When did you begin running and why?
I began running in the fall of 2000 to maintain and improve my overall fitness. I spent the summer of 2000 studying away from home, along with hiking and biking with friends. As with almost every first adult trip away, it was a transformative experience. When I returned, I had a renewed interest in staying in shape, so I could take advantage of similar opportunities in the future. I was drawn to running, because it kept me outdoors and improved my fitness.
How did you find out about DCRR and when did you join?
I found out about DCRR club through a friend and fellow member, Nick Geboy. He spoke highly of the Saturday Long Runs (SLR). As a way of joining others and learning running routes around DC, I started running with SLR and it's remained my go-to weekend long run. I live in Bethesda, so SLR has been the best way for me to experience running in and around DC.
What are you training for right now?
Right now, I'm training to be injury free with a focus on being ready for Oiselle Team running camp in August. Recently, I have been struggling with knee pain with flare-ups in October and again in mid-January. I'm working with a physical therapist to strengthen my support muscles, realign my stride, and increase my cadence. All with a focus on immediate and long-term minimizing the forces that load my knee while running. Once my knee pain is under control, I will set racing goals for the season.
What is the toughest run or race you've ever participated in?
The DCRRC Bluemont 5K! My experience is that race is always held on a day close to 100-degrees. With the day's heat and that horrible Rt 66 noise wall radiating more heat onto the trail, I often suffer a lot during that 5K.
What's your favorite part about being a DCRR member?
The low key race series. Inexpensive, healthy, social, and fun.
What's the most important lesson running has taught you?
Running has taught me the value of a training plans and follow-through. With proper training, one can race strong, finish strong, and still walk and function as a normal human being the next day.
What is your favorite route in the area?
It's hard to choose. For short daily runs, I love the Bethesda Trolley trail, which I use to run commute to and from work. For longer runs, the network of Rock Creek, Capital Crescent, and Georgetown Branch trails is amazing. I can make my way along those mostly shaded trails from home all the way into DC and back.
What race day traditions do you have?
Nerves, stomach butterflies, and dynamic pre-race stretches.
What's your proudest running moment?
In 2012, I PR'ed at each race in the Runner's World Festival, so the 5K, 10K, and half marathon all in one weekend. I had not expected to do so well and was thrilled.
What’s your life like outside of running?
My life besides running is filled with science, cooking, my family, my fiance's bike racing, and trips to the dog park. I work as a Geophysicist for the federal government. I read a lot of food blogs and love cooking the recipes I find interesting. I'm constantly on the phone with my sisters and/or Facetiming with their kids. Sunny's, my fiance's, racing allows us to travel to bike races throughout the mid-Atlantic and beyond through the spring and summer.
What is one thing you wouldn't run without?
Let's be real here, a sports bra. Next most important, a hat for sun protection.
