Q: Tell me a little bit about yourself. (Where you’re from, what you’re doing now…etc)
Tami: My name is Tami Petersen, I grew up in Springfield, SD, I am married to John and have two adult boys. I am a dental hygienist at Advanced Dental Professionals
John: My name is John Petersen, I grew up on a farm near Avon in southeastern South Dakota. Shortly after graduating high school I enlisted in the Air Force and made it a career as an aircraft maintenance technician. Since retiring from the military I have been working for the State of South Dakota’s Department of Military. Tami and I have been married for 30 years.
Q: How long have you been running and how did you get started?
Tami: About 10 years ago when I decided to do a triathlon. I took Dan Lindes triathlon training class and he told me about runners club races as a way to train for the running part so I joined and started doing the organized runs.
John: My time as a runner is rather brief in comparison to most others. I’ve only been running since June 2016 and my reasons for starting were two-fold. Firstly, I started as an aid to help me kick a longtime smoking habit and secondly to spend more time with Tami. She has always spoke highly of the Runner’s Club so I decided to tag along and I’m happy that I did.
Q: Would you rather run with a group or alone?
Tami: Most definitely with a group! It keeps me motivated, the time goes by much quicker and it’s great way to hang out with friends!
John: Though I’m more the quiet/shy type personality I enjoy participating in the group trail runs over running alone.
Q: Do you prefer roads or trails?
Tami: Most definitely trails!
John: Trails, especially the Trail Running Series.
Q: What is your favorite distance or race?
Tami: I like the trail running series, they tend to be about 8 miles.
John: I enjoy the 5K up to 10 mile distance.
Q: How do you stay motivated when you don’t want to run?
Tami: Having a goal race and friends that text me and say; “lets run!”
John: I think about having someone come up to me later and say you should have there, it was awesome. I hate to miss out on the fun.
Q: If I didn’t run I’d ………..
Tami: I like to do lots of things; bike, classes, weight lifting, swimming, x-country ski, paddle board, walking, dance.
John: go hiking, bicycling, snow skiing, kayaking or attend a yoga class as I enjoy those activities as well.
Q: What do you find to be the most rewarding thing about running?
Tami: Being outside and the comradery and the beer after!
John: Being in the great outdoors and simply completing the distance set before me.
Q: What is your favorite running memory?
Tami:The Las Vegas Rock N’ Roll half marathon and the Big Horns Ultra. They were big goals I set for myself and finishing them was incredible! Plus the Rock & Roll was so electric and exciting and the Big Horns were incredibly beautiful!
John: Completing the Deadwood Mickelson Half Marathon which was my first.
Q: Do you have a pre-race ritual?
Tami: Have a good breakfast and do an active warm up.
John: Drink at least a couple cups of coffee.
Q: What are your running goals for the future?
Tami: I want to do the Seattle Rock N’ Roll and the National Park Ultras.
John: I want to participate in the Bighorn 18 mile trail run if I’m lucky enough to get a registration slot.
Q: Who inspires you most?
Tami: There are so many! My husband as he has always said “If you ever see me running you better start running too!” and now he goes running with me! My friends that will run with me; Heather Spencer, Tracy Perdue, Cathy Matteson, Robert Brown, Sandy Burns, Leslie & Mark Warren and Marge Marken. Marge has stayed active and even though she can’t run anymore she continues to go out and walk the trails with us. Her time that she puts into the runners club is a true gift! Pretty much everyone in the runners club inspires me!
John: Tami
Q: What advice do you have for new runners?
Tami: You don’t have to be fast, it’s even ok to run/walk just find a friend and enjoy the fresh air, exercise and conversation. Find a race you want to do and train together and then enjoy the sense of accomplishment from completing your race!
John: Based on my own experience, I would suggest they check out the Runners Club. Everyone that I’ve met at the numerous events has been extremely friendly, supportive and nonjudgmental of anyone’s ability. So thanks to everyone for making my new venture in running enjoyable. See you on the trails.