I used to admire her as the girl who ran fast, rode horses, and worked at the local running shoe store. But after having had the pleasure of running alongside Rose Carlman and even chatting over a cafe au lait, I am an even bigger fan of the way that she lives her life with an attitude of gratitude. Rose is currently training for the Boston Marathon which will take place on April 16th. At just 22 years of age, you might think that this is one of her first ventures into marathon running. However, after discovering the sport only 4 years ago, Rose literally ran off with it. She has finished numerous marathons–including 2 previous Boston finishes–and has recently covered ultra-marathon distances. Perhaps most impressively, she broke the 3-hour time barrier over 26.2 miles last fall (that is 26.2 miles at 6:50 pace or below!)…and then did it again only 7 days later, just for good measure. While some might pride themselves on such achievements, Rose isn’t one to flaunt her many accomplishments but rather accepts them with a thankful heart, as gifts from God. If you’d like to follow Rose’s journey, you can find her on Instagram @arcarlman. Check out her interview below for some wise training and life advice!
Current place of residence: Ventura, Ca
Hometown/place of birth: Glastonbury, Cy
Day job: Sales (horse industry)
Dream job: Equestrian (riding and training)
Favorite sports or hobbies (besides running): Show jumping
Best Race distance/type: Marathon
Dream training camp location: Anywhere near the ocean
Dream race location: Either somewhere tropical or somewhere close to friends and family so we can all have fun together, but either way a place with good scenery.
Current race goal: I’d like to do the New York marathon and some races in Europe
Why do you want to accomplish this? Just for the fun of it- seeing new things, meeting cool people and trying new food.
When/why did you start running? I started really training in my first or second year of college because I wasn’t able to ride horses every day and I need to be active and moving all the time.
Favorite accomplishment in the sport thus far: Breaking the 3 hour marathon for the first time– I was so grateful to accomplish that and so excited when I realized it as I crossed the finish line because I try not to look at my watch too much when I race.
Favorite non-sport accomplishment: Graduating from college. College felt never-ending.
Hardest race you’ve ever completed: Some of the trail ultras I’ve done have been really difficult mentally, but it’s always so rewarding to finish and there really is no choice but to keep going when you’re in the middle of nowhere on a trail.
Most memorable race moment: Running the Boston Marathon the first time. It’s the most energizing race and there’s a ton support and people screaming on course-it’s amazing. However, it’s also humbling to run in memory of those who are unable or were injured in the bombing. People come up and are appreciative of the runners; it’s eye-opening to see being a runner from their point of view.
Best athletic encouragement you’ve ever been given: I guess what helps the most is being reminded to really just focus on what’s right in front of me and really just giving my all to what’s happening in the moment without worrying about the next mile or whatever else is coming up or has past. This goes for the rest of my life as well.
Words of wisdom to someone considering training for their first endurance event: Don’t worry about your time or what your watch says. Go with how you feel and the pace that will make the experience both challenging and rewarding to the point where you really enjoy it and want to continue and improve.
Something you’ve learned about yourself through endurance sport: Usually “I can’t” is simply “I won’t”–we can all achieve more than we think.
What motivates you to keep training and competing? I don’t really get motivated, I just do it whether I want to or not. I have weekly goals that I hold myself to and I just accept it and do my best even if I don’t feel like it. Though, ultimately I train for my fitness and because of the people that have been positively affected. Racing has impacted those around me and it’s a million times better to inspire someone else than anything I do for myself.
What motivates you when it’s tough to start/complete a run? Usually food, sometimes alcohol.
Who inspires you and why? Those who have achieved more in the sport. We all know how demanding it is and everyone who has pushed further inspires me to do the same.
What are the first thing and last things that you do each day? I try to start, maintain and end my day with prayer, however long or short.
Favorite type of running shoes: I have a lot of different go-tos , but I think my number one right now is the Saucony Freedom.
Training tips: Listen to your body. There are times you can give more and there are times you just can’t. Sometimes a day off is healthier than adding an extra workout. Everyone is different; trial and error will show you the best way to train to achieve maximum performance.
Racing pet peeve: I hate when people stop or slow down without moving over. It’s really hard to maintain my pace if they stop right in front of me. People of course can stop but it’s nice to give a little wave or move over so others can pass.
What does “Fuel” mean to you? Fuel is what powers one through the race (or day) allowing the athlete to reach their full potential, and it’s gotta taste great.
What does being “Fit” mean to you? Fit means living a healthy lifestyle which enables me to strive to do my best every day; its living well, being happy and being the best version of myself. Exercise helps me physically, mentally and emotionally, and I’m so happy running is a part of my life.
Pick one:
Trail or track? Trail
Snot rocket, sleeve, or tissue? Sleeve
Solo or group training? I enjoy a mix of both, but I’m usually solo
Chocolate or cheese? Chocolate 100%
Watch on your left wrist or right? Left
Morning or evening workout? Morning
Cheerios or Wheaties? Cheerios
Coffee, tea, or hot chocolate? Tea
Crocs or Birkenstocks? Birkenstock
Any other fun facts about you? I love to try new things, whether it’s exploring a foreign country, trying new food, or day trips . I really enjoy being outside and can’t stand staying still, so why not make the most of my restlessness?
Thanks, Rose! Hoping you have your best Boston experience yet 🙂