Author Archives: Lisa Pozzoni

Race Report

TransRockies 2021: Stage 0 & 1 Shenanigans

Posted on by by Lisa Pozzoni

I am so excited! I think I figured out the best way for me to do this….and I figured it out all by myself!  🤣

I have too many pictures to upload here so I am creating albums in my Google Photo and I can add text in those albums making it much easier to follow my journey!

So I’ll share a few things in this blog but you’ll find my pictures and stories here!

Stage 1 was changed from the previous years. I am not sure exactly why but we moved the start location.

Stage 1:
19.5 miles/31.5 kilometres & 2300 ft/700 m gain. Note the elevation profile at the bottom of the picture. Great visual of the course from a few views.Before we started the race on Monday though, we had a few days in Buena Vista. We learned it’s not pronounced the way you would say it in Spanish but ““BEW-na Vista”. The town’s name has been pronounced “BEW-na Vista” instead of the Spanish “BWAY-na Vista” ever since it was founded.” Apparently this is still debate about this but….we learned this because every night after the race briefing, we’d get to hear the history of the stage we were doing the next day. I loved this!

We got to do a shake out run with Trail Sisters and hang out with Gina (the founder), get all of our goodies at the expo and then pack all of our stuff in our TransRockies duffle.
Tents were our home away from home for 5 nights to add more challenge to the run.

For more pictures and info about our Stage 0 & Stage 1 experience, click here!

The AZ Girls home away from home. We camped in 4 different locations as we moved across the Rockies in Stages.

Start line Stage 1 picture!

I am recapping my TransRockies Run Experience (titles are clickable links):
Behind the Scenes: TransRockies Run Volunteer Gig (2019)
TransRockies Run: View from the Back of the Pack (Recap)
TransRockies 2021: Stage 0 & 1 Shenanigans 
TransRockies Run Stage 2: Iconic Hope Pass!
TransRockies Run Stage 3: My favorite? 🤷🏽‍♀️
TransRockies Run Stage 4: Just Keep Swimming….
TransRockies Run Stage 5: One More Day 😥😁
TransRockies Run Stage 6: I did it! 🎉🍾

TransRockies Run: View from the Back of the Pack

Posted on by by Lisa Pozzoni

PINCH ME!
It’s been a week since I crossed the Stage 6 finish line and I still can’t believe I finally did it!

Finish line Stage 6!

What is the TransRockies run?
120 miles in 6 days, in over 8K+ feet of elevation with
20K+ feet of elevation gain!

“The route of the Run will take place at elevations between 7,400 and 12,600 feet above sea level. Based on the preliminary route proposal (subject to change and approval by the U.S. Forest Service), the percent of distance at various elevations is as follows:

  • 7,000′ to 8,000′ – 3%

  • 8,000′ to 9,000′ – 31%

  • 9,000′ to 10,000′ – 28%

  • 10,000′ to 11,000′ – 27%

  • 11,000′ to 12,000′ – 10%

  • 12,000′ to 13,000′ – 1%”

Here is the 6 day course!

This was one of the most epic and memorable experiences of my life!

Although I had it on my bucket list for years, it wasn’t until February of 2019 when it started becoming a reality. It was definitely out of my budget (totally worth every single penny!). My friend Joan sent me an email asking if I knew anything about this race. They needed volunteers for 6 days. I was beside myself as I would be able to get race credits for volunteering and finally do the race!  I wrote about my volunteer experience here. We were supposed to do the race in 2020 but….
COVID. 🙄
2020 came and went and it finally got approved for 2021!  It was finally happening! 😊

The AZ Girls (as Houda, the race director, nicknamed us while volunteering), started training in early April. We followed a plan that was recommended in the TransRockies Facebook Group. As you might imagine, the training was not easy. It was a decent amount of mileage but we also had to do it in the heat. Not only because we didn’t have a choice with our AZ summer but also because they recommend heat training to replace elevation if you don’t have it available.

Because this was a 6 day stage race, there are too many things to share and I don’t want this blog to be a bazillion words. I am recapping here. I plan on writing a blog series which will include a recap of each stage of the race over the next 6 weeks (hopefully! 🤞).

What went well….

I can’t believe how great I felt overall over the 6 days. We averaged 20 miles a day with some days being harder than other depending on the elevation gain and elevation we were in.  I attribute feeling great to:

  • ChiRunning/ChiWalking: Technique is always one of the biggest factors that contribute to MY running success. I am pretty sure I power hiked over 50% of the race due to the elevation gain but technique was always at my forefront. Not only does it make it easier to move when you are in proper form but your recovery time is less because you are moving more efficiently. I only took 4 Advil during the entire week. One of them was for a headache and 2 of them were on the last day when I could feel a twinge in my left knee (more on that below)
  • Training: This is not a race you can get by without training. We found a training plan and I was able to complete 86% of the mileage in the plan. Ideally this would be higher but happy that I was able to get this in considering my crazy schedule lately.
  • Poles: I’ve always thought of getting running poles but never did. They were recommended for this race so I finally got some and trained with them. These were a game changer. Poles definitely helped with efficiency. I also had some great technique aha moments with them. I can’t help it, I geek out on technique. 🤣 I didn’t have a great way to store them when I didn’t need them. I held them horizontally (still full length) and kept my arms at a 90 degree angle as I swung my elbows back. I couldn’t rotate my upper body (waste of energy and a lot of people do this) so my arms actually swung freely from my shoulders while staying stable. The length of the poles must’ve assisted in balancing my movement because I could really feel my pelvic rotation happening. This was fantastic for some fast ChiWalking but even more effective when running down hills.  I was flying! I used the Black Diamond DISTANCE FLZ TREKKING POLES – WOMEN’S.
  • Elevated Legs:  They were one of the race sponsors. I did some stretching in the evening but on I decided to use these on Day 3-5. I did 10 min on Day 3, 20 min on Day 4 and 30 min on Day 5. The idea is that the compression increases blood flow and helps to clear fatigue causing metabolites and reduce inflammation.
  • My Why?: I always have my athletes write down their Why? when they start training for an event. It’s important to know why you want to do something. It must be a strong Why too…..one that will help you get motivated when the going gets tough.  I had 2 major Whys. Both of these motivated me to complete that 86% of my training plan (I am sure it would’ve been a lower percentage) and also helped me through some rough spots while on the course:
    1. I wanted to see 120 miles of trails I’ve never been on before!
    2. I wanted to push outside my comfort zone. The longest I’ve ever done is 100K in one day but I’ve never done this much mileage at this high of elevation in this amount of time.
  • Altra Running Shoes: I am an ambassador and these are the only shoes I wear for all my running. I brought the Timps 3 (first time using this model and loved them!) and the Lone Peaks 5 (a regular shoe for trails). I love everything about my Altra shoes.
  • Daily strategy: I was not in a hurry to get through the day!  I had no to do list other than get the mileage done every day! It took me 46 hours, 18 minutes and 31 seconds. I came in 9th to last....and I don’t care! My plan was to enjoy all those miles of trails that I’ve never been on. I probably ChiWalked/Hiked 50% of the run (note it’s called the TransRockies Run and not Race. Although it is a race, they are strategic with that title). I have no interest in racing. As a matter of fact, 4 of the 6 days, I did Dawn Patrol. This was created for people (thank to Mirna the Mirnavator) who wanted some extra time. I was able to start earlier and not worry about the daily cutoff. I ran on flats and the downhills and ChiWalked the hills. I just wanted to enjoy this different nature landscape and I wasn’t in a hurry to get through it.

What I could’ve done better…

While I am very happy with how the week went because I felt so good, there is always room for improvement:

  • Specific Training: While I followed the mileage on the plan, and did a decent amount of hill training, I could’ve done a better job doing steeper hills (up and down).  On Day 5 I felt a slight twinge in my left knee. I am great at body sensing (we teach this in ChiRunning) and I knew exactly what it was. It was overuse of the steep downhill technique. Even though I had my poles and ChiRunning to help me, I didn’t do enough of this movement in my training so I wasn’t used to all of it. While I wasn’t able to get it to go away, I was able to alleviate it by focusing on my alignment, increasing my cadence and focusing on pelvic rotation. The training also called for Stairs. I did the elliptical a handful of times but could’ve used more hill work and stairs.
  • Strength Training: This is one of my weaknesses even though I am a personal trainer. I did more than usual but more wouldn’t hurt.
  • Camping Prep/Weather: Part of the race is camping out for all 5 nights (there is a hotel package option as well). While I enjoy camping, this added a level of difficulty.  It really wasn’t necessarily the camping but the weather during the 1st  few days. I managed to keep my stuff mostly dry but the grass was wet and cold. I didn’t sleep as well as I would’ve liked and waking up in the middle of the night to use the porta potties when the ground is wet and cold is no fun. But I sucked it all up because I was living my dash! 
  • Be more social? One of the things I love most in life (and about TransRockies) is community. I am an extrovert in general and I LOVE people. I got to see a lot of people I met in 2019 as well as meet some new friends. I used a question mark because this was fairly strategic for me too. I love running but it’s also what I do a for a living. I love cheering on my athletes and helping them celebrate finish lines they never thought possible. I issue a lot of energy with my job and this was my time to renew before my Fall programs started. This race was all about me and for me. I was in a much more self reflective mode during this week…I couldn’t believe it was finally happening. While I spent several miles with friends, I spent many miles alone. I didn’t listen to any music and tried to be  “in the moment” as much possible. These were some of my most enjoyable moments during the race.

Bottom line

This event helped me realize that I can do anything I put my mind to. I can’t even explain how driven I was every day to get out there and enjoy 7ish hours of new trails, even with bad weather! It was almost like I was in a weird trance.

This race strengthened my love for trails and endurance running. It’s one of the best well run events that I’ve been part of (as a volunteer and runner).  Huge props and thanks to the TransRockies team!  Kevin “Houda”, the Race Director, is one of the best leaders and coolest humans I know! Also a HUGE thanks to all the volunteers!

So the big question is……..  Will I do it again?  🤔

It’s honestly too early for me to say. 2022 is the 15th Anniversary and it’s already sold out!  I could still volunteer? I can’t really make any commitments right now but I am pretty sure that this year was not the last time I’ll be there…whether it’s as a volunteer or a runner, who knows but I am sure I’ll be back!

I am recapping my TransRockies Run Experience (titles are clickable links):
Behind the Scenes: TransRockies Run Volunteer Gig (2019)
TransRockies Run: View from the Back of the Pack (Recap)
TransRockies 2021: Stage 0 & 1 Shenanigans 
TransRockies Run Stage 2: Iconic Hope Pass!
TransRockies Run Stage 3: My favorite? 🤷🏽‍♀️
TransRockies Run Stage 4: Just Keep Swimming….
TransRockies Run Stage 5: One More Day 😥😁
TransRockies Run Stage 6: I did it! 🎉🍾

Stage 3: Leadville to Nova Guides (maybe my favorite stage? so hard to pick!)

My first DNF: Did Not Finish 🙄

Posted on by by Lisa Pozzoni

Who celebrates a DNF with a shot of Fireball?  THIS girl!

DNF stands for Did Not Finish and can be a runners worst nightmare.  

Some runners put a lot of time into training for an event, money into gear, traveling etc. Making a call to DNF can seem like you’re making a decision to QUIT.

Depending on what race it is, a DNF shows on your “official” record and drops your overall “score”down.  Some sponsored athletes are “forced” to DNF if it looks like they won’t place well at a race because it may make the company they are representing look bad.

So there are a lot of negative emotions around DNFing.

Several of my athletes have DNFd races before.  Some were “valid” reason while some were not (in my opinion).

Making the decision to DNF is a big one because it could be construed as quitting and most people don’t like to be quitters.

While the reason to DNF is personal, here  are a few reasons why it would be a consideration in the middle of a race:

  • you got injured during the race and continuing to run could cause surgery or not running again for awhile 
  • you’re not feeling good (sick to stomach, etc) and you could be in further danger of hurting yourself 
  • you’re putting yourself in harms way 
  • you die (morbid idea but possible!)
  • at some point you decide it’s ok to make the call to quit because you’re not having fun anymore, it’s not your A race or it just doesn’t matter and the world won’t end because you have a  DNF 😃 (THIS!!)

I went into this race knowing the very top of it was going to be a big challenge for me. A few friends did it last year and the last 500 so feet is scrambling on hands and knees to the very top. I have no problem scrambling but it was at high elevation and I’m deathly afraid of heights. 

Heading to the top of that mountain behind us! 3500 feet of elevation gain in 6 miles!

I signed up for this race because it was perfect timing for some altitude and elevation training for TransRockies (my bucket list and A race of the year!). I had never done it before. One of my #trurribeteam members Jan, did it last year and said it was the hardest yet best thing she had ever done.  I decided to make it a Ladies Training Program and a few of us decided to get out of our comfort zone. 

When I picked up my race bib, it was number 252. This is a special number for Greg and I. It was our first apartment number. When we moved into it, we found 2 quarters and 2 pennies! (coincidentally Sunset Point of the I-17 is Exit #252 too)

Anyways….it was a lucky number for me.

As I started climbing up, I had the voice in the back of my head whispering about that final scramble.  From the start, this race was no joke.  First of all I was tired from my cumulative training which included doing the 2nd hardest race I’ve ever done the day before (Silverton Alpine Marathon).  Add the altitude and hard climb and I was averaging 35-45 min miles.  I checked the cutoff the day before and say that I had 5.5 hours to complete it.  The higher I climbed, the less likely it looked like I could finish in that time.  Mind you, it was an out and back so the return would be downhill but it was also a pretty steep downhill so not as runnable for me. I finally got the “top” and was greeted by 2 of my friends who were volunteering at the aid station.  I looked at the scramble and my first thought was:

I told them I was thinking of DNFing right away.  They encouraged me to go so I figured I’d put in my big grill panties and suck it up.  While I looked up at everyone on their hands and knees scrambling on loose rock, my heart was pounding as I made the attempt. My feet kept slipping and I really wanted to be one of those people doing it….but I realized I was completely miserable in that moment, was not having fun, I was more than likely not going to finish on the 530 hrs AND my A race was happening in 3 weeks!

I laid there for a few minutes with my face inches from the dirt, got really present and debated sucking it up or DNFing. 

One of the things I ask my athletes right away when they are signing up for a race is what’s your Why?  My why for this race was strictly getting a good training run in.

TRR has been in my bucket list for years, I volunteered a few years ago and was supposed to run it last year but Covid…there was no way in hell I was letting this race get in the way.  Anything could’ve happened and I wasn’t about to really to take the risk.

I turned around and told my friends I was making the call.  They were so sweet.  They tried to convince me not to DNF and offered to help me up the mountain but I had already made up my mind.  I was making a very mindful choice to take the DNF. Once the decision was made, a weight was lifted off my shoulders and I could relax.  I “celebrated” with an Instagram live and a shot of fireball and starts climbing back down.  Good news is that I wasn’t swept off the mountain so I only missed about .4 miles of the 12 and still got a great day of training done.

I won’t lie and say I was a little bit disappointed in myself…. however Kendall Mtn was not my A race and I truly believe that I made the right decision. 

The key was getting present, think about my WHY, being mindful and not letting my ego get the best of me!

I remember listening to a podcast from Trail Runner Nation awhile ago and one thing stuck in my head. Coach Jimmy Dean Freeman used these words instead for the acronym: Do Nothing Foolish.

I am super proud of myself for not doing anything foolish and at the end of the day, I still had an epic weekend of training mileage at altitude with elevation gain so I’d say it was a success in my book!

 

TRU TRIBE Member Spotlight: Cyndi Rusin

Posted on by by Lisa Pozzoni

Every week I pull up the Member Engagement report to see who has engaged the most the week before who hasn’t been nominated yet.  This week we meet Cyndi Rusin. She just became a member after joining us at track last month.

Why did you start running?
This time is because I heard about Lisa and the running university and thought I don’t want to just hear and learn about chi running, I want to experience it.

What age did you start running?
I believe I was in my 30’s

How old are you now?
63

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far from your running journey?
It’s so much better running with a coach teaching you form and body awareness. And the bonus is running with other women who are encouraging and welcoming.

What advice would you give a beginner runner?
Find a coach and a group that feels right for you. There strength and support in groups.

What would you do differently knowing what you know now?
I would have stretched more after warming up and after running. I also would have been more consistent with the stretching and running

What is your longest race distance and why?
I ran in the inaugural Rock n Roll Marathon. I did the 26 miles just under 5 hrs. I got involved in running then to help with the depression after my son passing.

Do you have a bucket list race or distance?
I’d like to do one of those moon lit runs on the trails that I’ve heard about.

What has been your favorite race and/or distance so far?
The marathon was the longest distance.

What is your favorite color?
Forest Green

What is your favorite post race food and drink?
I will have to cross another finish line and see what seems right, but I’m thinking sweet potato fries and a beer.

Anything else you want to share with the TRU TRIBE Team.
So glad I finally said yes to “giving it a go” with the tribe.

Click here for more Member Spotlight Inspiration!

TRU TRIBE Member Spotlight: Ann Blatte

Posted on by by Lisa Pozzoni

Every week I pull up the Member Engagement report to see who has engaged the most the week before who hasn’t been nominated yet.  This week we meet Ann Blatte

Why did you start running?
When I moved to Arizona I didn’t know anyone except my husband and kids. I saw Lisa’s women’s running camp advertised in our HOA newspaper and thought it would be a great way to meet people and get some exercise in. Boy was I right. Every good friend I have in Arizona somehow stemmed from that original camp. It’s probably the single best decision I have ever made.

What age did you start running?
I think I was 50. My first half marathon was the 2010 Arizona Rock n Roll and I don’t think I’d been running a full year before that race.

How old are you now?
62 – but not for much longer!

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far from your running journey?
I can do so much more than I ever imagined.

What advice would you give a beginner runner?
Join a group so you have people to keep you motivated and accountable. It also helps to have a race to train for.

What would you do differently knowing what you know now?
I would have started running many years earlier!

What is your longest race distance and why?
I did one full marathon and I’m still asking myself why! I would have DNF’d but Lisa stayed with me and got me through it.

Do you have a bucket list race or distance?
Raccoon Mountain Half Marathon in Chattanooga, Tennessee. It’s part road, part trail, and you get a (faux fur) coonskin cap at the end!

What has been your favorite race and/or distance so far?
I took a running cruise to Alaska and the last race was a 10K though the Tongass National Forest. The miles were not marked and we were not allowed to wear timing devices. That made it easy to relax and embrace the pure joy of running through pristine scenery and fresh air.  However, we were warned to always stay within sight of other runners because grizzlies are out there, so believe me I kept moving! It was probably my fastest 10K ever.

What is your favorite color?
Purple

What is your favorite post race food and drink?
Beer – does that count as a food too?

Click here for more Member Spotlight Inspiration!

TRU TRIBE Member Spotlight: Nora Carrillo

Posted on by by Lisa Pozzoni

Every week I pull up the Member Engagement report to see who has engaged the most the week before who hasn’t been nominated yet.  This week we meet Nora Carrillo.

 

Why did you start running?
I wanted to be a sprinter like FloJo. Took up longer distances as I got older

What age did you start running?
14

How old are you now?
50

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far from your running journey?
To enjoy running for the things it allows you to do: Meet awesome people, see great places, and to get to know yourself.

What advice would you give a beginner runner?
Don’t compare yourself to other runners, just focus on you.

What would you do differently knowing what you know now?
Stretch more.

What is your longest race distance and why?
55K to see what I need to do to finish a 50M.

Do you have a bucket list race or distance?
Climb Mt. Kilimanjaro.

What has been your favorite race and/or distance so far?
Favorite race is a tie between Marine Corp Marathon and Monument Valley for the scenery.  Favorite distance is 50K.

What is your favorite color?
Green

What is your favorite post race food and drink?
Coke with hamburger and fries.

Click here for more Member Spotlight Inspiration!

TRU TRIBE Member Spotlight: Devin Pope

Posted on by by Lisa Pozzoni

Every week I pull up the Member Engagement report to see who has engaged the most the week before who hasn’t been nominated yet.  This week we meet Devin Pope.

 

Why did you start running?
I grew up watching my Dad run triathlons and participating in the kid runs, but I owned wanting to be a runner in college. I had started a desk job and was in classes and was planning my wedding and thought, “I want to get in shape, I should train for a marathon!” It was a little much but I’m glad I did it. I think I was attracted to running because it was accessible and gave me time to think.  I continue to run because, at the same time, it’s a challenge and a comfort. There’s always something to work on (form, breathing, etc). And if I’m feeling really crappy going for a walk or run is a surefire way to feel better.

What age did you start running?
20

How old are you now?
28

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far from your running journey?
I’ve learned my body can do WAY more than I think.

What advice would you give a beginner runner?
Invest in some coaching. Take it slow. Make it a lifelong practice.

What would you do differently knowing what you know now?
I’d buy zero drop shoes earlier

What is your longest race distance and why?
Marathon in 2013! I was really driven to achieve a marathon and even though I cut corners on training I finished it and am super proud of it.

Do you have a bucket list race or distance?
I’d love to run a destination half marathon!

What has been your favorite race and/or distance so far?
My favorite distance right now is the 10k. It makes me feel accomplished and strong all within an hour or so. My favorite race is the Mesa Turkey Trot, my family and I have done it most years starting back in 2004 and I hope to get back to it this year.

What is your favorite color?
Blue! But it changes

What is your favorite post race food and drink?
Beer and beer!

Anything else you want to share with the TRU TRIBE Team.
Keep running! You all inspire me:)

Click here for more Member Spotlight Inspiration!

TRU TRIBE Member Spotlight: Mary Mulvaney

Posted on by by Lisa Pozzoni

Every week I pull up the Member Engagement report to see who has engaged the most the week before who hasn’t been nominated yet.  This week we meet Mary Mulvaney

 

Why did you start running?
Started as an incentive from work toward benefits & prizes.

What age did you start running?
43

How old are you now?
54

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far from your running journey?
I CAN do it!

What advice would you give a beginner runner?
Believe in yourself.

What would you do differently knowing what you know now?
Training and stop saying “well I start tomorrow” .

What is your longest race distance and why?
Half Marathon. Originally thought of it as a long term goal that I would work towards.

Do you have a bucket list race or distance?
I’ve wanted to do a DisneyWorld 1/2 Marathon but then I saw that Rock N Roll in Ireland and thought that be really awesome.

What has been your favorite race and/or distance so far?
Not a race per se but I’ve done Relay for Life with my Mom & Sister in memory of my dad. At a different Relay for distance I wanted to do the equivalent of the years he past (20) which = 5 miles (I wasn’t prepared for 20 miles, lol)

What is your favorite color?
Green

What is your favorite post race food and drink?
Probably shouldn’t admit it but I usually stop at fast food and get cheeseburger and coke (Coach Lisa says treat yourself!)

Click here for more Member Spotlight Inspiration!

TRU TRIBE Member Spotlight: Jodi Williams

Posted on by by Lisa Pozzoni

Every week I pull up the Member Engagement report to see who has engaged the most the week before who hasn’t been nominated yet.  This week we meet Jodi Williams!

Why did you start running?
Thanks to the Army.  Never ran in high school.  I didn’t run for quite a few years once I was out of the Army.  Decided to get back into it about 15 years ago for health reasons and realized I kinda liked it!

What age did you start running?
Hmm about 18, when I went to boot camp.

How old are you now?
53

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far from your running journey?
That it’s ok to be a slow poke!  I’m just starting with Tru Tribe & The Running University so I’m sure I’ll learn more!

What advice would you give a beginner runner?
Ease into it, find the pace that fits you and keep working at it

What would you do differently knowing what you know now?
Be a little more consistent  .

What is your longest race distance and why?
Tel Aviv 10K last Feb.  I was visiting a friend there she signed up for the half.  Other options were a 5k, 10k and full and I wanted a distance a little more than a 5k.
(this has changed since she filled this out! She did the Dam Good Run 13K this past weekend: first trail race and longest race!)

Do you have a bucket list race or distance?
Dam Run 13k right now, possibly a 1/2 marathon later down the road
(she can mark this off her list now!)

What has been your favorite race and/or distance so far?
The few 10ks that I’ve down over the years

What is your favorite color?
Blue

What is your favorite post race food and drink?
Water, or a vitaminwater

Anything else you want to share with the TRU TRIBE Run Team.
I like run with my pup Cleo

Click here for more Member Spotlight Inspiration!

TRU TRIBE Member Spotlight: Angie McIntyre

Posted on by by Lisa Pozzoni

Every week I pull up the Member Engagement report to see who has engaged the most the week before who hasn’t been nominated yet.  This week we meet Angie McIntyre!

Why did you start running?
I started running the day after the Mesa Turkey Trot in 2013. For years prior, I had enjoyed walking in the 1 mile Fun Run and cheering for the runners in my life. That day, while watching others run across the 5K and 10K finish line I thought to myself, “Running looks like more fun.” I had never considered running before in my life.

What age did you start running?
I was about to turn 50 when I started running.

How old are you now?
I’m now 57 years old and have never felt better!

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far from your running journey?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned so far from my running journey is to get small wins every day and trust that they will add up to something better than you could have imagined.

What advice would you give a beginner runner?
My advice for beginner runners is to trust the whisper in your ear to run, no matter how outrageous you or your people think it is. Don’t wait or put off the call! Claim running and name yourself a runner right away, even if it feels a little uncomfortable at first. Invest in excellent personal coaching, equipment, and online/book learning. Treat and reward yourself often in ways that don’t undermine your running (personally, chocolate and beer never undermine my running!) Hold in your heart that running is yours, something you do with yourself and for yourself. Look for and find your running people. Then use the success, love, and energy you gain through running and give it away to those you love and those most in need.

What would you do differently knowing what you know now?
I wouldn’t do anything differently knowing what I know now, which is so sweet. My running journey is filled with ups, downs, and sideways, but that is where the learning is, where the story worth telling is. Up front, I’m grateful to have been a raw, clumsy, down-right can’t run from my home to my neighbor’s home two houses away, barely running runner. I’m glad I kept my running hopes private until I had a little confidence and reached out for help, starting with my family. It gave me the time I needed to dig deep on my own and for our family to acclimate to my bigger goals.

What is your longest race distance and why?
I ran my first marathon on January 31, 2021! My family and I did an at-home event that included 8 laps of 3.28 miles around my neighborhood. We did it this way because we were inspired by others who found creative running solutions during the pandemic, to include those who ran marathons in their apartment, on their balcony, or in their driveway!

Do you have a bucket list race or distance?
I love road races and am interested in Rock n Roll (Phoenix, San Diego) and Big Sur. It would be a big privilege to run Boston or Marine. For distance, I look forward to training for trail and Crown King 50K

What has been your favorite race and/or distance so far?
Asking which is my favorite race is like asking me to choose my favorite child! Every race I’ve run has meant so much to me, seriously tears in my eyes as I type. As for distance, I really enjoy 10-12 miles, my current sweet spot.

What is your favorite color?
Blue, blue, and more blue is my favorite color.

What is your favorite post race food and drink?
Guinness beer after a long run is my favorite food and drink.

Anything else you want to share with the TRU TRIBE Run Team.
It is my privilege and joy to love and learn from Lisa and this running family, TRU TRIBE.

You can also visit Angie’s website here and read one her latest blog posts: 26 Ways Running A Marathon Can Make You More Generous

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