Spotlight – Northstar Running

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Spotlight on…Nathan Branson!

Birthdate: 1/04/77 Birth Place: Minneapolis, Minnesota Family: My wife (Leah), mom and dad (Dan and Kathy), mother-in-law (Sally), sister and brother in-laws (Sara and Steve), and three nieces Sophia, Mallory and Della Personal strengths: I am a team player, very observant, and helpful. Personal weaknesses: I doubt myself too much, I am not as patient as I should be and I talk loud Reason for joining Northstar: running and friendship Favorite running shoes: Brooks Ghosts Favorite place to run: Cleary Lake, Running Goals: Short-term: Grandma 1/2 Long-term: stay healthy Proudest Running Achievement: run the TC Marathon for my first time and got under 4 hours it’s never happened again Typical training week, a month or two before a major race: I have a goal of 30 miles or more a week. With a yearly goal of 1500 miles. I do my workouts on Wednesday. For my off day I lift at Hit Results. A month before a race a get to my highest mileage. Running idol: Forest Gump Injuries: sprained ankle 2023 PRs: Marathon PR: 3:40 Half-Marathon PR: 1:38 10 Mile PR: 1:05 10K PR: :43 5K PR: 21:08 1 Mile PR: 5:58 Non-running Hobbies: Fishing, playing video games, day road trips, boating

Spotlight on…Ranae Jonsson!

Birthdate: January 15, 1978 Birth Place: West Allis, WI Family: Two older sisters and my parents retired to AZ Personal weaknesses: Being a pushover sometimes has gotten me in trouble and struggling to ask for help because I used to feel like the world was on my shoulders and I was a constant failure. Of course, I have since been able to get the help I needed and find the love of my life and the best partner ever in Phillip Jonsson. Personal strengths: Resilience and recovering from difficult life moments. I am a sunny optimist and try to always see the best in others and share kindness whenever I can. Reason for joining Northstar: Support and welcoming I felt when I attended events to cheer on Phil made me want to join the group when I decided to start running less than 2 years ago. Favorite running shoes: Brooks Glycerin 21 is my new favorite but my 20s were great too. Favorite place to run: Elm Creek Reserve on most short runs and long runs along flatter trails like Rush Creek Running Goals: Short-term: complete the ½ marathon at Grandma’s Long-term: Eventually PR the ½ marathon beyond my current planned goal of 3 hours Proudest Running Achievement: Completing my first ever 10-mile race in White Bear Lake area after the TC 10 mile was cancelled. Typical training week, a month or two before a major race: Ramping up miles to around 16 miles per weekaverage and making sure to get is all my nutrition so I have the energy to run the longer distances on theweekends. Try to nail all my speed work and stay as close to my goal paces as possible. Running idol: Phillip Jonsson- It may sound cliché, but my husband is my running idol. He is so dedicated and motivated with his own training and goals and when I run, he encourages me and supports me in everything I do, and he just impresses me in general. Injuries: I had overworked my piriformis muscle in March of 23 which led to serious pain forcing me back off the running goals, but I went to PT and get deep tissue massages monthly and continue to do the right things to keep my glute firing and my piriformis doing its regular job instead of taking over. PRs: Marathon PR: n/a Half-Marathon PR: n/a, for now 25K PR: n/a 10 Mile PR: 2:22:06 10K PR: 1:21:23 5K PR: 0:39:14 1 Mile PR: n/a Non-running Hobbies: In my spare time I enjoy weightlifting, hanging out with Phil and our adorable Boston Terrier, Rudy, and doing puzzles or going to see the newest movie release with Phil. We also try to travel as much as possible both to visit family and visit sites that are new to us both. Anything else interesting you’d like to share? Nothing else but thank you for taking the time to interview me and I am very excited to be a part of the club and this amazing running family at Northstar. Brian has been such a supportive and incredible coach, and I am thankful for him. I am also grateful for Meghan Doherty who takes the time to run with me and keeps me company whenever she can on my long runs.

Spotlight on…Teresa Howell Saxton!

Birthdate: November 1, 1963 – I’m rocking a new age bracket this year (and getting a few senior discounts too!) Birth Place: Beaumont, TX Family: Husband, Steve (age 62) Son, Brent (age 27) Daughter, Sadie (age 25) Personal strengths: Caring, Reliable, Sincere, Even-keeled Personal weaknesses (I’ll stick to the ones related to running): Keeping too many old running shoes in the closet, blaming all running aches and pains on my current running shoes, and waffling on what brand and shoe size to order next! Reason for joining Northstar: I’m a group exerciser. I can work out alone, but it’s way more fun to share the miles. Steve and I moved to Minneapolis in October and I was looking for a running group. I got lucky to find the Northstar website and training calendar online. Olivia was responsive to my email inquiries and when I came to the group runs absolutely everyone was so welcoming, helpful, and nice. I love that about Northstar! Favorite running shoes: Overall, I’d say I’m most loyal to Saucony. I’ve gone through a lot of brands and keep circling back to Saucony. My first ever pair of running specific shoes were Saucony worn without socks because running guru Jim Fixx didn’t wear socks in The Complete Book of Running, which was THE definitive runner’s bible of the late 70s and early 80s. Running didn’t work out that well for Jim Fixx however, and I’ve learned that socks provide good blister prevention! Favorite place to run: In the woods, on a trail, with my family and friends, followed by a quick dip in a lake! The HLR out and back – Ely, MN North Arm Trails – Ely, MN North Park Trails – Pittsburgh, PA Split Rock River Loop on the Superior Hiking Trail Running Goals: Friends, fun and fitness! Short-term: I want to get out the door on most days to experience the joy of running, release endorphins and manage stress! Long-term: To stay healthy and keep running as long as I can while doing a few races and cheering for and training with others along the way! Proudest Running Achievement: There are so many. A few notables include running my first marathon in 2001. I was so emotional at the 20-mile mark because I knew at that point Iwould finish! I never thought I could, or would even want to run a marathon. My friends talked me into it. I had been trainingwith them for fun and finally they convinced me to just sign up. It was an amazing experience. Same with Boston in 2004 with the Schardt sisters, and Grandmas in 2021 with my family. I never would have done these races without the nudging and camaraderie of my family and running friends. The Northstarteam is nudging me in new ways as a runner! (Namely, The Ice Dive, King of the Hill workouts, running more miles than degrees farenheit, and Smoosh Racing which I am hesitant to try!) Typical training week: There is no typical week for me since I’m a reluctant racer and slow to commit. For a long distance event, I really like the LSD runs – long, slow distance! It’s my zen groove. I’ve never done too many miles a week – my max in any training cycle for any distance up to 55K (to date) has been around 40 – 45 miles a week. I love trails. Speed work isn’t my forte but I enjoy hill workouts. Northstar is helping to change my mindset on the speed game. Running idols: I admire anyone who gets out there! It’s not always easy to get motivated. The Northstar team inspires me with their commitment, training plans, running streaks, pacing, racing and team spirit (Take for example Ellen, who always seems to have a stash of the latest Northstar gear in her trunk!) I’m super impressed by the number of Northstar runners who are on multi-year streaks. That blows my mind! I have to give a shout out to my “everyday” heroes and training partners over the years: My family, Mary and Marita Schardt, the members of my “running confessional” (they know who they are), North Park Trail runners, Fleet Feet Pittsburgh, the ladies of the Ligonier YMCA who started me on the marathon journey, Oberlin XC and the Obies who came out for the Dull and Boring 4 at 4:00, Christina Schmidlapp, John Dugdale and Jerry LeVasseur. Professionals who inspire me are Joan Benoit, Alison Felix, Meb Keflezighi, Camille Herron, Courtney Dauwalter, EliudKipchoge and so many others! Injuries: Luckily I’ve had only a few minor injuries over the years – IT band, tendonitis, mild plantar fasciitis. Fingers crossed I’ll continue to run injury-free for years to come! PRs: I haven’t tracked my races and times over the years (especially since most of my races were pre-Garmin and Strava). Luckily there’s a website called Athlinks.com that tracks results. I was able to look back there. I’ve always run around an 8- to 9-minute mile pace with a few faster races here and there! It’s getting a little harder to keep that pace with age! Marathon PR: 3:39:28 (Montgomery County Marathon in the Park 2004) Half-Marathon PR: 1:46:36 (Minnesota Half Marathon in St. Paul Aug 2014) 30K PR: 2:39:43 (Just a Short Run 2004) 10 Mile PR: 1:15:28 (EQT Pittsburgh 10 Miler 2014 – my fastest race ever I think) 10K PR: (had to be in the EQT 10 miler 2014) 5 Mile PR: 37.52 (PNC YMCA Turkey Trot 2017) 5K PR: 23:09 (Whiskey Rebellion 5K 2017) 1 Mile PR: 7:18 (Fleet Feet Liberty Mile 2022) Beer Mile Relay PR: 11:40 (5th Annual Beer Mile St. Paul Apr 2024) (I had to include this one for fun – it was not on Athlinks!) Non-running Hobbies: I enjoy all kinds of live music, especially in small intimate concert venues. There’s nothing more fun than hearing and seeing performers do their thing in real time with an appreciative crowd to create a vibe! (Kind of like running and spectating at races!) Anything else interesting you’d like to share? My family built a yurt together in 2020!

Spotlight on…Missie Jacobson!

Spotlight on…Missie Jacobson!

Birthdate: Dec 16th, 82 Birth Place: Minneapolis Family: Larry (Hubby), Gavan (10) & Gannan (7) Personal strengths: Following a plan and pushing to a goal. This goes for anything in life. Personal weaknesses: Asking for help. I am the worst with this in anything. If I do ask it means I really need it lol Reason for joining Northstar: I joined because I wanted more running friends and a feeling of community. Favorite running shoes: Brooks Ghost Favorite place to run: Well not during Covid the lakes, otherwise I just love to run new places. I have been known to follow alone with team poor decisions on adventures but secretly I love every minute of it. Running Goals: Short-term: Get back to where I used to be before my last injury Long-term: stay injury free, get a pr, I want to still get a sub 4 hour marathon, and be able to keep running forever Proudest Running Achievement: Grandma’s half 2018. After Training for Brian Kraft and getting a PR weeks before grandma’s I was not expecting a PR. Rob set me up with a schedule of what to run but then left the best thing for the end. Not look at my watch from lemon drop hill until the finish. So I moved it to clock and I just focused on getting to the finish. I never ran so hard with the best of Energy. I smashed my PR and finally got out of my head. Typical training week, a month or two before a major race: run every day. Oh seriously 2 speedwork days, 1 streak day, 3 easy recovery days and 1 long run. I am pretty happy to be running 30-50 miles a week during training. Running idol: Woman Gwen Jorgensen, Man Scott Jurek and yes an animal Sherman the Donkey. Injuries: torn hip librium, plantar fasciitis (but very minor) PRs: Marathon PR: 4:28:46 (Flying Pig) Half-Marathon PR: 1:53:31 (Grandma’s l 25K PR: never done 10 Mile PR: 1:28:55 (Goldy’s) 10K PR: 53:54 (Victory) 5K PR: 24:36 (Brian Kraft) 1 Mile PR: 7:11 (TC 1 mile) Non-running Hobbies: Audiobook Addict, Crafting Anything else interesting you’d like to share? I have been on my run streak since September 13th, 2016. I run with 2 of the 3 dogs about 90% of the time. Marv & Marco. Gavan runs with me a lot too and also on a run streak.

Spotlight on…Mary Rae Kim!

Spotlight on…Mary Rae Kim!

Birthdate: 5/3/1981 Birth Place: Farmington, MN Family: I was born in the middle of 4 boys growing up. My husband and I have 3 children: Ollie 8, Soriya 6, Norah 4 Personal strengths: I can be pretty competitive. Which helps drive me to keep doing better – for the most part! Personal weaknesses: Getting all the mileage in each week. I am known to skip out on the easy runs! Also – I’m a huge procrastinator. Reason for joining Northstar: I was looking for other running enthusiasts. No one in my circle of friends are runners. Favorite running shoes: Brooks Ghost, but just went back to Asics Nimbus and I am really liking them. Favorite place to run: Right now it is the MN River Bottoms. But, I do miss the River Roads in Philly and Esplanade in Portland. Running Goals: Short-term: sub-4 hour marathon and faster times at each race distance Long-term: BQ at age 40. Proudest Running Achievement: Dropping my pace time considerably since joining Northstar! Typical training week, a month or two before a major race: Nothing is typical for me, yet. I go by how I feel or how much time I have when I get up! Ideally, I’d like to do a long run, a solid interval workout, some cross-training or HIIT and a strength/core session. Running idol: Northstar Runners – I have learned so much in this last year from everyone. Lots of tips, recommendations and routes to enjoy! For pros – I always liked following Ryan Hall, Meb Keflezighi and Carrie Tollefson. Most recently I have enjoyed Desiree Linden’s fire. Injuries: None right now..but coming off of a stress fracture in the neck of my femur (basically my hip). PRs: Marathon PR: 4:16:08 in 2013 Half-Marathon PR: 1:54:23 – but ran faster on a training run last weekend! 25K PR: NA 10 Mile PR: 1:17:43 10K PR: 46:37 5K PR: I don’t know. I would be interested to find out. 1 Mile PR: I don’t know. It’d be interesting. Non-running Hobbies: Waterskiing, Tennis, Hiking, Camping – anything outdoors with the kids.

Spotlight on…Brenner Sandberg!!

Spotlight on…Brenner Sandberg!!

Birthdate: September 26th Birth Place: Saint Louis Park, MN Personal strengths: very good at running in circles for extended periods of time Personal weaknesses: consistently waking up early. Reason for joining Northstar: Was looking for some people to do my long runs with when I signed up for my first marathon, which was back in 2011. Favorite running shoes: Whatever Wendy tells me to run in. I am not really loyal to a brand but I do like Hokas for long distances. Favorite place to run: Lebanon Hills. I love that place. It may not be the best place for hill training but it sure is fun. Running Goals: Short-term: Get back to running consistently Long-term: Get faster at short to mid distance races. Proudest Running Achievement: FANS 24 hour race, finishing with 94.2 miles Typical training week, a month or two before a major race: Start cutting back the mileage that was running the previous weeks Injuries: many, but nothing too severe. PRs: Marathon PR: 3:44:54 Half-Marathon PR: 1:34:13 25K PR: 2:00:13 10 Mile PR: 1:18:48 10K PR: 42:35 5K PR: 19:47 1 Mile PR: 5:44 Non-running Hobbies: I am getting more into photography.

Spotlight on…Grant Brakob!

Spotlight on…Grant Brakob!

(Photo credit: Brenner Sandberg) Birthdate: 3/13/1992 Birth Place: Minneapolis, MN Family: I visit my parents and younger sister who live in MN often, and keep in touch with my brother who lives in NY. I also have a cat. Her name is Voldemort. Personal strengths: I *think* I’m getting better at striking a balance between my personal and professional (special education teaching and graduate studies) lives, but maybe check in on that one in November. Personal weaknesses: Sometimes I can be a perfectionist and also sometimes get a little carried away and if something really interests me. Reason for joining Northstar: I ran Cross Country and Track from the beginning of middle school until I graduated high school. I enjoy both running on my own and with people, but I missed having a running community, and sometimes someone to run with. Right now, I’m trying to make it out to one or two weekend runs with the club each week. Hope to see you there! Favorite running shoes: I am a cheapskate and have mostly gotten Saucony Cohesions since early high school I think. Every once in a while I get an ache or pain and want to try something fancier. I’m currently running in a pair of Saucony Glide Isos and they’re getting the job done. Favorite place to run: If it’s on my own, I love Lake of the Isles because it’s a nice 5.5 mile run I can do from my apartment. If it’s with the club, I like running along the river in Minneapolis, any of the lakes, or Afton State Park (I’ll deny this later, but despite a lot of trash talk, I kind of like hills once in a while). Running Goals: Short-term: Keep an active running routine through the school year. I struggle with this every year. I’m going to need to break a sub-20 minute 5k eventually. Long-term: Stay committed to running into the future as long as I keep getting enjoyment from it. I totally heard someone else say this and stole it, because it’s true. I don’t have any specific long-term time goals other than run a 5k under 20 minutes. Running Boston Marathon when I’m really old and can meet the qualifying time would be cool, but I’m not going to put all of my eggs in that basket. I don’t have any marathons on my agenda at the moment either. Proudest Running Achievement: It’s nice to think back on all of the times I completely hit the wall in a marathon, missed my goal time, and finished anyway. Always a bittersweet feeling, but I feel like it gives me something to reflect on when things get tough in other areas of life. Typical training week, a month or two before a major race: Get as many runs with the club in as I can. Make sure I get in some speed work during the week and a long run on the weekend. Running one day a week on trails is nice, but not a requirement for me. Running idol: I don’t really have one. Injuries: *Knock on wood* I don’t have any really serious running injuries to speak of. Every couple years or so, I’ll get some tendinitis or inflammation. Taking a week off, plenty of ice, potentially a bit of ibuprofen, and a slow return to running usually gets me back to normal. I am SO grateful for how lucky I’ve been in this respect. PRs: Marathon PR: 3:44:52 Half-Marathon PR: 1:34: 18 25K PR: N/A 10 Mile PR: 1:39:47 10K PR: 43:05 5K PR: 20:05 1 Mile PR: 5:25 (I think) Non-running Hobbies: I got out more in the summer, but I’m trying to get out and do more photography on the weekends now that school is in full swing. In the summer I’m a big reader. I hesitantly signed up for a fantasy football team this year. I’m a big fan of getting outside to bike, hike, or even run. Board game nights with family or friends are a favorite during the colder months.

Spotlight on…Sat Jamunar!

Spotlight on…Sat Jamunar!

Birthdate: 6/10/1987 Birth Place: Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago Family: 2nd oldest of 4; 1 brother & 2 sisters Personal strengths: I work hard to achieve my goals. Sometimes I don’t get there, but that’s ok. At least I tried. Personal weaknesses: I’m too quiet Reason for joining Northstar: I needed to run with other people. Favorite running shoes: Brooks Ghost; I just got the Glycerin though. I need the added cushion. Favorite place to run: Coon Rapids Dam; Elm Creek Park Running Goals: Short-term: I am trying to get PRs when I can. Got a few this year. Long-term: I’d like to get under 100 minutes for a half-marathon Proudest Running Achievement: Finishing my first full marathon in 2013 Typical training week, a month or two before a major race: Saturday: Trail Runs. It is by far challenging, but it does keep me focused on the path. I do not want to trip on rocks and root branches Sunday: Long Run for about 10 to 13 miles. Easy pace mostly. Monday: Rest day or an easy 3 miles in the evening Tuesday: 3-5 mile tempo run workout Wednesday: 3-5 miles desired half marathon pace. Right now I am trying to stay under 8:10 Thursday/Friday: I may take one of these days off. I run 3-5 miles focusing on form and breathing. Running idol: Eliud Kipchoge. I am constantly surprised by his ability to break world record in the marathon. I hope he breaks 2 hours in the fall. Injuries: None really. PRs: Marathon PR: 4:22:15 Half-Marathon PR: 1:48:20 25K PR: N/A 10 Mile PR: 1:21:26 10K PR: 48:11 5K PR: 23:05 1 Mile PR: 6:37 Non-running hobbies: I am a novice classical guitar player. I like to read books on war/conflict history. I do read fiction as well. Its usually Vince Flynn novels or anything people like to recommend to me. Anything else interesting you’d like to share? I do a number of races a year. The most half marathons I have done in a year was 10 in 2015. Most of them are local races

Spotlight on…Cindy Ravn!

Spotlight on…Cindy Ravn!

Birthdate: August 11, 1696 Birth place: Sacramento, California Family: my husband Nick Ravn and our dogs Sugarbell and Bruce Personal strength: continuous self-evaluation and resiliency Personal weakness: continuous self-evaluation (double-edged sword) and potato chips Reason for joining Northstar: camaraderie and Bun Runs Favorite running shoes: currently wearing Brooks Launch Favorite place to run: In the Twin Cities I love to run Lake of the Isles and take a little hill detour through Kenwood. At home, in Sacramento, there is a 9 mile loop that takes me around 8 parks, including the capital, that is especially lovely in January when the Camelia trees are in bloom and the Oranges are ripe on trees throughout the city. Running goals: Short-term: Twin Cities Marathon October 2019 Long-term: to be a Centenarian runner Proudest running achievement: My Half Marathon PR at the Giant Run in San Francisco, while I had MRSA…I ended up in doctors care 4 days later but totally worth it! Typical training week, a month or two before a major race: Oh my gosh, I haven’t done a major race I’ve forgotten everything but the tears. Running idol: Ella Mae Colbert, Man Kaur, Julia “Hurricane” Hawkins, Ida Keeling Injuries: Nothing too terribly serious PRs: Marathon PR: 4:39:46 Half-Marathon PR: 1:59 25K PR: ? 10 Mile PR: 1:38:31 10K PR:57:14 5K PR: 26:29 1 Mile PR: ? Non-running hobbies: yoga, snow shoeing (when there is snow) my dogs, health & wellness, cooking, reading, my she shed, and laughing as often as possible Anything else interesting you’d like to share? I am working hard to change views on getting older…that it should be celebrated!

Spotlight on Paul Bulger!

Spotlight on Paul Bulger!

Birth Date: 30 May 1961 Family: Sweetheart Pamela, Son Charlie. Many brothers, sisters, nephews, nieces Personal strengths: content in the middle of the pack, positive attitude, can be forgetfulPersonal weaknesses: Reason for joining Northstar: Friends and running outdoors beats paying a therapist Favorite running shoes: no favorites, rely on advisors Favorite place to run: dirt trails, new trail locations along waterways Running Goals: Short-term: Stay healthy enough to easily run 10 miler trail runs Long-term: Stay healthy enough to comfortably run 10 miler trail runs when I am 70 Proudest Running Achievement: Philly Marathon PR a year after ACL Typical training week, a month or two before a major race: My focus is distance and endurance, and no injuries. Speed is secondary. So I work up to running 4-5 days/week, and no more than 35 miles/week. Mix in strength training and yoga. Running idol: Meb Keflezighi, Carl Lewis Injuries: ACL years ago. These days knee and ankle ligaments flare up. Lots of arthritis in the family, so expect that is in my future. PRs: · Marathon PR: 3:32:11 · Half-Marathon PR: 1:36:37 · 25K PR: 2:05:28 · 10 Mile PR: 1:14:57 · 10K PR: 44:07 · 5K PR: 19:54 · 1 Mile PR: 6:19 Non-running Hobbies: Travel, backpacking in the mountains, kayaking Anything else interesting you’d like to share? We are fortunate to be able to run

Spotlight on Roshini Rajkumar!

Spotlight on Roshini Rajkumar!

Birthdate: Nov 6 Birth Place: Colombo, Sri Lanka Family: husband Jim; daughter friends Ally and Emmie Personal strengths: positive thinking; visualizing the long-game Personal weaknesses: staying on task with mileage, lack of patience, low tolerance for dumbasses (though I don’t know whether I’d call that a weakness) Reason for joining Northstar: community Favorite running shoes: none really Favorite place to run: Minneapolis lakes Running Goals: Short-term: get a race on the calendar Long-term: Boston qualifier Proudest Running Achievement: getting through Virginia Beach Marathon 2013 without one bathroom stop and Fargo Half 2017, which was the first race since my 2015 injury Typical training week, a month or two before a major race: solid mileage, speed work, avoiding gluten and dairy Running idol: my husband Jim Injuries: 2015 C6-C7 disc protrusion; a recent MRI says it has cleared, but I now seem to have a C3-C4 issue that I need to look into PRs: Marathon PR: 4:34:12 Half-Marathon PR: 1:59:50 25K PR: 10 Mile PR: 1:30:42 10K PR: 55:34 5K PR: 24:22 1 Mile PR: 7:25.70 Non-running hobbies: happy hour, yoga, weight lifting, eating my husband’s gourmet meals Anything else interesting you’d like to share? I am a licensed attorney who does not practice and a talk radio host

Spotlight on Sandy Larson

Spotlight on Sandy Larson

Birthdate: March 28, 1983… Am I really going to be 35… Birth Place: Born in St. Paul, but reside in Buffalo Family: I have a loving husband, Braden. Two kids Christian (5) and Emma (3). Lily our 8 month old yellow lab and Nora our 9 year old cat. Personal strengths: I would have to say that my personal strengths would be my determination to never give up. Personal weaknesses: My inability to get away from my regular routine. I have a bit of anxiety / OCD when it comes to this. Reason for joining Northstar: The first time I went out with group was really enjoyable. Everyone was easy to talk to and it made the 10 miles fly by. I also have couple friends that were already a part of the group and it made me want to be a part of the team. Now, I just need to get out with the group more often… (see my weakness) 🙂 Favorite running shoes: Right now my Brooks Ghost 10. I used to be a Nike girl, but I haven’t had a pair on in over a year! Favorite place to run: Anywhere. I love when I am up north at the cabin and am able to run around the lake. The only downside is all of the horsefly’s. Running Goals: Short-term: To do a sub 2 at the Rock N Roll Nashville half in April. I didn’t know I was doing the race until a few days ago so not sure if I will be able to do it, but I am going to try. Long-term: To run more marathons and improve at them. Proudest Running Achievement: Completing the TC Marathon in October. I couldn’t believe the emotional roller coaster that came with this. Typical training week, a month or two before a major race: Run every day. Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday’s twice a day. A little bit of strength training and a ton of cottage cheese. Running idol: Shalane Flanagan Injuries: None really. My IT band has given me some issues, but other than that pretty healthy. PRs: Marathon PR: 4:23:16 Half-Marathon PR: 2:02:47 25K PR: 10 Mile PR: 1:30:20 10K PR:52:46 5K PR:25:17 1 Mile PR: 8:31 Non-running Hobbies: Cooking, spending time with the family, hanging out with friends. Listening to music and running a business.