Tell us a bit about yourself, where do you live, what do you do for fun, etc.
I currently live in Spearfish, but I’m originally from Toledo, Ohio. When I was in the Army, I absolutely hated running and tried to avoid it at every opportunity—definitely didn’t help my standing with the sergeants! It wasn’t until I didn’t have to run that I started enjoying it. I’m also a big fan of hockey. Lately, I’ve been focused on helping my husband regain his physical strength after he suffered a stroke, so he’s been my priority.
I currently live in Spearfish, but I’m originally from Toledo, Ohio. When I was in the Army, I absolutely hated running and tried to avoid it at every opportunity—definitely didn’t help my standing with the sergeants! It wasn’t until I didn’t have to run that I started enjoying it. I’m also a big fan of hockey. Lately, I’ve been focused on helping my husband regain his physical strength after he suffered a stroke, so he’s been my priority.
If you had $5,000 to spend at a running store but only 5 minutes to spend it, what few things would you grab first?
SHOES!!!!! In EVERY color!
What’s your go-to running outfit?
I am all about the compression leggings to keep things tucked in! I live in my Darn Tough Socks & Brooks Adrenalines & a pair of shades
If you could have a gigantic billboard anywhere with anything on it — metaphorically speaking, getting a message out to millions or billions — what would it say and why?
Run because you can – Not because you have to! Run for those that can’t and can no longer (I tell myself no matter how slow or bad my run is, I am still ABLE to)
Any pre run or pre race habits?
A good beer at dinner then to set up my race clothes – checking and double checking my gear & hoping to sleep!
What’s one of the best running related investments you’ve made?
Darn Tough Socks – I discovered having a good pair wool socks makes a mama’s feet happy
Darn Tough Socks – I discovered having a good pair wool socks makes a mama’s feet happy
What’s the most memorable thing you’ve ever seen or done while on a run?
My first Half Marathon, Disneyland Half, it was the hottest & most humid on record and my final few miles I was literally hopping over people passing out from the heat and I thought to myself “what the hell did i get myself into??!!!” But I finished! With a smile on my face
Toughest race you’ve ever done? Why?
Disney World Marathon in 2010 – it was sooooo cold and so windy. I lived in Colorado at the time and it was warmer in Colorado than Florida. I hit that wall on a highway overpass and stood there crying – “how could it be so cold in the happiest place on earth?” What got me going again was knowing my husband and daughter, then 18mo, was waiting for me at the finish line
What advice would you give to a new runner? What advice should they ignore?
Ignore the voices in your head! Your never too fluffy, too old, or slow! You are a runner no matter what you look like!
What, if anything, do you listen to while running?
I have EVERYTHING on my play list! From Elvis to Hip Hop to Disney to Metal
What’s one running item you think is a gimmick and won’t buy?
Toe Shoes – HAHA! Do they still make those for “runners”? I always thought they were tacky!
If you could go run with any living or dead historical figure, who would it be and why?
This is going to be absolutely cheesy, but I would love to be able to “run” and chat with Walt Disney. I think he was such a brilliant and loving man and would just love to hear about all the stories in his head. Yes I am a big Disney fan 🙂