1. What inspires you to run?

For me, running is very therapeutic; I use the time to unwind and leave all that is bothering me on the pavement. If my having a bad day or even a great day, running always makes the day better!

2. When did you start running?
I started running when I was 10 years old. I wasn’t really good at sports and needed something to keep me active/ get out of the house, so I started running around my block. Then I ran to the next neighborhood and eventually to the next town!

3. Favorite post-race meal?
This is a hard one! I’m never consistent when it comes to post race meals. Sometimes I down a chocolate milk and eat a banana; other times I eat a whole box of Girl Scout cookies (those Girl Scouts are smart selling their cookies by the finish line of a marathon!)!

4. Favorite race.
I really love the Illinois Marathon. You run through University of Illinois campus, which is split between the cities of Champaign and Urbana. You pass gorgeous houses, golf courses, farmland, and finish in the university football stadium. It’s really cool seeing yourself on the Megatron.

5. Best advice to new runner.
Start off slow and don’t add mileage too quickly!

6. One fun fact about you…
I am half Indian (my father is from the southern part of India) and a mixture of Polish and Scottish. You would think I would have nice olive colored skin, but I’m so pasty that I literally get sunburned on a 20 minute run! My bother is completely tan and actually looks half Indian!