What is your favorite distance and why? I love the marathon. It’s how I got in to running. My first ever race was a marathon! I love the grit and determination it takes. I love that you can’t rely on talent, but that it requires time, commitment, discipline. I love all the metaphors that the marathon has for life.
What do you struggle with most in running? Balance?! I am committed to my plan and my training, maybe to a fault! Also I struggle with 5ks because they are the worst 
Do you rotate shoes and if so what is in your current rotation? I always have a few in rotation. I have a shoe for speed/workouts (saucony endorphin speed), I have a stability shoe for recovery days (saucony guide), an easy/long run shoe (currently ASICS novablast or NB 1080), and OF COURSE the alphafly for races! I always love trying new shoes in the rotation.
Do you have a mantra that you use when you are racing/training? My all time favorite for running, racing, and life is: run the mile you’re in. Just knock out that split and worry about the next one later. I also love “fit is not a feeling”- to remind me not to overanalyze how I feel/should be feeling. The fitness is stored up from all the time and workouts, how I feel in the moment is irrelevant.
Do you ever feel unmotivated to train and if so how do you overcome it? I always tell myself that I have never once regretted going for a run. It always always makes me feel better for the rest of my day. And when I’m getting out of bed, I remind myself that discipline simply means choosing what you want later over what you want now.
What is the best thing running has given you? So, so many things. The best thing is probably amazing friends. The running community is so special. Running also brings out the best in me and has truly helped me know myself better.
What is your favorite race you have participated in and why? Boston is amazing! It lived up to the hype. But honestly, my favorite race memory is probably my first true BQ (with enough buffer to get me in!) at Carmel marathon in 2019. Nothing will beat that feeling of perseverance (through pouring rain!) and accomplishment.
How did you get started in running? I got started for exercise in college, and I would just go out and run for hours with no watch, no idea how far I went… then I wondered if I could do a marathon so I signed up for one and did it 5 weeks later! That finish line feeling had me hooked. I just ran a few sporadic marathons over the next 10 years, but got really into it in 2017 and started with a coach to chase some time goals.
What is your favorite running workout? I love a good progressive run- it’s not intimidating at the start but you get to finish feeling strong. I also love 800s as a great measure of fitness when getting close to a race.
How many marathons have you run? 12
Who is your favorite professional runner? Maybe Sara Hall? She is just so gritty. Also I relate to her as an adoptive mom, and a mom of 4!
What are the craziest race conditions you have had to endure? Pouring, horizontal rain for the entire Carmel marathon in 2019
Do you have a goal race you haven’t done yet and why do you want to do it? Maybe NYC- just because it’s known as epic!
Do you listen to music while you run and if so, what music gets you pumped up for a race? I’m pretty boring, I listen to top 40 stuff for my races! I have a playlist I just keep adding to.
