Where are you from?

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Current P.R.

3:21:52

Typical pace

7:50-8:30

Number of marathons

23 official, 41 total if count all runs of 26.2mi

Occupation

pediatrician

Favorite marathon

Boston, Charlevoix, Little Rock

Hobbies

Running! Have 3 kids

Favorite Running Food

Chocolate milk

What are you reading now?

Wild by Cheryl Strayed

Who do you train with?

Friends and by myself

Personal goals

Continue to run marathons! Would love to do Paris and London

A quotation you like…

“ Run when you can, walk if you must, crawl if you have to, just never give up.”

Why do you run?

The simplest answer is “because I can.” I love the way I feel when I am running and the clarity of thought that comes with it.  I love the feeling of beautiful exhaustion and yet being so energized after a long run.  I feel healthier and happier when I run.  I definitely get the runner’s high.

Describe your best marathon memory.

Too many to count…

Running my first marathon in Chicago after an injury, slowly, and the taste of the grilled cheese and waffle fries afterwards still lingers with me. Food always tastes so good after a marathon.

The Mount Lemmon Marathon, an all uphill marathon, such an incredible challenge and interesting fun training. I ran an extra 8 mi going back for my friend to run in together.

Also, drinking beer at Heartbreak Hill in Boston with friends. I never drink beer, but the moment called for it. .running across finish line with them..

Running the last stretch of the Ann Arbor Marathon with my 9 year old son who was in flip flops

Why do you pace?

 I really love to help other runners meet their goals and help them along the way

Why should someone run in your pace group?

Although quieter than some, I am passionate about the marathon distance and feel I have the experience to help others cross the finish line and reach their personal goals. I think a combination of talking, letting people know what is ahead, and helping with hydration and nutrition is essential… Just as important is letting each runner soak in the experience along the way, in his or her own way.. As a pacer it would be my job to sense what the runners with me need at the time.

Any tips for runners about to join your group?

You may worry or get nervous, but try to “soak it all in” along the way.  26.2 miles is a journey, anything can and does happen, not unlike in life.  A marathon is about so much more than just running.  Remember that, look around you—I think running makes you more able to take in things around you, even the smallest details, and these little things I remember, like a curly red head girl with a dripping orange popsicle down her arm, somehow acts to put it all in perspective, see your life with different eyes. 

What philanthropic activities do you have?

Help at my childrens’ schools; holiday family in need projects