What is your favorite distance and why?
My favorite distance is the marathon because it’s the one distance that I never thought I would be capable of doing. I don’t think marathons will ever feel “easy” to me and I love the sense of accomplishment I feel each time. I also love long runs, hence marathon training is more fun for me than training for other distances. It takes me a while to get into a groove – see next question.
What do you struggle with most in running?
Shorter mid-week runs are the ones I least look forward to – it takes me at least 3 miles before I feel good while running, so those 4-6 mile runs are practically over by the time I hit a rhythm.
Do you rotate shoes and if so what is in your current rotation?
I’m in a bit of a shoe crisis right now! I’ve been wearing the Adidas Boston Boosts for 2 years and when I got my latest pair, they didn’t feel quite right and started hurting my foot after 8 miles or so. I feel like I’m in a bit of a time crunch trying to find the perfect shoe before the Columbus Marathon. I’m currently trying the Saucony Freedom, Saucony Kinvara, and the New Balance 890. I hope I find “the one” soon!
Do you have a mantra that you use when you are racing/training?
When I’m racing and I’m struggling, I think “just one more step.” I also tell myself, “you didn’t wake up at 5 in the morning all those days to quit now.” And throughout the training season, I love this quote: “Discipline is just choosing between what you want now and what you want most.” That helps me make better decisions in regards to my overall health (food, drink, sleep, etc.) that I know will ultimately have an impact on my running.
Do you ever feel unmotivated to train and if so how do you overcome it?
As long as I have a race on the schedule, I don’t have a problem training. If it’s on the calendar, I will get it done. But without a training plan/upcoming race, I know that I will not be as committed.
What is the best thing running has given you?
Without a doubt, better mental health. I very much need running in that sense.
What is your favorite race you have participated in and why?
The Columbus Marathon, October 2016. This was my first BQ race and I was elated when I finished – I could not believe that I had actually qualified for Boston. (Fast forward 11 months later — I was crushed when I missed the accepted cutoff time by 10 seconds that year.) I ran a faster marathon 1 ½ years later that did actually get me to the Boston starting line, but I still cherish the memory of Columbus 2016 more.
How did you get started in running?
It was the easiest and most efficient form of exercise for me with two young children. I was working at Ohio University at the time, and I could just leave work and hop right on the Hockhocking Adena Bikeway.
What is your favorite running workout?
I don’t have a specific running workout that is a favorite, but out of all the types of runs, I like long runs the best.
How many marathons have you run?
I have run 6 marathons and will be running my 7th in October 2019 at Columbus.
Who is your favorite professional runner?
I don’t follow professional runners too closely but I do admire Desiree Linden. She just seems like a hard-working athlete with true grit and determination.
What are the craziest race conditions you have had to endure?
Cleveland Half Marathon, May 2016. The temps were in the mid-thirties and we ran through pouring rain, snow, and even hail at some points.
Do you have a goal race you haven’t done yet and why do you want to do it?
At one point I said I wanted to run all the marathon majors, but after running Boston, I realized that I’m more of a small city/town marathon kind of girl.
Do you listen to music while you run and if so, what music gets you pumped up for a race?
This is going to sound ridiculous but I used to listen to the same 3 albums of Fraggle Rock over and over. The music is actually very catchy and had a good beat for running – you oughta try it! 😊 Then one day on a 5 am run by myself on a dark country road, I was followed by a man in a truck. No more headphones or music after that day. ☹
