Cleveland,
OH was probably my favorite because it was my first marathon.
Typical pace
4:15 – 5:30
marathons
Favorite running music
I don’t listen to music while I’m running. I
typically like to listen to all the sounds around me. I may change that
some time, but I definitely don’t need music to run.
Occupation
Financial Analyst
Favorite running food
Bagels
Any hobbies?
Running,
traveling, camping, or anything else outdoors.
Who do you train with?
A small
running group and whoever feels like joining us. Sometimes, I train
alone.
Favorite book, what are you reading now?
The
DaVinci Code or anything else by Dan Brown.
A quotation you like…
“Every
passion has its destiny” Billy Mills
Personal goals
Athletically, I’d like to continue to advance my PR and
I would also like to train to run some ultras. I’m mostly competitive
with myself. Otherwise, I just enjoy being happy with what I’m doing at
any given point.
Why do you run?
I run for
a lot of reasons- health, the adrenaline rush, to wake up, to reduce stress,
to talk with friends, etc. Running is something that centers me.
As long as I’m running I can make it through anything. I didn’t know of
all the side benefits. I started running in 2006 because I was over
weight and wanted to get back to my “younger self”. As it turned out, I
was able to get back into shape and I feel younger than ever. I’ve
found that if I want to let go and “not sweat the small stuff”, all I have to
do is go for a nice, long run.
Describe your best
marathon memory.
Cleveland,
OH 2007 was my first marathon. I had been running for about 10 months
starting at only a quarter of a mile. I spent five months training
specifically for the marathon. I knew approximately what time I wanted
and how to achieve it. The weather was just about perfect- a little
light rain at the start, but overall cool and not very windy. I
executed my plan and while I didn’t hit my target of 4 hours, I did come in
at 4:04. It was such a rush and a huge sense of accomplishment.
There’s absolutely nothing like your first marathon.
Why do you pace?
I pace because I really enjoy the camaraderie of
running and helping other people achieve their goals. I’ve always been
a “helper” and so this fits in perfectly with my personality. I’m less
concerned about running for a time and more concerned about running for
someone else’s time. I enjoy helping people learn how to stay back in
the beginning and how to dig deep in the end. I like pulling groups
together so that we can achieve our goal together.
Tell us your best
pacing experience.
My best pacing experience was in Albany, GA. It
was a beautiful, foggy day. There was so much fog that it would
immediate condense and cool you off. I had a great group of runners
looking to hit their goal of 4:15. In the end most of out initial group
stayed together and I helped a woman qualify for Boston on her third
attempt. Knowing that she was going to Boston was the best reward of
all for me. I’m not sure that there can be any one “best pacing
experience” because each race is different and I am inspired by runners in my
group every time.
Why should
someone run in your pace group?
Bring a sense of humor. I’m a bit unorthodox and
like to have a lot of fun on the course. I will ensure that we hit our
goal time and I intend for all of us to have a good time doing it. If
you know what time you want to finish in and it’s my pace group’s time, the
best decision you can make it to run with my group. I’ve never missed a
pace target and I’ll make sure you achieve your goal. If you are strong
at 18-20 miles in, I’ll suggest that you pick up the pace a little and beat
your goal. If you’re struggling and start to lose focus, I’ll be there
to take your mind off of it and help you stay focused on the goal. I
think I’m a good pacer because I care more about others. I enjoy
getting to know all the runners in my group and drawing inspiration from
them. No super human powers here- just an average runner that loves to
get to know and help people.
Any tips for
runners about to join your group?
Be prepared to have a good time and bring some good
jokes. As far as running tips, stay off your feet the evening before,
don’t eat anything different or try anything different. The morning of
the race, get up and prepare as you would for any long run. Come to the
start line 15-20 minutes early to meeting your fellow pace group runners and
enjoy the festivities.
Anything else you'd like to share?
I’m
looking forward to getting to know all the runners in my pace group.
Stop by the booth at the expo to talk to some of the pacers and to get an
idea of what to expect.
