60; Associate Curator of Special Animal Exhibits at the Memphis Zoo; Volunteer with Disaster Services for American Red Cross, House of Mews, Elmwood Cemetery, and Usher for Orpheum Theatre 


FAVE FITNESS ACCOMPLISHMENT: I trained during the pandemic with virtual races. I ran the St. Jude half marathon in 2021 and am training to do it again in 2022. 

I LOVE RUNNING: As a late bloomer to running, I love the evolution of training and can see the difference in my stamina and fitness. I also love meeting new people, and it’s very social at the races. 

FAVORITE JAMS: I still return to the 80’s classics – Michael Jackson and Aerosmith. 

RECENT RACES: St. Jude Walk/Run, Smash the Stigma 5K (3rd place), and the Cooper Young 4 Miler. 

GO-TO GEAR: My Hokas are my go-to shoes. 

MY GROUP: I’m a member of the Memphis Runners Club, and I train with Midtown Krav Maga early in the morning. 

BEST EATS: I love to eat at The Cupboard, Dino’s, and Los Comales. Los Comales has the best margarita! 

DREAM DINNER COMPANY: I’d love to have lunch with Princess Diana, Jane Goodall, and Elton John. I think it would be a fascinating mix of conversation. 

BUCKET LIST: I plan to go to Machu Picchu and hike, which will be physically challenging. 

SPEED BUMPS: The most challenging part for me is the acceptance that I did not start training earlier in life, and everything takes longer. 

MOST MEMORABLE FITNESS EVENT: It was heart-wrenching and heartwarming to run Finish Liza’s Run. It was a moving event for anyone who participated. 

INSPIRATION TO BE FIT: I want to be the best I can be as I age. 

ON MY NIGHTSTAND: “Nature’s Best Hope” by Douglas W. Tallamy 

UP NEXT: I’m running races every weekend to prepare for St. Jude. 

PET PEEVE: I hate that it takes a lot of work to be in shape and a brief time to lose it! 

QUOTE: Rest makes rust! 

Photo by Daniel Scruggs