Every week we highlight one of our members from the TRU TRIBE Run Team. Meet Arizona ChiWalking Instructor Geri Clark.  If we can do it, so can you!

Why did you start running?
I am a walker, so all my answers will relate to walking! I started consistently began walking as my main form of exercise when I moved here to Arizona.  There were many walking trails close by and it was a great opportunity to get out and explore my new neighborhood and it just continued from there.

What age did you start running?
45

How old are you now?
70

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far from your running journey?
To take time to enjoy the journey. Not to be so concerned how far or how fast, but how much I am enjoying my time outdoors!

What advice would you give a beginner runner?
Be kind to yourself.  If you have not been active, take it one day at a time.  You are a work in progress!

What would you do differently knowing what you know now?
I would have gotten involved with the ChiWalking program much sooner!

What is your longest race distance and why?
I haven’t done any distance races.

Do you have a bucket list race or distance?
My bucket list walk at the moment is the Milford Track in New Zealand. I was planning on going the beginning of 2021, but that may have to be put off a little longer.

What has been your favorite race and/or distance so far?
My favorite places to walk/hike are in the McDowell Sonoran Preserves. There are so many trails to choose from that every time I go there it is a new experience.

What is your favorite color?
It varies, right now it’s Teal.

What is your favorite post race food and drink?
Don’t really have a consistent favorite!

Anything else you want to share with the TRU TRIBE Run Team.
Stay safe, stay healthy and stay active!

Follow Geri on Instagram here.

Click here for more Member Spotlight Inspiration!

Every week we highlight one of our members from the TRU TRIBE Run Team. Meet Yuko Miyazawa.  If we can do it, so can you!

Why did you start running?
I started to run after saying “no” to my best friend, who has been organizing a running team in my church for 8 years.  I took my very first step because of a couple of reasons:  I wanted to start fitness to reduce my stress from single parenting and I wanted to do something big and challenging for a great cause.  The church running team has been a part of the organization called World Vision to raise awareness and funds to provide the clean water so kids in Africa do not need to walk 6km to fetch the dirty water and they would have a time to get educated.

What age did you start running?
49.

How old are you now?
50

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far from your running journey?
With the right training, persistency and wisdom, we can overcome a big challenge like a marathon race.   Please note I was not an athlete and not a runner but I was able to cross the finish line.

What advice would you give a beginner runner?
You can accomplish your goal if you set your mind to it.  In an African proverb, it says “if you want to go faster, you go alone.  If you want to go further, you go together.”  I believe in the accountability, fellowship and encouragement from the team.  If you are a member in Tru Tribe or The Running University or ChiRunning/Walking, you have your team.  You can do it.  Believe in the training process and take one day at a time.

What would you do differently knowing what you know now?
I would definitely sign up for ChiRunning from the beginning and would ask the ChiRunning instructor (Coach Lisa) to help me on the basics.  I will also incorporate my running training with strengthening training.

What is your longest race distance and why?
2019 Chicago Marathon

Do you have a bucket list race or distance?
NYC Marathon, Mt. Fuji International Marathon

What has been your favorite race and/or distance so far?
6K (there is such a race not 5k) because I was able to relate my race to kids in Africa.  Also I was able to run faster due to the shorter distance than Marathon.

What is your favorite color?
Teal

What is your favorite post race food and drink?
Krispy Kreme Donut, red grapefruit and Synergy Gingeraid  Kombucha (I cannot drunk alcohol) and anything salty

Anything else you want to share with the TRU TRIBE Run Team.
I love animals but especially cats. I am a fabulous cook.

Click here for more Member Spotlight Inspiration!

Every week we highlight one of our members from the TRU TRIBE Run Team. Meet Amanda Hawkins!  If we can do it, so can you!

Why did you start running?
My first kiddo was 2 years old and I desperately needed to reclaim some of my time. I signed up for the Aids Walk Phoenix and started following the Couch to 5k app. I’d go out around 8p at night to get out of doing kid bedtime routine. Oh, motherhood – ha! I was so proud that I finished the race without walking even though I could not keep up with the speed walkers. 🙃 .

What age did you start running?
34

How old are you now?
41

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far from your running journey?
That it’s so much better with friends and a community that is right there with you.

What advice would you give a beginner runner?
The advice I give EVERY beginner runner, come to track with me and meet Lisa! 🥳

What would you do differently knowing what you know now?
I wish I had started running earlier. It’s taken me years to get out of my head about not looking or feeling like a runner – being too slow. That it’s not about loosing weight because who freaking cares already, I hate that women spend so much time and energy on that.  Just move your body and appreciate everything it can do for you because it feels good and that’s enough.

What is your longest race distance and why?
25k @ McDowell Mountain Frenzy / Ladies training program with Lisa. I don’t remember why exactly, I think the training plan for it lined up nicely with Ragnar.

Do you have a bucket list race or distance?
Not a specific race or distance but I’d really LOVE to do a big through hike one day. Arizona trail for sure and maybe parts of the Pacific Crest Trail.

What has been your favorite race and/or distance so far?
I don’t really ever enjoy the actual race. What I do love is Lisa’s training programs, planning group runs, drinking beers afterwards, all the social parts and friends I’ve made, following a training plan, early morning solo runs on the canal in Gilbert… I do really love Ragnar McDowell though, my teams the last three years have been so amazing and I’m missing them now. Next year!

What is your favorite color?
Green

What is your favorite post race food and drink?
Freak Brothers vegan pizza and an ice cold seltzer please!

Click here for more Member Spotlight Inspiration!

Every week we highlight one of our members from the TRU TRIBE Run Team. Meet Tracy Carlson!  If we can do it, so can you!

Why did you start running?
Friend registered for the first Rock and Roll marathon in Az and wanted to join her. Had never ran or walked before.

What age did you start running?
49

How old are you now?
65

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far from your running journey?
Have a positive mindset. Try. New experiences enhance your well being.  And have fun.

What advice would you give a beginner runner?
You can do it

What would you do differently knowing what you know now?
Nothing

What is your longest race distance and why?
Marathon. Need to go the distance

Do you have a bucket list race or distance?
At least two races+ a year.

What has been your favorite race and/or distance so far?
I have several. NYC marathon. Great experience. Big Pines Double Down with great TRU TRIBE friends.

What is your favorite color?
Orange

What is your favorite post race food and drink?
Banana and a beer

Anything else you want to share with the TRU TRIBE Run Team.
Push your limits

Click here for more Member Spotlight Inspiration!

Every week we highlight one of our members from the TRU TRIBE Run Team. Meet Melinda Mulholland-Frei!  If we can do it, so can you!

Why did you start running?
I started running after being diagnosed with Chronic Pancreatitis and COPD in the same year. After going through a bit of a period of inactivity (likely due to depression about said diagnosis) I decided I wanted to run to maintain good health. I was previously the one who hated running so much, I used to ditch PE class 🙂

What age did you start running?
50

How old are you now?
53

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far from your running journey?
This is about ME…not anyone else. I have huge competitive drive, but I will never be a lead runner, and in fact I have continued to get slower due to breathing and weight issues, I am a true back of the pack runner.

What advice would you give a beginner runner?
Seek a Coach (Lisa is a fabulous one!) to learn proper form, don’t compare yourself to others, find your tribe!!! It is amazing to have a supportive group rooting for you and supporting you.

What would you do differently knowing what you know now?
I would have sought instruction sooner. Stretch, stretch, stretch, and cross train

What is your longest race distance and why?
so far, 50k and did 3 of them last year within 4 months. I never would have thought I was capable of completing that distance, but what an amazing way to challenge your limits. Chronic disease can be a limitation, I wanted to prove to myself, I will not let my condition(s) define me.

Do you have a bucket list race or distance?
The Marine Corps Marathon is my Bucket List Race, I was signed up for the full this year through the National Pancreas Foundation as a Charity Partner. I was disappointed as they reduced the minimum pace for the live event, in an effort to reduce the field. They eventually changed the entire event to virtual due to Covid. I am still going to run the full marathon virtually here in AZ, and raise funds for the National Pancreas Foundation. It will obviously not be the same as running in historic DC

What has been your favorite race and/or distance so far?
That is a hard question! I love all the Vacations Races half marathons I have completed, Tetons, Grand Canyon, Zion both day and night trail, Smoky Mountains, Lake Powell, fixed time are great to see how many miles you can accomplish overall, and visit/have fun doing so without the technical trail challenge

What is your favorite color?
I have previously said I don’t really have one, Purple has a special meaning to me not only is it TRU Tribe color, but it is also the color for Pancreatic Disease Awareness

What is your favorite post race food and drink?
Any Juicy IPA (beer can count as food, right?) 🙂

Anything else you want to share with the TRU TRIBE Run Team.
I have met some amazing people through TRU Tribe, so happy to have found this community and be part of this amazing group of wonderful, supportive women!

Click here for more Member Spotlight Inspiration!

Every week we highlight one of our members from the TRU TRIBE Run Team. Meet Alina Wingstad!  If we can do it, so can you!

Why did you start running?
I’ve started and stopped running so many times; I’m not sure I even remember what prompted me to run in the first place.  I do know that (for me) life is always better when it includes running.  I think that’s why I keep coming back for more.

What age did you start running?
I started at these ages: 13 ,18 ,20 ,25 ,27 ,30 ,35 ,40 ,45 ,50 ,51,52,53, 54! 🤣

How old are you now?
54

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far from your running journey?
It’s a ULTRA marathon, not a sprint.

What advice would you give a beginner runner?
Keep it simple. A short run is better than no run.

What would you do differently knowing what you know now?
Stop the “all or nothing” thinking.  A little bit done consistently IS the difference.

What is your longest race distance and why?
I did a trail run in Colorado 25 + years ago.  I can’t remember the distance precisely. I know it was longer than a marathon, but less than 50.  Maybe 50K?  It was awesome.

Do you have a bucket list race or distance?
Please don’t get me going…I better listen to my advice and start back with some baby size buckets. Goal #1: Running 10 minutes without stopping. Goal #10: Any of the true tribe fall semester races.

What has been your favorite race and/or distance so far?
TBD

What is your favorite color?
Yellow!  💛

What is your favorite post race food and drink?
I won’t decline a cold, post race beer. Ever.

Anything else you want to share with the TRU TRIBE Run Team.
Thank you for being so welcoming. I am looking forward to being part of this group and super excited (and a tiny bit nervous) to be on this journey with you all!

Click here for more Member Spotlight Inspiration!

Every week we highlight one of our members from the TRU TRIBE Run Team. Meet Barbie Burke!  If we can do it, so can you!

Why did you start running?
At Tempe High as a Junior, they started the first women’s tack team and I ran the 880 and the mile.  We had no uniforms and ran on dirt tracks so it was quite the experience.

What age did you start running?
15

How old are you now?
62

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far from your running journey?
Running gave me time to myself and time to reflect on things happening in life.   I have always had a lot of energy my whole life – I have been accused of having way too much energy for my age and I find if I do not work out, run or do something I have a harder time of falling asleep at night.   I really feel running and being active is something you should never stop doing.  I am constantly inspired by women older than I am who are still out there challenging themselves!

What advice would you give a beginner runner?
Do it and find a supportive group to help you get more out of it – and by that I mean the energy and fun of doing it with others adds a lot.

What would you do differently knowing what you know now?
I would have pushed myself more and kept it more consistent.   I have had times where I was so busy with work as a Realtor that I stopped running because I did not think I had time, and I then realized that running/working out would have helped me handle the stress and kept me a lot thinner too!

What is your longest race distance and why?
A marathon!  I did 6 half marathons before it so I would be ready.  I trained with a group back in 2001 called First Marathon and it was incredible training so when I ran the marathon (Marine Corps Marathon in DC) I was prepared.  My best friend lived in Colorado at the time and we made the commitment to do the marathon together although we lived in separate cities.   We both joined our respective groups to get us ready for the marathon.   My parents are both buried in Arlington National Cemetery so the marathon started outside the gates so it was an emotional run for me.

Do you have a bucket list race or distance?
I joined this community so I do have to try something longer than a marathon now, and I do like trail running since I am a big hiker!.

What has been your favorite race and/or distance so far?
I really enjoyed the 1/2 marathons the most as I seemed to get in a good rhythm

What is your favorite color?
Green, although most people think pink due to my name.   My Dad was born in Ireland, raised in the US and I do have an Irish passport.   I have been to Ireland and it is incredible.

What is your favorite post race food and drink?
Beer of course!  I have had mexican food after a lot of races before..

Anything else you want to share with the TRU TRIBE Run Team.
The first run I did with the Tribe was a trail run at night last fall at Evelym Hallman Park. I have had issues with a knee so I was nervous but felt so welcomed by the Tribe and met great women! We went out for beers and food afterwards and I knew I had met a tribe I could hang out with!

Click here for more Member Spotlight Inspiration!