Fitspo Friday Feature – Rachel McPhillips a/k/a RunInHighHeels

It’s a pleasure to intro Rachel McPhillips this week as the Fitspo Friday Feature.

You can connect with her on Twitter: @runinhighheels
and make sure to visit her blog at runningbackwardsinhighheels.com

Rachel is a BlissDom12 Community Leader and a FitFluential Ambassador

Q: Have you always lived a healthy fit lifestyle? (
I haven’t ever had a problem with my weight, really. After having my two girls, I realized I was going to have to work to get the weight off. And I did. My mom has had gastric bypass surgery and I knew I would always be fighting an uphill battle if I didn’t get it under control early. My dad had a heart attack when I was pregnant with my youngest, and I told myself I was going to start doing 30 minutes of cardio to help combat that as well. That spawned into running a 5K which turned into a half marathon, which turned into numerous half marathons and a running addict. No one in my family generally works out, but luckily, I married into a family that works out. My mother in law is an inspiration, seeing how good she looks at 60, I know it’s from taking good care of her body. After Claire was born, we found out that she had a milk protein allergy and since I am an avid breastfeeder, I had to cut all diary out of my diet. I realized how good I felt and started to pursue other eating habits, such as Vegan, Vegetarian, etc. I learned a lot in my research. I generally avoid meat, minus fish.

Q: What keeps you going, motivated?
I feel like myself when I run. Since running came into my life, I have transformed who I am as person, I feel like. What I used to think of as my worst personality traits (stubbornness and a temper) are perfect for running. If I don’t get my run in, I turn into some sort of dragon lady that no one in my family wants to be around.

Q: What is your favorite workout?
Running is my go to. I love to spin too. Anything that produces large amounts of sweat and endorphins. I am starting to love my friend the squat, as well.

Q: What are some of your goals?
I want a sub 2:15 half marathon so bad. I also want to be able to do a handstand push up, which is almost laughable with my lack of upper body strength. I want to run 1,000 miles in year 2012.

Q: What are some of your accomplishments or things you’re proud of?
I am proud every time I cross a race finish line. It’s not anything I ever thought I would do and I never take it for granted. I am also proud that I lost 35 pounds between the Summer of 2010 and the Spring of 2011.

Q: What is one random fact we should know about you?
I can curl my toes up under my feet and walk on them. It’s sort of a stupid human trick. My sister used to make me do it all the time for entertainment.

Q: What words of advice would you like to leave the readers?
My motto has always been, “You have to want to be a butterfly so badly, that you are willing to stop being a caterpillar.” Find something that works for you– maybe running or spin isn’t your thing. Find an exercise that you love and stick with it. And lastly, life is too short to not eat the cupcake. 🙂