Hometown

 Charlestown, IN

Current P.R.

3:01:19 at St George 2011

Where were you born?

 Sioux City, IA

Number of marathons

80+ marathons and ultras.  Traci was added to the the USA National 24 hour team in 2013!

Favorite marathon

Harpeth Hills Flying Monkey Marathon

Typical pace

 8:00-8:15

Favorite running music

 Anything with a good beat or uplifting music-I have a running playlist for marathons.

Occupation 

Physical Therapist

Favorite running food

 Pasta before, Apple Cinnamon Carb Boom during the race, Burgers and ice cream afterwards.

Any hobbies?

 SCUBA, Card Games, Scrapbooking

Who do you train with?

I run with friends.

Favorite book, what are you reading now? 

  Mary Higgins Clark (any of them), currently-a Utah travel guide

A quotation you like…

I have a shirt that says “I run like a girl, try to keep up!”

Personal goals  

Run marathons in all 50 states sub 4:00

Why do you run?

I run so that I can eat whatever I want, to stay in shape, and to get rid of stress. I love it and am a little addicted :)

Describe your best marathon memory.

I met a woman the night before the Texas Marathon.  We had great conversation about marathons and our goals.  I told her I’d always wanted to break 3:30.  The next day during the loop course, we cheered for each other as we’d pass by.  As, I got closer to the end, she said “you’re doing awesome, you’re going to make it”, and later “you’ve got it!” (I was a mile from the finish).  I was so touched by her caring and cheering for me!  I have since found her and we keep in touch.  I PR’d that day by 5 minutes, broke 3:30 for the first time, and made a hopefully lifetime friend!

Why do you pace?

I think it is fun to meet new people and help them reach their goals

Tell us your best pacing experience.

I just helped one of my best friends qualify for Boston!

Why should someone run in your pace group?

A runner should run in my pace group to have fun and achieve their race goals (whether they are finishing their first marathon, getting a PR, or trying to qualify for Boston).

Any tips for runners about to join your group?

Enjoy the marathon, try to look at your surroundings.  It’s easy to get focused on the course and miss the scenery the race has to offer!

Anything else you’d like to share?

I want to thank my husband and kids for being supportive of my marathon passion!

What philanthropic activities do you have?

I help young children with disabilities and their families.