1. How long have you been running and why did you start running?
I started in high school. I was a soccer player and most of the soccer team did track, as well as soccer. I didn’t love running when I started but enjoyed seeing the results of working hard at something and loved the team. I decided to run in college and never stopped! I’ve been consistently running for 20 years!
2. How long have you been part of TRL, and what drew you to the club in the first place?
I just joined Red Lizard in September. It had been 5 years since I had been on a team and I found myself missing the team atmosphere (group workouts, team competitions). I had been worried to join a team because, as a single mom, I felt like I had to squeeze runs in when I could and combine runs with playdates etc. Talking to some other moms on Team Red Lizard who also were juggling work/kids/running on a team made me feel like I could too. In addition, Rick has always been knowledgeable and created an inclusive but competitive group and that was what I wanted. I had several friends who were enjoying this community, and I wanted to join them.
3. What do you do when you’re not running (job, family, school…whatever it is you’d use to introduce yourself outside of running)?
I fit prosthetics and orthotics (artificial limbs and braces) for work. I enjoy being able to help people in a very concrete way. I also like spending time with my seven-year-old-, ideally doing something active together (hiking/skiing/ biking). I love exploring, whether it’s a new neighborhood, coffee shop, or trail.
4. What’s your favorite distance/type of run (5K, half-marathon, marathon, ultras, relays, track, trail, etc.)?
I’ve always been better at the longer distances. The marathon used to be my thing. I qualified for the Olympic Trials in 2012 and spent until 2016 chasing marathon PRs. I might get back into that, but that seems a bit daunting to me. Most recently I enjoyed the Portland Trail Series, some 25k trail races, and now cross country. I’m excited to add some structure to my training with Red Lizards and see the fitness gains.
5. Where is your favorite place to run in the greater Portland area?
I really love Forest Park. I don’t get sick of those beautiful single-track trails and find it so great for my mental health to escape into the trees.
6. What’s your most memorable running experience (or experiences)?
Qualifying for the Olympic Trials in the marathon. It was such a big goal and accomplishing that with many others at CIM was incredible. I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face for hours.
7. What’s the best running advice you’ve ever received?
Happy runners are fast runners. I think it’s true. I’ll always make small sacrifices on workout specifics if it means keeping things fun.
8. Tell us one fun fact, hidden talent, or something we don’t know about you, but should?
I’m surprisingly good at finding things used. It’s a bit of a hobby. I think 90% of my home are treasures found at garage sales, etc.