How and why did you start running and how many years have you been running?
I’ve stopped and started running a few times, but I’ve been running solidly for 3 years now. Around 3 years ago, I wanted to lose a little weight and had done a few halves and decided to sign up for the Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon in 2020. I was training and everything was going great… then Covid happened and it (and everything else got canceled). I still ran the marathon solo with a friend supporting the latter half, and by then, I’d caught the bug.
Why did you decide to do the Polar Bear Grand Prix?
I saw it in the Swag’s newsletter and it sounded fun. I’m glad I did! I got a team of a few friends together and we did all the races and had a great time!
Favorite distance?
Marathon. There’s just something about the challenge of it and the ability to kind of get lost in the race itself. Every race I’ve ever done has its positives-- I’ve yet to run a race I didn’t like--- but there’s nothing like the feeling of accomplishment after a marathon.
Favorite place to run?
Jefferson Memorial Forest. They’ve got some great trails and it’s just really pretty running in the forest. Depending on the time of day and the weather, you can almost have the place to yourself during the winter months. When I’m running on the road, which is most of the time, I love Cherokee or Iroquois park.
Favorite or most unique race you have run?
I did Grandma’s Marathon in Duluth, Minnesota last year. It was a beautiful race, and I got lucky with perfect race-day weather. The race starts in a small town up the shore on Lake Superior and you just run along the lake down to Duluth. It’s also a decently big race in a pretty small town, so it’s kind of cool to see the place get taken over by runners for a weekend. Everybody up there is super supportive of it and there is just great race-day energy everywhere.
Favorite thing about running?
You can do it anytime and just about anywhere. If you need a little exercise, to get outside for a little, or even just to clear your head; it’s always there. And, it’s even better with friends.
Do you have any running/walking advice you'd like to offer?
Maybe if I offer this advice I’ll learn to be better at taking it myself: it’s OK (and even healthy) to slow down for a little while every once and a while--- especially after an injury or getting sick. Runners can be very “go, go, go” but sometimes taking a break helps us to bounce back. And this is just a hobby that’s supposed to be fun anyway right?
Why do you like running River City Races events?
They’re fun, well-organized, and attract a good crowd of runners.
Anything else you'd like to share?
Have fun! That’s what it’s all about right?