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| 2019 Freeman Lake Challenge |
Tell us a little about yourself not necessarily related to running: age, where born, education, area you live in, etc…
Hello, my name is Elizabeth Ray. I am 40 years old, and I was born in Elizabethtown, Kentucky. I grew up in rural Hardin County on a family farm with two brothers and close to family. Growing up my favorite activities were walking in the woods, riding bikes, playing in the garden dirt (mud was the most fun), swimming wherever we could and running all over the place. We went to church every Sunday morning and then spent several Sunday afternoons preparing a big Sunday dinner.
I am a proud product of Hardin County Schools who decided to stay home after graduation to attend Elizabethtown Community College for two years. Since I enjoyed learning about the body, my first decided major was medicine. However when I transferred to Eastern Kentucky University I changed my major to dietetics to focus on nutrition.
Upon graduating from EKU with a Bachelors of Science, I was chosen by the University of Kentucky & Veterans Affairs Hospital to continue my nutrition training in their dietetic internship program. To become a registered dietitian, one has to: 1) earn a four year dietetic degree, 2) be accepted and complete a dietetic internship, and 3) finally pass a very rigorous test. It was challenging, but when I achieved registered dietetic status every sleepless night and stressful day was worth it!
It was especially rewarding because while I studied to earn my registered dietitian status, I was also enrolled in the University of Kentucky’s Master Program for Kinesiology and Health Promotion! Kinesiology is a fancy word meaning the ‘study of movement, or exercise.’ I purposely set my education, dietetics first and exercise second, so that I could become the best in both. One year after becoming a registered dietitian, I graduated with a Masters degree from the UK.
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| 2018 E'town Fall Classic 1/2 Marathon |
I’ve lived all over the state of Kentucky; east KY and west KY, rural KY and urban KY, but didn’t think I would ever get to move home due to my husband’s profession. However in 2015, an opportunity opened. We now reside in Elizabethtown KY close to family and friends. Elizabethtown is home.
What is your profession?
I am a registered dietitian nutritionist. I work to help people improve their relationship with food and with themselves. Food is identity, culture, and is very personal. It’s an absolute honor to guide clients and share in reaped results.
I practice nutrition at Family Healing Healthcare, a family owned and operated medical clinic, located in Elizabethtown KY.
In listening to a recent podcast I heard you are working to be a Whole30 Certified Coach - what does that entail?
The first step to Whole30 Certified Coaching is committing to a Whole30 reset.
Second, submit application to the Whole30 Team.
Third, the certification process consists of four tracks; the tracks are as followed…
1&2) Knowledge testing: 100 question test and 15 open ended questions.
3) Demonstrating ability to communicate, create content, and collaborate.
4) Interview with the corporate Whole30 Team.
Currently I am working through the knowledge testing track; specifically the open ended questions which I hope to have passed by the time this interview is made public! The process has been tough but it’s also been extremely rewarding personally and professionally.
I am proud to wear the Whole30 banner, even though it’s not yet official!
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| 2019 Derby Marathon |
Whole30 has been a game changer for my health, training and recovery.
For example, Whole30 has allowed me to personalized my diet; meaning that I have discovered what foods are optimal for my health and what foods are not serving me.
Personalizing nutrition is key because very person is unique. Our individual uniqueness is why general diets don’t work, or at least this is what I have learned over the last 15 years as a dietitian nutritionist. Every person digests and uses foods differently, so I encourage every person to take a small amount of time, 30 days or so, to invest in your own health and self discovery.
During my Whole30 resets, I have discovered certain foods, like grains, dairy and sugar
cause inflammation. My inflammation shows up as various symptoms including: daily digestive distress, seasonal allergies & chronic sinus infections, skin infections & irritations, everyday fatigue, and severe headaches. These symptoms were interruptions to my day, my goals, and my life. I thought these symptoms were ‘normal’ but after Whole30 I discovered these symptoms were my body’s way of telling me that grains, dairy, and sugar are not being properly used by my body. These foods are causing damage which made workout recovery harder and longer. Once Whole30 taught me these lessons, I eliminated these problem foods and was able to workout harder and recover quicker.
I recently shared this story on social media:
It was last Spring when I first ran 20 miles. I was following Whole30 template for eating. I woke up the next morning a little sore but feeling full of energy. I experienced a wonderful recovery day!
A few days later, I indulged and made a mockery of my food freedom (ie. grain, dairy, sugar). The morning after I felt like I had been hit by a truck!
Lesson learned the HARD way…the food recovery was more difficult, exhausting and painful than the recovery from running 20 miles!
How did you start running and what prompted you to do so?
I’ve always enjoyed running and preferred to ‘just run’ compared to ‘playing ball.’
For instance, when I was younger I was always outside playing with my brothers and cousins. Trouble came when they ALL wanted to ‘play ball.’ They needed me for the ‘numbers’ but knew I didn’t care for round objects being thrown to me. My older brother learned to reel me by saying “just hit the ball once, then you can run.” In addition my cousin would add “once I hit the ball, run for me.” We would end up ‘playing ball’ because they knew the run would pull in me.
How long have you been running?
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| 2019 Freeman Lake Challenge |
I have consistently been running for the last 20 years. I started in college running on my own; no team, no races, just running. It helped me manage my stress and gave me a reason to break out of the library.
Over the last 20 years, I’ve taken a few breaks to raise my children and even got addicted to Cross fit for a little while, but I have always come back to my first love: running.
Did you participate in any sports over the years?
No sports, but I did participate in classical ballet for 12 years. I took additional dance classes for a total of 16 years.
My college dancer professor use to say to me, ‘you won’t be happy as a clinician because you are a mover.’ She saw and sensed that I have a heart for movement, even before I realized it. She was 100% right!
Did you run in grade school, High School or College?
No cross country or track team.
In middle school, I wanted to join the track team but my Mother wouldn’t let me. I had been taking ballet for several years, and she didn’t want me to give up on something I loved. She was right. I actually dreamed of being a professional dancer when I was younger, but when I started competing the joy went away. I continued to dance but knew it was a hobby.
So we get and idea of where you have been with running can you share your PR’s for: 5K, 10K, marathon and any other distance you may have run in the past:
- 5K, not sure of my time but I won 1st place for my age group!
- 10K, 52:19
- Half Marathon, 1:46
- Marathon, 4:30
My most memorable event, which wasn’t really a race but an experience, was a century bike ride. I was a senior in high school when the Fellowship of Christian Athletes held the bike ride as a fun way to raise funds for student scholarships. I signed up without a lot of training but tons of grit and determination. I completed the trip from Louisville to Frankfort and back completely worn out but with a sense of unshakable confidence.
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| Century ride in HS at mile 50 in Frankfort KY |
I also have to add, that the recent Freeman Lake Challenge 5K &10K, has to be my absolute favorite race of races thus far. It was my first trail race! The scenery was beautiful and the local support was unbelievable! I loved the thrill of running through the forest, jumping over roots, and adjusting my stride over the terrain. The race was good for my body and my mind!
Do you have a favorite workout you do?
I enjoy long runs the most. The long runs give me time to either visit with friends running alongside me, or if solo I explore.
What does a regular week of training look like?
I run almost daily. I run on treadmill, various road routes, and some trails. Lately, I’ve been pushing my weekly mileage up with hopes to complete an ultra in 2020. Also I am looking to add weekly speed intervals, thanks to PT Pros and their new AlterG Anti-Gravity Treadmill.
In addition to running, I perform strength and power drills several times a week. These workouts are not my favorite but necessary because being able to use the bathroom independently is a forever life goal!
How about a favorite route you like to run?
I have several favorite routes, but I am looking to add some ‘new’ favorites this year. Adding new routes appeals to the kid in me. It’s a form of play, or exploring that keeps me seeking for new adventure.
What is your favorite distance to run and race?
Again, I enjoy the long runs the most. Running is the easy part, but racing has been scary to me. However, I have signed up for more races than ever before aiming to conquer my fear of racing.
What shoes do you run in and what do you like about them?
Altras! I love the wide toe box and the zero drop feature. From a girl who use to squeeze her feet into pointe shoes to dance on her tip toes, the Altras are like a the open country…I’ve got room to stretch and fly!
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| 2018 E'Town Fall Classic 1/2 Marathon |
How about diet - what does a normal week look like and do you change things for races?
I follow Whole30 meal template; meat, eggs, seafood, lots of vegetables, some fruit, and plenty of fat. I invest in organic, pastured meat and eggs, not just for the health benefits but also because my dollars are votes. I support farmers who raise animals ethically. I also invest mostly in organic produce and fats for health benefits but also to support earth friendly farming practices.
As for race week, I add some additional starchy vegetables to fill up muscle glycogen storage. I also focus on hydration the entire week to ensure my cells are ready for the demands of race day.
Do you have any long-range plans for running?
My longest long-range plan is to continue have the ability to run until my last breath on Earth.
More immediate plans are to become to best athlete I can be. Of course I would love to earn a place at Boston and to finish an Ultra strong, but for now, my focus is to give each workout my best.
Also I want to fine tune my running form. I’ve attended several of Will Rivera’s Good Running Form Clinics held at Running Soles. Much like ballet, running is an art. I enjoy working to improve my art, or form.
What do you like best about living and running in KY?
My most favorite thing about KY is my family. KY is our home.
As for running in KY, I hate to admit it but my favorite things are…the hills. I have lived all over the state of Kentucky, and I have learned that quiet, hilly country is my favorite.
I also enjoy the change of season. I don’t always like heat training or running in freezing temperatures, but at least Mother Nature gives me new challenges everyday no matter the season.
Anywhere else you would like to visit to run?
I definitely want to run out west. Again I love hills, mountains, quiet country-sides, and forests. Planning travel around my upcoming races is another personal running goal.
For example, I love following your journey Tony in preparation to run R2R2R at the Grand Canyon. Or following Will and Maddie’s trips to Greece for the Spartathlon. Also, I enjoy seeing the wins of Carmen Stevens, Andrea Musselman, and other fellow local runners travel to various states in aim to complete half marathons in every state.
The idea that running can literally take me places is exciting and keeps me motivated!
Do you have any bucket list races?
I have several races I would like to complete, especially since I have just started to race. I was just searching for races yesterday and was amazed of the number and types of races. I think I could race a different event every weekend for the next year!
As mentioned earlier, Boston Marathon is a biggie not just for the validation but for the experience. I am working on qualifying but not focusing solely on Boston; my focus is on becoming better athlete and conquering my fear of racing.
What do you struggle with in running?
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| 5k Race - 1st in AG - From the Hopkinsville Newspaper |
I struggle with the racing, not running. Running is the easy part. However, I am finding that racing is making me better; more resilient, more determined and focused, stronger in mind and body.
My fear of racing stems from my fear of failure. Ouch, that hurts to admit! However, it’s true. Running has always been good for me, but racing is teaching me to harness the power of my emotions. It hasn’t been easy but worth the struggle.
What trends do you see in running?
SEVERAL.
Community. Running seemed to be a solo, lonely sport in the past; however, the development and strength of the local running community like at Running Soles, is making a big impact! I find the long run isn’t so long with friends and the pressures of a races fade when you hear the cheers from your running family. Community is power that can’t be developed from a training plan on paper.
Running Culture. Again running seemed no fun, painful, and a little crazy; however, our local running community, like Running Soles are changing culture within our larger community. When communities like Elizabethtown see a pack of runners head out from Running Soles on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays it sends ripples and possible tidal waves to normalize running in our community. ‘Share the Road’ becomes less of a slogan, and more of way of life.
Inclusivity. Running seemed to be something only for people with certain shapes, colors, specific backgrounds or whatever stigma portrayed by society; however, I love the fact that different types of people are participating and being loved on in the running community. I find runners are people who aren’t just focused on race results and outwards impressions but accept people for who they are and where they are. I was once told by a lady who was looking to start running, ‘Runners are the nicest people…so encouraging and happy.’ She felt welcomed and warmed by fellow runners, despite her physical limitations. Running is becoming a safe, joyful place for all people.
LASTLY…
Thank you so much Tony for inviting me to be a part of your work! It’s inspiring to read about all the things happening in our local community and beyond! It’s also uplifting to learn about fellow runners; I learn facts from your interviews that are with held during a long run! Thank you for enriching our running community and culture; I am thankful to be a part!
********You can see past interviews here********
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