Where are you from?

I was born in Kharkov, Ukraine. I moved to the US 20 years ago and currently live in Ft. Lauderdale, FL.

Current P.R.

4:20

Typical pace

11:00

Number of marathons

15 Marathons, 2 ultras, and 2 relays

Occupation

Project Manager / Process Engineer

Favorite marathon

NYC marathon and American River 50 ultra

Hobbies

Travel, running, riding tandem bicycle with my husband, hiking, camping

Favorite Running Food

Clif Gels

What are you reading now?

Lots of professional development literature on Project Management subject

Who do you train with?

My husband, Friends In Training, and Coral Springs Running Group

Personal goals

I want to continue running as long as I can and combine running races and cycling with travel around the world. Would like to run 100k this year and 100m at some point in the next couple years.

A quotation you like…

"It's very hard in the beginning to understand that the whole idea is not to beat the other runners. Eventually you learn that the competition is against the little voice inside you that wants you to quit."
-- George Sheehan

"Life (and running) is not all about time but about our experiences along the way."
-- Jen Rhines

Why do you run?

Running gives me satisfaction of going further than I previously thought possible. I run to be healthy, to reduce stress that we all encounter on a daily basis, to clear my head, and most of all to have fun J

Describe your best marathon memory.

My best memory is from my first 50 miler in 2012. Somewhere around the 20mile point I met two older runners that were obviously not intimidated by the distance, and were having fun. We started talking, the man told me that he was 81 and it was his last 50 miler, as he decided to go down in distance in the future and not to run anything longer than MARATHON. His friend exclaimed that she is a “spring chicken” as she is ONLY 68 and will continue running ultras (50miles+). It was such an inspiration to see them having fun running along with all the other runners that were up to 60 years younger.

I would like to be like them “when I grow up” J

Why do you pace?

I would like to help runners of all ages to finish what they started – to complete their goal in distance or time and enjoy doing it as much as possible. And… hopefully to see them again and again running in the races around the country.

Why should someone run in your pace group?

We will start and finish together and on target. And we will plan next race to run together J

Any tips for runners about to join your group?

Go into the race with determination to finish and to have fun running. Notice who and what is around you. Meet and greet other runners at the start. Enjoy the course. Smile J

PS: Do not forget to Thank volunteers – they are trying their best to improve your race experience.

Anything else you’d like to share?

Do not forget to smile for pictures – memories to brag about and to cherish.

What philanthropic activities do you have?

In support of MS cure research, I took part in 3 MS150 cycling events in South and North Florida. I am a big supporter and advertiser of healthy lifestyle and fitness in professional work environment and between family and friends. Supporter of alternative transportation – your bicycle ride should be longer than the drive to the start J