Where are you from?

Chicago

Current P.R.

4:26:51 (April 2011)

Birthday

July 9th

Number of marathons

27

Typical pace

for racing: 10-11 min/mi

for pacing: 5:00-5:30 marathon

Favorite marathon

ooh, tough question... there are a lot of good ones out there!

Occupation

child and family therapist

Favorite Running Food

honey stingers; bananas; beer :)

Hobbies

running, biking, swimming, teaching fitness classes at the Y, hanging out with friends, dining out, doing crossword puzzles

Who do you train with?

by myself, or with the Chicago Area Runners Association marathon training groups (as a pacer, of course...)

Favorite book, what are you reading now?

Currently reading "Middlesex” by Jeffrey Eugenidese

A quotation you like…

“Begin to be now what you will be hereafter”

Personal goals

run a marathon in all 50 states

Why do you run?

To feel strong and healthy, to clear my mind, to take care of myself, to think, to reduce stress, and to meet new people.

Describe your best marathon memory.

Probably finishing my first marathon.  I was not much of an athlete and finishing a marathon was something I never thought I would do.  It was a life-changing moment.  I crossed the finish line crying and yelling “I did it!”

Why do you pace?

I like giving back to the running community and I like encouraging others, especially those running their first marathon because I know what it’s like to be there.

Tell us your best pacing experience.

I enjoy giving runners the final push into the finish line and seeing them be proud of achieving their goals

Why should someone run in your pace group?

It’s so much more fun to run with a group!  You get to hear stories, make new friends, and work together through the good and bad parts.  The time and miles pass so much faster. I try to get a feel for what the group needs... if they need someone to tell stories and jokes, someone to answer questions or give encouragement, or someone to just shut up and run.  I try to prepare them for what to expect when they reach certain points in the race, how they might feel, and how to push through mental blocks.

Any tips for runners about to join your group?

Run your own race, listen to your body, have fun, and smile when you see the photographers on the course!