I have always been an athlete (of sorts). Growing up, if there was a sport being offered, I was the first to sign up. Volleyball? Basketball? Track? I was in. I wasn’t great at anything, but what I lacked in talent, I more than made up for in passion.

Once I got to college, exercise went by the wayside and I called myself active – but I was only moderately so for many years. A turning point came for me in 2002 when a couple co-workers asked me if I wanted to sign up for a weight loss program with them. After I got over being offended, I decided to join. To make a long story short, I lost 40lbs. and re-dedicated myself to an active lifestyle.

I participate in a variety of athletic activities from hiking to cycling to tennis, but my real passion is running. I have finished eight marathons including two Boston marathons, multiple half marathons, and several cycling events.

I played softball and soccer as a child, but didn’t tackle running until my late 20’s. Initially running was only a method to lose weight, but it quickly became something enjoyable and a way to challenge myself. I entered my first half-marathon in 2004 and had the time of my life running through the sleet, freezing rain, and a 20 mph wind. Since then, I’ve completed 9 half-marathons, 2 long distance relay races, 3 triathlons, numerous shorter distance races, and coached three seasons of an adult marathon training program.

My husband is a semi-retired marathoner and enjoys spending his time trying to pace me through my first sub 2-hour half-marathon (almost there) and seeing what new sport I’ll talk him into next (the triathlons were my idea).