2022-2023 Polar Bear Grand Prix Female Master Champion
Why did I start running?
Wow, I just turned 50 and I’ve been running my entire life! Running has just been a part of me.
I remember when I was little, I always wanted to run places with my friends or run along side them, if biking. Once sports started in middle school, I ran distance track and really enjoyed competing. Going into high school, the cross country coach asked me to run. I had no idea what cross country was. I was surprised when our first practice was at a park not a track. High school running has so many good memories for me. College, running became more recreational. Now with husband and kids, running has become more of a “get away” for me.
Running has always been a part of me but the meaning of my running has evolved and changed as my life has evolved and changed.
Why did I decide to run the Polar Bear Grand Prix?
This series is one of the most fun and the distances are a great build up to the Louisville Triple Crown of Running. I decided to run the Polar Bear Grand Prix as a start to my Derby Mini Marathon training.
My favorite distance? 5K
My favorite place to run? Really any park, Tom Sawyer, Seneca, Egg Lawn.
Favorite thing about running? Being outside in the fresh air, listen to music.
My favorite and most unique race?
My favorite race is the Derby Mini Marathon, I love running through Churchill Downs!! My most unique race is coming up. The “3 way challenge with cheese”, part of the Flying Pig series in Cincinnati. This will consist of a 1 mile race Friday night, 10K Saturday morning, 5K later Saturday morning, half marathon Sunday morning, all the same weekend. I’m nervous but excited for this.
Why do I like running the River City Races?
I love the River City Races! This is such a great group, great races, and great newsletters with advice. I have been running River City Races for many years now. They are always well organized with great participation. They always have many levels of runners, beginners to advanced. It’s a great way to compete or to get a slower run or walk in with some friends.
GREAT!!
My advice for runners?
HAVE FUN!! It doesn’t matter the distance or pace, just get out there and do it!
Final thoughts.
I want to say THANK YOU to my husband, Doug and my three boys, Alex, Morgan, and Jack for their support and encouragement. They always have nice things to say or give me the push I need to just get it done.
I love them more than anything!
I also want to give a “shout out” to the Trinity High School cross country coaches for helping train my boys. Watching my sons run helps keep me running.