Where are you from?

Vero Beach, Florida

Current P.R.

3:39 (2008)

Birthday

September 1

Number of marathons

10 and counting

Typical pace

8:20-9:00 for Pacing duties: 4:15- 4:45 marathon finish

Favorite marathon

Boston

Occupation

Veterinarian

Favorite Running Food

Pre race: banana with English Muffin and almond butter, during race: Margarita flavored Cliff Shots, Post race: as strange as it sounds, I love frozen yogurt after a run.

Hobbies

Running( of course), Belly dancing, Yoga, walking the beach with dog Pacer

Who do you train with?

Depending on the distance, my pup Pacer ( named after the marathon pacing team) or runners from The Vero Sunrunners

Favorite book, what are you reading now?

Currently Reading: John L. Parker, Jr Once a Runner.  Favorite Running Book: My Life on the Run- Bart Yasso

Favorite non- running book: Love is the Best Medicine  Dr. Nick Trout

A quotation you like…

Everything is Funner with a runner  and

“To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift”  Steve Prefontaine

Personal goals

To complete a marathon in every state, to qualify for Boston in each decade of my life, to run 50 marathons before I turn 50 and to run a 100 mile ultra one day.

Why do you run?

I run to stay healthy to relieve stress, to feel strong, to think, to be, to meet new people, to challenge myself and push limits, and because I can. Also because I love any excuse to wear a cute running skirt or a costume.

Describe your best marathon memory.

At the 2010 Gasparilla Marathon, I helped to push a wounded veteran that would otherwise never experience a marathon. It was an honor and amazing experience to be involved with. The Wheelchairs for Warriors raise fund for new wheelchairs for wounded soldiers that can not compete on their own and bring them to experience the marathon.

Why do you pace?

Short answer: To help fellow runners reach their potential and give back the gift that I was given

 The story behind it: The 2008 Derby festival marathon is  when I finally qualified for Boston. At the very end of the race when I thought I couldn’t take another step, my pacer pushed me ahead of him and said go for it. I finished strong with a BQ and cried like a baby. At that moment I knew I wanted to help runners that way I was guided to reach my goal.

Why should someone run in your pace group?

I will usually have a costume on or some sort of distracter, bunny ears, tutu, you name it.  I also have really cheesy jokes to tell that will pass the time. If that doesn’t work then I can teach the step by step methods to becoming a beauty queen.

Any tips for runners about to join your group?

Focus on your own race and stick to your plan. And never forget your body glide!

Anything else you’d like to share?

We are blessed to be able to run, there are so many that can not due to physical limitations. I treat each run and each race as a gift.

What philanthropic activities do you have?

In July 2010 I lost my best friend and running partner my 10 yr old Golden Stryder to Cancer. I have started the Stryder Cancer Foundation to raise money and assist those going through Cancer treatment with their pets. I am in the process of putting together a WAG STRONG running team to raise funds and awareness for the cause. I also am a member of the Junior League and promote various marine conservation causes, as well as wheelchairs for warriors.