Q: Tell me a little bit about yourself. (Where you’re from, what you’re doing now…etc)
A: Well, I grew up on a farm near Garretson, SD and after college I adventured to Rapid City to work at the Rapid City Regional Hospital as a Radiation Therapist. I am married to a rancher near Elm Springs SD and have 3 kids: Alyssa 11, Emmalee 9, and Reed 6.
Q: How long have you been running and how did you get started?
A: Uff Da, I started running as a 7th grader (1992) on the varsity track team for Garretson and 27 years later I continue to love the zen of running.
Q: Would you rather run with a group or alone?
A: Easy Answer: With a group for the entertainment and great company. My two- four legged friends are great but have different motives when it comes to running.
Q: Do you prefer roads or trails?
A: Trails because of the scenery. But I have a problem because I usually want to look around and before you know it.. CRASH. One great runner once told me at the Victoria Secret Dirty Half that you just have to pick up your feet. (Side note: on road runs I have a hard time running a straight line so I apologize in advance.)
Q: What is your favorite distance or race?
A: 13.1 to 10 miles
Q: How do you stay motivated when you don’t want to run?
A: I get down on myself if I do not run, so to make mom happy. Let me run. Happy Wife/Mom = Happy Life.
Q: If I didn’t run I’d ………..
A: Ride horse which is my other passion, spend more time with my kids/husband, and crossfit
Q: What do you find to be the most rewarding thing about running?
A: Since getting involved in the BHRC all the great people I have met and gained relationships with. Young or older 🙂 it is so welcoming to be surrounded by an amazing group.
My Zen- Did I mention Happy Wife/Mom = Happy Life
Q: Do you have a pre-race ritual?
A: Eat anything with peanut butter and fuel properly
Q: What are your running goals for the future?
A: Of course, I would like to run Boston someday.
Q: Who inspires you most?
A: Well, there are a lot of people I look up to based on their knowledge and abilities: Roger Heacock, Beth Hollick, Dan Berke, Erika Winchester, Melissa Smith, Tanja Cutting, Kyle Kranz and Chris Riley to name just a few. Side note: I do not mean to leave anyone out but wow I’ve learned a lot from these greats.
Q: What advice do you have for new runners?
A: Start off slow and build up : Good training = amazing results
Listen to your body
Fuel correctly (finally getting the hang of this one…. Uff da)
Hydrate Hydrate Hydrate
Find a Group or partner if you are hesitant