Freshman Haley Grotbeck stretches as she prepares for a run by the Mississippi River. Grotbeck plans to run the Lake Minnetonka Half Marathon this May and has been intensely training since January. (Sunita Dharod/TommieMedia)
Grotbeck does most of her workouts at the Anderson Athletic and Recreation Complex on campus. Lifting days usually include squats and bench presses. (Sunita Dharod/TommieMedia)
Grotbeck looks out over the Mississippi River as she stretches. The athlete’s runs usually range from three to five miles. (Sunita Dharod/TommieMedia)
Grotbeck keeps an inspiration board for daily motivation. The Lake Minnetonka Half Marathon takes place May 1. (Sunita Dharod/TommieMedia)
Grotbeck stretches before a lifting day. She is currently recovering from a potential stress fracture. (Sunita Dharod/TommieMedia)
Grotbeck wants to expand her athletic clothing collection. “Sport clothing is all I wear,” she said. (Sunita Dharod/TommieMedia)
Grotbeck runs along the Marshall bridge over the Mississippi River. Grotbeck adds one mile to her long run every weekend.
(Sunita Dharod/TommieMedia)
Before lifting weights in the AARC, Grotbeck uses a roller on her legs in an aerobics room. Rollers are used to prevent injuries and to stretch muscles. (Sunita Dharod/TommieMedia)
The paths along the Mississippi River are some of Grotbeck’s favorite places to run. Training for the event will take her months. (Sunita Dharod/TommieMedia)
Grotbeck incorporates push-ups into her lifting workout. She typically switches off between lifting, body weight and running days. (Sunita Dharod/TommieMedia)
Whether it’s getting out of bed for a 7:30 a.m. lab or completing homework before midnight, having intrinsic motivation to accomplish more is a daily struggle. Freshman Haley Grotbeck has mastered this practice, with plans to run the Lake Minnetonka Half Marathon in May.
“If you’re thinking about it, why not do it? Why hold yourself back?” Grotbeck said.
Grotbeck decided to race simply to have something to push herself to do. She has, however, faced some challenges. Aside from having to run alone and not having a running history, her biggest challenge is becoming “comfortable with being uncomfortable.”
Grotbeck has proven that she can overcome those challenges and is dedicated to her training. This dedication was personified the day she ran eight miles, a run that ended with her feet bleeding.
Grotbeck’s training also means she has had to incorporate a few changes to her lifestyle. She typically switches between cross training, strength and running, as well as eating healthy.
“You can’t out-train a bad diet,” Grotbeck said. “The View is OK, but you have to be conscious.”
As for training, she usually runs the longest on weekends.
“I’ve been known to run to Lulu and back,” Grotbeck admitted with laughter. “Sports clothing is all I wear.”
Her other favorite running spots include routes along Summit Avenue and the Mississippi River, as well as anywhere she can play her rap music and escape.
Above all, Grotbeck encourages people who have a goal in mind to “go for it.”
“You learn a lot about yourself,” Grotbeck said. “You’re capable of a lot more than you think.”
Sunita Dharod can be reached at dhar3490@stthomas.edu.