Where are you from?

Vermont

Current P.R.

3:40:52

Typical pace

I have been mostly pacing 4:30 – 5:30 marathons for the last 8 years or so

Number of marathons

117 marathons, and a bunch of ultras

Occupation

EL Teacher

Favorite marathon

It’s so hard to say!  One of the most beautiful marathons that I enjoy is the Mad Marathon in Waitsfield, VT

Hobbies

Biking, cooking, hiking, traveling, being outside!

Favorite Running Food

UnTapped maple products (while running); coffee and oatmeal on race morning.

What are you reading now?

Co-Teaching for English Learners

Who do you train with?

I belong to a few running groups: RunwithJan, Green Mountain Athletic Association, Central Vermont Runners, and First Strides.  I typically do a couple short runs a week with others, as well as my Sunday long run; the rest of my training is solo.

Personal goals

Current goal is to complete the 444 mile Natchez Parkway on my bike in 4 days with 3 other living kidney donors.

A quotation you like…

“Our running shoes have magic in them. The power to transform a bad day into a good day; frustration into speed; self-doubt into confidence; chocolate cake into muscle.” —Mina Samuels

“Never limit where running can take you. I mean that geographically, spiritually, and of course, physically.” —Bart Yasso

“If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you.” —Fred DeVito

Why do you run?

Running brings balance to my work life.  It is a time to catch up with friends, to clear my head, to explore new places, to challenge myself, and to appreciate being outside any time of the year.

Describe your best marathon memory.

I think my best memory is when I crossed the finish line of my first marathon, having previously thought I would check “run a marathon” off of my bucket list, only to think instead, “Oh, I can do better than that!”  That was in 2001 and I am happily still running marathons!

Why do you pace?

Running has given me so much, and I firmly believe in giving back to the sport in order to encourage more people to join the running community.  I also love seeing first-time marathoners achieve their goals.  Pacing is a wonderful way to support others by doing something that I love.

Tell us your best pacing experience.

One of my earliest pacing experiences was when a good friend ran her first Vermont 100.  I paced her for the last 30 miles, and it gave me such insight into the strength and determination that comes with being an ultra-runner.  It sparked my interest in trail and ultra-running and introduced me to a wonderful community.

Why should someone run in your pace group?

I will do the math for you so that you don’t have to look at your Garmin every 20 seconds to make sure that you are on the correct pace!  I have good stories about running (and other) adventures, and I think the camaraderie of group running really helps during a marathon.

Any tips for runners about to join your group?

Enjoy the journey of the marathon ~ you’ve done the hard work of training, so the marathon is your opportunity to take in the event and appreciate what your mind and body are able to accomplish!

What philanthropic activities do you have?

I am a living organ donor (liver and kidney), I donate platelets and plasma regularly at the Red Cross, I have been a volunteer coach for First Strides of VT for the last 20 years, I coach youth running programs at my elementary school, I have done a number of athletic events for charity (mostly through Team in Training), I volunteer at local races if I’m not a participant, and I volunteer at the Ronald McDonald House.