What is your history with sports and athletics?
My parents put me in the team leagues like softball and soccer as a kid but I was never great at any sports and did not play in school. Both my parents grew up on farms, though my childhood was not on a farm we spent part of every summer bailing hay at my dad’s childhood home, gardening and various other outdoor activities. I always loved outdoor activities but did not get into running until I was in my mid 30s. I was a bit lost in life needing some direction and a way to kill time I fell into a group bootcamp class through a friend called Team Fit. The group was running a local 5k and I decided to sign up. At 34 I ran my first 5k and never really looked back, I was now a runner. Shortly after that I found Spartan race and began travelling the country to race, eventually I signed up for an ultra and fell in love with the longer events. I have done multiple 24 hour races (some obstacle, some just running) even in different countries, I am a huge fan of destination races and can’t wait for the next one. This year I completed my first 100 mile race, a few years ago the thought of that seemed crazy and here we are signing up for another one.
What do you enjoy most about being an athlete?
My favorite part of this journey has been the friends I have made through it, the community is absolutely amazing. I am no stranger to going alone, but there is truth in the saying “If you want to go fast go alone, if you want to go far go together”. I have been motivated and encouraged daily by the people around me. There is also something insanely meditative about the act of running, especially for hours on end in an ultra! And I absolutely miss it when I am not able to do it.
Have you experienced any challenges or obstacles?
I consider myself pretty lucky, though this is a hobby for me I do put a lot of time into it. With anything you devote time to and feel passionate about it definitely takes a toll on you when you cannot train like you want. I have only had minor injuries, if I have to travel for work I make the best of the surroundings and just try to stay active.
Has your participation helped you overcome any major life issues?
I definitely believe that fitness changed my life. There was a time in my late twenties that I went through a deep depression and personal struggles. A long term relationship ending badly and I used alcohol in excess to cope with my feelings, ended up in legal trouble and court ordered outpatient rehab. In the beginning I just needed to keep busy but my addictive personality fell in love with exercise and the endorphins and everything changed for me once I changed my direction.
What is your “why?”
I started doing this because I needed to “busy idle hands” but then I fell in love with the running and seeing how far I can push my body. Now I just want to inspire people and show them that anyone can do it if they put their mind to it.
What is your favorite gear or training equipment?
I have a Nordic Track incline training which is great for when I cannot get outside, my other highly used tool is a tire drag setup I have.
Do you have a favorite race or event?
Spartan race lit a fire in my soul so I will always have a soft spot for this race. Though I have gravitated to the ultra distance and really love the 24 hour format, I think the best answer is just any Spartan Race.
What’s next?
My next bucket list race is Western States. In the mean time I will continue my ultra journey and travel as much as possible, I will hit up as many spartan ultra venues as I can and the 24 hour WC is back on my list this year.
Any fun facts about yourself?
I mentioned my dad grew up on a farm well one of the calves was born with 2 heads! The poor thing died shortly after birth but they stuffed the head and I still have it hanging on my wall. Its definitely a hit at Halloween parties.
Do you have any advice for someone interested in getting started?
The saying “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time” is something I tell myself all the time especially in the ultra world you have to break the races down into chunks. I think this is true in anything, sometimes looking at the big picture is too scary but you will never get there if you don’t take the first step. Just keep moving one step at a time, I often count to 10 over and over and over in races to get through rough spots.
Any other comments or stories you’d like to share?
Running is rarely glamorous but if you set a goal and keep working at it, no matter what the outcome is, it’s definitely worth it.