How I Started Running:
I started running on purpose in 2013. Four months after my Traumatic Brain Injury (January, 2013). I wanted to finish a half marathon I signed up for before my injury. For me it was a way to maintain some power and self-control what was the darkest time of my life. I grew up physically active and despite other medical adversities I always felt independent and I had great self-pride. Basketball was my “running” growing up but after my first half marathon and learning how to compete with myself through running it has changed the path of my life. I am trying to qualify for the 2020 Olympics in the half marathon distance. It’s such a high aspiration but it keeps me humbled, encouraged and hungry every day.
My Favorite Moments / Biggest Accomplishments:
My favorite moments are finishing my first half marathon in May, 2013 (2:10), then getting my (current) half marathon PR in 2018 (1:29:36). One of my proudest marathon finishes is my 3:11 finish in the 2017 Presque Isle Marathon where after tripping over my shoelace and taking a hard fall at mile 18, I persevered to a marathon PR of over 15 minutes. Along the ways I’ve learned to enjoy this process so much that I don’t know what my favorite memories are.
Future Goals:
My next big race is the 2019 Philadelphia Half-marathon on November 24th. Then it’s time to assess things before the Olympic qualifier deadline January 2020.