Never Meant Be A Runner - Polar Bear Grand Prix 60-64 Age Group Winner
How and why did you start running and how many years have you been running?
I never meant to be a runner. In 1995, I was involved in a very bad car accident that left me blind in one eye. Prior to the accident, I competed in volleyball racquetball and played some tennis. The injury severely affected my depth perception. My ability to gauge the velocity and direction of the ball and to find my place on the court was diminished. I could not compete at the same level, nor to my expectations. I felt lost and depressed. My younger brother, tired of seeing me mope, challenged me to run. I told him, “No, I hate running… I don’t even know how to run!” He kept on badgering me, making me get out on the road, telling me, I didn’t need depth perception, only to put one foot in front of the other. He sweetened the deal by telling me he would pay for me to go to Chicago to run a St. Patrick’s Day run with him. I had three months to train. Let’s say… The rest is history! Twenty-eight years later, I still love running!!
Why did you decide to do the Polar Bear Grand Prix?
The Polar Bear Grand Prix is some thing I look forward to every year! The race series is so well put together with super cute swag! Each course in the series challenges you to have to dig deep, providing a great reason to get out of a warm, cozy bed on those blustery days and train. The best part is the atmosphere when you arrive at the race; always abuzz with excited runners, donning some festive winter outfits, ready to face the elements!
Favorite distance.
My favorite distance is a 10K. I break it up into two 5K segments. The first 5K provides a warm-up period, time to get body and mind into the race, while the second 5K requires pushing myself, and staying focused until the end.
Favorite place(s) to run.
I live in southern Indiana and can run from my home to Huber’s Orchard for a four, six or 8 mile loop. There is no better place on earth to run early in the morning before visitors come to the farm. The morning sun rising across beautiful dew covered fields is stunning. Breathing in the sweet smell of strawberries in late spring, watching the apple trees fill with bright red and green apples and the sight of large orange pumpkins in the fall allow you to lose yourself in the wonders of nature. In Louisville… Iroquois, Seneca and Cherokee Parks are my favorites.
Favorite or most unique race you have run
The most unique race that I have ever run is The Living History Farm race in Urbandale, Iowa. It is a five miler, cross country race through plowed fields, cornfields, creeks, and hilly, muddy, terrain.
Favorite thing about running.
Running is my meditation time and takes me away from all stressors in life. I am a nurse practitioner and a very busy emergency room where chaos, charged emotions, and resuscitative measures are a part of every shift. The ability to get out physically and get away mentally by running, helps both body and mind purge the stress of work.
Do you have any running/walking advice?
Enjoy yourself! When you were out there, you be YOU!! Whether a 5 minute miler or 20 minute miler, be YOUR best!
Why do you like running River City events?
River City is my go to for all races in the Louisville area. The River City website is comprehensive with all race dates and times listed, making registration and a breeze. Race results are also easy to find and posted immediately. All events are so well run; each individual race to the 502 series, every part of each event is geared with the runner in mind. With the challenges of 2020 and worries that racing simply would not be the same after Covid, River City continued to shine, keeping the Louisville Running community engaged and cohesive through communications and lively virtual events.
Anything else you’d like to share?
Anyone can run!! Remember… Putting one foot in front of the other IS forward progress!!