How and why did you start running and how many years have you been running?
At age 50, I was diagnosed with osteopenia. The very next day I signed up and have avidly been working out at OrangeTheory Fitness for the last 10 years (just recently reaching my 1,100 class). But I guess I’ve technically been “running” since January, 2024. I turned 60 in March, 2024 so I thought it would be a fun bucket list item to run the KDF mini marathon in 2024 at 60 so I dove right into the Norton training plan. I thought I was well prepared physically for the challenge, and although I followed the training plan religiously, by midway through I said I would never do it again. I had no idea what running even felt like or looked like and knew I was doing it all wrong. It was really hard work and it felt like a second job. But as soon as I crossed the finish line, I knew I wouldn’t stop. I fell in love with running. I finished in 2:34 and although I’m not fast, I surely felt like a winner. I really can’t describe that feeling.
Why did you decide to do the Polar Bear Grand Prix?
I signed up for the Polar Bear Grand Prix because I love to run and a I love puzzles. Just the thought of putting those three medal pieces together made me happy. I not only love a challenge, but I love the rewards as well. I won my age group in two of the three races (60-64) and only missed the Frostbite 5K by 9 seconds. The last two races, The Frostbite 5K and the Snowman Shuffle were ran on the same day and that was the first time I’ve ran in the pouring rain and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Brought back childhood memories of playing in the rain.
Favorite distance?
I will have to say 5Ks are my favorites, although I haven’t entered in many other distance races other than the mini and a few 10Ks. Any run is truly my favorite. I’m looking forward to the KDF mini/marathon in April, 2025! I’m currently training for the full marathon but my knees will tell me if I need to back off and do the mini and can hopefully accomplish one of the two without injury.
Favorite place to run?
I live within 5 minutes of The Parklands/Beckley Creek Park so I love running there. So many opportunities for flat surface or hills and no question that the bathroom facilities are a bonus. I also love Cherokee Park, although those hills have defeated me more than once.
Favorite or most unique race you have run?
My favorite run thus far was the KDF mini marathon because it was my first. I feel like every race is unique in itself. There have been so many conditions that Mother Nature has thrown at us in the past year, but I have ran and conquered them all. Hot, cold, ice, snow, rain .. each of them with their own set of challenges but I sincerely loved them all. One of the coolest, literally, was the Time Travel Run Wild 5K/10K/half. I signed up for the 5K but it was just so beautiful with the fresh snow on the ground and new snow falling, we just kept going and ran the 10K and got my very first 1st Master win, but I’m not entirely sure what that means. And of course, my very first win in my age group (60-64) at the Bats 5K is right up there with favorites!
Favorite thing about running?
I now truly believe in the runner’s high. I have never experienced anything quite like it. And I’m never effective in trying to explain it to others unless you’re a runner. Then you just know.
Do you have any running/walking advice you'd like to offer?
I can’t offer any expert running advice because I’m still learning and trying to figure it out myself. I would say just keep moving forward no matter how you get there. Run, walk, crawl if you have to. But don’t stop moving.
Why do you like running River City Races events?
River City Races are always well organized and fun. Lots of varieties of races and lots of options. I did the Run the 502 series and of course, I loved adding those little medallions to the actual medal.
Anything else you'd like to share?
Thank you so much for organizing these events. It has truly been life changing for me. I hang my medals/rewards in clear site on my banister where I walk past them every day. It’s a reminder to myself that it’s mostly mind over matter and I can do whatever I set my mind to do. My favorite quote: “A great pleasure in life is doing what people say you cannot do.” I’ve had plenty of nay sayers my entire life. Too short, too small, too quiet, too much, too everything. Running is something I can control at my own pace. I’m going to finish, it just may take me longer to get there.