am with my running, I always feel like I belong.
