How and when did you first get into running?
I was always a relatively active person when I was younger: I liked to ski, ride my bike, and play soccer. I did some running in high school, but mainly to stay in shape for soccer. However, during college and throughout my twenties, I took an almost complete break from running and focused more on group fitness classes at the gym. In 2015, in my early thirties, I was inspired to run in the first Laney’s Legacy of Hope 5k, since this is a charity that is close to my heart. I didn’t do much training, figuring I was in good enough shape from the gym. I remember it feeling so hard and thinking that I would never run a 5k again. Spoiler alert–I ran it the following year and then gradually started becoming interested in other races.
How has your relationship with running evolved over the years?
I started consistently running to stay in shape and to challenge myself. However, running with friends has made all the difference for me. I used to be too nervous to run with other people because I was worried I wouldn’t be able to keep up. But finding running buddies has made me truly enjoy and look forward to my runs. As an added bonus, I got faster by running with people who are faster than me! Just simply having the companionship helps me not quit when I am tired.
What do you enjoy most about being a Pagoda Pacer?
I enjoy making new friends and being surrounded by people who support each other’s goals. I also believe in our mission to promote physical activity and to give back to the community.
Would you like to give a shoutout to another Pagoda Pacer member who has been super influential and inspiring in your life?
You all truly inspire me! But if I had to pick one person, it would be our current club president, Michelle Henry. She was one of the first friends I made through the Pacers. She often dreams bigger than I do and convinced me to run my first 50k which we did together at Labor Pains in 2018. That is something I didn’t think I would ever be capable of doing especially looking back on that first 5k three years earlier. She also inspires me to have more fun in whatever I am doing and to give back to the club as much as she does.
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