What is your favorite distance and why?
I have two responses to this! My favorite distance for a daily run is 8 miles. It is the perfect distance for me to be able to get a decent recovery but it still pushes the pace some at the end and I feel like I fit in a little bit of speed in as well. My favorite distance to race is probably the half marathon. I feel like it speaks to the bit of speed/turnover I still have from college but does not feel like a constant sprint.
What do you struggle with most in running?
I would have to say injuries. Most of my running career ever since high school has been plagued by injuries. I think it comes with the sport and it also reminds me to appreciate every opportunity to race when I am healthy.
Do you rotate shoes and if so what is in your current rotation?
I do not typically but I am looking into getting a lighter tempo shoe for some faster workouts. I am currently a very loyal Saucony runner and am obsessed with the ISO freedom as my trainer.
Do you have a mantra that you use when you are racing/training?
My training mantra is “put in the time” – it reminds me that every day and every run is important. My racing mantra is “leave it all on the course” – I don’t want to be disappointed tomorrow because I could have pushed harder today.
Do you ever feel unmotivated to train and if so how do you overcome it?
Of course, I think it comes with being a lifelong runner. Some seasons are great and some are more difficult. When I feel unmotivated, I usually put my Timex watch on, tell myself to just go run for fun and forget the pace. I may do that for a few days to remind myself that I run because I love it and not for PRs and wins.
What is the best thing running has given you?
Oh, I owe so much to running- I am very much an emotional runner. I used to say running was my best friend because it knew all my secrets, my failures and successes. Running really does allow me to connect with the world and makes me feel certain about my place within it.
What is your favorite race you have participated in and why?
My favorite race post-college was a half I ran this past September. I had stopped doing workouts for over a month and it was actually a spontaneous run to see where I was at before I left the country for a month. It was along Lake Michigan which was beautiful and it was the perfect temperature. I ended up PR in the half by 15 seconds. I ran it to have fun and ended up racing well too! What more can you ask.
How did you get started in running?
I needed a spring sport so I decided track would help get me in shape for soccer. I knew I was not a sprinter so I asked the coach to put me in the longest distance race he had… hence I raced the 2 mile!
What is your favorite running workout?
Mile repeats! I can’t tell you why but I just love them.
How many marathons have you run?
None actually. I am injury prone and was out of commission about a year after college. I have slowly built up but being in PA school full-time and it has made it difficult every time I try to climb in mileage. I plan to run Philly this fall after I graduate, it will be my first!
Who is your favorite professional runner?
Adam Goucher- The first running book I ever read was ‘running with the buffaloes’ and I still remember how excited it about running I felt afterward. I give that credit to him.
What are the craziest race conditions you have had to endure?
Oh man, racing in Ohio in college in the spring, there was many rough races. Since college, I think the Cleveland Fall Classic half marathon in fall 2017 was the worst. It was a week before thanksgiving and it was a very much open course. At about mile 5 it started sideways snowing into my face and I could hardly see for the next 5 miles. I can definitely recall asking myself if I was crazy around mile 8.
Do you have a goal race you haven’t done yet and why do you want to do it?
Boston Marathon of course. I think it is just something every serious distance runner strives to accomplish someday. I know I will get there!
Do you listen to music while you run and if so, what music gets you pumped up for a race?
Sometimes. If I am low on energy, running to music helps to get me motivated to get out the door on a given day. I used to listen to music before every race religiously. It depends on if I am racing alone now. If I do listen, Florence and the Machine is my list. ‘Dog days are Over’ is probably my mantra song.
