Claire Coleman

Meet Claire Coleman:

How and when did you start running?

I've always kind of run, but I was never serious about it until 2019 when I had my 3rd child. I struggled with post-partum anxiety, and feeling like I didn't really know who I was anymore. I needed something for myself. I decided to sign up for a 5k! I had never run 3 miles without stopping. So I started with literally 1 mile a week. Literally, just 1. I did that for months until I built up to a full 5k. I ran the Hot Chocolate 5k without stopping. It was like the biggest moment of my life! I was hooked. From there I went to a 10k, to a half marathon, into a 50k and I have no idea how it got that far.  

What keeps you motivated? 

I like to say I'm not motivated, I'm consistent. I don't claim to have motivation all the time. I really enjoy the running community., I think that people are really generous and loving and giving within that community. And really supportive of each other. That keeps me showing up. There are plenty of days that I wake up and don't want to run, and it's the people that I know I'm going to see that make me get out the door. And the fact that I get to enjoy this with such wonderful people, that really helps a lot.  

Where are some of your favorite places to run in the Nashville area?  

If we are talking paths, like paved areas. I would say River Park is my absolute favorite. It is just so beautiful with the trees. I get to feel like I'm not in the city anymore. I also really love running through downtown Franklin, because it is so picturesque. Especially around the holidays, it is just so cute. Trails,  I love Percy Warner, of course! Because, who doesn't? But Long Hunter, the mountain bike path (don't tell people I run there!) - is my absolute favorite trail! It is so fun and so pretty! And covered in spiders... 

What are your reasons for running?  

The reason I run is to be the best version of me. I think that running gives me a sense of inner peace and strength and confidence in myself, that nothing else in my life really does. I know that I am a better person, better mother, better wife, a better friend, a better employee. I am just better when I commit to myself in that way and I think running really gives me that commitment to myself.