39; Office Manager at Little Psychology 

I LOVE RUNNING: After playing soccer through college, running allowed me to continue physical fitness without relying on a team and schedule. I love the simplicity and that I can run out my front door with very little equipment, choose any route I want, any pace, and fit it into my time constraints. 

BUCKET LIST: Running a marathon on each continent would be cool because it would give me an excuse to travel. 

UP NEXT: I registered for the Chattanooga Marathon in March and the Mamba 100 50k in November. I’m also contemplating the Big Buffalo 50k in March. 

FAVE FITNESS ACCOMPLISHMENT: Staying motivated to run a marathon, sometimes more, each year since my first marathon in Pittsburgh in 2011. 

HOMETOWN: Chattanooga, TN 

SPEED BUMPS: Luckily, I have not had to deal with any major hardships since beginning my running journey. However, a big adjustment was regarding fitness expectations during and after pregnancy. 

MY GROUP: I mainly put in solo miles or run with a buddy, but I love having the option to join my neighborhood running group or Breakaway group runs occasionally. 

FAVORITE JAMS: “Eye of the Tiger” is an easy, specific pick-me-up. Alt. Country Radio and Running Radio on Pandora are my go-to’s if I need music during a run, but most of my runs are without music. 

RECENT RACES: Mamba 100 50k – 3rd place female, Overton Park 5 Mile Classic – age group winner, and Chattanooga Marathon 

MOST MEMORABLE FITNESS EVENT: The feeling of finishing my first half marathon in Little Rock in 2007 and becoming hooked despite my decision to visit very few aid stations during the race and pay for it afterward. Each race and run provides an opportunity to learn, and the lesson of that race was that utilizing your resources does not make you weak. 

BEST EATS: Tamboli’s margarita pizza and house salad with a local seasonal beer 

DREAM DINNER COMPANY: Michelle Akers. I would love to hear about her experience being a part of the USWNT in the ‘90s, who found so much success and helped break gender stereotypes in sports. 

GO-TO GEAR: Brooks Adrenaline for the road, Brooks Cascadia for the trails, my simple but reliable Garmin Forerunner, and Goodr shades. 

INSPIRATION TO BE FIT: Simply, my physical and mental health. I know I will feel better after a good workout. 

ON MY NIGHTSTAND: “Good for a Girl: A Woman Running in a Man’s World” by Lauren Fleshman, and I am currently in year four of Harry Potter with my two boys. 

QUOTE: “What you do when no one else is looking will determine how good you will be.” – Anson Dorrance 

Photo by Tindall Stephens