Favorite distance: The marathon is my jam. I run a lot of shorter distance races during the year, but the marathon is always my focus.
Running advice: Recover as intently as you train! A lot of runners are really dedicated to training, but you won't see the full benefits if you skimp on recovery. For me, that includes adequate refueling after workouts, as much sleep as I can possibly squeeze in, and regular massage. It's hard to prioritize them, but they really make a difference. I also find having a strong core, including your hips, goes a heck of a long way in injury prevention! I do Pilates three times a week - I'm an instructor at Baptist Health/Milestone Wellness Center - and it's a great way to be strong but also flexible in ways runners often aren't.
Why do you like running River City Races events? River City Races events were some of the very first I ever ran! I started running using the couch-to-5k program in May 2006, and I ran the Polar Bear Grand Prix series that winter. I'll never forget running up the hill to Hogan's Fountain the first time (it hasn't gotten easier, actually). River City Races is such a cornerstone in Louisville's running community. I know they're focused on ensuring a great experience for every participant, regardless of speed, and they're consistently organized and well-run races
Anything else: I'm excited to see the Downtown Doubler back on the schedule! It's great to race different distances to challenge myself in different ways. There aren't many 8k-15k races in the area but they're such fun distances to run.
In 2006, as a college junior, I decided to "get in shape." I set my sights on a race and used the infamous couch-to-5k program. Just 15 months after I started running, I ran my first marathon and qualified for Boston. Since then, I have completed 14 marathons, achieving a Boston qualifying time at each and breaking 3 hours three times. After an injury in 2010, I've come back to set new PRs at all distances since 2014. I hold personal bests of 2:57:03 (marathon), 1:25:53 (half-marathon), 39:13 (10k) and 18:36 (5k) I was named the 2017 Female Long Distance Runner of the year by USATF-KY. I am coached by Matt Ebersole of Personal Best Training in Indianapolis, am part of the New Balance Louisville racing team, and am a Hammer Nutrition sponsored athlete.