How and why did you start running and how many years have you been running?
For as long as I can remember, I struggled with my weight. In November 2023, I made the life-changing decision to undergo vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) surgery. While the procedure helped me lose weight, I still found myself working toward my goal weight and searching for something more — a new challenge, a new mindset. I had never considered myself a runner. In fact, I used to admire runners from a distance, wishing I had that kind of endurance and confidence. Then, in May 2025, something shifted. I came across River City Races and, almost on impulse, signed up for my first event — the Fix ’Em 5K Run/Walk.
Why did you decide to do the Run the 502?
Choosing to participate in Run the 502 was deeply personal for me. For so many years, I felt disconnected from my body — frustrated by it, limited by it, and unsure of what it was capable of. After surgery and my first 5K, I began to see myself differently. I wasn’t just someone trying to lose weight anymore — I was someone learning how to fight for herself. Run the 502 became more than a race; it became a symbol of everything I’ve overcome. Every mile represents the doubts I’ve silenced, the fears I’ve faced, and the strength I’ve built — not just physically, but emotionally. There was a time when I would have talked myself out of something like this, convinced I wasn’t “that person.” Now, signing up feels like reclaiming a part of me I always admired in others. This race isn’t about pace or placement. It’s about proving to myself that I am capable, resilient, and worthy of taking up space at the starting line — and crossing the finish line — no matter how long it takes me to get there.
Favorite distance?
The 10K is my favorite distance because it challenges me without intimidating me. It’s the perfect balance of speed and stamina — long enough to demand discipline, but short enough to remind me I’m stronger than I think.
Favorite place to run?
The Parklands, Cherokee Park and Waterfront Park
Favorite or most unique race you have run?
The 2025 Midnight Hill Climb was an experience I’ll never forget. Running in the dark, at midnight, And finishing with a moon pie!
Favorite thing about running?
My favorite thing about running is the empowerment it gives me. Running pushes me into uncomfortable spaces where doubt tries to creep in, but I’ve learned to keep going anyway. There’s something incredibly powerful about the middle of a run, when your legs are tired and your mind is negotiating with you to stop — and you decide not to. And then, at the finish, when I catch my breath and realize, I did it. I ran that far. That moment fills me with a kind of pride that’s hard to put into words. Running has taught me that strength isn’t about being the fastest or the best. It’s about showing up, pushing through, and proving to myself that I am capable. Every run ends with the same quiet but powerful thought: I’m proud of myself.
Do you have any running/walking advice you'd like to offer?
My biggest piece of advice is simple: keep moving forward. It doesn’t matter how fast you go. It doesn’t matter if you have to slow down, walk, or take a moment to catch your breath. Progress is still progress. Some days will feel strong and powerful, and others will feel heavy — but what matters most is that you don’t quit. Running (and walking) has taught me that forward is forward. Even the smallest steps count. If you just keep moving, you’ll eventually look back and realize you’ve gone farther than you ever thought possible.
Why do you like running River City Races events?
I love running River City Races events because of the community and inclusiveness they truly embody. It doesn’t matter how fast you are, how slow you go, or what your body looks like — you belong there.What stands out to me most is that they stay until the very last person finishes. No one is forgotten. No one is rushed off the course. Every single participant is greeted with the same medal, the same cheers, and the same encouragement. That means everything.There’s something incredibly powerful about crossing the finish line and seeing people still there — clapping, smiling, celebrating you — no matter your pace. It makes you feel seen. It makes you feel valued. And it reminds you that running isn’t just about competition; it’s about community, support, and lifting each other up.
Anything else you'd like to share “You don’t have to look like a runner to be one. You just have to start.”