| Date of Birth: August 22, 1977 |
| Sport: Mountain/Trail/Road Running & Snowshoeing |
| Years of Experience: 20+ |
| Greatest Achievement: Winning the Mount Washington Road Race which was a U.S. National Championship earning me a spot on the U.S. Mountain Running Team in 2008. I represented the U.S. in Switzerland, was the 1st American and 11th overall—5 seconds out of 10th! I also won Pike's Peak Ascent in 2008 and was voted U.S. Mountain Runner of the year. I recently won the U.S. 2009 Snow Shoe Championships at Mt. Hood. |
| Favorite Event: Anything with the words: ascent, climb or uphill! |
| What does it mean to you being a member on the NB Outdoor Ambassador Program? I have worn New Balance shoes since I was 12 years old. (Actually I was 11 the first week of practice.) I was born with bunions and had/have always had a difficult time finding shoes that fit and don't cause blisters or other problems. New Balance has been the one and only shoe I have been able to wear all 20 years of running. (Knock on wood) I have only had one major injury within that time frame. That has to say something about the shoes! They are awesome! Also, being from northern MN, Dick Beardsley is a known legend up there. I have read both of his books Staying the Course and Duel in the Sun. New Balance was the company that put their faith and support in him. I love New Balance! I feel honored and privileged to be part of such a team. I believe in the product 100% :-) |
| Favorite inspirational quote? I love quotes. I actually have notebooks full of them. My favorite quote before a race is, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." –Philippians 4:13 I also like Steve Prefontaine's Quote, "To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift." One other quote I really like, I think it is from Oprah, is "Temporary setbacks are opportunities in disguise, opportunities to improve." |
| Why do you do what you do? What's your motivation? I love running for so many reasons. I love the sense of freedom, adventure and accomplishment. I like staying fit and spending time outdoors as well as meeting new people and places. Running in the mountains and on trails gives me a chance to explore and see things I wouldn't otherwise. I feel running is a gift and I want to use my gift to the best of my ability and push to my ultimate limits to see how far I can go. I also hope to use my experiences and accomplishments to reach out and inspire others. My motivation comes mostly from within. I believe dedication, hard-work, a positive attitude and perseverance are the keys to success. Talent will only take you so far. If I ever wake up lacking motivation, I have two labs (Ches-E and Fischer) who like to run as much as I do; all they have to do is give me their puppy dog eyes. Being a special education teacher, I also realize how fortunate I am to have the ability to run. I thank God every day for the ability and never take it for granted. |
| Any advice for others in your sport? Pray, work hard, listen to your body, believe in yourself, set goals and NEVER, ever give up! |
