We caught up with Luce Ortiz and asked her a few questions about how her life and has changed as she started her training as part of Team For Kids for the upcoming ING NYC Marathon on November 6th 2011.
Harlem World Magazine: Has your diet changed since you started training?
Luce Ortiz: My diet has changed, I love food and sweets. But now I am more conscious of what I am putting in my body because I know if I eat or drink the wrong things I will pay for it dearly when training. I am hungry all of the time with the amount of calories I am burning so I must be careful not to indulge in the wrong foods. I start to feel sluggish and sometimes that feeling can take over the my mind. I also have to remind myself to drink tons of water. It’s like oil for the car without it – it won’t run.
HWM: Has your sleeping habits changed?
LO: Although I am exhausted after long runs, I find it very difficult to fall asleep. My body is exhausted but my mind is racing a mile a minute. I hear that is called “the runners high.”
HWM: Has the training given you a new perspective on life?
LO: Yes, I value even the slightest walk down the street. Running isn’t easy, but when I see folks that can’t walk for one reason or another I think to myself if they wish they could run, because if it were me, I know the answer would be, yes. Then, I think about the folks with breathing problems that can’t take another breath and I am grateful that I can. When I am tired and find my breathing to be out of whack while running – I think about those folks that can’t do what I am willing to and I just keep going, sure I may stop and walk a bit to catch my breath but I have that option, they don’t. I have learned to value everything.
HWM: Goo luck on the 6th of November!
LO: Thank you!
Note: Click to here to find out more about her run and donate to her journey.
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