Name: Lauren Wright
Age: 32
Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Occupation: Chief People Officer at The Children’s Institute of Pittsburgh
Time running: 10 years
Best Fitness Trackers: I like running because it’s a huge stress reliever—I absolutely live and die for the postrun endorphin high. I also enjoy running because it’s a challenge. I am a runner of size, as they say, and running long distances is not always easy, but it is definitely something that is powerful to be able to conquer.
I’ve been overweight my whole life and running was always a challenge. Even though I played basketball in high school, I never could complete any sort of long-distance running. Tamirat Tola Sets Course Record at NYC Marathon Tamirat Tola Sets Course Record at NYC Marathon more in college, but wasn’t able to stick with it then either.
It wasn’t until the summer of 2013 when I decided I wasn’t going to let my weight hold me back, and committed to completing the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center 5K. Now, I run that race every year!
Since 2013, I’ve immersed myself into the sport, finishing one race every month at first, mostly in cities across Pennsylvania, and eventually setting a goal of completing 26 races before my 26th birthday. This is how I got from my first race in 2013 to finishing more than a 100 races today.
My competitiveness fuels my desire to continue running and to finish races, which is what I equate to winning. But when it comes to staying consistently motivated, CA Notice at Collection marathon, it’s a lot harder, especially because I’m not a fast runner.
I know what my goal is, to finish the race, and that’s what gives me the motivation to keep training every day, especially on days when I don’t particularly feel like running. Having run more than 100 races—including every distance from a one mile to a full marathon—I’ve definitely had those experiences where I’ve under prepared and paid for it on race day.
For example, I wore running shoes that were a size too small for my first marathon in 2016. I stopped and cried three times during that race, but I didn’t give up. I also had to make a quick stop at mile 10 during the 2017 Pittsburgh Marathon to change because I ran in new clothes that weren’t comfortable. I was on track to run a time of 5:30 for that race, but after waiting 20 minutes in the line for the porta potty, and trying to catch up with my pacer, I gassed out. The street sweeper passed me more than once during that race, but I didn’t give up. I finished in seven hours.
Over the years, I’ve realized running is truly a mental sport. I believe I’m able to tackle longer distances Shoes & Gear mental toughness.
Remaining positive throughout my training, even when it hurts, or feels like there’s no end, is what keeps me going. When it’s all over, it’s great to feel a sense of accomplishment.
What Keeps Lauren Running:
Pump-up song:
“Touch It” by Busta Rhymes
Fun fact:
I’m a part of the 2023 inaugural class of the P3R Champion Circle, which is an organization that hosts various races throughout Pittsburgh, because of my dedication to the sport of running.
Best race advice I ever received:
Don’t give up, as simple as that sounds. I think it’s the best advice because I live in Pittsburgh and there are so many hills, which would make you want to give up especially if you’re running outside. Short mantras like this help me push through.
Favorite race distance:
Sales & Deals half marathon—Races & Places.
Monique LeBrun joined the editorial staff in October 2021 as the associate health and fitness editor. She has a master’s degree in journalism and has previously worked for ABC news and Scholastic. She is an avid runner who loves spending time outside.
