Where are you from?

Anchorage, Alaska (11 years) Born in Norwich, NY         Lived 20+ years in Ventura CA.

Current P.R.

3:33      May 2013

Typical pace

8:20 running free / races

Number of marathons

70+

Occupation

Elementary Teacher in Anchorage, Alaska

Favorite marathon

Can’t say; running the states gave me appreciation for the best in all of them. All unique in their own way. I look for the hidden treasures in all…with people and area I am!

Hobbies

Anything outdoors; gardening, running, skiing, biking, cooking, learning, traveling.

Favorite Running Food

Oatmeal, PB and banana

What are you reading now?

Daily inspirational / Yoga Journal Daily reads. I like short inspirational reads that hit the soul.

Who do you train with? Good friends. I use to run with the local running group until I was very focused on the states the past 4 years.

Now myself. Now that I want to compete less I am trying to get out there more with others.

Personal goals

To be an inspiration to others through my life. I overcome many obstacles and look for enrichment through my teaching, running, setting goals, trying new things, meeting people and experiencing culture.

Help with conservation of our land

Be a teacher, mother, daughter, friend, Child of God who makes a difference in life.

A quotation you like…

“To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice your gift” Steve Prefontaine

Why do you run?

I have been blessed to finish the 50 states; total of 70 marathons (two continents) all sub 4 hour. Life is a marathon and what I do to cross the finish line applies in everything I do in life. Also to be a role model to others.  I love nature; being outdoors because this lifts my soul. Running gives me time with God, myself, time to reflect, appreciate, meditate; the list is endless.

Describe your best marathon memory.

This is tough! Every marathon has a unique memory. Three examples: Winning the Kentucky Derby Marathon was amazing. I roomed with 4 gals from the states club and we went to a pre-derby horse race after the marathon. This was in 2009; however it was 85 degrees and too warm. The camaraderie was amazing. In 2010 I ran the Outback Marathon in Ayers Rock and placed first at 3:12! This was an amazing trip and walking around the rock (10K) was very spiritual ~ Learning about the aboriginals was rewarding. The people were sincere and our post race celebration under the stars was spectacular. We had kangaroo, octopus, and crocodile. Recently I was the guest speaker at the Prince of Wales Marathon in Craig Alaska (May 2013). All the youth and community members running in the beauty of the place made me run to cross first at 3:33 at 52 years old.

Why do you pace?

Now it is time to give back. I focused on my racing, achieving, and experiencing and to help others feel successful, joy, humble pride, gratitude, and accomplishment will complete my bucket list~

Tell us your best pacing experience.

Pacing myself gives me the strength to pace others. I had to learn it first before I knew I had it in me to make sure I did not let others down. On the receiving end, Josh paced the 3:10 group at the Lakefront Marathon in WI in 2010 and I had my PR at 3:09.

Why should someone run in your pace group?

I care about them, each of them. It is as if I am wearing their shoes. I am fun, energetic and all this is contagious. What is better than this? I am humbled to be able to help someone. Besides, it is more fun to run in a group than alone!

Any tips for runners about to join your group?

Look up; enjoy the view, the people, the smiles, the course, the pain and the glory! It is ALL worth it. Hydrate of course, stay positive and keep your eye on the goal: to finish strong. If this is their first marathon or even a veteran, give your best and expect your best and accept the rest.

Anything else you’d like to share?

I was the 22^nd person; third female (fastest) to complete the states sub 4 hour. BUT it was the people I met, friends I gained, things I learned that are worth far more than any money or prize I won or placing in 38 states. I value people, I love to learn and try new things. Life is exciting. You see possibilities that you never would have considered before. The spirit of the marathon is life itself.

What philanthropic activities do you have?

I volunteer for Hospice; this really puts my life into perspective. I learned so much going through the training classes for this. I love to host exchange teachers and be involved in community activities in many ways. Life is simple and free if we embrace it. I love helping strangers if it is just holding a door open. Looking at people in the eye and smiling goes a long way!