What is your favorite distance and why?
It’s a toss-up… I like the 10k because it’s a shorter distance and lets you be speedy, but I also love the Marathon… though mostly due to the team training aspect.
What do you struggle with most in running?
Mom guilt. This past year or so it’s been hard for me to balance running and being a mom while not feeling guilty about having someone else watch my toddler. I feel extremely selfish taking time to myself and having anyone else watch my daughter (even my husband who supports my running). It’s been a huge shift from being able to go out whenever I want and logging as many miles as I want. I do most of my runs early morning before my daughter wakes up (while constantly worrying that she woke up early) or with the stroller while making lots of stops at the parks.
Do you rotate shoes and if so what is in your current rotation?
Yes! Usually two different New Balance 880s, the NB 1400 for speedy days and shorter races, and sometimes a Saucony for recovery days.
Do you have a mantra that you use when you are racing/training?
Not really… maybe I should get one…
Do you ever feel unmotivated to train and if so how do you overcome it?
When my alarm goes off sometimes I just don’t want to get out of bed. It’s nice to be able to meet up with some of the New Albany Rogues periodically in the mornings. Accountability is key to early morning runs. I know I’ll feel better after running and will kick myself if I don’t get it in before the day starts. But I also give myself grace and realize if my body and mind aren’t in it then maybe I need some time away.
What is the best thing running has given you?
Friendships.
What is your favorite race you have participated in and why?
The Boston Marathon 2015. I ran the entire race with three of my amazing girlfriends. We cheered, gave dogs high-fives, and pushed one of our friends to another BQ. I could barely talk by the end from all the cheering. It was so much fun.
How did you get started in running?
In Middle School I tried out for Lacrosse and my friend and I were cut from the team. Track didn’t cut anyone, so we joined. I continued with track though High School and College and got back into racing after taking a few years off after College.
What is your favorite running workout?
My favorite workout? Anything on the track… preferably 800s
How many marathons have you run?
13
Who is your favorite professional runner?
Kara Goucher because she’s not afraid to try new distances and to stand up for what is right in the sport.
What are the craziest race conditions you have had to endure?
I’ve been lucky. Nothing too crazy, heavy rain and/or excessive heat have been the worst.
Do you have a goal race you haven’t done yet and why do you want to do it?
I’ve always wanted to do the Charlotte Marathon, just to see how much the city has changed since I lived there.
Do you listen to music while you run and if so,
what music gets you pumped up for a race?
It depends. If it’s dark out or I’m with the
stroller I don’t. If I’m by myself and it’s light out then I may have it with
me just to switch things up. I typically always race with my old-school iPod
shuffle just in case I need an extra boost (I’m notorious for not turning it on
until the last few miles of the marathon ). It’s usually a
mix of up-beat pop music and vintage tunes from my younger days.
