Stephanie Howe Violett has had an incredibly successful running career and is looking forward to the races she has planned in the coming months.

STEPHANIE Howe Violett always fancied herself as a softball player when she was a young girl but in her Freshman year finally accepted it was her natural talent of running which would get her places. She joined the cross-country team at this period of schooling and the rest is history as she at once found her running family and has gone on to excel in the sport and build her life around it.

Through her education and the PhD she achieved Stephanie is also a qualified nutritionist so combines her passion for nourishing the body through physical movement with creating recipes and diets to complement.

Here she talks to us about some of her biggest running successes as well as the races and events she’s set to compete in during the months ahead.

To follow Stephanie’s blog, discover her recipes and find out about what she can offer as a coach and nutritionist visit www.stephaniehoweviolett.com.

When was it you realised you had a talent as a runner and what were some of the earliest success you had in the sport?

Running came naturally to me from a young age. I always wanted to play team sports, but I was a much better runner. As I got older I accepted this fact and fell in love with running.

From a young age Stephanie had always wanted to play team sports but once she finally accepted running was her major talent she hasn’t looked back.

When did you really begin to focus on long-distance running and what was it about ultra races that really ignited a passion in you?

I initially was drawn to trail racing because I loved the ability to explore beautiful places on foot. I found my way into ultras almost organically, since many trail races are longer. I fell in love with long distance running on the trails. For me it’s a way to push myself and see some of the most beautiful places in the world on foot.

Stephanie enjoys several other sports but it is running which will remain her lifelong passion.

Tell us about some of your biggest successes and achievements in the sport and where in the world it has taken you?

Wow. There are so many things! One race that will always be close to my heart is Western States. It was my first 100-mile race and I was so thrilled to be on the start line. My biggest role models in the sport all ran WS and I wanted to experience the 100-mile distance at this iconic event. I ended up winning that first WS I ran. The feeling of stepping onto the track under the lights in Auburn is something I will never forget.

UTMB is one race that I will never forget. Although I’m still waiting to have a good race. Maybe 2018?

Healthy living and spreading her formula too others is what Stephanie has become totally devoted to.

You’ve combined your PhD in Nutrition and Exercise Science with your professional running career to offer an exclusive service to athletes as well as other individuals looking to make lifestyle changes. Tell us about what one your clients can expect from your unique perspective in that field of work?

I have the position of both an academic background and personal experience as an athlete in the field. I think that makes me much better at translating the science into practice for the people I work with. Nutrition is something that I am deeply passionate about, and I think it shows in the care and detail I put into my work. I love working one on one with people to help them achieve achieve their goals. It’s one of the most satisfying things I do each day.

Stephanie runs almost everyday but also mixes it up with a range of other sports she enjoys.

How much are you currently running and where do you like to run the most when it’s just for pleasure or part of a training regime?

I run most days and follow a training programme. It’s not set in stone, but I do enjoy the process of training with a purpose. I’m not too rigid with my running though – if there is an opportunity to do something with a group or if I’m feeling like skiing or riding my bike instead, there’s always that flexibility.

Skiing is another passion of Stephanie’s and her dog even joins her on some of those adventures.

What races and other running events have you got coming up in the months ahead and what are your goals and ambitions for them?

My 2018 schedule is currently: FOURmidable 50k, TNF Peru 50 mile, Lake Sonoma 50 mile, Western States 100-mile and Ultra Trail Mont Blanc 188k.

I’m hoping to be on the start line for each of these races happy and healthy, race to the best of my ability, and finish with a smile. That, to me, would be a success!