When did you begin running and why?
I started running during sixth grade gym class. Tuesdays, we had to run a half mile and Thursdays it was one mile. There was one girl who was FASTER than me and we would race. The best half mile was in the 2:40's and the best mile was about 6 min. I am not sure I ever beat her, but I sure loved racing. Below is a picture taken in high school for the yearbook. Fittingly, I am second from the lead. Heather Evans is in the lead.
How did you find out about DCRR and when did you join?
I was looking for running groups because I wanted to meet more people who loved running the way I do. I stumbled across the DCRR long distance winter series (Snow Ball Series) in 2013 and started to meet new running friends and participate in DC Road Runner events. The picture below is after Adventure Run with DCRR members (right to left): Raj, Natasha Murarka, Miguel Cuya, Banning Bozarth, Dallas Tucker and Melody Peppard.
What are you training for right now?
I am training my son to run in his first 1/2 Marathon. It's the Santa Hustle in Sevierville TN. I picked this one for him because there are cookie and candy stations to motivate him. (He doesn't love running the way I do... yet). The picture below is at Old Rag with my son, Dallas.
What is the toughest run or race you've ever participated in?
This year, I participated in Trail Fest (Day 1: 13 Miles Near Bryce UT; Day 2: 11 miles near Zion UT; Day 3: 17 Miles at the Grand Canyon). It was the most amazing and challenging 3 days of racing that I recall to date. Below is a picture taken on one of the race trails http://www.thetrailfest.com/
What's your favorite part about being a DCRR member?
Racing, the happy hours/dinners, and volunteering with my friends. :D The picture below is at the end of the 2016 GW Parkway. DCRR members (right to left): Chris Johnson, Melody Peppard, Miguel Matta, Ileana Rodriguez, Kyle Edgerton, Miguel Cuya
What's the most important lesson running has taught you?
Life is like a marathon. You need persistence, strategy, and the ability to adapt for both. The picture below is at the start of 2016 MCM. DCRR members (right to left): Greg Chaconas, Ann Abbott, Melody Peppard, Jamie Engle, Miguel, John Morgan
What's your favorite route in the area?
I love all routes outside! My favorites include the DC monuments, Old Rag, Mt. Vernon Trail, C&O with a Billy Goat detour & Manassas National Park. Link to Monuments Route: https://www.strava.com/routes/7110856 Link to Manassas Route: https://www.strava.com/routes/5790711
What race day traditions do you have?
Race day traditions: Hope that I remember my race bib, maybe show up on time, double knot both shoes.
What's your proudest running moment?
Picture below: 2014 Napa to Sonoma Team Challenge supporting the final runners finishing the Half Marathon.
1. Coaching about 20 people for Crohn's and Colitis Foundation. For many, it was their first half marathon. (I love watching people accomplishing their dreams and I look forward to coaching again). 2. Directing my first race for DCRR. (I want to direct more!) 3. Listening to Meb Keflezighi recount winning Boston 4. Listening to Billy Mills recount winning gold in 1964 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVlKVWFmfhk 5. Qualifying for Boston
What's your life like outside of running?
My life outside of running is SUPER busy!
Thank you DCRR for another great year of running!
