Please tell us about your background in running
I grew up swimming my whole life and even started my own swim teaching business which I maintained until I graduated from college. By that time, I was pretty burnt out so I picked up running as a way to maintain fitness. Over the years, that grew into distance running, marathoning, ultra marathoning and endurance adventures in the mountains spanning days at a time. I enjoy running on pavement in my neighborhood, on the trails and racing various distances from the 1 mile to 100 miles. I've also come to learn that running isn't just about the running aspect. There is being a runner, a coach, a supporter/spectator, event organizer, vendor, community builder etc... I've had my fair share of experience in these areas in the past 20 years.
What is your favorite run that you have been a part of? Why?
Although running began as a way of fitness for me, I quickly learned that the community aspect of it is the part I love the most. Running is indeed a metaphor for life. You can find joy in being present, comfort in knowing the discomfort is temporary, reward in goal-setting and goal-chasing, but the most unexpected part of all of this is discovering the community that will rally around you when you set off on these endeavors no matter how big or small you may perceive them to be, that we are not in anything alone if we just open ourselves up to it. Not only is the movement great for health, the connection found in the community is so nourishing for the soul. THAT is my favorite part!!
What is the craziest thing that has happened on a run?
This question is a toughie as there are many! I have been running at least one mile every single day since January 1, 2013 and my running streak is approaching its 12th year. I remember Day 1000 was at the San Jose Rock n Roll Half Marathon. Days before the race, I had debated signing up but received a call from a friend asking for donations to fund a project to save Syrian refugees. Her company would match every donated dollar. It only made sense to double my money for the cause and show up on race day to cheer on friends instead. About an hour after I sent my donation, I received a call from one of the brands I work with offering me a free registration to the race! Of course I accepted and was excited to attend the race after all! To add to this list of miracles, Olympian Deena Kastor was on the course "for fun" and I was able to share the final 5km with her across the finish line! What a memorable way to spend my 1000th consecutive day of running!
What advice would you give to a beginner runner?
The best advice I would give to a beginner runner is to HAVE FUN and run far away from the bad habit of comparison. It's imperative to confess I spent nearly my first 10 years of running almost keeping it a secret and worrying about how fast/slow I was, what people would think of my performance. I had all these preconceived ideas that if I wasn't on a training plan or running organized races, I wasn't truly "a runner". During my very first race, The Nike Women's Marathon in 2010, I met so many incredible female runners who had such incredible stories to share. Their journey, their warmth and their confidence in themselves really stood out to me. I spent nearly a decade wallowing in my own insecurities that prevented me from connecting with this wonderful community of people who really helped push me to the finish line of my first marathon. The moment you embrace where you are and have fun, you'll open up a whole new world and it will be easier to stay consistent, not just for running, but with any endeavor you wish to embark on.
We are so happy to have you as our Race Director this year! Why did you decide to be a part of The Teal Run this year?
I am a firm believer that miracles happen every day. It is no coincidence I became a runner or that I was brought to meet such an incredible community of people, including Coach Irina Stiasny who let me know about the opportunity to RD for The Teal Run. Learning about The Teal Foundation's mission, it immediately felt like the stars aligned for me to join such an incredible team of people to plan an event of my favorite activity! As a founder and race director of the Joyce's 36 5k Fun Run, this was in such alignment with my event's values as proceeds from my fun run have gone to support resources in cancer patient support or cancer research for 11 years and counting. So many lives around us have been touched by cancer in some way, shape or form, and I'm driven to be a part softening the edges of this journey and contributing to research efforts in any way I can. The Teal Run is a wonderful vehicle for hope and support for those battling ovarian cancer and it was an easy decision to jump on board. I couldn't be more honored to be a part of this amazing team!
