I don’t typically run with music, but when I do it’s usually
classical or country, just nice background music to help me relax.
Any hobbies?
Teaching spin classes, trail running, traveling, working in a
running specialty store to help fit runners in the right shoe for them.
Favorite running food
Before: peanut butter and jelly sandwich; During: apple cinnamon
Hammer gel; After: chocolate milk
Favorite book, what are you reading now?
Anything by Jodi Picoult
Who do you train with?
A very entertaining group of runners in North Park, PA,
some of them pacers
Personal goals
To graduate and receive my Doctorate of Physical Therapy Degree,
to break 3:30 in a marathon and beyond, to run a marathon in a different
country, to run a 50 mile ultra
A quotation you like…
“Success isn’t how far you got, but the distance you traveled
from where you started.” ~Steve Prefontaine
Why do you run?
I run to socialize and meet new people. I run to get away from
the stresses of reality. I run to feel good. I run because when I’m out on
the roads or trails everything is right in the world and nothing can bring me
down.
Describe your best
marathon memory.
Pittsburgh:
At mile 24 I was on pace to meet my goal of qualifying for Boston but the pounding from the last
couple hours was starting to take its toll on me. Two guys came up to me who
I had talked to earlier in the race and asked how I was doing. After telling
them with confidence that today was the day I was going to qualify for Boston, they decided to
pace me in the last two miles to make sure that happened. They were strangers
who I probably wouldn’t ever see again, but for some reason they decided to
hang back with me to make sure I reached my goal. This is what I love about
marathons and one of the reasons I wanted to become a pacer.
Why do you pace?
To help others achieve their goals while having fun. Marathons
are exciting and more fun when running with a group.
Tell us your best
pacing experience.
Why should someone run
in your pace group?
I am a very determined person who likes challenges. I will do
everything I can to get you to the finish line still smiling because I love
the marathon and believe you should have fun with it while accomplishing what
you came to do! I will keep the mood upbeat and tell random interesting
stories to take your mind off of your watch.
Any tips for runners
about to join your group?
I think the best piece of advice I can offer is get to the start
early! Although there always seem to be unending rows of port-a-potties, as
start time approaches the lines for the port-a-potties will seem unending as
well. So arrive early, find parking, then get in line. This will allow you to
take care of any pre-race jitters while remaining calm and relaxed and still
have time to get in a nice warm up.
Don’t change anything on race day. Eat the breakfast you’ve
trained with, wear the shoes you’ve broken in and the outfit you’ve worn on
at least one long run.
Put your name on your shirt so spectators can cheer you on.
Tell your friends and family about your goals, that way you know
you have their support when the going gets tough.
Anything else you’d
like to share?
Divide the race into thirds: Run the first part with your head,
the second part with your personality, and the last part with your heart.
