Oklahoma Sports & Fitness Magazine with KJRH-TV Tulsa Meteorologist Julie Chin

Photos by Dr. Chris Barnes

OKS&F: Julie, Take us through your early morning hours of the the Tulsa Run.

JULIE: I woke up just in time to watch sunrise on race day. The weather was perfect! As expected is was cool, crisp and there was very little wind. I sat with a hot bowl of oatmeal and watched the day dawn from my bedroom window. Today would change my life forever. I've talked the talk, now it was time to walk the walk (or run the run!). I felt the gravity of the day, and my stomach was in knots. I would see and feel the results of months of training today. I was excited, but extremely nervous. My goal for the day was not to be the fastest, but to truly enjoy the run, every single (at times painful) step of it. I spent much of the morning in prayer, trying to remind my heart that it could go the distance and make sure my mind was in the right place.

I had anticipated my nerves so I laid out all my race gear the night before. Leaving my iPod at home, or not having the right socks would have thrown me off. I'm glad to say I had all my gear ready.

Everything went pretty much to plan. The only thing I would have done differently was to hydrate more. I had increased my hydration all week, but was afraid to over-drink the morning of the race and feel all that fluid sloshing around in my tummy. I think I ended up under-drinking that morning. Ah running.. it's a work in progress, right? 



OKS&F: Describe some of the thoughts that went through your mind on the way, and just before the race. 
 
JULIE: I was excited on the way to the race. That multiplied tenfold when I arrived downtown and saw all the runners and spectators there. I was asked to help in some live TV coverage on Channel 2 that morning. That actually distracted me a touch and helped calm me. It's funny, for most people the TV part would be the terrifying part, but for me, I have done live TV thousands of time, that part was easy, it was the Tulsa Run that lay ahead that had me frightened.

OKS&F: As you began the race – did you "feel good", or did it take you a while to get in a comfortable groove?

JULIE: I'm used to running by myself with my own thoughts and my music. It too

k me a while to find my rhythm alongside a sea of runners.  Danny Cahill, the winner of "The Biggest Loser" showed up the morning of the run to surprise me as my running partner. He stuck with me every step of the way. We even crossed the finish line together! His company was so wonderful-- he is a true inspiration!



OKS&F: : Describe a highlight that occurred during the race.

JULIE: My husband and I met for the first time ever on Cherry Street. One of the best parts of the race was running along Cherry street and seeing and hearing my husband cheering for me from the exact spot of our first meeting nearly 9 years ago. It was also THE BEST to then see him waiting for me at the finish line. 



OKS&F: Did you enjoy the course? What was your favorite portion of the course?
 
JULIE: The course was tough! I had run it the week before so I knew what to expect and anticipate, but climbing the hills, especially on 15th Street and the Denver Hill were still difficult. I think my favorite part of the course was running down the exit ramp onto Riverside. Not only because that was a downhill stretch, but also because it was kind of narrow and it brought us runners even closer together. I also thought it was cool to run on the ramp since typically you can't because of the cars! 



OKS&F: Is there anything you would have changed about your training?
 
JULIE: I  wouldn't change anything about my training. I'm satisfied with how things went for my first 15K. A few hours after the race I ran into another fellow Tulsa Runner who told me he ran it for the second time this year and in a year's time was able to shave about 20 minutes off his run time. I felt inspired. Now that I have one Tulsa Run under my belt, I have a baseline.  I've proven to myself that I can go the distance, so I'd love to make my little legs (I'm 5'2") go a little faster and maybe shave 20 minutes off my time next year.



OKS&F: What was it like to approach the finish line?
 
JULIE: Approaching the finish line was invigorating. I cannot express enough how much the cheering of the spectators helps! Thank you to anyone who has ever stood on the sidelines of the race. Your enthusiasm really lift us runners up. Crossing the finish line was amazing. Once I caught my breath I felt like I was floating on air. 



OKS&F: How did you "celebrate" your achievement?
 
JULIE: I celebrated with my husband and a cheeseburger and fries. I ate them while proudly showing off my Tulsa Run Race medal to anyone and everyone around me.



OKS&F: Do you already have another goal in mind?
 
JULIE: My current goal is to keep running and not let all this training fall by the wayside. My trip to the start and the finish line of the Tulsa Run was a very public one, now it's time to run in private just for my own personal satisfaction. 



OKS&F: What would be one bit of advice you would give to someone who doesn't quite know how to get started running?

JULIE: Do not try to go it alone! There is so much help out there! Find a running group and sign up. Then show up! They will lay out your training plan and you will be amazed at how quickly you will be running. 

CLICK HERE to read Julie's complete Tulsa Run training blog!