How I Started Running:
I started running at 13 years old because it was one of the only sports available for females at my school, and I was pretty successful at track and cross county throughout middle and high school. Although I hung up my shoes for a decade or so, I maintained my fitness through a variety of other activities even during a serious health crisis. Several years ago, I decided to once again get serious about running, and I set goals for the dream I’ve held for many decades—I want to run in the Boston Marathon. In honor of my 50th birthday, I trained and ran my first marathon.
My Favorite Moments / Biggest Achievements:
I will never forget completing my first mile back from years of being a non-runner. It was brutally hot, my husband was watching from our front porch trying to be supportive, and I was dying. It wasn’t pretty, but I did it. That mile changed everything for me.
I can still to this day remember every single mile of my first marathon. I was undertrained, under-nourished, scared, excited and ended up being dehydrated, but I did it!
I have run 11 marathons, and I’ve qualified for the Boston Marathon 4 times! I’ve run in every imaginable weather condition, completed years of brutal training, and learned everything I could about nutrition and hydration. Marathon training made me a better person all the way around.
Future Goals:
My most immediate future goal is to get to the starting line (and finish) at the Boston Marathon!
After Boston, I’m planning on running an Ultra at some point.
I’m planning on breaking my own PR for the half.
I’m going to WIN my age group at a large marathon.
I’m going to coach girls cross county