What is your history with sports and athletics?
I never played sports growing up. I started running about six months after graduating from college. I wanted to get in shape after stressful years in school so I started working out at a gym and then started running about a mile around a park near my house everyday. I kept wondering why I was not getting faster despite running a mile over and over again.
I ended up doing Barre classes for a while and then CrossFit which oddly brought me back to running again. Some CrossFit workouts involved running and I was frustrated at how slow I was and wanted to get faster. My husband started writing me training plans for running by incorporating speed work and I was getting faster for sure!
I then decided to sign up for a half marathon with a sub 2 hour goal in January of 2019. I ran a 1:50 and loved it and have been hooked on running ever since! I ended 2019 with 4 half marathons, 2 marathons, as well as a 10K and some 5Ks. I took 10 minutes off my marathon PR in about 4 months and I’m hoping I can keep taking time off that! Despite having much less opportunity to race this year, I’m excited for what’s ahead and I hope I can continue to improve for when races do return!
What do you enjoy most about being an athlete?
I struggle with even calling myself an athlete since I never played sports growing up and have never thought of myself as one. But now I guess I’ll try to think of myself as one! I would say I enjoy the meaning that training and running brings to my life.
Have you experienced any challenges or obstacles?
I had a peroneal tendon injury that was diagnosed the first day of being furloughed from my job due to Covid. I had to wear a walking boot and couldn’t run for about a month.
I’ve still been dealing with it even six months later although it is almost completely recovered now. I struggled with not being able to run especially when not working and being by myself for much of the “quarantine.” I also had a lot of family issues happening at the same time, but in a weird way I’m grateful for my injury because it allowed me to focus on these family issues for that time which was really needed.
What is your “why?”
I run because I love it. Yes it helps keep me in shape and is good for me health wise but there are many other forms of exercise that do that as well. Running is my favorite. Nothing else has ever made me feel so challenged and yet completely free at the same time. It is a stress reliever and a life saver for me.
What is your favorite gear or training equipment?
I have tried tons of shoes! Right now I’m loving Brooks because they have made my tendon injury feel the best as of right now. I also love Hyperice Hypervolt massage gun and for clothing I’m a big Lululemon fan for their quality, style, and comfort.
What’s next?
I have an in-person half marathon coming up next month that I’m super excited about! And possibly an in-person marathon this November or December as well.