*This post is not an endorsement of Mia Love for Congress.

I don’t often mix politics and fitness — though both are staples in my professional and personal life, respectively. However, I couldn’t contain my excitement when I found out that Mia Love, a hard-working woman who is running for Congress in Utah’s 4th District, was a runner.

When a friend suggested I interview Mia about fitness and running, I was sold. She’s a mother of three who is already the Mayor of Saratoga Springs, Utah so the lady knows what busy is.

Despite a hectic schedule and being a full-time Mom, she finds time to to put fitness in her life. In fact, for Mia, it’s not a question of if — but when — she will be able to run. And run she does:

I spoke with Mia over the phone. Here’s the short interview:

Mia, her husband and their three children

 Q & A with Mia Love

1. When did you start running?
About six years ago. At first, I hated running — I  don’t know why I disliked it so much, but then I started taking a tread class. I started off slow but once you do your first race, you’re kind of hooked. Then, I signed up for a 5k, a 10k, then half marathons — then did trail running. I love trail running.

2. How often do you work out or run?
I usually run three times a week. On really good weeks, I’ll run around five days a week. When I’m really fit or training for something, I’ll usually do 3 or 4 miles on Monday and Tuesday, 10 on Wednesday, 2-3 on Thursday, 10 on Friday and 3-4 on Saturday.

3. How do you stay motivated? 
Now it’s a necessity. It helps me get things into perspective. I’m able to think clearly when I’m running. I’m in a much better mood and so much more energetic after I run.

4. How do you fit in exercise with such a busy schedule and three children?
To me, it’s a necessity in life. People have to eat food, they have to make time, at least three days a week. It doesn’t have to be very much. It could be just a short run — even a mile is better than nothing. My oldest daughter now runs with me and it’s a good way for us to spend time together.

5. How does nutrition factor in to you healthy lifestyle/running? 
Well, I’m a sucker for sweets like everyone else…but I think making sure you take care of your body is important. I teach my kids to take care of their bodies. We have a good, healthy balanced life. But I have not turned a cookie down yet.

6. In reference to another kind of “running,” why – in one sentence – are you running for Congress?  
Because we all know our country is in trouble, we are riddled in debt, overspending, we’re literally stealing from our future to pay for the present — and it’s not morally correct. I’m trying to do everything I can to preserve the future for my children and children across the country

7. What are your thoughts on Michelle Obama’s campaigns, like “Let’s Move”? 
I believe a healthy lifestyle is a choice. I don’t believe anyone can legislate it or should. The health of my children and my family is my responsibility. I’m a firm believer in personal responsibility and accountability. I take on that accountability for teaching my kids a good, healthy lifestyle.

Learn more about Mia (and get a look into her teaching a treadmill running class) in this video: 

*Disclaimer: This blog post is not an endorsement of Mia Love for Congress.

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