58; Special Education Teacher with Collierville Schools and Fleet Feet Employee

I LOVE RUNNING: Running the marathon is a microcosm of life. Within the race, there are mental and physical challenges. There are times when you will be confident or may question yourself. The key is to trust your training, push for your goal time, and accept the finish as the tremendous accomplishment it is.

BUCKET LIST: I have completed three World Major Marathons: Boston, NYC, and Chicago. I aim to run all six, including London, Berlin and Tokyo. I’m running the Sydney Marathon this month. Sydney may advance to major status in 2025, giving me four of seven majors.

UP NEXT: Sydney Marathon. Within the marathon is the Abbott Age Group World Marathon Championship.

FAVE FITNESS ACCOMPLISHMENT: The first in-person marathon I completed will always be my favorite. I finished the 2020 Louisiana Marathon in Baton Rouge and qualified for Boston. I knew then I was hooked on the sport.

SPEED BUMPS: An obstacle rather than a hardship I face is my schedule. I run 80-90 miles per week and go to the gym for strength training three days weekly while training for 12-14 weeks for the marathon. I also work seven days a week, so I must stay disciplined with sleep, nutrition, and my schedule to make it work.

FAVORITE JAMS: I create a playlist for every marathon buildup. My Sydney playlist includes some EDM tracks as well as some 80s rock.

BINGE-WATCHING: I just finished “Suits” on Netflix for maybe the third time.

RECENT RACES: I finished the 2023 Chicago Marathon with a PB of over five minutes.

MOST MEMORABLE FITNESS EVENT: Running the Boston Marathon in 2020. It was in October of that year because of the pandemic.

BEST EATS: One of my favorites after a long run is the Sunshine Burrito from City Silo.

DREAM DINNER COMPANY: Eliud Kipchoge, the best marathon competitor of all time.

GO-TO GEAR: My favorite shoes are Asics Superblast and Nike Alphafly.

INSPIRATION TO BE FIT: I started running eight years ago when I turned 50. I wanted to lose weight and get more healthy. I had no plans to run a marathon. As it turns out, I lost 50 pounds, developed a healthier lifestyle, and found my passion for running. My motivation is to never return to that unhealthy life again.

QUOTE: “Run hard. Live easy.” – unknown