Hometown

Lewisville, NC

Current P.R.

3:11:09 (yes, 9 seconds too slow for Boston)

Where were you born?

Morganton, NC

Number of marathons

Too many to count (20 different states)

Birthday

6/16

Favorite marathon

Fallsburg Marathon in Lowell, Michigan.  The second half is more like an obstacle course trail run… jumping creeks, climbing sand cliffs, tons of fun

Typical pace

8:00

Favorite running music

Counting Crows

Occupation

Ob/Gyn

Favorite running food

Orange Cytomax, Snickers and Mountain Dew at gas stations

Any hobbies?

UNC basketball

Who do you train with?

My iPOD

Favorite book, what are you reading now?

The Sun Also Rises (Hemingway)

A quotation you like…

“Limits, like fears, are often just an illusion” –Michael Jordan Basketball Hall of Fame Acceptance Speech

Personal goals

Marathon in Every State

Why do you run?

Because I like to eat.  A lot.

Describe your best marathon memory.

Last year’s Pittsburgh Marathon when I was trying to qualify for Boston and I was barely behind pace with 8 miles to go.  I picked it up to shoot for it, and 2 miles later completely bonked.  Sometimes there’s just something special about knowing you gave everything you have, even if you fail.  PR’s take perfect days which are few and far between.  Accomplishments come even on days when you are not your best. 

Why do you pace?

I first agreed to pace my sister.  When I saw how happy she was crossing the line in her goal time, I knew it was something I wanted to help other people do. 

Tell us your best pacing experience.

The emails of thanks that you get from people a few days later always make it worth the work.  At first it was hard when you get towards the end, and people pick up the pace but you have to maintain your speed.  You want to finish with the people you started with, but you have a job to do, and if they feel good they should go faster.  But the emails let me know it is all worth it. 

Why should someone run in your pace group?

Many females can run in my pace group and I can help them to qualify.  I’ve run Boston as a charity runner, and have come close to qualifying several times.  However, I’m not quite there.  Something about that race is very special for all marathoners. 

Any tips for runners about to join your group?

Speed work.  

Anything else you’d like to share?

I did not appreciate how important cross-training can be until I started bike commuting and saw my times drop dramatically.  Give it a try.  You see those last few pounds drop off, and your hip flexor strength will really help your foot turnover rate. 

What philanthropic activities do you have?

Pacing.