About Me
Welcome to Health{ontherun}!
If you’re reading this page, chances are you want to know more about the person who keeps up this little corner of the internet besides whatever ramblings I have gracing the front page. So in case you’re in a hurry, all you need to know is pretty much summed up by these few statements.
20-something vegetarian runner. Newlywed. Pretend Vermonter. Public Health Nut. Boxer Mom. Cheddar cheese addict.
But in case you’re nosy curious like I am when I visit new blogs, here are a few extra facts…
The {relevant} Details
I started this blog back in 2010, at a time when I was bored in my career, confused about my future, and desperately in need of a creative outlet. Over the past few years, my life has gone through some pretty significant changes and I’ve tried to keep the blog changing along with it.
Life
I currently live with my husband, dog and two cats (one who I’m convinced has made it his mission to kill me in the night) in Southern Vermont.
We got engaged in December 2011 and tied the knot a mere 6 months later, in June of 2012 (neither of us are the most patient types). Although I didn’t actually blog my way through wedding planning, you can see some pictures of our wedding here and here or watch our highlight video below. Months later, Vermont weddings remain one of my favorite topics of discussion.
{Lauren + Evan Highlight Film from 822 Weddings on Vimeo.}
Around the same time, we packed up our lives and left the city behind….trading walkable neighborhoods, city lights and congestion for mountains and wide open spaces. I talk more about what inspired our move from the small state of Rhode Island to beautiful Vermont in this post.
Although we love our new state, the move hasn’t been without its struggles. I went from being within walking distance to grocery stores, shops, pharmacies, and a number of amazing restaurants to facing a 40 minute drive for most of those conveniences now. I left behind career prospects to face unemployment. The comfort of friends and family to start all over again.
But even with all of those adjustments, we couldn’t be happier here. The mountains, the quiet countryside, the small town, quaint New England feel, the wide open spaces, and the cheap rent — all of these things and more have made Vermont feel instantly like home.
Beauty in the changing of the seasons…
When I’m not waxing poetic about my new home state, you can find me running, hiking, pretending to be a photographer and a baker, reading, and discussing public health policy.
I have a master’s degree in public health, and am passionate about improving the health of the community, specifically as it relates to obesity prevention and the promotion of physical activity.
All real photogs use Instagram…right?
Running
Back in the 90s, both of my parents got swept away by the running craze and decided that there was no reason why their kids couldn’t run too. And so, after much prodding, bribing, and trickery, my running “career” began — first by run/walking a mile around the neighborhood every so often, then by entering a few local races as a kid, and eventually by joining my high school cross country and track teams. My high school XC program was incredibly small and close-knit (which resulted in me being a captain both junior and senior years). The memories I made as a part of that team remain some of my very best from high school.
By that point it was pretty clear that running would forever have a major role in my life. So there was never any question that I’d continue to run in college. I participated in all seasons of cross country and track during my freshman year at Colby College, then transferred to Gordon where I dropped track and focused on my true love: XC. Every fall, as the temperatures drop and the leaves start to turn, I still get that familiar butterflies-in-my-stomach-nervous-excitedness that came from knowing another season of XC was underway. I’m not sure if those feelings will ever fade.
I was lucky enough to stay involved with my team after graduation by working as an Assistant XC coach for a year, until life (and grad school) moved me too far away to manage the commute. I hope to return to coaching at a collegiate or high school level someday.
Running and I have had our fair share of ups and downs over the years, as I completed my first marathon, qualified for Boston, and fell in love with another form of racing — the 24 hour, 200 mile relay. I’ve battled injury, burn out and setbacks…but I’ve also achieved new milestones and PRs. Running has been with me through moves, career changes, deaths, unemployment, and all of life’s many changes. It has brought me indescribable joy as well as incredible frustration. It has allowed me to explore new places and meet new people. In short — this crazy sport has become a huge part of my identity, and I can’t imagine life any other way.
I am a certified RRCA Running Coach, a member of the Saucony Hurricane Team and self-proclaimed captain of #teamwatermelon.
The Blog
When I first started writing, I tried to maintain some sort of balance between recipes, public health rantings, and running rambles. But I quickly realized that I’m no food blogger (and a mediocre recipe writer), so these days the food posts have all but disappeared. I spend most of the time telling running tales, reflecting on training and general life. I can’t promise this site will be updated regularly or kept to any sort of schedule. But I can promise that this blog will not:
- Endorse products that I do not believe in/use myself
- Become an advertisement for healthy living, vegetarian food, or other running gear of any sort
- Represent a false image of myself – with HOTR, what you see is what you get
- Give advice about topics on which I have no authority. Although I’m never afraid to share my opinion about something (even if it might be controversial), I take extra care not to pose as an expert in areas that I am clearly not.
Questions? Comments? Just want to say hello? Leave a comment below or send me an email by filling out my contact form.
I love the new blog! I have found it very interesting to get to know you.
haha. I ready every post and can’t wait to be a guest blogger!
hey girl – i absolutely love your blog!
i’m so glad to have stumbled on it.
question for you – i am just returning back to school after wasting my money on a degree i hate… and am switching to public health with a focus in nutrition.
any words of wisdom? thanks girl!
-r
Somehow I missed your “about” tab.
Man, reading about your rockstar-running totally intimidates the crap out of me. (But maybe I’m just easily intimidated.) Your post-Boston image ruled though.
Congratulations on starting your new blog. From what I can glean, it’s going to be awesome.
xo aletheia
Just found your blog through the Running on Plants community. I like your blogging style! Looking forward to reading more – and good luck in the half or full, whichever you end up racing!
I am so happy you found my blog because it led me to yours! It is so great to read about another veggie runners and your racing is amazing and inspiring. I too felt overtrained and beat after high school and some college cross country…too many stress fractures! Just now, I am starting to train for longer races and not try to run too fast (like I tend to, which obviously equals injuries). Can’t wait to catch up on all your posts!
I just found your blog – and I’m really excited about it! I am a vegetarian, long-distance running, 20-something, Red Sox fan, too!! Congrats on your recent half. You are wicked fast!
I love your blog! Where did you earn your Masters from? I’m starting an MPH program this fall and am still debating about where to officially accept. Awesome job
Loved it! All of it! I can not wait to keep following your blog!!! Happy Thursday, Lauren!
Hey, just wanted to drop a note because I just found your blog and I absolutely love it! Way to go with your running, girl! Can´t wait to read more. I aspire to be able to do that…. someday. In the very distant future. : )
That is the cutest picture of you and your beautiful sisters! We are so much alike, and therefore am really looking forward to following your blog! : )
I just left you a comment on another post but wanted to leave one here because I just saw that you have your MPH! I just finished my 1st year (in global epi) & love it! I am also a vegetarian runner (though less accomplished) & love your blog so far.
Had to stop by and check out your blog after you left such a nice comment by me. And I think I’ve been here before! Ah, the magic of the health blogosphere. Look forward to reading. (And great pic of you and your sisters!)
I just stumbled upon your blog and am wondering how you remain so focused on running. I love to run but cant maintain the same mentality for every run and its becoming rather stressful. I’m running a 7 mile road race in August and hopefully a half marathon in October. Any tips or tricks on how to train!?
I would love to hear from you! Congrats on your accomplishments!
I love your blog! I’m hooked!
I have an MPH too and always get really excited when I “meet” fellow health promoters
Congrats on qualifying for and running Boston! That’s my goal one day too.
Just found your blog! : )
I’m an undergrad going for my Community Health Ed degree. And I’m a vegan, and I run! I have a feeling that I’m going to enjoy reading more!
Just found your blog – it’s fab! I’m a New Englander, too. I get so excited when I find local bloggers! Looking forward to reading more!
Hi Lauren, I just found your blog and I love it! The picture of you and your sisters is so cute, you all look so alike! I think we have a lot in common, I can’t wait to follow along!
Just stumbled upon your blog through Meghann’s blog. I’m so glad I did, I’m already hooked!
Hi! Just found your site! Love the blog! Your about me makes me wish I had sisters!! Or that I should try to run a marathon!
Hi! I just found your blog and love it… we have tons in common, can’t wait to read more, and nice recent job in the Cape Cod marathon!!
Hi Lauren! You left me a comment on my blog ohh…about 7 or 8 months ago! I’m getting back into blogging and wanted to say:
a) I love your blog! I’ve become much more interested in public health, nutrition and running in the past 3 years so I’m excited to learn more through you.
b) YEAH RHODEY!!! I’m in PVD too! Have been for almost 5 years (hard to believe) and I’ve come to love it as my home. It’s so funny to recognize places in your pictures. Going to check out the rest of the site!
Aww, four beautiful sisters.
Congrats on all your marathons! That’s amazing!!
Thank you!
Hello, from one New Englander to another.
I just found your blog and look forward to reading more. There are 4 girls in my family, as well….and then the boy (aka ‘The King’) came along. I’m the eldest and I couldn’t live without them. Congrats on completing all of your marathons. You rock! I’m a HORRIBLE runner, but am looking to start working on that by possibly training for a half marathon scheduled for this coming October.
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Hi Lauren,
I’m interested in going into Public Health. I’m curious what your next degree would be if you go back to further your education?
Thanks!
Lauren
lauren @ sassy molassy´s last post ..Im not good at everything
Can’t wait to meet you this Saturday!! We are going to rock it
I am a lacto-ovo vegetarian as well and a runner! I am so happy that I found this site. Thank you and can’t wait to be a regular reader : )
How can I found out what I need to run my next marathon in, in order to qualify for Boston?
Hi Jenn! Thanks for reading!
Sounds like we have a lot in common.
You can find the qualifying standards for Boston here: http://www.baa.org/Races/Boston-Marathon/Participant-Information/Qualifying.aspx
There is a sort of complicated rolling admission process this year (for Boston 2012) and then all qualifying times get 5 minutes faster for Boston 2013. Best of luck!!
Thank you so much. This has been on my “bucket List” for years and I’m ready to check it off : )
hi, I find to you by google. Nice to meet u!
Is your college XC picture from the course at Bates? We had NEWMACs there this year-that gigantic hill is ridiculous!
…and by Bates I the state park in Paxton, MA that is WPI’s?
I’m pretty sure it’s from Tuft’s course in Grafton, MA (by the veterinary school). We had NESCACs there. Not sure how awful the Bates course is but the Grafton one is also super hilly!
Just found your blog and LOVE your photo with your sisters!! In fact I am quite envious of it. I am the youngest of four sisters and we haven’t been together in the same place at once for years (and it’s not likely to happen again, unfortunately). I am also interested in your diet; considering the same for myself as a change for my health. Also, I can relate to being a “native New Englander”. Will be following your blog with interest. Thanks.
lauren,
you are such a doll!!! i love your blog and i just love the opportunity to get to know all you buckle (and becker!) sisters even more!
Hey! I just came across your blog and wanted to say hello
I always like coming across other bloggers living in New England! Can’t wait to read more about you!
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Thanks for visiting! I also like finding fellow New Englanders. I see that you’re from MA – I lived in Mass for many years before moving south to RI.
Awesome site! You are a running super star! congrats:)
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Love your blog! I am running Boston in April for the first time (qualified my first marathon in June). In week 5 of training. So far, so good. Stop by my blog for a visit, if you’d like.
I think it’s really cool that you’re a vegetarian (and an awesome runner). I’m a vegan and always have to explain to people about it and they’re shocked that I’m a decent runner.
If you haven’t yet, check out nomeatathlete.com – pretty awesome vegetarian running website. Runvegan.wordpress.com is really good, too (the guy is an elite runner w/a marathon of 2:25!)
Hi Kenny – thanks for your comment and the blog recommendations! I do read No Meat Athlete, but hadn’t heard of Run Vegan before. I love hearing about elite runners who are also vegetarians/vegans. Excited to check out his blog!
I love your blog. You look familiar; did you go to Tufts?
Hi
Great site. Would that fair city you call home be Providence? I live in RI.
My wife andf I have run for years. Lots of 5Ks and 10Ks and we do a 10 miler annually in Narragansett. We did our first 1/2 marathon in 2010. I keep kicking around the idea of doing a full marathon before I’m too old to it. I don’t want to wind up sitting in a sun room of a nursing home wishing I had done one!!
great job-keep it up
Dean
Coventry, RI
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I love the updated page! Your blog was one of the first I ever read. I transitioned into being a vegetarian and long-distance runner around the same time so it was very helpful! I love the Core section too!!
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I think I will bookmark your page. I like the stuff you have going on here.
It is inspiring. 
I love your blog. Your photos are wonderful!
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Hello! I came over here by way of Skinny Runner. Congrats on Ragnar Las Vegas! You girls did an incredible job. I am so impressed.
My friends recently got married in Vermont and also used 822 weddings. They do beautiful work!
I have my undergrad in public health and am considering pursuing my MPH. I look forward to reading your public health rants!
Thank you very much! We had a blast. I was lucky to be on such a great/competitive team.
And congrats to your newlywed friends! 822 Weddings was seriously the best decision we made for our wedding
I have nominated you and your blog for the Sunshine Award. Thanks for continuing to enlighten my blogging world with your words, photos, and wisdom! In case you want to check out my nomination post, the link is http://moveeatcreate.wordpress.com/2012/11/17/a-big-thank-you-and-lots-of-blog-love/.
hey girl! I just reread your About page for the first time since I first discovered your blog, and seriously, it’s one of my favorite About pages out there! Interesting and fun to read!
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Wow I stumbled across your blog and think it’s amazing – well done. It’s intersting to see you have a similar education/work background and passion for running as me!
Oh and your pets are adorable. I’m looking forward to reading more of your blog in the future. Cheers Donna
Greetings! I’ve been following your blog for a while now and finally got the courage to go ahead and give you a shout out from Porter Texas! Just wanted to mention keep up the good job!
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