How and why did you start running and how many years have you been running?
I started running in 2017. I went to Planet Fitness to start my health journey and saw the triple crown was posted in their bathroom and I thought "What a way to challenge myself" so I signed up for the 5k, never running before. CRAZY I know haha. Well, I worked my way up to that 5k then ran the 10k and 10 miler that year. From there I fell in love with running. During COVID, starting in 2019, I took a few years off and started back running in 2023. I dont think I ever realized how much I missed it and the community.
Why did you decide to do the Polar Bear Grand Prix?
I decided to do the Polar Bear Grand Prix for a few reasons. One to keep moving and working towards something in the winter. Another reason is that I love the challenges that Cherokees hills bring to the table, I LOATH hills haha, so it's a great way to keep me facing them. I also love getting out in the community seeing friends, meeting new faces, and celebrating what our bodies are capable of with each other.
Favorite distance? My favorite distance is probably a 10k. It keeps fun going for more than a 5k without feeling the need to heavily train for a half marathon.
Favorite place to run? I love this question, because I do most of my runs on a treadmill, I know most people think I am crazy. However, my favorite place to run is probably Cherokee. As I said before I love facing the challenges of the hill. It also holds beautiful scenery.
Favorite or most unique race you have run? My favorite race every year is the big run. It is a day that we celebrate running globally and that is something so special.
Favorite thing about running? It's not possible to have just one. The joy that running brings me is unmatched. One thing that really stands out though is the community. I am a part of "She Runs This Town Louisville" and meeting such amazing ladies, getting to know them, and meeting amazing friends through the community is unreal. The running community is so kind. Every race and it specifically stood out during the Grand Prix, everyone cheers each other on, as you pass at a turnaround point everyone is saying "Good job", "you're doing great", "Keep going you got this." The encouragement and kindness are extraordinary.
Do you have any running/walking advice you'd like to offer? I focused so long on being fast, but that's not what it's about. It's about celebrating your body and enjoying every mile you're in.
Why do you like running River City Races events? I love River City Races because they are community-based and focus on bringing our community together. I know in this interview I talked a lot about community, but it is honestly so important to me.
Our babies are watching us, and I think it is so important to not only keep ourselves healthy for them, but to create healthy habits for them as well. There are so many little kids at a lot of these races including my son. It makes me so happy to see that we can use running a way to teach our children healthy habits and spend quality time with them as well.