When did you begin running and why?
I started running in the late Fall of 2007. I lived in a small town in Massachusetts, and a friend of mine signed up for the local 5K and wanted me to do it with her. I told her how much I hated running when I was in high school, to the point of getting a doctor's note to get out of gym class. She was not a runner either and said that if *she* could do it (she was a smoker and not athletic at all), then I could do it too. I followed the "Couch to 5K" plan and ran my first 5K in April 2008… then my first half marathon in October 2008, and my first marathon in March 2009.
How did you find out about DCRR and when did you join?
I was looking for a running group and found the Club on Google. I joined in the Summer of 2009, a few weeks after I moved to Alexandria, VA.
What are you training for right now?
I am training for the Rock 'n' Roll marathon in Washington, DC (March 15th).
What is the toughest run or race you've ever participated in?
The toughest race I participated in was the Marine Corps Marathon guaranteed entry race 17.75 K. Hills, hills, and more hills!
What's your favorite part about being a DCRR member?
I love knowing that, no matter how hot or cold the weather is, there will always be people to run with on Saturday morning.
What's the most important lesson running has taught you?
Running has taught me that I am stronger than I thought I was.
What is your favorite route in the area?
I love Washington, I think it is a beautiful city. So my favorite route is probably the SLR Monument route. When I am in training, I also like the Cathedral & Clintons route and Battery Kemble loops – nothing better than hills to make your legs stronger!
What race day traditions do you have?
I am a big fan of the MCM race series. I always make sure to get a hug from a Marine at the end of the race :-)
What's your proudest running moment?
Finishing a marathon with a stress fracture.
What’s your life like outside of running?
I am a translator, so I spend all day sitting at the computer. Running is what gets me outside and keeps me happy. No matter how short or long my run is, I always get the runner's high!
What is one thing you wouldn't run without?
I use only one earbud to be safe, but I would never run without music.
