Thumbs Up Thursday...Jessica

This week's spotlight is on Jessica of Mojamala2 (here).  Once you read her interview head on over to her blog and say hello!!

Jodi:  How long have you been running?

Jessica:  Started running in track in 7th grade and continued to run track in high school and then ran to stay in shape so umm, 11 years.

Jodi:  Why did you start running?

Jessica:  When I was younger it was just for fun and I enjoyed. Now I continue to run so I can live a happy healthy lifestyle…and I still enjoy it.

Jodi:  How many years have you been racing?

Jessica:  Started road racing after college to continue to stay in shape, first race was in the spring of 2007, so I have been racing for 4 years now.

Jodi:  What is your favorite distance to race and why?

Jessica:  The 10K is my favorite. They are hard to find around here, there are usually only a couple a year but I love them. It’s a tough distance to actually race and you really have to push yourself at this distance.  It’s slower than a 5K pace and faster than a 10 mile or ½ marathon pace.

Jodi:  What is your favorite race memory?

Jessica:  Favorite race memory is qualifying for Boston at the Cleveland Marathon in 2009.  I worked my butt off in training and it paid off! I have never trained so hard for anything in my life and I will never forget crossing the finish line and knowing I had qualified.

Jodi:  What is your least favorite race memory?

Jessica:  My least favorite race memory is the Akron Marathon in 2008, my first marathon. I am one of the clumsiest people in the world and around mile 10 I tripped, not over an untied shoe or a rock or something

reasonable but over my own two feet. I crashed into the ground at full speed and was embarrassed and in pain. The fall caused my legs and butt to cramp up. The medical tent was close enough to hear me screaming in pain and came to my rescue. Nothing like a total stranger massaging your goods while other racers watch. But they did a good job and got me up and running again and I finished. I was in a lot of pain during the race but I finished.

2008 Akron Marathon

Jodi:  What is your proudest running moment to date?

Jessica:  Running the Boston Marathon. The journey to get there is amazing but once you are there the experience in unbelievable. Running the Boston Marathon is a race I will never forget and will always hold a special place in my heart. How can you not feel proud saying that you ran the most prestigious race?

Jodi:  What one item do you absolutely have to have with you on a training run?

Jessica:  A clothing item with a pocket. Whether it be in my shorts, capris, jacket or top I must have a pocket.

Jodi:  What is your favorite fuel during a race?

Jessica:  Vanilla Bean Gu. I have tried a bazillion different flavors and brands and Vanilla Bean Gu is my favorite. Espresso Gu is a close second, I take it for my early training runs to trick myself into thinking I am having actual coffee.

Jodi:  What is your favorite post race snack?
Jessica:  Chocolate Milk! I love chocolate milk in general but after a long run or marathon it is a must have.

Jodi:  Who do you admire most and why?
Jessica:  Running Moms. I seriously do not know how they do it, must be some kind of superpower to be able to run and raise kids. I have no kids or even pets and sometimes I have a hard time finding time to run.

Jodi:  Do you have a favorite quote?
Jessica:  “Dig Deep” I saw it on a sign while running the Chicago Marathon and it’s been my favorite quote ever since. When running these long distance races you really do have to “Dig Deep” to finish.

Jodi:  Finish this statement, when I run I feel___________.
Jessica:  Happy, whether I have a good run or a bad run I always feel happy after my run. I could have the worst day in the world and a run will put me right back on track.

Jodi:  What is your current goal?
Jessica:  I would really like to PR this year in any race at any distance. I have come close a couple times but have not had a PR in almost 2 years. I have changed up some of my training and am working hard to reach this goal. I also want to qualify for Boston again. Once was just not enough. Perhaps the Vegas Marathon in December will be my chance!

Jodi:  Feel free to add anything else you feel will help people lace up their shoes and get out there.
Jessica:  Anyone can run, it’s as simple as getting out there and putting one step in front of the other.


Of course no Thumbs Up Thursday is complete without running pictures!! 

2011 Buffalo Marathon

2010 Stomp The Grapes 1/2 Marathon

2009 River Run 1/2 Marathon

2008 St. Malachi 5 Miler

2011 Hyland Software 5K

Mile 25 of the 2011 Cleveland Marathon

Thanks again for the opportunity to give you a Thumbs Up Jessica!  Best of luck achieving your curent goals!!

Keep running, you're simply the best, and Jessica YOU inspire ME!!

Running Partner Appreciation Day!!!

Amanda at 5 Miles Past Empty (here) has declared Saturday, June 25th as Running Partner Appreciation Day.  Today is a day to express your appreciation for all of your running partners.  Since our long runs take place on Sunday, I won't be hitting the pavement with any of my running partners until tomorrow morning so I am dedicating today's post to all of them!!

Nikki, Deb and Marilyn- my 1/2 marathon in all 50 states buddies!

Mellisa, Deb, Brigette, Kim, and Mellisa's son Matt- my Cleveland 10 Miler Girls (boy)

Darlene- my Hershey's Ice Cream and More and 5K buddy!!

Jenn- my 2011 Cleveland Marathon training buddy!!



Brenda- my neighbor and running and spinning buddy



Dave-  my guardian angel and the reason I was able to finish the 2011 Cleveland Marathon

Bobby- my brother that supports me 110% even if he likes to battle me for the family championship each year

Kaelynn- my daughter who reminds me to keep running fun!

Thank you to each and every single one of you for the amazing role you play in my life.  There isn't a day that goes by that I am not grateful to have all of you in my life!  So to all of you, Happy Running Partner Appreciation Day! 

Keep running, you're simply the best, and all of my running partner's inspire me!!!

Thumbs Up Thursday....Raquelita

This week's spotlight is on Raquelita of Historiadora on the Run (here).  Once you read her interview head on over to her blog and say hello!!

Jodi:  How long have you been running?
Raquelita:  I've been running off and on for years. In high school and college I ran sporadically and mostly on the treadmill at the gym for cardio. When I went to graduate school I started running a bit more regularly and did a couple of 5ks for fun. In 2006 I moved to Spain and pretty much stopped running for a while. After a year, I was out of shape and wanted to start running again, so in the summer of 2007 I did the Couch to 5k program and got to the point where I could run 3-4 miles a couple of times a week. I still mostly ran recreationally, though.

Jodi:  Why did you start running?
Raquelita:  I started running because it seemed like that's what the really fit people at the gym did. I could do the elliptical machine for hours, but I wanted to challenge my fitness. Running was tough, but I loved how it made me feel. The first time that I was running outside at a park and someone referred to me as a "runner" I was over the moon ecstatic. When I started running again in 2007, that's the feeling that I wanted to get back.

Jodi:  How many years have you been racing?
Raquelita:  The first year that I really consider myself to have been racing is 2009. I had been back in the states for a year, had quit smoking, and was in the best shape that I had been in for several years (those last two things are probably not a coincidence!), that spring I decided that was the year that I was going to run a marathon. It had been a sort of life goal for several years, but the timing never seemed right. In 2009 I felt ready to take it on. I built up my mileage base over the spring and one fateful day in June I signed up with Team in Training to run the Columbus Marathon. I ran my first 10k and my first half-marathon that summer as training for the big 26.2. Since 2009, I've run another 5 half-marathons and another marathon.

Jodi:  What is your favorite distance to race and why?
Raquelita:  It's really hard to pick, but I love half-marathons. Training for them is challenging and gives me that taste of endurance that double-digit training runs provide, but they don't require the time and energy that a full marathon does. I hope to run three or four half-marathons a year for the next couple of years.

Post Virginia Beach Half Marathon

Minneapolis Marathon

Jodi:  What is your favorite race memory?
Raquelita:  My favorite race memory is probably from a 10k that I ran with a friend a couple of years ago. We were laughing and joking the whole time. At one point we started singing "Eye of the Tiger." It was a total blast!

10K June 2009

Jodi:  What is your least favorite race memory?
Raquelita:  I think it might have been the Mankato Half-Marathon last October. I just couldn't get mentally in the zone during the race, and I really struggled starting from mile 5 on.

Jodi:  What is your proudest running moment to date?
Raquelita:  I've had a lot of proud moments connected to running. I was really proud that I was able to pace a friend and myself to our goal time at the Madison Half Marathon last month. I didn't want to let my friend down and we nailed our time goal. Probably, my absolute proudest moment, though, was crossing the finish line of my first marathon. At that moment I thought I was capable of just about anything I put my mind to - or at least I would be after a big brunch and a week off.

Madison Half Marathon

Accomplishing goal time with a friend at the Madison Half Marathon

Jodi:  What one item do you absolutely have to have with you on a training run?
Raquelita:  Gum. Sometimes I'll run without my Garmin. Sometimes I'll run without my ipod. I don't always take water or gatorade on my shorter runs. I always chew gum, though.

Jodi:  What is your favorite fuel during a race?
Raquelita:  Currently, it's GU. Two years ago when I was gagging down my first GU, I never thought I would say that, but now I love them. My favorite is Tri-Berry.

Jodi:  What is your favorite post race snack?
Raquelita:  I love to go for brunch after a race! Eggs and pancakes FTW!

Jodi:  Who do you admire most and why?
Raquelita:  There are so many people that I admire for being courageous or adventurous or smart or driven or some combination of the above. It's hard for me to pick just one person, but I'll say that I really admire my friend Christina. She is a professor and a runner and she makes balancing research, teaching, married life, and running look like it's easy! When I was training for my first marathon, she was my go-to person for advice and inspiration.

Jodi:  Do you have a favorite quote?
Raquelita:  In terms of running: "For me, like so many others, running is the answer. Out on the road it is just you, the pavement, and your will." - John Bingham

Jodi:  Finish this statement, when I run I feel _______.
Raquelita:  simultaneously powerful and peaceful
Jodi:  What is your current goal?
Raquelita:  My current goals are a PR at my next half-marathon in August and a sub 5 hour marathon in Chicago on October 9th!

Jodi:  Please feel free to add anything else you feel will help others lace up their shoes and get out there and run!!
Raquelita:  I would say ease into it and treat your body and the distances you run with respect. For me, this has all been about making running being a part of my life and who I am. I would rather take an extra rest day here and there and still be running in 20 years than overdo it and get injured or burn out now. I also recommend finding running buddies or blogging about your training and connecting with awesome bloggers, like Jodi. Not only will it help to keep you accountable, inspired and motivated, but it is also a great way to connect with people and make some wonderful friends.

Thanks again for the opportunity to give you a Thumbs Up Raquelita!  Best of luck achieving your current goals!!

Keep running, you're simple the best, and Raquelita YOU inspire ME!!

October 16, 2011....

After a fun spinning class and some planks, I got ready for the day and then headed to the Columbus Marathon website.

I filled in my information and moments later I received the following email:

Dear Jodi:

Congratulations, you've made the COMMITMENT to take part in the 2011 Nationwide Insurance Columbus Marathon & 1/2 Marathon! We are pleased to have you joining us for what promises to be a great event!

Yesterday I completed week one of training for the Columbus Marathon and everything went great.  Looking forward to bringing it to marathon #2!

Anyone else running Columbus? 

Keep running, you're simply the best, and you inspire me!!

Thumbs Up Thursday Anniversary Edition....Jenn

One year ago I did my first Thumbs Up Thursday spotlight on Jenn.  When I originally started Thumbs Up Thursdsay I just told Jenn's story of weight loss and getting fit.  I figured what could be more appropriate than having Jenn answer the Thumbs Up Thursday questions one year later.  With that being said, I give you the question and answer portion of Thumbs Up Thursday!!

Jodi:  How long have you been running?
Jenn:  I am new to running; I have only been running for just over a year. Before this I would have laughed if you asked me to run. Even in high school I would make up any excuse not to do it.

Jodi:  Why did you start running?
Jenn:  I have been struggling with my weight for a while. I was at the gym one morning, walking on the treadmill as usual, when an ambulance pulled up. Someone had got injured in the back of the gym. I decided to try to run on the treadmill while the paramedics where there, because if I were to fall off, they would be there to help me out. :) Shortly after that I found a C25K program and decided to follow it. I enjoyed every accomplishment that came along with the program. I found that running had many rewards, some of which were immediate, which I liked.

Before and After

Jodi:  How many years have you been racing?
Jenn:  My very first race was 4-30-2010 – just over a year.

Jenn at her first 5k

Jodi:  What is your favorite distance to race and why?
Jenn:  I have to say the half marathon is my favorite distance. It is long enough that I can get into a good stride, yet short enough that I don’t feel like I am going to die.

Jodi:  What is your favorite race memory?
Jenn:  My very first half marathon is my favorite memory. I can remember the nerves at the starting line. I met two crazy people (Julie and Bill) who ran 7 miles before the race because it was a training run for an upcoming marathon. I thought they were crazy. I set off and took my pace. Jodi was there to cheer me on, make sure that I was ok and help me finish in my goal between 2:15 and 2:30. I completely controlled the pace and we finished in 2:06. What an amazing accomplishment. Running across the finish line with Jodi by my side, and feeling an amazing sense of accomplishment was worth it.

River Run 1/2 Marathon

Jodi:  What is your least favorite race memory?
Jenn:  The Cleveland Marathon was my least favorite race memory. While I was so proud to have accomplished a marathon, but at mile 22 I was injured with bad shin splints. I completed the marathon, but after heading to the medical tent and then limping back to the hotel, I had my hubby take me straight to the ER. I ended up on crutches, and now even a month after the Marathon I am still not running, still in pain, but healing daily. I am taking it slowly so that I will run again soon.

Cleveland Marathon 2011

Post-Marathon

Jodi:  What is your proudest running moment to date?
Jenn:  Really I have too many to count. Mostly that I have accomplished all I have. I overcame self-doubt. I ran more than I have ever run in my life. I have met great friends who have taught me so many things but mostly to believe in myself. I know that I can accomplish anything that I set my mind to, I just have to believe in myself. So my proudest moment is my journey as a new runner.

Jodi:  What one item do you absolutely have to have with you on a training run?
Jenn:  My water. I take so much with me when I am running, but I learned a hard lesson about bringing my water with me on a few training runs.

Jodi:  What is your favorite fuel during a race?
Jenn:  Gu is what I have used so far. They work well and keep me going.

Jodi:  What is your favorite post race snack?
Jenn:  It depends on the race. I am not picky. But the entire marathon I wanted a beer – which I never got.

Jodi:  Who do you admire most and why?
Jenn:  Jodi! She has taught me so much when it comes to running. She has kept patience with me, even when I am sure it was difficult. But mostly because she has set goals and accomplished them. She is a dedicated runner, who truly loves the sport. She is willing to help anyone who needs it. Jodi offers words of encouragement all of the time. I can honestly say without her, I would have never tried to run a half marathon or even a full marathon. There were many mornings that I would have never got up for my long run. Jodi is a true friend who inspires me to do my best and accomplish my goals! She is my support system. She is my shoulder to cry on. She is a true friend, coach and amazing person.
*Disclaimer, I Jodi, did not pay her to say this however I am truly honored!*

Jodi:  Do you have a favorite quote?
Jenn:  Suck It Up Cupcake

Jodi:  Finish this statement, when I run I feel___________.
Jenn:  Relaxed. Running is my therapy. I am able to let my stress go. I feel good about myself even during a bad run.

Jodi:  What is your current goal?
Jenn:  I have two goals. My first one is to heal up and start running by middle of July. I would love to say July 1, but I am being realistic. The second goal is to run the Columbus Half Marathon in under 2 hours.

Jodi:  Feel free to add anything else you feel will help people lace up their shoes and get out there.
Jenn:  Jodi, thank you for featuring me again. I know that if I can do this anyone can. Running is an amazing feeling, because you are facing yourself. It does not matter what any other person out there is doing, it is all about you.

Thanks again for the opportunity to give you a Thumbs Up Jenn.

Keep running, you're simply the best, and Jenn YOU inpsire ME!!

Here We Go Again...

I officially started Columbus Marathon training this week and speaking of training plans I need to thank Joe for creating yet another training plan for me!

"Coach" Joe and I after the Austin Livestrong Marathon

Here's how it has been going so far.

Monday
~Cross training day~
Last marathon training cycle I didn't do much cross training.  My goal is to make sure to include it during this cycle so I was off to the gym bright and early for spin class.  Two of my neighbors joined me for class which was awesome!  One just so happens to be a spin instructor so I had asked her if she would come to a couple different classes and let me know which she thinks would work best for me.  I would go to her class but alas I am not a member where she teaches.  Perhaps we just need to set up spin bikes in her basement!!  The music could have been better but overall it was a good class.

Tuesday
~4 miles at marathon pace~
My anticipated marathon pace at the moment is right around 9:40-9:43/mile.  I had a bit of a hard time keeping my marathon pace yesterday.  The problem was I was running too fast.  Ever since the marathon I have just been running "whatever pace feels right."  Of course this kind of backfired yesterday as my "whatever pace feels right" had been faster than anticipated marathon pace.  I know I will get into my pace groove eventually, it just may take a few weeks.

Wednesday
~6/2 tempo run~
The plan for today was to be a 2 mile warm-up, followed by 2 tempo miles between 8:40-8:50, and finishing up with a 2 mile cool-down. I was supposed to run the warm-up and cool down portion around 10:15-10:20. Of course due to my recent "whatever feels right pace", I had a hard time slowing down to 10:15-10:20. I do have to say I was impressed with my tempo miles at 8:48 and 8:46 respectively. I'm working on slowing it down a bit for marathon goal pace training! I promise I really am Coach Joe.

I would have to say the first three days have gone pretty smoothly.  We shall see what the rest of the week brings.  I know one thing for sure, Sunday morning will bring my first long run of the training cycle with some great friends!  Looking forward to it Mellisa and Deb! 

Mellisa, Deb and I during our final long run prior to the Cleveland Marathon

Keep running, you're simply the best, and you inspire me!!

Thumbs Up Thursday...Beth (B.O.B)

This week's spotlight is on Beth who many of you know as B.O.B of Discom-BOB-ulated Running (here).  I had the pleasure of meeting Beth at the Cleveland Marathon this year where she totally rocked the 1/2 marathon!!  Without further delay I give you the question and answer portion of Thumbs Up Thursday!!

Jodi:  How long have you been running?
Beth:  I've been running off and on my whole life, mostly 5Ks here and there but I didn't really get into running until after my first marathon in January 2009. Granted it was a total trainwreck due to poor training but I knew I could do better if I gave myself the chance and worked harder and smarter.

Jodi:  Why did you start running?
Beth:  I trained for that first marathon as sort of a bucket list thing. I wanted to run a marathon before I turned 30 and I got so addicted that I wound up running five before I turned even 31.

Jodi:  How many years have you been racing?
Beth:  Well, I don't know if you would call my first marathon "racing." LOL! Let's just say I didn't start to feel like I was really racing amongst my age group until I got a third place age group award at a 5K on Father's Day. I've never been more thrilled and obnoxious about racing! My sister was like shut up already. LOL!

First Age Group Award

Jodi:  What is your favorite distance to race and why?
Beth:  I am definitely a fan of the 5K and now the 1/2 marathon. I like the 5K cause it's over so quickly and it's just balls to the wall. And after this last half, I love that 13.1! You get to train less than a full and can walk the next day. It's great!

Jodi:  What is your favorite race memory?
Beth:  Hm. This is a tough one Jodi. I have so many and I'm sure everyone says that, but it's hard to choose one. I would probably say the Gasparilla full marathon 2010. My sister and her husband, my stepmom, my mom, and all of the folks from my running group were there plus Red was running and we both had great days. I felt good the entire race and it was just a great day with a big celebration.

Gasparilla 2010- Red, Beth, P-Funk, Hollster

Jodi:  What is your least favorite race memory?
Beth:  I hate to say Marine Corps Marathon cause it's really such an amazing, historical course, but Marine Corps Marathon. It was just such a brutal race for me. I knew by mile ten that I was going to have to gut it out and after the race I felt so sick that I had to stop and sit down every few steps.

Jodi:  What is your proudest running moment to date?
Beth:  Probably the Ragnar Relays I've done with team Half Nuts. I did Ragner Florida Central two years in a row and have had such a great time and felt really honored to run with these people. Each year was a total blast and I was so proud that we finished 2nd in our division last year when we really just set out to have fun. It shows you can accomplish both sometimes!

Ragnar Relays

Jodi:  What one item do you absolutely have to have with you on a training run?
Beth:  Gu. I'll take any flavor except chocolate or coffee. I really like the Vanilla for a little caffeine boost.

Jodi:  What is your favorite fuel during a race?
Beth:  See above. But also really like Clif Shot Bloks and Honey Stinger Waffles. Both work really well on the bike.

Jodi:  What is your favorite post race snack?
Beth:  Cheez-Its. Actually, I like both before and after a race! And of course, a coca-cola!

Jodi:  Who do you admire most and why?
Beth:  It's hard to choose just one person but I would definitely say as a group I admire the challanged athletes, those who get out there and compete against all odds. I find them inspiring and amazing. I admire their courage and it's a great reminder about perserverance and strength.

Jodi:  Do you have a favorite quote?
Beth:  I like to try to live by "There's less traffic on the high road." and I love the Winnie the Pooh quote "You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think."

Jodi:  Finish this statement, when I run I feel___________.
Beth:  Free and happy.

Jodi:  What is your current goal?
Beth:  This has changed so much lately since I've added the triathlon stuff. I'd like to hit a 50 mile bike ride and I'd love to break 22 in a 5K.

Thanks again for the opportunity to give you a Thumbs Up Beth!  Best of luck hitting 50 miles on the bike and breaking 22 in the 5K!!

Keep running, you're simply the best, and Beth YOU inspire ME!!!

LULA 5K Race Report

Today was the Girls With Sole LULA 5K.  I had signed up for it a few weeks ago.  Fast forward to yesterday morning and I couldn't swallow without pain so off to urgent care I went.  Moments after seeing the doctor the strep test came back positive.  I have my beautiful daughter to thank for it since she was diagnosed with strep on Thursday.  I spent the rest of the day resting in the hopes that I could run this morning.  When I woke up I was feeling okay and it seemed as if the meds had kicked in so I decided to attempt the run!  Headed to the race and met up with the Cleveland 10 Miler girls (plus Missi's son who has his mother's sense of humor!!) and Jenn.

The runners before

Missi hugging Lula Girl

Miss, Matthew, and Kim with Lula

Missi, Matthew, Deb, and I with Lula

That's one big Croc

With Liz Ferro, Founder of Girls with Sole

I don't normally carry my handheld water bottle during a 5K but I decided to today since I thought I may need extra water with the sore throat.  I am so glad I carried it because I drank quite a bit.  My plan was to just run by feel.  I felt good enough to keep between 8:15-8:30 pace so I went with it.  I spent a lot of time playing leap frog with another runner who just so happened to be wearing a Cleveland Marathon shirt.  In the end she finished before me and that was fine by me since I managed to pass another girl just strides before the finish line.  I was happy with my time and the fact that I didn't go out to fast.  All in all, it was a successful run and I managed to place 3rd in my age group.  Not bad, not bad at all.

Age group award.  Handpainted by the young ladies that participate in Girls with Sole

And as usual the Cleveland 10 Miler girls rocked it out there!!  The plan for the rest of the day is to just rest and hydrate.  Do popsicles count in the hydration department? 

Keep running, you're simply the best, and you inspire me!!

Thumbs Up Thursday...Joanna

This week's spotlight is on Joanna of Joanna Runs (here).  I had the pleasure of meeting Joanna the night before the Cleveland Marathon at the Pasta Dinner.  I thoroughly enjoyed talking with her.  In fact, the conversation flowed so well it seemed as if we had known each other for years.

Jodi:  How long have you been running?
Joanna:  I ran cross country in high school and ran recreationally through college, but never seriously. I started endurance running in April 2007.

Jodi:  Why did you start running?
Joanna:  I ran in high school because my friends did, honestly. There were three reasons why I started really training in 2007.
1. I'd always had it in the back of my mind that I might tackle a marathon at some point in my life.
2. I was in the middle of my PhD program and running provided stress relief.

3. I'm a very proud Penn Stater. Penn State has the largest student-run philanthropy in the world. It's a dance marathon called THON. Last year alone THON raised over $9.5 million for pediatric cancer research. My sorority was involved in THON, and though I never danced in the event (sleep deprivation + Joanna = disaster), I was always proud to be part of it. After college, I wanted to find a way to keep fighting cancer, and Team in Training (who I trained with for about 3 years) gave me that opportunity. Plus, some amazing friendships.

Jodi:  How many years have you been racing?
Joanna:  My first half-marathon was the Chicago Distance Classic in August of 2007, so I'm coming up on 4 years.

Jodi:  What is your favorite distance to race and why?
Joanna:  I love the half- and full marathons for such different reasons. The half because I'm not afraid of the distance, and I find the challenge to continue setting new PRs both challenging and rewarding. Plus, I find the race itself thrilling. The full because I love the structure and the rigor of the training cycle. If I had to pick one, I guess I'd say the half.

Jodi:  What is your favorite race memory?
Joanna:  So many to pick from! But...I think, seeing my husband and son at the half-way mark of the Lewis & Clark Marathon last fall. I really thought we'd missed each other, then at the last minute before I entered the trail (where there were no spectators) I saw them. They both yelled "Momma!" and I just beamed. And teared up maybe a little.

Jodi:  What is your least favorite race memory?
Joanna:  That one's easy--bonking during the Cleveland Marathon. Hands down.

Jodi:  What is your proudest running moment to date?
Joanna:  I was really proud to finally break 2 hours in the half this spring, but I think I have to go with the finish of the Lewis & Clark Marathon. I was injured when I ran my first marathon (Detroit), so I really didn't know what to expect from myself. L&C was also the first race I trained for by myself. I finished faster than expected and felt great. It kind of proved to me that there's a lot more inside than I was giving myself credit for.

Jodi:  What one item do you absolutely have to have with you on a training run?
Joanna:  For long runs, GU, absolutely! For other runs, my shoe ID. I feel so much safer with it.

Jodi:  What is your favorite fuel during a race?
Joanna:  Lemon-lime Gu.

Jodi:  What is your favorite post race snack?
Joanna:  Chocolate milk pretty much never gets old. :)

Jodi:  Who do you admire most and why?
Joanna:  I tend to admire people who have overcome significant adversity not in just one situation, but in life in general. My best friend has this quote she loves, I think it's from Felicity, "I'm convinced that tragedy wants to harden us, and that our mission is to never let it." Although I live in Missouri now, I'm a third generation West Virginian. We're a tough people, people that value really rugged individualism. When there's that will not just to survive, but to overcome, and maybe most importantly to do it on one's own terms, I respect that a lot.

Jodi:  Do you have a favorite quote?
Joanna:  "You're only seven and a half once." I saw this on an ad when I was in college and it stuck with me. I have a tendency to be a work-a-holic, so it's good to remind myself to live a little.

Jodi:  Finish this statement, when I run I feel_________.
Joanna:  FREE.

Jodi:  What is your current goal?
Joanna:  To break 4:10 in the marathon.

Jodi:  Please feel free to add anything else you feel will help others lace up their shoes and get out there and run!!
Joanna:  I swear to you, if I can do this, anyone can! My family isn't particularly overcome with athletic genes, I work a million hours a week and have a 3-year-old. Running isn't "just another thing on the pile," it's the thing that keeps me sane!

Thanks again for the opportunity to give you a Thumbs Up Joanna! Best of luck in achieving your sub 4:10 marathon.


Keep running, you're simply the best, and Joanna YOU inpsire ME!!