Photo by Tindall Stephens
26; Clinical Exercise Physiologist at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
I LOVE RUNNING: I love how much I’ve learned about my walk in faith. My long solo runs are a time for prayer, and I’ve learned to lean on God when I’m struggling in a race or on a tough run. I also love how running has brought some amazing people into my life.
BUCKET LIST: I want to either complete the World Marathon Majors and/or the Leadville 100 Trail Race.
UP NEXT: I’m doing the Walking Tall 50K, The Great Smokey Mountains Half Marathon, the St. Jude Memphis Marathon® Weekend, and the Boston Marathon 2025.
FAVE FITNESS ACCOMPLISHMENT: My favorite is playing Division 1 college soccer at Eastern Illinois University and being named a team captain my last two years.
HOMETOWN: Plainfield, Illinois
SPEED BUMPS: Most of the hardships I’ve had to overcome in fitness were more mental than anything. The number of times I’ve heard I wasn’t tall enough, fit enough, or fast enough to compete at a high level in soccer were what seemed astronomical. I had no other option but to play and train with a chip on my shoulder. That adversity helped shape my work ethic through school, athletics, and my career. I wouldn’t be where I am today without that “prove them wrong” mentality.
MY GROUP: Hyperfocus and Trail Trippers
FAVORITE JAMS: “You’re Gonna Go Far, Kid” by The Offspring
RECENT RACES: Almira Trail Marathon (April 2024), 1st female overall. Great American River Run Half Marathon (May 2024) 4th female overall. Trail Trippers Backyard Ultra Winner (last person standing and furthest I’ve ever run at 30 miles!)
MOST MEMORABLE FITNESS EVENT: Qualifying for the Boston Marathon last year at St. Jude was the most memorable. It was my first marathon, and my mom and brother Anthony made the trip down from the Chicagoland area to see me cross the finish line. It was a special race as one of my former personal training clients from Illinois came to run the half marathon. They also have ties to St. Jude, which shows how running truly connects us all.
BEST EATS: I enjoy Good Fortune Co. Chicken Tendies and any latte at Jojo’s Espresso.
DREAM DINNER COMPANY: Bruce Lee
GO-TO GEAR: I like Hoka Machs, and salted caramel-flavored Honey Stingers for a snack.
INSPIRATION TO BE FIT: My dad has always set a great example by continuously grinding in the gym after long hours at work, after our practices growing up, etc. I want to be like him when I’m 50, still pushing iron.
ON MY NIGHTSTAND: “Never Finished” by David Goggins
QUOTE: “Don’t be the best. Be the only.” – Kevin Kelly
