Runner Interview: Jane Campbell

I always used to think that once I got into really good shape, running would be easy. It’s not easy. But it’s beautiful. It’s work. It’s confidence. It’s strength. It’s weakness. It’s power. It’s vulnerability. It’s life. And I highly recommend it.

I first met Jane Campbell at the track. It was a hot night in July almost two years ago and she had just just taken over the coaching job in the running clinic in which I was participating. She had so much energy. She was so much fun. I liked her from the start. I had not run at the track since high school and it was like coming home and to have this dynamic lady giving us the evening’s workout was such a joy! Another vivid memory of Jane from that same clinic was when she was giving us the pre-race pep-talk and she had put on all the jerseys and jackets that she had accumulated over the years in various races. She stripped them off one by one and described a bit about each race. Now that was both awesome and inspiring! She was also there for me at the finish line in my first big race, cheering and complementing me. Now that is a good coach!

We’ve since run together in several races and we’ve laughed so much (before and after, not during!). She is always so self-effacing and self-doubting, but is always on the podium for her age group. She is also so encouraging to me and so supportive. What a great role model! When I asked her to do this interview, she agreed, but when she saw that she was going to follow two national elite runners, Erin and Craig, she almost withdrew. Not a chance, I said, you are an elite (…my last marathon in October of 2013 qualified me as masters elite for the Victoria marathon with a 3:14), so step up to the plate. Thankfully she did and as you read the following, I’m sure you will agree.

I qualified for Boston in my first marathon and with the following 7 marathons I improved my times

What is your running history?
I started running in 2006. I was going through some personal challenges and needed something other than those to focus on. I trained for a couple of half marathons during that first year and enjoyed the new friendships I made, the love for a new sport and the lessons that running was beginning to teach me.

The summer of that year my brother who had run a few marathons, suggested I run a full. I told him he was crazy. In my mind there was no way I could ever do that. After a few days of contemplating the idea I took his advice and that was the decision that started my journey of more serious running. I qualified for Boston in my first marathon and with the following 7 marathons I improved my times starting with a 3:50 and my last marathon in October of 2013 qualified me as masters elite for the Victoria marathon with a 3:14. During those years I also ran a handful of half marathons (10?) and a number of shorter distance races.

The sense of accomplishment I feel and see in other runners is something that I am so proud to be a part of.

Why do you run?
Running has always given me a sense of accomplishment. (Not to mention the ability to eat lots of great food!!!) Whether I’m training for a race or running for fun I love the feeling it gives me. I love running in the early morning and it always sets me up for a more energized day. Some days are much harder to get out the door than others but once I’m out there and warmed up I am happy I went.

I love training – personally and when I am helping coach clinics. I love experiencing and witnessing the progression of speed, endurance, strength and mental toughness. The sense of accomplishment I feel and see in other runners is something that I am so proud to be a part of.
The race itself is my biggest challenge of a training cycle. I am a big bag of nerves before every race. People have said it is because I am competitive. That maybe partially true, but I think it is that my expectation is higher than my trust in my training and ability. I am working on that piece.

What was your last best/favourite race?
My last race was The Bazan Bay 5k a couple of weeks ago. I ran a PB of 20:01 and it was a success for me because my goal was based on believing in what my legs and heart could do verses a time. The outcome was great. I PB’d without looking at my watch and the result was the outcome of my trust and focus.

I have run many races and it is really hard for me to pick a favourite because each and every one of them have offered me something different. If I had to pick one it would be my second marathon. I was still naïve to pace and strategy and went out conservatively. I felt fantastic the whole way and with about 8k to go I decided to pick it up and race it in. I crossed the line feeling so excited and with energy to keep going!! FUN!!

I want to control the race vs the race controlling me.

What is your next race?
I am heading back to my home town of Hamilton, Ontario this week to race the oldest road race in North America called Around the Bay (ATB). It is a 30K race (March 29)- a new race distance for me.(These are always good as you are guaranteed to PB!) Having trained in spring like conditions it’s going to be difficult to run in a cold temperature!! They are calling for wet flurries that day!!

In the past I would go into races with 3 time goals. An ultimate goal that will be achieved if all the running gods and stars align, a realistic goal based on training facts, and a goal time that I would be happy with given what can happen on race day. I would be lying if I said I didn’t have a goal time in mind for ATB but it is secondary to my ultimate goal. I want to control the race vs the race controlling me. I will run smart, hard and use the mental and physical strength I have to cross the line. I am looking forward to it and am hoping my nerves stay in check.

What type of training do you do?
In the past I was hooked on distance and pace to determine my training. That philosophy gave me a great base and some wonderful results. For this next race I have trained more scientifically – by heart rate, time and a new respect for recovery. I run 5 days a week, but 6 times. I had never run twice a day and it was challenging for me to throw my running stuff back on in the afternoon. I am a morning runner! The strategy behind 2 runs for me was about recovery while adding distance. Speed work was incorporated into my runs so I didn’t have any track workouts. I missed it incredibly. I love the track. I averaged about 75K a week for this training and peaked at 100K.

I have never been a cross trainer or one who stretches. I know the value of both and it is a goal to incorporate some into my next training cycle.

I keep it simple with a bowl of oatmeal and a banana before a run and I keep it the same before a race.

What kind of food philosophy do you follow?
I consider myself a fairly “clean” eater. I eat lots of veggies, whole grains, lean protein and fruit, but I LOVE cookies and chocolate and do not limit those from my diet. I couldn’t live without coffee and that really bad vanilla flavoured edible oil product that I put in it, so maybe I’m not as clean as I think I am.

I keep it simple with a bowl of oatmeal and a banana before a run and I keep it the same before a race.

Do you have a running hero/ role model?
My running hero’s include all runners who understand the level of commitment it takes to be the best they can be. That would include all the elites, but more importantly it includes all those who work their asses off without the placings or the external glory but the pure sense of pride knowing they have worked hard to reach their goals. A friend once said that he respected the 4:30 marathoner as much as the 2:15 marathoner as they are out there pounding the pavement twice as long. I fully agree.

Both my brothers will be running ‘Around the Bay’ and my parents house is a block from the 22 K mark so we will have a great cheering squad where we will need one!

One of my most favourite things is when I run with my daughter. It is a time where we either talk and talk or use the time for silence; either way I love that time with her.

How do you relax, when you are not running?
I work full time and have 2 kids – my son is 13 and plays hockey and my daughter is in grade 12 ready to graduate this year. There isn’t much time to relax but when I do, I plonk myself down in front of Netflix with a huge bowl of popcorn with lots of butter and kick back for the evening. Every summer my kids and I head back to my family’s cottage in Northern Ontario. It’s a place where time stands still. There is no electricity, and no wi-fi. There is fishing, canoeing, hiking and lots of board games. It’s peaceful and a place where my early morning runs are very special.

As I age I understand and respect the need to recover and listen to my body.

Have you had any running setbacks?
I have been incredibly fortunate (some would say durable) when it comes to running set backs. I have certainly had my fair share of hamstring and butt issues, but nothing that has ever stopped me. As I age I understand and respect the need to recover and listen to my body. I am grateful for everyday that I can and have been able to run.

Do you have a coach?
Over the years I have trained with different programs. I started with a Running Room clinic and have followed the Run Less Run Faster program, and the Hansen Program and have benefited tons from running with Nanaimo’s most famous runner, Mike Thibodeau.

After feeling a tad frustrated with my running (results and feeling overtrained) I decided I was ready for a more scientific and individual program. I am one of those runners who wants to train as efficiently and as effectively as I can, with the best possible outcome. In my 50th year I decided it was time for me to explore where my line is. Maybe I have already found it but the only way I was going to know for sure was by hiring a coach. Dan Smith, from Lifesport Coaching in Victoria, has taught me many things in the few short months he has trained me. He sets up my program and after every run I download my info (heart rate, pace) for him to review. I talk to him every week, or if and when I need to ask him something, or just need reassurance. He has trained me to feel strong but not beat up, to feel confident in the training I have done, and most importantly he has taught me to let the level of work in a race determine the outcome, not the time on the clock. That will be what it will be.

When running is a commitment you can find the time to fit it in.

What is your career/job?
I work full time for Danone as a sales rep. I am very fortunate in that it is fairly flexible so the mornings I am not up and out by 6, I can squeeze in the odd run after I drop kids at school. When running is a commitment you can find the time to fit it in.

Do you listen to music when you run?
I love listening to music while I run. It allows me to focus on my fantasy popstar life while I plow through TEMPO runs and 1K repeats. I always bring my music to a race but seldom press play as I need to focus on my reality of being a runner and asking my body to do what I have trained it to do for a race. That requires focus.

Do you have a running philosophy?
I always used to think that once I got into really good shape, running would be easy. It’s not easy. But it’s beautiful. It’s work. It’s confidence. It’s strength. It’s weakness. It’s power. It’s vulnerability. It’s life. And I highly recommend it.