RUN, EAT, REPEAT: AN INTERVIEW WITH A RUNNER WHO LOVES WATERMELON

Last week, I wrote about Jill Jayne, the creative force behind a kid-fitness program called Jump with Jill. Turns out, Jill isn’t the only fitness-minded person with a love of watermelon. Monica is a blogger/runner/watermelon lover behind the website Run Eat Repeat. She started her blog four years ago to document her diet, healthy recipes and the process of training for her first marathon.

Since then, she’s competed in countless marathons, and she’s currently on a quest to finish 13 half-marathons (at 13.1 miles apiece) in 2013. Monica’s love of watermelon caught the eye of the National Watermelon Promotion Board, and they asked her to be an official watermelon ambassador. She’s accepted the offer and will be running the Marine Corps Marathon later this year on behalf of everyone’s favorite fruit.

All that running makes her one of the busiest women I know, but Monica was nice enough to take a break for a quick interview here on What About Watermelon.

Now that you’re an official watermelon ambassador, I have to ask you: What do you like most about watermelon?

The taste! I cannot get enough. One watermelon = one serving in my world. I joke that my blog should be Run Eat (watermelon) Repeat.

Your website includes a recipe section, in which you share healthy meal ideas with your readers. Have you done much cooking with watermelon? 

I have to confess something: I have a file on my computer packed with watermelon recipes, but I never get to make them because I eat all my watermelon before I get the chance to cook with it. It’s a bummer, because I get excited every time I see a new recipe!

Your goal in 2013 is to run 13 half marathons. You’re clearly not afraid of the number 13. How’s your progress toward your marathon goal coming along?

I’ve done 10 races so far! I’m right on track to hit my goal. I’m pretty excited to run Marine Corp Marathon in October and then refuel with watermelon!

On your website, you describe yourself as a red headed Mexican girl from Southern California who’s willing to embarrass herself on the internet for your followers’ viewing pleasure. What’s the most embarrassing thing that’s ever happened to you when it comes to being a marathoner? 

As a runner you have to get comfortable using porta-potties, because it’s the only place to go at races. So I’m used to getting in and out like it’s no big thing. I guess I’m getting too comfortable and didn’t pay attention because, at the OC Marathon a few weeks ago, I walked out of the porta-potty and toilet paper was stuck to my shoe. My friend saw it and said, “I didn’t think that actually happens to anyone!” Ha! Yep, it happens to me!