38; Director of Business Development at Lakeside Behavioral Health System; Volunteer Board Member at Grace House and A Betor Way
I LOVE RUNNING: Running has turned into my prayer, meditation, and time spent with God. I also love the Memphis Running Community! There are so many inspiring, motivating, and competitive runners who also like to have fun with running.
BUCKET LIST: QUALIFYING FOR BOSTON!
FAVE FITNESS ACCOMPLISHMENT: Losing over 40 lbs. in the past year.
HOMETOWN: Bartlett, TN
SPEED BUMPS: I gained over 40 lbs. in the last three years due to work travel, stress, and unhealthy eating habits. I went from training hard for ultras and increasing my speed to barely running. I hit a low spot when my doctor said I was overweight and my blood pressure was higher than normal. He suggested that I pick up running, and I decided to change. I committed to getting active at least 30 minutes three days a week. I’m glad I didn’t give up because it took about three months to see progress. I still ate all my favorites but in much smaller portions. I treat myself to chocolate every night now and listen to my body when it’s time to rest. ‘Slow and steady really does win the race,’ at least it did for my weight loss journey!
MY GROUP: Breakaway Running
FAVORITE JAMS: “Call Me The Breeze” by Lynyrd Skynyrd
RECENT RACES: Shelby County Race for Recovery 5k placed 2nd Female Overall; Iron Mountain Michigan 10k; 1st Place in Age Group, Mayors Cup 5k placed 1st in Age Group, Sylamore 25k in Sylamore Arkansas
MOST MEMORABLE FITNESS EVENT: Running the Top of Trails in the Michigan 100k. It was my longest ultra race by distance, and I had trained very hard. My mom crewed me, it rained the entire time and I cried as I crossed the finish line when I realized I had placed first place female overall.
BINGE-WATCHING: I am re-watching all the seasons of Law and Order.
BEST EATS: A pepperoni, black olive, and green pepper pizza from Nona Maria’s.
DREAM DINNER COMPANY: Pheidippides. I would ask about his experience running 42 kilometers and for running tips!
GO-TO GEAR: Garmin 255s, over-the-ear Beats, and my Brooks Launch
ON MY NIGHTSTAND: I am currently listening to ‘”Atomic Habits” by James Clear on Audible.
PET PEEVE: When runners create a ‘running wall’ during races. It makes it hard to get around or weave through — single file and be mindful of those behind you!
QUOTE: “If you can’t take it anymore, then give.”
Photo by Tindall Stephens
