Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Mae Renkel.
Hi Amanda, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
In 2013, I got a text from my high school mentor asking if I wanted to run a half marathon. I was in my second semester as a transfer student at Belmont University and he saw that Nashville was having a big race in April. I had recently noticed many “13.1” magnets on cars around town and learned they represented the distance of a half marathon. I told him I was in just so I could get a magnet for my car.
We had exactly 12 weeks to train, and although I wasn’t entirely new to running, I had never run further than 8 miles. He drove down from my home state (New Jersey) and together we ran the rainiest St. Jude Rock ’N’ Roll Nashville race that ever took place. Crossing that finish line was emotional. At that moment I was sold on the magic of distance running.
After the race, I connected with some marathon runners that I met through social media. They weren’t your average marathoners, they were Marathon Maniacs. This means at the minimum they had completed 3 marathons within three months during their run journey. In reality, many of these runners had run upwards of 100 marathons. I was inspired.
Something you learn when you talk to marathoners is that they believe in others and they want to see you succeed. When I mentioned that I was content with completing the 13.1-mile distance they told me I had to run at least one marathon in my life. From that moment I had a new goal.
I crossed the finish line of my first full marathon in December 2014 at the St. Jude Memphis Marathon Weekend. Having the opportunity to run through the hospital campus with the kids at St. Jude cheering us on inspired me to continue on my run journey. I have now completed 11 half marathons and 12 full marathons, qualified as a Marathon Maniac and raised over $1,000 running as a St. Jude Hero.
One little magnet has led to a lot of miles and memories.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I think distance running means always finding the balance between the highs and lows of life. Even within the span of one 26.2-mile race, I’ve experienced both ease and struggle. However, the summer of 2017, brought a new kind of struggle. I suffered a stress fracture in my foot and was unable to run for 9 weeks. This time overlapped with my training schedule for my second Chicago Marathon.
Running is important to me for many reasons, but one of the biggest benefits I receive from the sport is the positive impact on my mental health. Without the ability to run for several weeks I seriously struggled. When I was finally cleared to run I had just 5 weeks until the marathon. Generally, you want to train for at least 16 weeks for a full marathon.
My boyfriend, who was not a runner at the time, was very supportive and would go to a nearby greenway to run with me for a short distance at a very slow pace. On race day, I used the Galloway Run Walk Run method and managed to finish the most difficult marathon I’ve ever run.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
While the end of 2017 was a struggle, the beginning was where my next journey began.
In February 2017, I launched my run blog. At the time, and for the last several years, I was using it more as a diary to record some of my thoughts about running and music (I’m also a songwriter). This year, I realized that using my blog to help others by answering questions they have about running is a much better use of the space.
I never thought I’d be a distance runner, especially considering my slower running pace. I ran winter track in high school, almost always coming in last place in the 800-meter race. My mom occasionally runs into my coach and updates him on how many marathons I’ve completed. Even he’s amazed. The girl who was of no real benefit to the winter track team is somehow still a successful runner.
I’ve run a marathon in 5 hours 18 minutes, but I’ve also run a marathon in 4 hours 11 minutes. Both are accomplishments of which I am proud. My next goal is to become a certified run coach in early 2022.
I hope to inspire and help others to take on the challenge and get them to the finish line of whatever running goal they have. The transformation that happens for most people when they complete that goal can help give them confidence in many areas of their lives.
I’m an average runner so I believe I can help those who have been interested in training for a half marathon or a marathon but couldn’t find the belief in themselves. I’m proof that if you just keep putting one foot in front of the other you can do something that may change your whole life.
My mentors and my friends have always shown their belief in me and I hope to give that gift to others.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Mentors throughout life are incredibly important cornerstones of who we are and what we become. If it weren’t for my high school mentor I don’t know that I would be a marathoner today.
During the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, I lost one of my longest life mentors in a tragic accident. I know that the day that I get back to toe the start line of a marathon I’ll be running for Cyndy, who always believed in my big goals and dreams.
The important thing when actively searching for a mentor is to find someone who aligns with a lifestyle you want to live yourself. I think the reason why runners are so supportive of one another is that we’ve all set similar goals.
If you’re a new runner looking for a mentor, I highly recommend joining a local running group. I completed two training cycles with Fleet Feet Nashville and made friends who became more like family. They were also my biggest supporters who believed in me and pushed me to be a better runner every day.
Contact Info:
- Email: amandam.renkel@gmail.com
- Website: www.maesmilesandmusic.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/maesmilesandmusic
- Facebook: facebook.com/MaesMusicAndMiles
- Twitter: twitter.com/MaesMilesMusic
