23; Night Shift RN at Baptist Memorial Hospital Memphis
I <3 RUNNING: I love how running only requires yourself, a pair of shoes, and the road ahead. It improves my mood, clears my thoughts, and helps me manage daily stress. And it’s an opportunity to meet new people!
BUCKET LIST: I’ve always wanted to attempt the Barkley Marathons, and the Western States 100 is up there, too!
UP NEXT: I plan to do Vol State 314 miler in July and the Barkley Fall Classic in September. I’m also planning to do the 2026 Boston Marathon now that I’ve qualified.
FAV FITNESS ACCOMPLISHMENT: My favorite was completing my first 50-mile race, the Big Buffalo 50, in 2023. The course was so muddy that it was tough to set any pace. Less than 10 people finished that year. But my family being there and hugging them as I finished 20 minutes before the cutoff and cried tears of joy, before I collapsed in relief and disbelief, was what made it memorable.
HOMETOWN: Arlington, TN
SPEED BUMPS: I battled anorexia growing up as a result of bullying. I became so weak the cardiologist mandated ‘no running’ for the sake of my heart. I was devastated by my eating disorder, but I set a goal for myself — to run my first race with a healthy heart. With help from family and friends, I fought back against bullying with the Truth of God’s Word and did some intense soul-searching. I no longer allow others to dictate how I think and feel about myself, my life, and my future. And instead of running away from my failures and flaws, I allow them to teach me lessons that will contribute to my strength, resilience, independence, and betterment.
MY GROUP: Mamba Trail Runners; Bandit Coaching
FAV JAMS: “Still Unbroken” by Lynyrd Skynyrd
MOST MEMORABLE FITNESS EVENT: Running my first marathon. I faced many obstacles as a 17-year-old doing my first 26.2. However, there were so many tears of joy at the end it couldn’t compare to the doubt, pain, and effort I put in the many months before to get to the finish line.
BEST EATS: Booya’s. I crave their quesadillas, tortilla chips, and hot salsa!
DREAM DINNER COMPANY: Jesus. Coming face to face with Him, even just talking over supper, would be the biggest blessing of a lifetime.
GO-TO GEAR: I like Brooks Ghost for the road, HOKA Speedgoat for the trail, and Body Glide or Vaseline to prevent rubbing.
ON MY NIGHTSTAND: “Murder on the Orient Express” by Agatha Christie
INSPIRATION TO BE FIT: I want to stay fit for those I love and be a good influence as a nurse. I see so many unhealthy nurses teaching others to be healthy when they fail to lead healthy lives themselves. I also see so much illness in my job and am inspired to lead a healthy lifestyle to be there for my family and friends.
