What motivates you to run?
Being able to eat more carbs…not completely joking but more than that staying healthy and fit for my 3 kids, especially my two girls. Running shows them the importance of being active, and taking time for myself. Even at ages 8 and 6 they want to go on little runs around the block, or long family walk/jogs.
What is your goal for this year?
Since the year is almost over my goal is to not let the cold stop me. I plan on doing at least a 5K this December and am looking at some runs in February and March already. Also to show up at HFD before 2018.
What are you most proud of in your athletic endeavors?
To say I was not athletic growing up would be an understatement. I didn’t run more than 3 miles until I was 28 years old when I ran my first mini marathon. So I would have to say I am simply proud that in my mid 30’s I am in the best shape of my life, I can actually say I run and I am an avid cross fitter. It is never too late to get started.
What is your go to workout song?
Pretty much any classic rock ballad…Bon Jovi and Led Zeppelin are favorites. I also enjoy listening to Need To Breathe and United
Where is your favorite place to workout?
CrossFit Westfield. For running north of 146th on the monon is my favorite, fewer people and less places to stop.
What’s your favorite hydration product?
Water and KillCliff
What is your favorite in race nutrition?
Confession I am TERRIBLE at repleting during a race. After mile 4 I usually start alternating gatorade and water stations, I have used honey packets during my last mini, and had my best time. Definitely something I need to work on.
Phone or no phone on your run?
I’m married with 3 kids. If I don’t have my phone on me (on vibrate connected to my FitBit for texts) it’s because my toddler has it and I can’t get out of the house for my run unless he’s distracted by it. Otherwise yes phone for runs so I can be located in case of emergency and receive emergency calls. Plus most of my music is on it.
When is your favorite time of day to run?
Late afternoon or evening. If it’s stupid hot (hello Indiana summers) I enjoy running at night, preferably after 8 pm.
What is your favorite memory during a race or training?
In Summer 2013 I injured myself training for and running the Geist Mini. Even after I was cleared for running I didn’t do anything over a 5K for 3years, partly from fear, partly because of pregnancy and grad school. In 2016 a friend talked me into a 15K in chicago. I hadn’t done over 5 miles in a year but I decided I would do it. Finding time to train was difficult but the week before I decided I was going to do 8 miles just to see if I could, and that way I would know the actual run wouldn’t be a disaster. My hubby who had just started running that summer decided to tag along, in the cold and rain. Long story short we both finished the entire 8 miles faster than I had anticipated him, and as a result he decided to join me in the 15K. It’s my favorite memory because I proved to myself I could still run, and it got my husband on his own running journey and his first road race ever!
How often do you race/how many races have you done?
I have done 3 mini’s, 2 15K’s, and several 5K’s. Honestly I race when it fits in my life, which isn’t as often as I’d like.
What is your favorite running group and why?
Definitely Hills For Dinner. It’s fun doing things other than “just running” and with people at all levels. I love the relaxed atmosphere, and giving Nick a hard time for the weird things he has us do 😉