What is your favorite distance and why?
Either the 10k or half marathon distance. The 10k is short enough to really push the pace and get uncomfortable. But the half distance is always a great challenge.
What do you struggle with most in running?
Finding the perfect training plan that fits my running goals but also lets me continue to box, bike and lift to help prevent injury but still compliment my running.
Do you rotate shoes and if so what is in your current rotation?
I do rotate my shoes. For speed days I wear Saucony Speed or Speed 2’s. For easy run days I rotate between Brooks Ghost, New Balance 1080s or Hoka Rincons. For race day it’s Saucony Endorphin Pros.
Do you have a mantra that you use when you are racing/training?
“You either want it or you don’t. If you want it, you’ll fight for it. If you don’t, you’ll make an excuse.”
Do you ever feel unmotivated to train and if so how do you overcome it?
I do at times feel unmotivated especially when life takes over. My husband and friends help motivate me, but really, it’s myself. Going to boxing, hopping on my bike or lifting can help me get out of that mindset. But really, I tell myself there will always be things getting in the way. There will be good days and bad days. It’s the bad days that make you stronger. So I head out for a run with no plan in mind other than to just get out the door, and the rest just happens.
What is the best thing running has given you?
The best thing running has given me is confidence, drive, friendship and freedom.
What is your favorite race you have participated in and why?
Columbus Marathon in 2021. It was my first in person marathon here in Ohio and at “home.” I was able to run with and see so many friends and fellow runners out on the course. The spectating and cheering was fantastic. Seeing Rogue Teammates out there cheering me on, a few coming back after their race to run with me, having my husband meet me at mile 25 to help push me to the end and to finally cross the finish line with a 33 minute PR and my first BQ time.
For a very close second favorite race, the Beer Mile in 2021. I surprised myself with what my body could handle. It was my first time doing one and I came in top overall female.
How did you get started in running?
I was a competitive figure skater most of my life. The furthest we ever ran was a mile for training. It wasn’t until college I used running as a form of working out or a way to get to and from the gym. Then, when I met my husband in grad school in 2011, he signed us both up for our first half marathon together. We ran the Detroit International Half Marathon that year. I ran a few races here and there over the next 4-5 years but had my first son in 2016 and stopped running for a while. It wasn’t until 2017 that I got back into running and basically started from the beginning again.
What is your favorite running workout?
While my legs love short distance sprinting, my heart loves tempo runs. There’s something about pushing yourself and keeping a certain pace for 6-10 miles that really gives me confidence for race day.
How many marathons have you run?
4 in person, one virtual
Who is your favorite professional runner?
Des Linden
What are the craziest race conditions you have had to endure?
I ran a half marathon up in Traverse City Michigan in 2012. It started at the tip of the peninsula at the lighthouse and ran down most of the peninsula. At the start of the race there was talk of maybe some rain. It was about 40 degrees at the start. While waiting for the gun to go off it started to sprinkle just a bit. As soon as the gun went off and everyone took off running, that sprinkle turned into a downpour. It poured the entire race, sometimes so hard I could barely see in front of me.
Do you have a goal race you haven’t done yet and why do you want to do it?
My ultimate goal race has always been Boston. I finally get to race my first Boston this April. I would love to run a 50k trail race someday. I love trail racing and I love a good challenge. It sounds like an incredibly fun distance. Another goal race is a Ragnar. Spending time with teammates or friends while running, having fun and getting to know each other sounds like a blast!
Do you listen to music while you run and if so, what music gets you pumped up for a race?
Sometimes I listen to music. Most of the time I like the silence when I run. But when I use music I like listening to rock, hip hop, old school 80s and 90s rock, and heavy metal/heavy emo.
