Where are you from?

Oakland Township, Michigan

Current P.R.

1:38 Half Marathon

4:17 Full Marathon

Typical pace

Comfortable pace to race is 7:30

Number of marathons

8 Half Marathons

1 Full Marathon Race

Occupation

Special Education Teacher and Mom

Favorite marathon

Detroit Marathon 1996

Hobbies

Running, swimming and reading

Favorite Running Food

Chocolate Gu

What are you reading now?

Literature for teaching reading

Who do you train with?

Infinite Multisport members and two of my closest friends

Personal goals

To have fun while doing what I love, and spending as much time as I can with family and friends. 

A quotation you like…

If you always do what you always did, you’ll always get what you always got. 

Why do you run?

I run because it makes me happy. I’ve made many friends while running, and it’s become a social event. I also love the feeling of running independently and experiencing a runner’s high. 

Describe your best marathon memory.

My best marathon memory was finishing the Detroit Marathon. I had a goal of finishing a marathon without walking, even though I had never talked to anyone who had finished a marathon.  I ended up meeting many people that day, and learned valuable lessons that I carried into future races.  I finished with stress fractures in my legs, but the feeling of accomplishment as I crossed the finish line is one that can not be matched. 

Why do you pace?

I pace because my best times were when other runner’s encouraged me as I raced.  I enjoy being the person who encourages others and watches their excitement as they attain their goal. 

Tell us your best pacing experience.

My best pacing experience was last year.  I ran with a friend who didn’t believe she could run, and never believed she’d finish a half marathon.  She finished on target, cheering with a smile on her face. 

Why should someone run in your pace group?

When I pace, I make sure everyone who is with me, meets their goal time.  I encourage runner’s along the way, and have the experience to help runner’s stay positive.  I love to talk, meet runners, and laugh.    Interacting with the crowd, and thanking the supporters, makes the race enjoyable.   

Any tips for runners about to join your group?

If you stay with me, you will meet your goal time.  We’ll talk and laugh, to make the miles fly by. 

Anything else you’d like to share?

Don’t do anything new on race day, and having a nutrition plan for during the race is important.  Hydration is a key factor in injury free success. 

What philanthropic activities do you have?

I volunteer to watch kids of working parents, when I have days off of school, and I tutor students on my own time for no charge.  In order to teach my children to give, I often demonstrate giving at least a few coins to every charity container or fountain that we see in stores.