Hometown

Bethlehem, PA

Current P.R.

3:15:18

Where were you born?

Sellersville, PA

Number of marathons

5 marathons, 14 Half marathons

Birthday

Sept 26

Favorite marathon

Toss up between Boston and Steamtown

Typical pace

1:40-1:50 Half, 3:30-3:40 Marathon

Favorite running music

A variety – everything from Christian Rock (Third Day, Casting Crowns) to Beyonce and The Dixie Chicks

Occupation

Physical Therapist

Favorite running food

Honey Stinger Organic Energy Chews during a race (which I’ve been known to share while pacing) and Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bars for afterwards. Yum!

Any hobbies?

Reading, cross-stitch, gardening, online scrapbooking, baking, shopping,music

Who do you train with?

A neighbor and fellow mom who is just about my pace, and my husband when we can get someone to watch the kids or it’s nice enough to push the double stroller

Favorite book, what are you reading now?

Kristin Armstrong’s Work in Progress: An Unfinished Women’s Guide to Grace

A quotation you like…

Character is who you are when nobody but God is Watching.

Personal goals

To continue running as long as my legs will carry me, to begin biking more consistently, and  to add more stretching and yoga to my routine

Why do you run?

Health, relaxation, solitude, fresh air, inspiration

Describe your best marathon memory.

Boston 2006 – It was such an honor to be there and the exciting vibe lasted all 26.2 miles of the route, with people cheering the whole way. I had been a spectator for a number of years prior so it was so much fun to be a participant. The first half of the race just flew by as I took in all the sights and tried to remember them all. The noise and cheering at Wesley College was a highlight and I just smiled for miles afterwards. I was wondering when Heartbreak Hill was going to rear it’s ugly head when the road was suddenly chalked with “You just conquered Heartbreak!” It wasn’t nearly as bad as I had anticipated. And I had more energy than expected at the end of the race and literally passed dozens of runners during the final ½ mile stretch down Boyleston Street as the crowd screamed. I crossed the finish with a huge smile and then had an exhausted and overjoyed meltdown with happy tears.

Why do you pace?

I couldn’t believe how much fun pacing was during my first marathon (Snickers Marathon, 2009). It was such a positive vibe among all of the people running and we really became a group committed to encouraging and supporting one another toward a common goal. Although running is typically an individual sport, running with a pace group makes it a very positive team effort.

Tell us your best pacing experience.

I was able to pace a fellow physical therapist, who I just met that morning, to her goal of qualifying for Boston. I hope I see her in Beantown this year!

Why should someone run in your pace group?

Having a pace group means not having to worry or think too hard. Just lock into the group, put one foot in front of the other, enjoy the ride and let me do the math. We pacers have very strict instructions to hit pace DEAD ON so you can count on that.

Any tips for runners about to join your group?

I like to talk to each person in my group – find out where you are from, how long you’ve been running, how your training went, what your goals are. I love it when we have a small little beehive running together and all socializing. But if you are more apt to just tuck in the back and not say a word, that’s fine too. I’ll try to encourage you with a smile.

Anything else you’d like to share?

I will be running completely even splits, meaning each mile will be the same pace. If you feel good towards the end, feel free to take off and run strong. No hard feelings! You’ll make me proud!