2nd Overall 2023 Polar Bear Grand Prix
How and why did you start running and how many years have you been running?
"I was originally a soccer player, but always enjoyed any sport that involved running. But then my family moved to a small town when I was in high school that didn't have a soccer team at the school, and some people I knew suggested I try cross country, so I gave it a try my freshman year of high school! That would have been in 2014. And while I still play soccer and other sports, I have fallen in love with running and have been doing it and coaching it ever since :)
Why did you decide to do the Polar Bear Grand Prix?
Even though I have limited training time due to my work and coaching schedules, I am always looking for races to be part of. The Polar Grand Prix always has a fun community turnout, is well-organized, and is affordable! Every year I've done it, people are so friendly and are having a great time, despite the cold :) I also try to get a few friends or kids that I coach to join me on a team for the series!
Favorite distance?
My favorite distance is probably the 5k, since it is a relatable distance for everyone, and is something you can train for short notice (well, more short notice than a marathon for example). But I do enjoy the mile as well on the rare occasions I get to race it, and 10ks are starting to grow on me :)
Favorite place to run?
The mountains in general...a stunning view makes a run 10 times more worth it :) But in Louisville, I'd say my favorite place is the Parklands. It's peaceful, quiet, and has a variety of path types and places to explore!
Favorite or most unique race you have run?
Way back in 9th grade I ran a cross country race in South Dakota that was 1.5 miles of uphill, then you do a loop at the top, and come back down. And before the finish line there was a decent creek you had to splash through, haha...not every day you get to do a race like that! It had a similar feel to the 10k that has sometimes been raced up Iroquois overlook and back down. Brutal but unique and fun!
Favorite thing about running?
The community that running builds is beyond most sports. I love how you can have a conversation during a run, and build camaraderie with fellow runners very quickly. Coaching it in particular has been amazing! Seeing kids loving being on a team, getting fit together, and improving from week to week is something that I feel blessed to experience.
Do you have any running/walking advice you'd like to offer?
Be joyful, enjoy the process, and don't get down when a race goes bad! God has blessed us with the gift of being able to run, and the community that it brings...if we get too wrapped up in chasing that PR, or put all our effort into racing well, we'll be devastated when it doesn't go to plan, which it often can :) Running is so much more than just getting faster or fit. It is a way to learn discipline and perseverance, and to do so in a very bonding way with others, enjoying the amazing people and places that the Lord has given us here in Louisville!
Why do you like running River City Races events?
They are well-organized, affordable and are usually at fun locations around town too!
Anything else you'd like to share?
Do more races, and join a running group! Races are one of the best ways to connect with new people, find training partners, etc. Just look for one of the many different shirts or jerseys that there are a lot of that you'll see at a River City Race - those groups don't bite! And races don't always need to have an intense training regimen beforehand. Just getting out there and having fun will motivate you to keep running. It can be easy to lose motivation to run - it's not an easy thing to force yourself to do. But the more community you build with it the easier it is! And having upcoming races helps remind you and whoever you're running with to keep it up :) So get out there and sign up for some races!