Heinroth finishing her first half marathon

Che Heinroth
Age: 39
Hometown: Houston, TX
Occupation: Co- founder of Without Regrets Foundation
Marathons Completed: 2

Che Heinroth is a busy mother of not just one, but three lively daughters. She didn’t start running until after the birth of her third daughter. Heinroth was confined to bed rest during the last 16 weeks of her pregnancy in 2008. Post-birth she could hardly walk. However, this did not hinder her. Step by step, Heinroth pushed onward to regain muscle strength and build her cardiovascular endurance.

It didn’t take long for Heinroth to progress from walking to jogging to running. Only months after running became a regular part of her daily routine, she signed up for the 2010 Aramco Houston Half Marathon. “I did it and haven’t stopped running!” said Heinroth.

After finishing her first half marathon in 2010, she could not wait to run it again. She was hooked. Heinroth continued training and when she crossed the 2011 Aramco Houston Half Marathon finish line, her time was improved by 22 minutes. Heinroth doesn’t train with a group or coach, but prefers running on her own. She enjoys the time alone with her own thoughts and the “runner’s high.”

Heinroth is looking forward to returning to Houston, her hometown, to celebrate both her 40th birthday and the 40th anniversary of the Houston Marathon. Her family will be present to cheer her on. She hopes to watch the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials live and cheer on Shalane Flanagan, who won the Aramco Houston Half Marathon the same year Heinroth completed her first marathon.

Heinroth believes it is important to make time for exercise. She would like to encourage all her fellow mothers who desire to start running. “It not only makes you feel better, but encourages your children to live a healthy lifestyle too,” said Heinroth. “My 3 yr old enjoys riding in the stroller, and my 7 year old enjoys riding her bike, while I run.  As a reward, we stop at the park on our way home.”

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