Runners and "Full House" fans rejoice! As the '80s cast is once again in the spotlight thanks to Netflix's newly launched spin-off, "Fuller House," we are learning more and more about our favorite San Franciscans.
After four seasons of playing our favorite quirky, fun-loving next-door neighbor, Andrea Barber put acting on a hiatus, calling an end to her childhood acting career. Through the years, she furthered her education, ended up working at one of her alma maters and started a family.
And four years ago, Barber, then 35, discovered running.
In a recent Runner's World interview, Barber said she was "peer pressured" into the Tinker Bell Half Marathon. She trained "really hard," so as not to be "sweeped," and felt a runner's high during mile nine. Later that night, Barber said she signed up for her second race.
Nothing like some Disney magic to introduce you to the magic of running!
Since then, Barber has been an avid runner, completing 26 half marathons, obstacle races and four full marathons. Her latest 26.2-mile endeavor was the L.A. Marathon on Feb. 14.
Running is a major part of Barber's life, and if you love finding new Insta-runners to follow like I do, I suggest you give her a follow! She's just as likely to post pictures of her post-long run as she is with her celebrity "Fuller House" counterparts. She's even convinced fellow cast-mate and on-screen best friend, Candace Cameron Bure, to run a half marathon. A few years ago, Bure blogged about her and Barber's experience running a Spartan Race together.
Barber is also likely to be posting photos of her wearing vibrant, rainbow-colored socks which have now been dubbed "The Gibblers." Barber is a huge fan of Pro Compression socks, which offered a reduced price of #thegibblers on Feb. 26 in celebration of the "Fuller House" season one release. In her Running World interview, Barber admitted to having "copious" amounts of patterned socks. Considering Gibbler was notorious for her stinky feet, it's only fitting that Barber has come to love her socks!
It is heartwarming for any runner to see how someone has been influenced by our sport. And Barber's experience is no exception. She often talks about how it has profoundly changed her life, making her a happier and healthier person, physically and emotionally.
"Especially working in an industry that puts so much emphasis on body image," Barber told Runner's World. "I love my body for what it can do for me and not just how it looks."
I'm nearly done binge-watching "Fuller House" and whether there is a follow-up or not, I know I will continue to follow up with Barber's running career. Because, holy Tanneritos, she's an inspiration.
