Nathalie Wu and her family joined our club in the fall of 2006. Since that time they have participated in all of AIR's races. They have found satisfaction in their individual achievements and also in attending running events together. We asked Nathalie to tell us about how running has become a part of their family's life.
How long had you been running and when did you move to Fernandina Beach?
We moved to Fernandina Beach in May, 2001 from Singapore. I am from Taiwan, Thomas is from Germany. He works for the Ritz-Carlton as the Executive Chef.
I only started running in the fall of 2005. Never liked to run or to sweat before. A few moms from our school, Amelia Island Montessori School, decided to start running together once a week after dropping off the kids. I wanted to lose weight and Bobo needed to lose some pounds too. That's how Bobo and I started running.
What made you decide to join the Amelia Island Runners club?
We signed up as members of AIR to enjoy the discounts for the local races :-)
You and Philipp have participated in many of the local races -- You must be very proud of him. Did he begin running on his own or did you encourage him to start?
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We were never an active/athletic family. But since we moved here, the kids have always run the Shrimp Festival kids' 1-mile fun run. Philipp was only 4, Martin not yet 2. (The 2002 Shrimp run was their first run, mine too since we had to run with our kids.) Philipp and I did our first 5K at the Shrimp Festival 2006. I believe his time was 30 minutes and mine was 35 minutes. Philipp is very athletic. He plays well in all sports. He doesn't train for the runs or races. He does spring and fall soccer, plays tennis sometimes. Winter basketball season with the Y sometimes. He has speed and endurance. I encourage him to do the 5K races, but I never push him. He has fun running. |
Philipp |
You did very well in your first River Run with a time of 1:39:13. When did you decide you were ready for a 15K race and are you planning to do it again next year?
I did the "Run Wild at White Oak," 10.8 miles, in the fall of '06. Before that run, I had only done two 5K races (the Shrimp run and Turtle Trot). The moms at my Friday run decided to go for the River Run '07. So, a friend printed out the 10-week training schedule. And I went for it and did my first 15K race. It was a tough run for me, but it was also fun.
Do your family members have a training regimen or do you just run as you feel?
Martin, Bobo,
& Thomas |
Bobo and I run together. Thomas and the boys do not run or train at all. Philipp and Martin stay fit from their soccer practices. Philipp now does all the local 5Ks, Martin 1 mile fun runs. Thomas runs the fun runs with Bobo to keep Martin company. Bobo and I run two miles on Thursdays from the Montessori parking lot to the Ritz, and we run at the Fort Clinch park on Fridays (so far only 3.5 miles at the park, still too hot). |
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A Family Affair - (left to right)
Thomas, Philipp, Martin, Nathalie, and
a Lady Pirate giving Bobo a string of Doggie Beads.
Do the other family members go on your training runs or just Bobo?
Thomas used to play tennis once a week. He is too busy lately to do any sports. The boys are in the middle of their fall soccer season. Thomas is coaching Philipp's U10 team this fall. He gets a bit of exercise on the field with the players. I am a member of the Y. I try to do yoga with Terri on Mondays, Pilates and Zumba with Meredith on Tuesdays.
Do you have any running goals or do you just enjoy the activity without worrying about specific goals?
I started running to lose weight. Bobo has lost a few pounds. I don't see any result on me. Fat became muscle? I want to reach six miles again on Fridays and stay there. I'd like to run all the local 5Ks. I do not really enjoy the long run races (10K and above), but the next River Run is on my calandar.
What was your most memorable race? What does Philipp say his was?
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Philipp likes the run at Disney. We went with the Faltemiers and the Vanlenneps to Disney this January. Valerie ran the half-marathon, the rest of us ran the 5K. It was called "the Princess & Pirate Run." He liked the costumes some people put on for the run. I remember "Run Wild at White Oak" the most. I kept asking myself, "Why am I doing this?" while I ran. It was my first long run and one of the biggest challenges in my life. Pushed/motivated by friends. (again the Faltemiers and Raquel Vanlennep) |
Nathalie |
What has been the most enjoyable aspect of running for you and your family?
I like sending photos after races to all my family and friends. I like the feeling of accomplishment. I am always so proud of Philipp. I am happy my family is exercising, staying healthy. It is also a lot of fun to cheer for each other and friends at the races.
Do you have any advice for runners who are just starting out?
My advice for people who want to start running, or just started: Stick to your running schedule and run with friends. (or run with your dog....) I do take breaks; summer break, winter break, spring break when the kids are at home. It is always so difficult to get back to the runs after a long break. Maybe the other advice would be to run all year round if you can.
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