FERNE RYDER - Athlete Spotlight - National Guard Marathon Team
This was long overdue! But I got the chance to ask Ferne some questions. Ferne is a member of the National Guard Marathon Team. Check it out!
Hometown: Grand Isle, Vermont
Current Location: Lakewood, Colorado
National Guard Status: M-Day (Part time)
Age: 31
Full Time Occupation: Registered Nurse
Favorite Movie: Forrest Gump
Favorite TV Show: Greys Anatomy
Q: Thanks for taking the time to share a little bit about your running journey with us! Can you start out by just telling us a little bit about yourself? Maybe a little about your running/athletic history? How long have you been a runner for? What's your background in the sport? How'd you get involved?
A: I grew up on a small family farm in Vermont where there were always chores for us to do; hence my farm-girl strength. I was always very active and still am. I owe a lot to my mom for taking me on nightly runs and finishing with sets of push-ups. I've always loved to run and played as many sports as possible in middle school and high school; in college I played D1 Rugby at Norwich University. In 2012 I ran my first marathon; with no marathon training and played a rugby game the day before I finished the marathon in 4:24.... Not too bad. I ran, hiked, rucked, and lifted weights often, but didn't start racing again until 2017. I ran a couple marathons that year but didn't know what I was doing.. I just kept running and enjoyed every minute. I did my first endurance race that year as well. A 36 hour race called the Ultimate Suck. Again, I had no idea what I was doing; I just ran, carried heavy stuff, got lost in the woods, had mud in every crack of my body and loved it! I even won 1st Place female. I'm really just a high-energy person who also has a competitive side. Running keeps me healthy; physically and mentally.
Q: You have some outstanding performances under your belt! Tell us a little but about your balance with running and work and other obligations? How do you fit it all in?
A: Some things I'm most proud of is the first endurance race I did (36hr Ultimate Suck); I "trained" for about 2 weeks then drove the 17hrs to the race and won. It was an amazing time and I'll never forget it. I placed 3rd in the Female Military Heavy Division for Bataan in 2019; a goal of mine is to go back and win it. And I'm also really proud of the Go Ruck 50 mile Star Course I did with Mark Jones in 2019 where we won first place. We plan on doing it again and winning!
Once Covid hit I started travel nursing, its been quite hectic, but through the chaos I have this amazing opportunity to help others and I'm very grateful for that. I spent 5 months in Wyoming spending part of that time living in a little cabin with no running water. During hectic shifts I easily get at least 5 miles in; after work I always have training scheduled. Either a run, ruck, or sandbag work. I've stayed out of the gym and have enjoyed forcing myself to be outside.
Q: Can you give us a little overview of your weekly running schedule? Do you follow a specific regimen? Is it flexible? On average, what would you say your weekly mileage looks like?
A: Since I'm currently back home in Colorado on a local travel nursing contract it's a little easier for me to get my training in. I'm doing my best to up my mileage for more ultra races, especially trail ultras! My week consists of a long run, speed work, upper body, lower body, and rucking. I average at least 5 miles a day and weekly 35-50 miles. A new goal of mine is to run marathon distance once a month. I already completed January with a 31 mile trail run for my 31st birthday!
Q: Daily Life. Can you give us an overview of what an average day looks like for you with training, work, etc..
A: I work full time as a nurse currently at Denver Health; I'm on a 13 week contract so I'm not sure what's next after that! I love working in new places; it's a challenge for sure. There's such a huge need for nurses and I love that I have a job that helps others. But being a nurse is not just a job, it is a huge passion of mine. My shifts are 12 hours (which are really 13-14 hours). I work either days 0700-1930 or nights 1900-0730. I love training after my shifts; I get this burst of energy after being on my feet all day and it's a great way to close out the day. I have a pretty tight schedule when I'm working in order to ensure I get enough sleep. On my days off I train in the morning and do a ruck or run with the dogs and Mark in the afternoon. We love our family exercise time! I've learned to go with the flow of my chaotic work schedule and enjoy my training; so training may not always be super strict I get it done and enjoy it all.
Q: Who do you look up to the most? Tell us why?
A: The person I look up to the most is Mark Jones. We have accomplished so much on an individual level and as a team; the support we have built for each other is something I have never known could be. We have big plans and I can't wait to see where we end up at the end of this year! Mark is such a hard worker; he's so determined in life and when things haven't worked out as planned he continues to push forward. He's an amazing athlete and always has a training schedule which is much more intense than mine. At just 17 years old Mark joined the Marines and has continued to serve his country for almost 20 years now. He is very hard on him self and won't accept anything less than the best. He pushes me to give my best and I know that I wouldn't have accomplished the things that I have if it wasn't for him. He is always there to give advice and help others that come to him with questions. He truly goes above and beyond for others so they can accomplish their goals as well.
Q: As an endurance coach, one of the biggest principles I preach is regarding pre-race and race day fueling. Do you feel this is an important element in racing and training? How do you approach your pre-race meals, and fueling during the race? Do you use any specific products?
A: Food is fuel! I love to cook and bake just about everything. I am not a picky eater and love all my veggies. As they say "you can't out train a bad diet". Even if you're not an athlete, what you eat matters. I take care of people who make poor life choices and their poor diet has effect their health in a dramatic way. I want to ensure I take care of myself so I can take care of others. To lead my example and help those when I can. I love to carb-load! So basic spaghetti dinner before a race is usually my go-to. During long events I love Swedish fish, bananas, pickles, and peanut butter sandwiches; I typically have an iron stomach so I can eat just about anything during an event and feel great. I drink bone broth every day. My favorite brand is LonoLife, they have single serving packets which are great for travel. I rarely drink protein shakes, I prefer real food. I think my diet is pretty good considering how big of a sweet tooth I have!
Q: What advice would you give a new runner looking to get more serious about racing?
A: I would say start slow and find shoes that work best for you! This was a huge mistake I made when I started getting into marathons. I ran a couple road races with those barefoot minimal shoes and my knees hated me for it. Watch some you-tube videos of proper running form, video take yourself in slow motion on a treadmill to see how you're running so you can see what you need to fix. And get a notebook to track your training, which will help you stay committed. Getting a coach is helpful too if you feel lost!
Q: Shameless Plug. Do you watch my food reviews? If so, which is your favorite episode? :-)
A: I watched you try to eat bananas and I think you can do much better! Hahha. I also love the videos with your kid. He is adorable.
Q: Where can people find out more about you?
A: I have IG (fitnessferne) and FB (Ferne Ryder). So follow me if you like to see a lot of dog photos and my running adventures!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Paul Duncan is a full time military recruiter, USAT Certified Coach, QT2 Systems Level 1 Coach, and OutRival Racing Level 3 coach. For coaching inquires, click HERE.
Paul also competes in triathlon and running events in his spare time.
70.3 PR (4:24:26)
140.6 PR – (9:51:53)
Half Marathon – (1:24:21)
Marathon – (2:57:27)
