At 361°, we believe the most powerful stories in running aren’t just about medals or podiums—they’re about resilience, community, and going One Degree Beyond in everyday life. This series highlights athletes who embody that mindset, both on and off the run.
Meet Regina Lopez: a lifelong runner, a mother, and a woman who redefined what strength looks like after stepping away from professional competition to embrace family and rediscover herself.
Q: Regina, tell us a little about yourself and how you got started with running.
Hi, my name is Regina Lopez, and I’ve been running for over 20 years. I started back in high school, and it’s been a huge part of my life ever since.
Q: How has running changed for you over the years?
Running means something very different to me now that I’m a mom. It’s family time. I get to share it with my husband and my two-year-old daughter, which makes it even more special. I want to be a strong influence for my daughter—I want her to see that women can be strong, that we can compete, and that we belong out there. I hope she grows up knowing her own strength.
Q: You’ve mentioned your journey postpartum. Can you share what that experience was like?
When I was pregnant, I gained a lot of weight—over 200 pounds at one point. Coming back from that was really tough. I felt like I went through postpartum depression, and it was hard to recognize myself. But little by little, I started again—running, jogging, even just walking. I focused on doing it the right way, day by day.
Q: What has your comeback looked like?
It’s taken me about two years, but I’m back at a level I’m proud of. Recently, I ran a 5K in under 18 minutes. That was such a milestone because I’m not comparing myself to who I was as a professional athlete anymore—I’m looking at who I am now and what I can do after becoming a mom.
Q: How do you find the time and motivation while balancing life with a young child?
Honestly, when you have a baby, it’s so easy to lose yourself. Between breastfeeding, caring for her, and everything else, I had to push myself to make the time. It’s not easy, your baby depends on you for everything. But I’m lucky. My husband is my biggest supporter, and he encourages me to get out and run every day. I probably wouldn’t still be doing this without him.
Q: What does going “One Degree Beyond” mean to you?
For me, it’s about not giving up on myself, even when life feels overwhelming. It’s about showing my daughter that strength is built in the small, consistent choices. And it’s about finding joy in running—not just as competition, but as a way to connect with my family and with myself.
Regina is wearing the Furious Future 2.0 - a carbon plated speed shoe available now.
Going One Degree Beyond
Regina’s story reminds us that every runner’s journey looks different—and that strength is often built in the moments we feel like giving up. For her, running is no longer just about competition, but about resilience, motherhood, and creating a legacy of strength for the next generation.
At 361°, we celebrate athletes like Regina who show that greatness isn’t only about speed - it’s about consistency, courage, and going One Degree Beyond in life.
