Deep Dive
Shownotes Transcript
Did you love summer camp as a kid? Do you enjoy running and fitness activities? Then Camp Runabout is for you. Located in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, this three-day weekend is the perfect getaway for you to disconnect, enjoy some fun activities like arts and crafts, or go for a run with new friends.
or participate in Beer Olympics, sit by a campfire and make some s'mores. Whatever it is that you love about summer camp, Camp Runabout has it. For more information, go to camprunabout.com. And for a discount on your registration, use code INF101. Welcome to Chasing Life Podcast, where we talk about fitness, running, career, and life tips to inspire you to live your best life. I'm your host, Sarah Kane, and I hope you enjoy today's episode.
welcome to another episode of chasing life my guest today is carly fernald welcome carly
Thanks, Sarah. I'm super excited to be a part of this. Me too. So we've known each other for a few years now. And I feel like an experience where we bonded was last year, we ran the wine glass half marathon together. And then you and your husband were gracious enough to let me tag along to the post race meal afterwards at Wegmans. And so we got to know each other even more there. So I definitely appreciate that.
Yeah, yeah. Wineglass was awesome. And it was great to run into you and some other local like 607 people at the end of that, especially following the downpour of the race. But that was an amazing race. And I've appreciated the connection with you through so many different like running groups and events.
and things of that sort. Yeah, thank you. So why don't we kind of take a step back a little bit and hear about fitness journey. So we know you're a runner, but are there any other sports that you've been involved in? Or how did you find running?
Yeah, so I love talking about running in general. So I guess it started when I was young. I ran cross country. I started on modified, so that would have been in like sixth grade. My mom was always a runner and my dad was always an athlete. He played lacrosse all throughout school and then he played for Hobart in college following in my grandfather's footsteps. And
So I kind of did the same. I have three sisters. So all four of us were really involved in cross country track and indoor track. In second grade, I started playing lacrosse, kind of following after my dad. So it was between lacrosse and running. And that was kind of like what I was focused on in middle school and high school. And then in high school, I really got
into lacrosse. And then I ended up committing to play at the Division III level. So I played for Nazareth College in Rochester for four years. And I played as a midfielder. So anyone who knows women's lacrosse, it's a lot of running. So they would put the ball on my stick. And that was my job was running up and down the field, which I absolutely loved. And I
Throughout that time I continued running, but I wasn't on a cross country team or anything. So it wasn't until after college that I got into competitively running again. So I got, I did one marathon and then I think at this point I have completed about 13 half marathons. And that tends to be my distance of choice.
Yeah, I like to have two because you can still have it. I feel like it's still a good challenge, but it also doesn't take over your life.
Right, exactly. And I think the half has been exciting because I've seen a big change over time from my first one, which was about eight years ago, to now. My times have improved a lot and I've learned a lot about myself through the half marathon journey. So I met you through it too, which is cool. Yeah.
One of the things we talked about after your wine glass half finish was the number of days that you run and how you've been supplementing that. So can you kind of talk about what you've learned? Actually, based on your current job, we'll kind of talk about that a little bit more, but like how you've balanced running with other fitness endeavors. Yeah, definitely. So
It wasn't until I got a little older, I think in college, I was first introduced to like strength training in a serious way. And so learning about proper form and the importance of strength training in order to excel in on the lacrosse field or in a competitive race. That's when it like really started to click for me. So I started to incorporate strength training like two or three times a week.
And it was a little harder, like running is something I've truly loved. Like I could run every day, but strength training for me, I had to like push myself to like show up for it a little more. But over time I found that
strength training and even yoga is something I started to incorporate as well, like complemented my running so well. And it led to less injury and faster times and just feeling stronger overall, I think both mentally and physically. So I continue doing that. I strength train about two to three times a week.
I do yoga about two times a week and then I run, I would say probably two to three times a week. Yeah. And so just running like two to three times a week, but because of how you're supplementing that, like, and you're still getting faster. And so I think that's just really encouraging to hear and to share because a lot of articles or training plans, they really push to run four or five, six days a week.
But that could also lead to more injuries. And so it's almost better to like drop down the running days a little bit if you can complement it with the strength training or the yoga. And those are things I've learned along the way as well. Like when I first started running, like I didn't do any yoga. I like refused to yoga. I was like this, like, how is this going to help me?
And then I finally did like a yoga program and I realized how much looser it made my hips feel and my body just float easier. And I was, so with that kind of positive reinforcement, it helped to encourage at least me to find a way to fit that into my schedule. And it sounds like you had a similar experience. Yeah, definitely. And I think some of that takes like, you know, more dedication because we are born as like people who love to run, but we're not,
necessarily people who love to lift or stretch, but those are things that like you find if you want to see the payoff in other ways, just being more well-rounded can really help. I think one thing that can help paint a picture of, you know, the benefits of strength training for me specifically were my first half marathon time I ran
A 152 and change.
And over the next several years, I eventually started adding in the strength stuff. And like you had mentioned, I started running less, which was something I learned from my sister who she's an ultra runner and she's pretty good out in Colorado. But I started running less, lifting more. And at Wineglass last year, I PR'd and ran a 135.
So being able to shave, it was a long time, but shaving almost like 16 minutes was something that was exciting and made me a little emotional crossing the finish line. I remember talking to you after the race. You're like, I can't believe I did this. Yeah. And I think like sharing that is just like really encouraging that people, if they can find like
three days a week to consistently run, then they can still see improvement if they're supplementing it with other activities that are going to support their running. So I appreciate that. So I kind of touched upon your job a little bit. And so you have a unique opportunity with your strength training to be a part of a local gym. Can you talk about your role
role in that organization and maybe what the gym promotes and how that's maybe helped you improve your strength training or learn about proper strength training. Yeah, definitely. So I work for a gym locally called Synergy Athletics. We have three locations in the greater Binghamton area. And I was brought on about a year and three months ago
three or four months ago as the marketing and sales manager for Synergy. So I have a background in marketing and communication. And finding this role was so exciting for me. I have previously worked in like pharmaceutical advertising.
And so when I matched my background in marketing with fitness, it was like a light bulb moment. And I was so excited to work for a small business and to spread the word and share the stories of our members who have done amazing things at the gym. So yeah, at Synergy specifically, we specialize in what we call personal fitness in a group fitness setting.
So it makes it slightly more affordable for everyday people. It's not just you and the trainer. You're getting personal fitness based on your goals and your fitness level. But there are other folks in the room, which our members love. It allows for community and connection and a lot of people
you know, have made some really great friends over the years. We have members who have been dedicated members for like eight or nine years, which is just really cool to be a part of and to witness the transformation of so many of our members and to be able to tell their stories has been really rewarding. What's been one of your favorite stories that maybe comes to mind or that you've been able to witness?
Oh, yes, I love this question. So the first person that comes to mind, and I know he's comfortable with me sharing this is.
a man named Kevin. He's actually a local principal here and he started his journey, I think it was like at the beginning or in the midst of COVID. He was in a tough place and the way he describes it is he struggled to walk down his driveway to take his garbage out. He would have to stop and take a breath because he got really tired.
So he was out of shape, just not really in a good place, I think, both mentally and physically. So he connected with our head trainer, Brian, and they started working together. So over the past, I would say now it's been two-ish years, Kevin has just transformed his life with the guidance of the trainers at Synergy and so many other places here locally.
and he lost over 100 pounds. He is just happier and has energy and he runs races now. He's just taken himself to the next level in so many ways, which has been incredible to see. I think he recently
is in a relationship now too, which I was happy to connect with him on. So in a lot of ways, he's just changed his life and is so much happier. And when I originally interviewed him about it, it just like brought us both to tears. So those kinds of stories are why I love my job. And I think why a lot of people love being part of the Synergy community.
That's one of the things I love about fitness and having a platform to share people's journeys, because it's not just about the physical goals that have been reached, but how fitness is such a catalyst for changing your life. Like I know like my journey through running, it's helped me become more confident in myself and happier. It's given me a platform to process things
you know, anxiety or just thoughts in life. And I just realized how much it really has bled into all areas of my life just because of my daily activities and my love of fitness. So it's so inspiring to hear stories like that. Yeah, that's awesome. I totally agree. It's funny. I always say to my husband, like, I will go for a run. And when I come back, I'm like, I am
a way better person now than I was when I left for that run. And it's so true. It's like, I think we do it because we love it.
for the endorphins and because sometimes you feel a little runner's high, but at the end of the day, there's like so many other benefits that like have just, you know, connected us to other people through running. And I think connected for me, it's connected me to myself. That's where I have like my most, yeah.
my best thinking, I guess, when I'm, when I'm running alone. Yeah, I agree with that, that like my Sunday long runs just helped me kind of process the week or just, it's like, if you're, the best thoughts come to people when they're relaxed, whether they're like in the shower doing dishes or something where their mind isn't maybe necessarily focused on something they're struggling with. And so I feel like, yeah, running provides a platform for that.
just life in general. And to me, it's also something that I feel like I can always control too. And, and also having like those goals and working toward it and, and discovering what my body can do or what I can work towards and, and achieving something that I never thought I could do before.
Yeah, that's awesome. And I saw recently you became a certified running coach, right? I did. Yeah. Last fall, I took the RRCA coaching course and I absolutely loved the material. I loved learning more about the mechanics behind a training plan. And I'm currently coaching two women toward actually the wine glass half this fall. So I'm excited to see how they improve.
And in time, help additional women with their goals as well. Wow, I love that. That's super cool. I will not be participating in Wineglass this year, unfortunately, but I have two college friends who I talked into it and kind of gave them a super loose training plan
and it'll be their first half marathon both of them so that'll be exciting. Awesome are you going to come to the race to cheer? Yeah I hope so yes. Okay so I'll be running the marathon that day. Oh oh exciting yes okay well then I really hope that I can make it because I'm sure there'll be a lot of people and it would be incredible to see your marathon finish and you're hoping to qualify for Boston at that race right? Potentially yeah if I mean if my training goes really well and I have a
really good day, then I would love to be able to get a Boston qualifying time on that course, because it will be my five-year anniversary of running my first marathon. And that's the course I ran my first marathon on. So I just think it would be really cool, but I'm trying to get my hopes up too much. Yeah. Wow. I just got chills. That's really cool. So, but you have a, this is actually a perfect segue because you have a really good reason why you're not running any fall races. And that is?
I'm currently, I actually just read it this morning in my little journal, but I'm like six months pregnant right now, so...
I'm due in the fall, so it's not super realistic for me to race in the fall, but I have been racing some 5Ks and I've accepted my current pace and that sort of thing. I've still incorporated running, but it is a lot different right now, which is okay. Yeah. So-
Recently you ran a 5k and you even placed really well in your age group and I know that that was shocking to you. So can you kind of talk about like the training leading up to it or like how many days you're currently running and what your activity level looks like during a pregnancy.
Yeah, definitely. This is an exciting topic for me because I think this being my first pregnancy, I've been learning a lot about exercise and then just pregnancy in general. But I think it's like a myth that it really is unless you're high risk.
But it's really like a myth that you can't exercise and that you can't run. A lot of people like have that in their head. But if you talk to your doctor and are already an active person in a lot of ways, my doctor has really just encouraged me to keep going and doing what I'm doing. But, you know, to rest more and to like really listen to your body. So yeah.
That's been super encouraging for me. I've continued the strength training. And then I've backed off on running a little bit. So the most I've run is over the past several months is like five miles. But I typically stick to like three. Some days I'll do like two or four. Just depends on the day. But yeah, so I recently ran, I guess it was probably a month ago, a 5k and I
my training times were all like nine or 10 minute miles. Um, I was going really easy with my training runs, but the second, like the gun went off, I just, my competitive nature was like, I just have to see what will happen here. So I ended up getting, um, I think my splits were like seven thirteens. So I was happy with that, which was
It was neat to see like what I was capable of. It was a little bit harder to breathe, obviously carrying carrying a baby. But but, you know, it's not that different if you keep doing it throughout. So that was really exciting to cross the finish line and and know that I had.
It was my first like pregnant race. And then I just did a 5k trail race this past weekend. So that was cool too. Yeah. How was that? Have you done many trail races before?
I've done a couple. I did a trail half marathon in Moab, Utah last year. That was an incredible one. I would recommend to anyone who's interested in trail running. And then locally, we did the Noob Sanity Extreme Ravine this past weekend. That is probably the most challenging 5k marathon.
I've ever experienced. There's so much in terms of elevation change, which is surprising for our area, but it was lots of fun. You get muddy and I heard the prizes are rocks and dirty shoes.
Yes, the prizes are really cool. Our medals were literally like there was no like medal. It was a rock. And I was like, this is really unique. I like it. It's like pet rocks. Exactly. Yeah. Yeah, I was hearing from a few other people who participate in that race over the weekend. So it's definitely quite an experience they have set up out there.
Yeah, you'll have to join us for that one next year. Oh, I don't know. I'm not sure. After hearing some stories of one of the other, my fellow roadrunner, she's like, I was afraid I was going to twist my ankle every time or the hill was so steep. I had to go down like sideways and hold a rope. And I was like,
That doesn't sound like my type of race. So, but definitely, I guess, an interesting fitness challenge to participate in. Yeah, definitely. I think road runners and trail runners, they like find their...
their path and kind of stick to it but it is it is cool to cross over sometimes yeah I mean I've heard that roadrunners should trail run at least once in a while to mix it up because of the softer ground or the technicality of trails help build all the little muscles and your ankles and that actually translate to faster road running but I'm I trip on a sidewalk so I go out in the woods and I would trip on every other route so I would come out I'll
bloodied and bruised and scraped so I kind of stick to the roads yeah you definitely have to be more alert on the trails because I found that like I was so focused for the full race versus like when you're road running you can kind of let your mind wander um so I guess it just depends what you're looking for out of the race yeah that's definitely a good point
So, with your pregnancy are you currently working toward any fitness goals or just focused on continuing to have like healthy pregnancy. I know I know you've been working on pull ups though. How are you doing with those.
Yes, I have been working on pull-ups. It was something I started, I think, in the month of December. My boss actually, in a meeting, he had challenged me and was like, hey, can you do a pull-up? And I was like, I don't know. I haven't tried to do a pull-up since college. So I got on the pull-up bar and on that day, I could do three. So from there, I had set a goal to add a couple every month.
And I was on a path to hit 10 consecutive pull-ups.
And I think it was March, hit nine and then I had fallen. But right during that timeframe, I had found out I was pregnant. So I was being more cautious. My doctor said I could still do pull-ups. So I've continued doing them, but I'm being super patient with myself. For example, this morning, I was doing sets of two versus sets of nine. But yeah, I wanna keep doing them. And I think it's something that,
has helped inspire some other women in the gym. They've said like, "Hey, I wanna work on pull-ups too. Like it's something I've never thought about." So there's a little bit of a ripple effect across Synergy and there's other women working on them and really focusing on that as a goal. So that's something I'll continue doing. But in terms of other fitness goals,
I, I really just want to continue working out. I love hearing stories about women who were like on a treadmill the day before they gave birth. And I think if you feel up for it, that's something I would love to, you know, strive toward. Yeah. You know what I love about what you were saying about the ripple effect of your pull-up goals is like, that's another piece of
fitness journeys that I love is that you never know who you're inspiring. And so like your boss challenged you and then other people see you and then they try to, you know, they set a new goal and they'll probably inspire other people. And so that's one of the things I love about like the fitness community and goals and just it's like if she can do it, I want to try or I want to be able to do it too type of thing. So it's definitely inspiring.
Yeah, and I think it like the most important piece about that is like, none of the goals have to be the same. So some of the women at Synergy specifically, like they have the bands to help guide them with their pull ups or, you know, we all have like different modifications we can use and, and
inspire each other, but know that like it's you versus you. We're not really competing with one another, but more so like ourselves. Yeah, I think that's a really great point. And I'm glad that you shared that. So thank you. Yeah, no problem.
so i feel like we could talk for a while but i have a couple fun questions to wrap up our conversation so the first one is what is the best piece of advice that you have given or received oh that's a good one the best piece of advice um it's definitely something i've likely received
I would say, I mean, really the first person who comes to mind in a fitness related way is my boss, Joe. He's the owner and founder of Synergy Athletics. And he provides lots of great advice. But I think through his mentoring and like guidance over the past year and a half or so, he's just inspired me to...
reach for more in the work I do every day. And then fitness wise, like,
why limit ourselves to what we're capable of when there's so much more that we could potentially achieve. He sends me a lot of books that are really inspiring. So I'm always like reading and listening to podcasts. And he knows I love to run. So they're like usually specifically running focused. But he himself, just the way he lives his life is really inspiring. He just
did a 100 mile ultra marathon several weeks ago, and he did a 4,400 pull up challenge beat the David Goggins record. He's just like incredible in that way. So yeah, it encourages me to think that way as well. Yeah, it's also really
encouraging to hear about having such a supportive boss who understands you and maybe the things to help you grow. So what's one of the books you're currently reading or read recently?
Yeah, so I just finished Endure by Cameron Haynes. Are you familiar with that book? I've heard of it. Yeah, I think it's probably on my Amazon list along with like 100 other books. Yes, it was very good. I know it's on Audible as well. My husband is really into hunting and fishing and I'm very into running and Cameron Haynes kind of pairs the two. He's a super elite bow hunter guy.
but also an ultra marathoner. So it's a book that we both could enjoy. Nice. Yeah. That's great that Joe kind of noticed that like about the two of you and could mesh it together. Yes. He he's, he's very good at that. Yeah. So my next question is what is something you're currently obsessed with or loving right now?
And this doesn't have to be fitness related either. - The first thing that came to mind for me was fruit. I have been craving like a lot of fruit
throughout my pregnancy. So I actually just went to the grocery store and bought watermelon, bananas, apples, raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries. So I just like want fruit all the time, which is not a bad thing. Yeah. I love fruit too. Like that's what, one of the things I love about summer is like a good fruit salad. Just like put it all together, mix it all up. Yes, exactly. It's so good. What's your favorite fruit?
I eat a lot of bananas, especially before I run. Like I always eat a banana before I run and then I usually throw a banana in my like post-run shake as well. Nice. Yeah. I mean, that's like a staple for runners. Right. Exactly. And so then my last question is what does chasing life mean to you? Yes. Well, I love the tagline chasing life. I think it's awesome.
I think what chasing life means to me is living every day and we're truly like embracing every day, you know, not just waiting for the weekend, but how can you wake up and start your day with a daily routine, um,
For example, I write in like a gratitude journal every morning and I make sure to journal and I'll sit on my porch when I let our dogs out and kind of like reflect to start the day and then always incorporate exercise. So even on the days where you're like grinding and you're working, finding those like little pieces of joy,
to like be true to yourself and to, to really just like live a happy life. I think, I think that's what chasing life means to me. Yeah. Thank you. I, I love hearing that answer. And I say that like with all of my guests do, because I love just hearing the different perspectives. But I also agree with what you're saying about like kind of living your life with some intentionality and finding the joys versus just like
going through a routine every day and just, you know, working toward a weekend and then realizing like, where did the last week go? Where did last month go without kind of having anything that you're moving toward?
so i like that message yeah definitely setting goals are important even if they're small and just for you yes yes very great thought to wrap us up here is there anything else you want to share or talk about before we close out our conversation
I don't think so. Thank you so much for having me. This is really exciting. I love talking about running. And I guess I would just say for anyone who wants to potentially start a family, it's something that I wasn't sure what would happen when I first found out I was pregnant, but it's something that you can do.
you can continue to do and make part of your life. We recently found out that we are having a little girl. So I hope to run with her one day and be that stroller running mom. So I guess.
That's what I'll leave with you. I don't think I knew that you were going to have a girl, so that's very exciting. Yeah. So that you can be that same role model for your daughter that your mom was for you as a runner. So what a sweet circle. Yeah, exactly. Well, I enjoyed our conversation, Carly, and I'm glad we got to connect and do this together. So thank you. Thank you so much, Sarah.
Thank you for listening. If you enjoyed today's episode, please share it on social media. Tag me at Sarah Chasing Life or at Chasing Life Podcast. If you haven't already, please be sure to subscribe and rate this podcast. That helps me to reach more listeners.