2nd place 65-69 2024 Polar Bear Grand Prix
How and why did you start running and how many years have you been running?
I started running in my late 20’s, and I’m in my mid-60’s now, so I’ve been running about 40 years. I’d always been interested in running, but I wasn’t confident enough to try out for track in high school. I began running with my then fiancé Stan in 1987. I had no concept of pacing and he helped me understand running for distance, vs sprinting. I remember when I ran my first mile—I was so excited I called Stan at work to tell him! I ran my first race in 1988, a 5k near the now defunct Phoenix Hill Tavern. In the spring of 1988, I ran my first 10k, then my first 15k and then my first half-marathon at Louisville’s own Triple Crown of running. I have run 18 half-marathons, all in Louisville.
Why did you decide to do the Polar Bear Grand Prix?
I spent some time looking back through old race bibs and race photos so see how long I’ve been doing these races. To the best of my knowledge, I’ve been running the Polar Bear Grand Prix since 2004. I look forward to these short winter races each year. I’ve only missed a few of them; some due to injury, one year when I was out of state on internship and one Frostbite 5k in which the weather was so absolutely awful that I took one look outside, said “nope” and I went back to bed. That has been the only race I’ve ever blown off because of weather, after having already paid for it. This year’s Snowman Shuffle’s weather was similar, and I confess the thought of not doing it crossed my mind. However, the serious rain didn’t start until I was already 2 miles in, so I was committed to finishing at that point. And, as always, I’ve never really regretted running a race!
Favorite distance?
In my younger and relatively speedier years, I would have said 10k. Now, as a senior runner, a 5k is more my thing. It gives me a goal to train for, but is not intense enough to cause injury.
Favorite place to run?
Cherokee Park is my daily run and walk go-to. My husband Stan and I look for wildlife on our daily trek through the park. It makes our day when we are able to spot some of the deer that make the park their home, or if we are very lucky, we spy a hawk, an owl or a woodpecker. We also look forward to walking and running our Highlands neighborhood. We particularly enjoy seeing neighbors who are walking their dogs. We really like talking to them about their dogs and learning their names. We know several neighbors as “Quincy the Westie’s dad” or “Emma the wire-haired dachshund’s mom”. We also like chatting to our favorite mailman and visiting with an elderly neighbor and her adult daughters. And our daily tour of the neighborhood would not be complete without waving to a hardworking neighborhood hairdresser as we go by her shop.
Favorite or most unique race you have run?
Without question, my favorite race is the Bourbon Chase. My brother-in-law Joel captained Team Maximum Proof for 8 years, I believe. We were usually a team of older runners, and I was sometimes the only female runner on the team. I really enjoyed the feeling of completing the challenge together as a group. We always had a great time and so many memories to share! I also enjoy trying to find a local race when I am on vacation. We have an annual trip to Vermont to visit with Stan’s family, many of whom are also runners. I like to find a local 5k for us all to run together.
Favorite thing about running?
There is so much I love about running! It’s a great excuse to get outside into nature and I love that I can just put on a good pair of shoes, step out my door and get going. When I haven’t been able to run due to injuries or other commitments, I really miss it. I enjoy running by myself, and I also enjoy running with others. I especially love running in local races. I really enjoy being part of a crowd of runners all doing something they love!
Do you have any running/walking advice you'd like to offer?
New to running folks are often intimidated when starting on their running journey. I think it’s helpful to talk with more experienced runners, joining a Couch to 5k or taking advantage of beginner programs at local running stores or companies that provide low-cost training for events such as the Kentucky Derby Festival races. Runners love to talk about running and most runners will be happy to share advice and tips. Parkrun 5ks are also great places to ease into running. Parkruns are free, are run entirely by volunteers, and you can find them in most major cities and in other countries too! Parkruns have a “tail walker” at the end of every run, so you do not have to walk alone if you don’t want to and they will make sure you don’t take a wrong turn if you happen to have no sense of direction (like me!) Also, invest in a good pair of running shoes and for women, a good sports bra. You don’t really need any other fancy gear. Oh, and wear sunscreen!
Why do you like running River City Races events?
I look forward to running River City race events every year and I love it when they add new races to their roster of events. River City races are well organized and always fun. I enjoy seeing what shirts, socks, medals or other swag are part of each race. My favorite River City races are the winter ones—the Grand Prix and the Santa Sprint! These races help keep me motivated during cold weather when it is sometimes hard to make myself get out of the door. There is a strong sense of community at River City race events, as well as a sense of playfulness and fun, especially when there are costume events and runners dress up, although it was humbling to have my race time beaten by the runner who dressed up as a giant stack of Christmas presents during this year’s Reindeer Romp!
Anything else you'd like to share?
Keep moving! We all sit too much, hunched over our devices. Your body and mind will thank you for the chance to stretch, walk, run, hike or kayak. Running is also cheaper than therapy!
