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Technically I began running in high school but not by choice - I played on the volleyball team and running was our form of punishment. Our coach was very intent on making sure we were in shape and we'd often go to the track to run laps. Her goal for us was to run 2 miles in under 16 minutes, which at the time seemed nearly impossible. I think maybe three girls on our team accomplished it?

How did you find out about DCRRC and when did you join?

I moved down to DC from the Philly suburbs in the summer of 2013 and decided that I wanted to run a half marathon. I researched running groups and found DCRRC's half marathon training program. I signed up, participated, and successfully ran my first half in 2014, the DC Rock 'n' Roll. After the race was over, I found myself missing the early group training runs on Saturday mornings, so I tried SLR (the club's Saturday Long Run) and have been going ever since!

What are you training for right now?
I'm signed up for the Frederick Half in May, so I should probably start training for that. I think I'm fairly unique in the club in that I've never run a marathon, not because I don't want to but because I'm fairly injury prone. Maybe one day... though I'd be rich if I was paid every time someone in the club asked me when I'm going to run a marathon. ;)

The toughest race I've run is the Club Challenge. It's one of my favorites because the club bus ride and the atmosphere remind me of the team aspect of volleyball that I enjoyed in high school. However, it's also one of the hilliest races and even worse, the hills are in the second half of the race. The first time I ran it, the first downhill mile might have been the fastest I've ever run a mile, then I lost steam halfway through and ended up trudging uphill for the last five miles. I've since learned to better pace myself.

What is the most important lesson running has taught you?
Running has given me tremendous confidence in my mental resilience. Whether it's pushing through a tough workout or going months without running due to injury, running has taught me how to persevere through the tough times and come out stronger in the end.

What is your favorite route in the area?
That's a tough question, I have so many favorites! I love running Ross Drive in the fall when the leaves are changing, and I'm also a big fan of any of the SLR routes that wind through the streets of Northwest DC that allow for mansion viewing. For shorter runs, I navigate to the Bluemont Junction trail in Arlington.

What race day traditions do you have?
Nothing too complicated, mostly unnecessary worrying that I'll forget my watch or bib, or that I'll get to the race late. If the race has the option to send text alerts, I'll always sign my dad up without telling him and then he gets confused when he receives random texts.

What is your favorite post-race meal?
I don't have a go-to favorite meal but I do thoroughly enjoy taking all the free food and drinks at the end of races.

What is your proudest running moment?
This isn't a one-time moment but I'm proud anytime I finish a run in less than desirable conditions. Barring ice, I try not to let the weather affect my decision to run outside and so whether it's pouring rain or single digit temps in the dark, I try to focus on being thankful that I have the ability to run and move my body.

What is your favorite running book and/or movie?
I really enjoyed Eat and Run, by Scott Jurek. I'm not a vegan but he shares a lot of powerful messages and thoughts around viewing food as fuel, and it was really interesting to learn how his love for running developed.

What is your life like outside of running?

I am a data scientist and one of the rare people who enjoyed Statistics class in high school (this could explain why I also love analyzing all my running data). When I'm not working or running, you can find me rooting for Philly sports teams and trying to learn how to cook from my boyfriend.