Where are you from?

Rockledge, FL

Current P.R.

3:26:51 (Chicago '22)

Typical pace

7:30-8:00

Number of marathons

11 + 9 ultras

Occupation

Clinical Psychologist

Favorite marathon

Space Coast (I might be biased, but I love my home turf and beautiful sunrise views along the Indian River!)

Hobbies

Singing, baking, reading, paddleboarding

Favorite Running Food

Candy corn pumpkins and Oreos (great ultra fuel!)

What are you reading now?

Do Hard Things: Why We Get Resilience Wrong and the Surprising Science of Real Toughness - Steve Magness

Kraken - China Mieville

Who do you train with?

Space Coast Runners

Personal goals

To be fully present in the important moments of my life, no matter what I am doing.

A quotation you like…

“Still, what I want in my life
is to be willing
to be dazzled—
to cast aside the weight of facts

and maybe even
to float a little
above this difficult world.” 

- Mary Oliver

Why do you run?

So many reasons! First and foremost, because the experience of running brings me joy and fulfillment. There is nothing like moving through space and being connected both with your body and with the beauty of nature around you. I also greatly appreciate the friendships I have built through running, and I relish the challenge of training and improving the quality of my running. However, all of that is secondary to the experience of running itself. It makes me a better person in all aspects of my life.

Describe your best marathon memory.

Hitting that runner's high at mile 21 of my second marathon, when I realized that I was speeding up and had never hit a wall. I sailed through those final miles and it felt like a dream! While I have yet to fully replicate that experience, I have run many solid races since then, and have enjoyed them all thoroughly, even when I did struggle. The struggles are just as important, because they make us stronger and teach us valuable lessons.

Why do you pace?

The running community has been so supportive and encouraging to me, especially as a newbie runner, when I had no idea what I was doing. I love being able to give back and help others to achieve their goals.

Tell us your best pacing experience.

Pacing my friend to a big PR after he told me at mile 2 that he was too tired to maintain the pace and was going to give up and slow down a lot. So much of running is in your beliefs and expectations, and having someone to dig you out of that mental hole can make a big difference!

Why should someone run in your pace group?

I am a very steady and consistent runner. My friends have joked that my pacing in races and tempo runs is like a metronome because I often hit the exact same splits down to the second. I will keep you on track until the end, and entertain you with stories and chatter when it gets tough for you.

Any tips for runners about to join your group?

1. Have your positive mantras ready, and most of all, believe in yourself!

2. The true "race" of the marathon does not start until mile 20. It's about pacing yourself and having confidence that you can push when it counts during those last few miles.

Anything else you’d like to share?

Running is my favorite!

What philanthropic activities do you have?

My son and I volunteer for our local running club's youth events, and our family supports children with cancer for their Make-A-Wish trips every year in honor of our late daughter. We love being able to give back to the running community and supporting children who are in need.