>When did you begin running and why?
I always loved to run as a kid and ran track for a season in high school and a 5K in undergrad. It didn’t really stick as an adult though until 2009 when my best friend - who lives in Corning, NY - recruited me to run a leg of what was then the Wineglass Marathon relay. I still remember her sales pitch “You’ll run 9.2 miles!” and my response “absolutely not! That’s too far!”. Needless to say, she won that battle and I’ve been hooked ever since.
>How did you find out about DCRRC and when did you join?
A DCRR Alumni - Eleanor Evans - suggested I join TBMC back in 2017 when I was on my quest to break 4 hours in the marathon. I was a little intimidated to join such a fast group until I realized that one of my good friends - Shauna Nicholas-Waite - lived right across the street and was there regularly. Between the two of them, they convinced me to join!
>What are you training for right now?
MCM! It will be my third time running the race.
>What is the toughest run or race in which you have participated?
Ragnar Trail Zion. Between the freezing temps at night, blazing temps during the day, and snakes and other wildlife, it was definitely an adventure!
>What is the most important lesson running has taught you?
That you have to try and focus on this moment, this mile, as best you can. No matter how hard you try, how much you prepare, you never know what lies ahead. You only have control over your next breath and your next step.
>What is your favorite route in the area?
MVT!
>What is your favorite post-race meal?
Pizza!
>What is your proudest running moment?
Finally breaking 4 hours in the marathon on my 3rd attempt. And fittingly, it was back where it all started for me, at the Wineglass Marathon.
>What is your favorite running book and/or movie?
Endure by Alex Hutchinson
>What is your life like outside of running?
I manage the FAA’s environmental policy office, so lots of talking about drones, rockets, and other things that go up! Outside of work, hanging with friends and cuddling my cat Nittany (and being a Penn State fan of course).
