29; Environmental Manager at International Paper; Volunteer Board Member at Wolf River Conservancy
I <3 RUNNING: Running allows me to establish a routine and build towards a larger goal. As a non-Memphis native, tennis has given me a sense of community and made Memphis feel like home.
FAV FITNESS ACCOMPLISHMENT: I’m most proud of completing my first marathon at the St. Jude Memphis Marathon® Weekend in 2024.
HOMETOWN: Baton Rouge, LA
SPEED BUMPS: I was set back about six months due to consistent hip pain and wasn’t able to run or play tennis during that time. I added more strength and mobility training to my schedule since then and have been better off for it.
MY GROUP: I do most of my runs solo, but I am a BPC-coached athlete.
RECENT RACES: Philadelphia Love Run half-marathon, where I PR’d! You can find me squeezing in USTA tennis matches when I’m not running.
MOST MEMORABLE FITNESS EVENT: My most fun fitness event was the Cherry Blossom 10-miler in Washington, DC, two years ago. The weather and course were beautiful, I ran a PR, and enjoyed the city for the weekend with an old friend.
BEST EATS: A burger from Swamp Bar with an espresso martini.
DREAM DINNER COMPANY: I’ve been watching professional tennis for over 10 years and would love to have dinner with Serena Williams. Serena’s path to tennis greatness and her ability to overcome both on and off-court obstacles are inspiring. The way she has continued to evolve into an advocate in her post-tennis career is exciting to follow.
GO-TO GEAR: My go-to day-to-day running gear includes Brooks shoes, a Garmin watch, and a hat.
INSPIRATION TO BE FIT: I like the energy that daily activity brings me, and the feeling that I have accomplished something.
ON MY NIGHTSTAND: “The Celebrants: A Novel” by Steven Rowley tells the story of a group of college friends who reunite during challenging life moments to celebrate the fact that life is worth living. It is a feel-good story that is a reminder of the power of friendship.
PET PEEVE: I love the running access that the Greenline/Greenway/etc. provide for Memphis, but my pet peeve is when people aren’t aware of their surroundings and make it hard for runners/walkers/bikers to pass.
BINGE-WATCHING: I’m always watching some type of reality TV. Anything on Bravo is my guilty pleasure.
BUCKET LIST: My ultimate running goal is to qualify for the Boston Marathon. Until then, I’d like to try an ultramarathon and hit the trails more, too.
UP NEXT: I’m going back for round two at the St. Jude Memphis Marathon® Weekend!
