1. What inspires you to run?

I have multiple inspirations. Someone recently asked me whether I run for the socialization or for the exercise and I would say that it is 80% socialization, 20% exercise. Some of my closest friends are runners and the main reason I run is to socialize with them – I am not a morning person, but I wake up religiously almost every Saturday morning so that I can run with my friends and drink coffee with them. My husband thinks I’m running the entire morning and doesn’t realize that I only spend a couple of hours running and the rest of the time hanging out. 😊

For me, running is also a great stress reliever and one way I like to break up my day. I work from home so running gets me out of the house and completely changes my outlook if I am having an unproductive or stressful day. I also live to eat so running allows me to indulge every so often. You can frequently hear me discussing recipes with other runners while I am running. 

2. When did you start running?

I started running when I was 6 years old. I was a sprinter from the ages of 6 to 18 and my favorite events were the 200m and 400m races. As an adult, I would occasionally run but only on a treadmill and the most I ran was 1.5 miles. In early 2016, I started working at a company which had a gym onsite and I started working out at lunch and running on the treadmill. From there I made the transition to running outside and eventually joining MRC in late 2017. My MRC friends are bad influences – I ran my first full marathon 14 months later.  

3. Favorite post-race meal?

I don’t really have a favorite post-race meal. After a long race I’m usually not very hungry and I’m happy to go wherever the group is going. However, my favorite place to carb-load before a long run or a race is at Babe’s Chicken – they have the best fried chicken and all-you-can-eat sides. 

4. Favorite race.

Cowtown, without a doubt. It was my first marathon and first ultra, so it’s a very sentimental race to me. I love the music, the crowd support, the course, and everything about that race. I even love the big hill at mile 9. 😊

5. Best advice to new runner.

Take your time when ramping up distance. It’s easy to succumb to peer pressure and go too far too soon and hurt yourself. And you will surprise yourself with how far you can run – running a marathon was such an unattainable goal to me for years and when I finally decided to do it, I was surprised at how I could do anything once I put my mind to it. If I can do it, anyone can. 

6. One fun fact about you…

My husband is Vietnamese and over the years, I’ve learned to make several Vietnamese dishes, including homemade beef pho. I use filet mignon in my version so it’s more indulgent than what you can find at pho restaurants.