Joyce Kortze, 47
Home Educator

I've been running since I was a sophomore in high school. Our high school did not have a girls track team 'in those days' so I was not running to be on the team or anything. I started running because I loved being outdoors, and I liked physical activity, and I was also hoping to shed a few pounds. Little did I know back when I was 15 years old that it would become a lifetime habit that I love.

If I could no longer run I think I would go completely bonkers. I enjoy other forms of activity, but nothing for me ranks with the feeling I get from running. After getting my head back on straight, I would have to delve into something that I could still find physically challenging and adventuresome…maybe mountain climbing.

My favorite run is the Hobo Run and Rock Cut Trail Series. No matter how much time I spend running the trails in Rock Cut, the winter Trail Series generally takes me to new places. I love that. I ran the Hobo Run for the first time last year, and I definitely became hooked on trail running.

Something most people don't know about me is that about 5 years ago I got my motorcycle license and owned a lovely Honda Shadow for a while. It was a bit of a luxury however (somewhat impractical for a family of 6 +2 dogs), and we needed to sell it to use the money for other things. Also, before our kids were born my husband and I traveled to Russia, the Far East, Europe, and later to The Holy Land. Finally, I love to sing.

When I am not running I like to write, sing, go to all my kids' activities, spend time with my husband Don, and our kids Aaron 19, Sarah 17, Andrew 15, and Matthew 12, listen to Cubs games, spend time outdoors (walking, biking, gardening, camping) play with my dogs, and do lunch with friends.

The local runner I most admire is my 17 year old daughter, Sarah. She is a great runner/athlete, who has had to overcome many obstacles to be a competitive runner. Among other things, she had to miss her entire Cross Country season as a sophomore because she had chronic shin splints. However, she has not allowed any setbacks to discourage her; instead she has risen to the challenge of being an overcomer. I am inspired by her love of the sport, her determination, her perseverance, her character, and her unbelievable work ethic. Tears come to my eyes each time I see her cross a finish line. When I grow up I want to be like her!

I love to run with my family, although my kids are all faster than I am now. It is so much fun when we can all enter a race together and enjoy the experience as a family. During the summer, my husband, Don and I are able to run together at Rock Cut, which I really enjoy. He's beginning to run more races with me, too (and beating me!...well, in the shorter races:). Sue Buzzard is a great running partner because she always can carry the conversation when I am gasping for air. I really love music, so I also enjoy running by myself and listening to my favorite tunes on my MP3 player.

I have had to move in and out of running so to speak over the years, and I think that has been the greatest challenge I have experienced. I ran my first marathon in 1987, and then a year later had our first child. We have four children, and I would have to take a break from running during each pregnancy. I am no wonder woman by any means, and would generally be off running each time for a year or so. When I would start up again each time it would be like starting all over again. I could barely run a mile, I was carrying around extra weight, my legs would ache and my lungs would burn, and I was generally working on very little sleep. Even though I am older now and deal with different issues as a 'masters' runner, what I did back then was much harder than what I am doing now.

Some things I am inspired by are: reading the Bible, come from behind victories, Rocky music, the movie Miracle, my kids, unselfish and caring people, over-comers, and…all of you - I am totally inspired by other runners.

In all the years I have run, I would have to say the accomplishment that I am most proud of is completing the 2008 Survivor Series at Rock Cut. Training last winter in the snow, ice and sub zero temps took a lot of mental toughness - and some days it just wasn't much fun; and running the 15K this year in the deep snow was the most difficult physical challenge I have ever experienced. With 2 miles to go I could feel my body really wanting to shut down…and had to do lots of talking to myself to keep going. I felt like a champion making it across the finish line…no matter what my time!

To push myself on a run I will try to catch the person in front of me…often catching them is not as difficult as then staying in front of them. Sometimes I will think of the great food and drink at the end of the run, and the crowd cheering everyone on. If I am by myself on a training run I will crank up my music and break down my longer runs mentally into single miles always trying to maintain my time or run negative splits.

What do I like to do after a hard workout? 1. Breathe 2. Walk 3. Eat 4. Bubble Bath

Some long term goals I have would be to do an ultra someday…maybe the 50K segment of the Hobo Run. I have friends who have done triathlons who encourage me to do one, so maybe I will. I also think it would be so much fun to do a marathon in some bizarre place…like Antarctica or something (I haven't been there yet!); or a marathon trail run in the Rocky Mountains.

I plan to run until I am physically unable. I hope that isn't for a long, long time!

If I would have a piece of advice to give to other runners it would be this: realize that every day - every run - is a gift. I feel very blessed to have good health, a beautiful running community, and enough money to enter races and buy a decent pair of running shoes when I need them. There are so many who have so much less. Try not to take for granted a morning sunrise, the falling colored leaves along the trail, or the tranquil atmosphere along the river as you run. Even as difficult as last winter was, the view along the trails in Rock Cut and along the Sinissippi path was often breathtaking. Many times I just stopped and took it all in (then got going so I wouldn't freeze). Don't allow training schedules, goals, or finishing times take away the joy of simply being able to run.