I like to run with....myself. I am really a pretty introverted and shy person with two jobs in which there isn't too much time to be introverted or shy! Running alone gives me a chance to recharge and reflect.
Something most people don't know about me is....When I was in high school (Pecatonica) and the basketball season was over, the track coach always tried to talk me into going out for track. I always told her, “Running is the part of basketball that I hate so why would I want to do it as a sport?” |
My favorite thing to do after a hard workout is to refuel and take a nap.
When I'm not running I like to.....I spend a lot of time grading papers and designing lessons for school.
I am inspired by my kids at school. There are no words to describe when a student “finally gets it” or when you see a student succeed regardless of his/her background. That is truly inspirational.
At age 3 I was diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis but with a great doctor, I was able to overcome it. I have had two foot surgeries and after the second surgery, I had my first bout of Mono for the first time at age 31. I had mono 3 times over a 7-year time period. I still battle with bouts of Chronic Fatigue as a result of Mono, but I keep plugging through it.
The local runner I most admire is.....I admire each and every one of you! Fast, slow, average, running, walking, you are ALL awesome!
I haven't really pushed myself on a run as of late. After getting hurt last year I guess I am still in the “cautious zone.”
My greatest running accomplishment is.....the summer of 2007 and having PR's in three consecutive 5K races (Winnebago Fourth of July, Freeport Pretzel and Niketown Bastille Day).
My next goal is to get back into better running shape and not be in the “cautious zone” worrying about getting injured again.
My advice to other runners....have fun! Sometimes, I forget that and I have to remind myself of that!
Most rewarding race...Jingle Bell Rockford. Having had JAR as a child, it's a pretty special race for me. I have been excited to raise LOTS of money each year totally well over $5000. In 2007, I was the top fundraiser with over $1600 and in 2008, I was the top fundraiser again with over $1500.
After a race you can find me…Reverting back to my days of Pre-Season in college. When we had to go out on long runs, the coach would send us out in groups or two or three. We were expected to stay together with our group, finishing the run together. When your group finished, then you had to run back out and “run” in the next group and continue this until every group had finished the run. This must have been ingrained in my brain because after a race, you will probably find me running back thru the course to “run” someone in.
My favorite running moment…In the Fall of 2007, I was running north of the Auburn Street Bridge near the little foot bridge. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw something running. It was dark and chilly and I was the only one out there; I didn't think it was a dog. Then, I realized it was a little red fox. I stopped, he stopped, we looked at each other for a few moments and then he continued on his way. This past winter during the handicap series, I had just started running when around the first corner, who should I see? The same little red fox? He crossed the road, ran up to the top of the hill and then just watched me and a couple of other runners continue our run.
My favorite running quote…“A 10-minute mile is just as far as a 6-minute mile.”
I plan to run until....they quit manufacturing running shoes. |
