Hometown

Moorhead, Minnesota

Current P.R.

3:37:22

Where were you born?

Fargo, North Dakota

Number of marathons

9

Birthday

4/24

Favorite marathon

Kiawah Island, SC. I first qualified for Boston here, and the relaxing island resort atmosphere made my friends and I feel like pampered VIP runners.

Typical pace

For pacing, 4:10-4:30 marathon and 2:00-2:15 for the half

Favorite running music

A random mix of Michael Franti & Spearhead, uptempo 70s stuff, zydeco, 80s pop and metal, and more!

Occupation

College professor of exercise studies/PE and freelance fitness writer

Favorite running food

Pre: Oatmeal with peanut butter

Post: Egg-veggie scramble or a turkey burger

Any hobbies?

Besides running, I am an avid yoga practitioner. Generally I am up for anything fun and outdoors, from paddling to birdwatching. I'm a big fan of the Minnesota Twins, too.

Who do you train with?

I don't have a regular group. I have fun running with buddies or my husband (Pacer Lloyd), but with a very people-intensive job also appreciate the "me time" of solo runs.

Favorite book, what are you reading now?

I always have a CD book going while I commute and too many favorites to list here. I just finished Wally Lamb's novel "The Hour I First Believed," am in the middle of "The Extra Mile" by Pam Reed, and next up is Kathy Freston's "Quantum Wellness."

A quotation you like…

"Leap, and a net appears."

Personal goals

Continue to give my best efforts and gratitude for  running and life, and inspire others to do the same.

Why do you run?

Fun, experiencing nature, adventure, challenge, mental health, being of service to others - running provides it all.

Describe your best marathon memory.

The last two miles of Kiawah Island Marathon, when I knew I would qualify for Boston. Then running Boston with my family cheering me on and now-husband, who also ran, waiting at the Finish.

Why do you pace?

My best races are the ones where I encourage every runner who passes me or who I pass. Pacing is an opportunity to spread that positive energy and support to runners the whole 26.2 miles.

Tell us your best pacing experience.

So far I've informally paced friends, and am excited for my first official pacing gig. One joyful memory is running the last three miles of a half marathon with a friend who, at six months pregnant, was finishing her very first race at the distance. Another rewarding day was helping a friend break 4:00 in the marathon.

Why should someone run in your pace group?

Running with a pace group will help you from starting out too fast. I'll hold a steady pace on target for the goal time for as long as you want to stay with the group. In the later miles, I'll have plenty of encouraging words. Our group can help each other get in on time.  

Any tips for runners about to join your group?

First and foremost, enjoy the whole experience and the gift you gave yourself in training of being able to complete a half or full marathon. Also, be prepared in advance for race morning. Spend time thinking and visualizing it all out so it's familiar and you're mentally ready. For a goal race, I practice a long run in my race outfit carrying gels, preview the course, don't wait until the last minute to pack if I'm traveling, bring the same breakfast items I have at home, get to the Start with plenty of time, and even practice grabbing paper cups and sipping on the run. This ensures I don't forget an important item and helps make the race atmosphere calmer.

What philanthropic activities do you have?

I regularly volunteer at local races. I have run on behalf of the American Cancer Society and Team Boomer, an organization that supports research and physical activity programs for people with cystic fibrosis.