- How long have you been running, and when/why did you start?
I started running in 2001. I had just gotten my first teaching job at Hoosier Prairie. A fellow teacher asked me in January of 2001 if I wanted to run a half marathon. I said sure, why not! I had never even ran a mile in my life. She then said we could join Trained in Terre Haute. Come to find out we were late registering. I had to call this guy named Buddy Green so see if we could get in! He said we could. The rest is history! I did the training and ran my first half marathon, Indy Mini, May of 2001. Side note: Aaron and I did not meet through running. I knew Aaron before my first race! - How long have you been a WVRR member and what does being a member mean to you? (or what do you get out of being a part of the group)
Like I mentioned I joined TNT in 2001, but I’m not sure I found the value in WVRR until Aaron and I both became members in 2002. I still remember my coach, Art Auterson and meeting people like Mike Morris, Scott Rhodes, and Michelle Nutter. I have meet some of my dearest friends being part of the WVRR family. Being a member of WVRR means that I am part of a family. We have fun together, we race together, we value the importance of a healthy lifestyle. I love that my own family shares in the love of running. WVRR gives us the chance to show up and have fun as a family racing. - What is your best running memory?
I have many running memories from running my first half marathon (2001) to running my first marathon (2017). The one that stands out is when Ian (my son) ran his first 5k at the Hot Pursuit. I told Ian that I would run with him, since it was his first and to just do his best. Well he did his best alright and kicked my butt! If you know Ian….the rest is history. I still laugh thinking he “needed” me that day. - Favorite race?
My favorite race is the Midnight River Run. I love the uniqueness of running a race at night and at midnight nonetheless. - Favorite shoe(s) for road? Favorite shoe(s) for trail?
I wore Saucony Kinvaras for like 9 years straight. I since have switched it up to Adidas Energy Boost (which they don’t make anymore, ugh) and Saucony Ride. - What would you tell someone just starting out running/walking that might motivate them to keep moving?
When I meet people that just started running I tell them to get a buddy. Running is better with a friend! You will hold each other accountable. I tell them to start at a comfortable place and keep moving. Most importantly have fun! - Can you talk a little bit about volunteering for WVRR and why you think it is important?
I have volunteered for WVRR as a race volunteer, a TNT coach, and as the Kids Running Program director. WVRR is a volunteer program. It can not operate without the help and generosity of its members. I personally think it is important to give back to the community. I also love the opportunity to promote a healthy lifestyle. WVRR gives me the opportunity to do both. - How long have you been director for the Kids Running Program and what is your favorite thing about it?
I have been the director of the Kids Running Program since 2010. I love seeing all the kids get excited about running. My favorite part of the KRP program is watching all the kids cross the finish line at The Mile race on the 4th of July. That moment is priceless. - Care to share your 2020 goals? Anything big on the horizon?
For 2020 I would like to run another marathon. I will continue to race some half marathons and support the local WVRR races.
*Would you like to nominate someone for the WVRR Roadrunner Spotlight? Fill out the form below!