Q & A With Running Legend Vicki Huber Rudawsky

I decided to add a new interview feature to my blog site. Here I will be reaching out to a number of influential people in my network to get their thoughts on a variety of health and fitness related topics. In this first interview, I spoke to two-time Olympian (Seoul 1988 and Atlanta 1996), Delaware native and Villanova University middle distance running legend Vicki Huber Rudawsky.

(SB) How long has fitness been part of your lifestyle?

(VHR) Fitness has been part of my lifestyle since I started running on a regular basis after I turned 14.  I played sports in Junior High, but that was more about loving sports and being a part of a team. 

(SB) How many days a week do you work out?

(VHR) I typically workout 6 days a week and take Sundays completely off, but if my husband Rudy wants to go for a short run on Sundays, I join him. 

(SB) What does your fitness routine look like and consist of today?

(VHR) I usually run Monday (trails), Wednesday (workout), Thursday (shorter run on roads) and Saturday (long run); Tuesdays I cross train – bike, EFX, swim, or a combination of these; Friday I teach a kickboxing class (weights). 

(SB) Do you prefer to train in a group setting? Or solo?

(VHR) When I cross train, I usually like to workout alone, unless I am aqua jogging.  Running is always so much better with a group!  I spent so many years running and training alone, that I look so forward to meeting my friends for a run. And doing a workout with other makes it so much easier to get motivated.  

(SB) What major changes (good or bad) have you observed in the fitness industry through the years?

(VHR) Throughout the years, the fitness industry has really boomed and there are so many different types of classes you can take to get fit.  I am a little worried about the intensity of the new boom.  I think that the injury potential for classes like CrossFit, as well as all the mud runs and crazy obstacle challenge runs can be pretty high.  This is not so much an attack on those who create the challenges, but more of a realistic look at human nature – most of us who take on these challenges have a hard time knowing when to back off, even when we know we should.  Failure is not an option.  This can lead to problems later on. 

(SB) How has your own personal workout program changed or evolved through the years?

 (VHR) I have definitely changed my workout through the years.  I used to be able to run 5-6 days a week, with a long run of up to 14 miles.  Now, I run basically 3 1/2 days and run no longer than 10-11 miles.  Plus, I keep mostly to trails and softer surfaces. 

(SB) Sum up your dietary beliefs in one or two sentences.

 (VHR) I believe in moderation in everything, including diet.  Everyone has an idea of what works for them – I like the Blood Type Diet because it seems to truly fit my needs.  We all know when we are not eating right.

(SB) How have you been able to use your passion for health and fitness to influence others?  

(VHR) I am very lucky to have the opportunity to work with high school athletes as a massage therapist.  I try to keep them healthy and a step ahead of injury, plus I think it helps them to learn to listen to their bodies and to pay attention.  We need to learn to respect our bodies, and the earlier we learn this, the better. 

(SB) What are your long term fitness goals in the coming year, years or decades?

 (VHR) My long term fitness goal is to definitely keep running for as long as I can.  I may need to run slower and less as the years go on, but I will adjust when I need to.  It was such a blessing to be able to run with our daughter these past three years before sending her off to college, and I hope to be able to run with our son as well.  Also, even if it is only 30 minutes, running with Rudy is so cool.  I also hope to coach running in some capacity in the future, but not until our son is out of school.   As for competition, I don’t commit to anything….Rudy says I get to competitive and get hurt when I race, so I have to be careful! 

(SB) Did you workout today? 

 (VHR) Today, I just got back from a short trip to NYC, so I have not worked out yet….if I don’t; I will use today as my day off and workout on Sunday .

Vicki Huber Rudawsky