Q: Tell me a little bit about yourself. (Where you’re from, what you’re doing now…etc)
A: Hi there, my name is Laren. I have lived in Rapid City for 35 years. I am a dental lab technician at Whillock Dental Arts.
Q: How long have you been running and how did you get started?
A: I started running Track (sprints) in middle school in 1997. I ran three years of high school track (sprints). I didn’t start running long distances until I was well into my late twenties.
Q: Would you rather run with a group or alone?
A: There are days I prefer one over the other. I often run alone.
Q: Do you prefer roads or trails?
A: Trails. I enjoy exploring new trails and areas of the Black Hills. Every trail is a new adventure.
Q: What is your favorite distance or race?
A: Half marathon and marathon distances are great, but I do enjoy the challenge that the ultra distances bring.
Q: What are your goals for the future?
A: To stay healthy and continue to run long into the future. I would also like to start a running group through my church to help people get out and enjoy running or walking.
Q: Do you have a pre-race ritual?
A: They say never to try anything new on race day. I guess that’s my ritual, I’m always trying something new on race day. Even racing in brand new shoes….that didn’t end well!
Q: What do you love most about running? What do you like least?
A: What I love about running is where it can take you physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. Running has done so much for me in each of those areas. What I like the least are the sore and tired legs.
Q: Who inspires you most?
A: Probably the groups I get to run with on the weekend. To hear their stories, goals and what inspires them is an inspiration to me.
Q: Do you have any favorite races that you have run?
A: All the trail series races are always fun and always well put together. The Black Hills 100 is something I look forward to each year …. in spite of the 50 miler. It is a fun and challenging course.
Q: What advice do you have for new runners?
A: Just to get out there and put one foot in front of the other. Keep challenging yourself from one mile to the next. It’s about the work in little accomplishments that lead to reaching the big goals. One step, one mile at a time.