Q: Tell me a little bit about yourself. (Where you’re from, what you’re doing now…etc.)
A: I grew up on a ranch in the Southern Black Hills in the tiny little town of Oral. I’ve since lived in NE, WY, MO and MI before coming back to the Black Hills and making Rapid City my home for the past 17 years!! I truly enjoy my job at Black Hills Community Bank where I work with an amazing group of people. I have three awesome children who are my life and my whole world: Savannah (20), Brandon (16) and Abby (12).
Q: How long have you been running and how did you get started?
A: I’ve been running for 3 ½ years. I started after a year and a half long battle w/colon cancer. I knew I needed to get healthy and strong again, so I laced up my shoes and went out the front door for a run. It’s the best thing I ever did, as I fell in love with it and have been doing it ever since!!
Q: Would you rather run with a group or alone?
A: Both. Group is a great time to socialize and be pushed to my limits at times by other amazing runners. Alone is a great time for me to jam out to my favorite tunes or quietly soul search!!
Q: Do you prefer roads or trails?
A: Both. Roads I feel are easier for me as I don’t have to think about my footing, I can just put my head up and go. Trails offer beauty like no other, but you must watch your footing very carefully!!
Q: What is your favorite distance or race?
A: 13.1, I’m a half marathon kind of gal!!
Q: How do you stay motivated when you don’t want to run?
A: Sign up for another race, right, why not!!
Q: What do you find to be the most rewarding thing about running?
A: The challenge, I love a challenge and I feel every run/race is a challenge in its own unique way!!
Q: What is your favorite running memory?
A: Running the Grand Tetons Vacation Race 5K with my daughter, Abby, as she was super excited she placed 4th individual in her age group and her team placed 2nd!! She’s my little spit fire and runner girl!!!
Q: What’s the most valuable lesson you have learned from running?
A: Set goals, it’s a great way to keep yourself motivated and to push yourself to do the best you can do!!
Q: What are your running goals for the future?
A: I would like to run and finish a 100mile race (BH 100), who doesn’t want to do this, right, lol!!
Q: Who inspires you most?
A: My children, my family, and all the members of the BH Runners Club who are all so supportive and encouraging all the time!!
Q: What advice do you have for new runners?
A: Start out slow with low mileage then work your way up as it takes time, be patient and persistent and in the end it will pay off!!
My favorite saying and something I tell myself before every race is… I’ll do my Best and nothing Less!!
My Inspirational advice to all is: “Follow Your Dreams” and “Never Give Up”
I’m living proof that anything is possible…in the last 5 years I’ve gone from Cancer Patient to Boston Marathon Participant, Woo Hoo!!! Not to mention or brag, Chicago Marathon Participant in Oct as well!!! It goes to show with Dedication, Determination, and Hard Work you can do Anything:)