Author Archives: Lisa Pozzoni

TRU TRIBE Member Spotlight: Amy Littler

Posted on by by Lisa Pozzoni

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

1st 50K 2019

Why did you start running?
I was turning 40, and wanted to do something big. Signed up for the Phoenix Rock and Roll marathon.

What age did you start running?
40

How old are you now?
51

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far from your running journey?
Runners come in all shapes and sizes.

What advice would you give a beginner runner?
Surround yourself with a tribe of supportive women. Moms Run this Town chapters in AZ and CA, and Lisa’s TRU Tribe have played huge roles in encouraging me to run.

What would you do differently knowing what you know now?
I still struggle with calling myself a runner because I, unfortunately, get stuck in pace. So if I could do something different, it would be acknowledging that I have run tons of half’s, 5 marathons and two 50ks. If I don’t do anymore races, I still have a lot to be proud of….

What is your longest race distance and why?
52k. Bucket list was 50k. Met Lisa who trained me for Frenzy. And then , like Lisa does, I completed another.

Do you have a bucket list race or distance?
Skyline to the Sea 50 in Northern CA.

What has been your favorite race and/or distance so far?
I love half marathons. The Napa half was beautiful. The swag included a jacket and a bottle of wine.

What is your favorite color?
Black to wear. And Purple for everything else

What is your favorite post race food and drink?
Burger and a frosty beer.

Anything else you want to share with the TRU TRIBE Run Team.
I am thankful and grateful for all of you. You have made many of my miles a lot of fun!

Click here for more Member Spotlight Inspiration!

1st marathon 11 years ago

TRU TRIBE Member Spotlight: Korrie Brown Gernert

Posted on by by Lisa Pozzoni

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

Why did you start running?
My dad was a runner, and used to take me and my siblings to university track meets growing up. He was always into road races, and started signing us up for the kid versions when we were probably 5 or 6.

What age did you start running?
I really don’t remember when running wasn’t a part of my life!

How old are you now?
41

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far from your running journey?
That running is something that you can literally do anywhere and in any phase of life. And it is the best way to explore new areas!

What advice would you give a beginner runner?
Get a garmin watch. The tracking and data is addictive! And it is so fun to be able to look back on your mileage and races!

What would you do differently knowing what you know now?
Take the time and spend the money to get good shoes, and learn how to run (from Lisa!! :)). Good shoes, and good form, can save you from injury!

What is your longest race distance and why?
Half marathon…because at one point that seemed daunting. I guess now that it doesn’t I should probably run something with a longer distance!

Do you have a bucket list race or distance?
I want to run a half in Europe! I love traveling for races.

What has been your favorite race and/or distance so far?
15k is my favorite distance. My favorite race was a Half Marathon I did in St. Louis a few years ago with a bunch of my family. The route was gorgeous and flat 🙂

What is your favorite color?
Black

What is your favorite post race food and drink?
Bean and rice burrito with spicy salsa and a local IPA 🙂

Anything else you want to share with the TRU TRIBE Run Team.
Having races that are traditions over the years is one of my favorite things. Especially when they are races that involve traveling, and include groups of friends!

Click here for more Member Spotlight Inspiration!

TRU TRIBE Member Spotlight: Dawn Reid

Posted on by by Lisa Pozzoni

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

Why did you start running?
I’ve run as long as I can remember. It burns off the crazy! When I run, it’s the only time my mind shuts down, and I can just “be.”

What age did you start running?
As far back as I can remember. I knew from a young age (like seven) that I liked how running made me feel – free.

How old are you now?
47; will be 48 next month.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far from your running journey?
I have peaks and valleys. And they’re both OK to have.

What advice would you give a beginner runner?
Try to have fun with it. Also, invest in good shoes!

What would you do differently knowing what you know now?
That’s a tough one. As soon as I figure it out, I’ll let y’all know.

What is your longest race distance and why?
Well, I’ve done three Ironman triathlons, so that’s 140.6 miles. If we are talking running-only, it’s the marathon. (My first marathon in 1997 was unofficially an ultra because I jogged two miles to the start to “warm up” then realized when I’d finished that I didn’t have cab fare to get home, so I hobbled the two miles home, LOL.)

Do you have a bucket list race or distance?
I’d really like to get my first official ultra soon! I think it would be cool to do TransRockies or some other multi-stage event if I ever stop working.

What has been your favorite race and/or distance so far?
The Chicago Marathon is my all-time favorite race. I’ve run it 4 times. It’s magical – if you like crowds! In terms of “racing” (back when I did such things), it’s the 13.1. Long enough to hurt, but not long enough to kill.

What is your favorite color?
Blue.

What is your favorite post race food and drink?
An ice cold beer and a plain cheeseburger.

Anything else you want to share with the TRU TRIBE Run Team.
Thanks for letting me hang out with you!

Click here for more Member Spotlight Inspiration!

Congratulations to Me: 120 miles in 14 days!

Posted on by by Lisa Pozzoni

I still can’t believe that I did it! In retrospect, I realize that this is the most miles I’ve ever done in this short period of time and the longest I’ve gone without taking a day off!  It’s one of the hardest things I’ve done and yesterday I turned 49 and 1/2!  GO ME!

8/16/20: As soon as I hit my 120 miles!

Quick background about this race (TransRockies Run: 120 miles in 6 days with 20,000 ft of elevation gain):

  • It’s been on my bucket list for about 5 years.  When I heard about it and saw the pictures, I wanted to do it. It’s not a cheap race though so I wasn’t sure when I’d ever have the chance.
  • Last year I had an opportunity to volunteer at the race which would help me get some credits to run it.  It was one of the most amazing experiences and you can read about that here.
  • This was my bucket list and A race this year.  (While I absolutely love what I do for a living as a running coach, I have learned that I need at least one major event a year for me). But then COVID19 happened…and of course they had to cancel the event.

They announced a virtual option for either 60 or 120 miles to be completed in the 15 days and I had to sign up!

My original plan was to do the 60 miles because I’m in the middle of a few big projects and I knew it would be hard for me to try to make 8 miles a day happen with the 120 miles.  However, the AZ Girls (last year’s volunteer crew) were all doing 120 miles and twisted my arm pretty quickly.  I also had been averaging 25 miles weeks and I wanted this to be a challenge….and IT WAS!

If you follow me on Instagram, you’ll know that I posted an IG Story for just about every walk/run of the challenge.  You can see the highlights here if you’re on IG.(tap on each story to move forward faster).

What did I learn while doing one of the?  Here are a few of my key takeaways….

  • I will be forever grateful for ChiRunning/ChiWalking.  I never recommend doing mileage you are not trained for…but if you do, having good technique under your belt makes a HUGE difference.  Although I walked about 60% of the mileage, I doubled my weekly mileage for 2 weeks.  While I could feel a bit of tension (I stretched just about every day too) and fatigue in my legs, my body felt great the entire time.
  • FOMO is real. I’ve blogged about this before too. Many of my TRU TRIBE teammates had signed up for the Great Race Across Tennessee (1000k to be finished from 5/1-8/31). I really really wanted to join them but I knew it would not be a good decision.  I had too much on my plate and I really didn’t want to burn myself out (which I’ve done before and learned from that experience!) before this virtual race as it was my priority this year and I didn’t want to get distracted.  I was planning on the 60 miles but as I mentioned before, between some arm twisting and a wee bit of FOMO, I decided to go for it.  I don’t regret it even though I had a breakdown on social media in the middle of the challenge.  (more on that below)
  • I had a plan and followed it.  As much as I would’ve liked to simulate the real race and do the 120 miles in 6 days, I knew that was unrealistic for many reasons. I planned to do 8 miles a day which was the daily average necessary to complete the challenge.  I looked at my calendar for the 2 weeks and saw some days where I’d get more in and vice versa.  I started tracking on my Fit Bit but that was using passive workouts which were not intentional and didn’t count.  I switched to tracking with my Garmin mid race to get more accurate results.  I was adding and averaging daily to see how much I had left as I progressed. This worked well for me. Although apparently on the TRR page, my totals ended at 118.3  because someone messaged me late on the last day to let me know this. I get in freak out mode but checked my Fitness Rankings totals.  I sent a FB message to Houda (the race director) with pics and he said I was fine! Phew!
  • Multi tasking and getting creative was necessary to get mileage done!  Managing my time was probably my biggest obstacle. I had to get creative to get my mileage in:
    • while I was walking, I used some of that time making phone calls and listening to podcasts
    • I was able to schedule some of my mileage with friends and my TRU TRIBE.  Some days I got one walk done and on some days I broke it up into 3 different workouts.
    • I woke up before my “work” group runs a few times and ran 1/4 mile loops in my apartment parking lot just so I could get it done before it was a bazillion degrees
  • It always boils down to mindset!  While I am not a believer of mind over body (I’ve seen too many people get injured with this mind frame), I do believe in mind with body. Another principle I’ve embraced from ChiRunning. There is a big difference between ignoring your body and pushing through until you get injured VS.  pushing through to overcome your mental setbacks.
    • We’ve had the hottest summer on record in Arizona and this challenge was from 8/3-8/17: prime summer heat.  I had to try and schedule runs early morning or after the sun went down.  This was not always possible. Although I could not make the heat disappear with my mindset, I could certainly embrace it and know that “it is what it is.”.  I had several days that I had to go out when the sun was beating down but I was safe by minimizing that time and being prepared for it and I embraced it. Constantly repeating how hot it is will not make it go away, as a matter of fact, it makes it worst. Accepting the heat and driving to my runs with my windows down rather than going from the AC cold car to the blazing heat really helped me acclimate.  Here is my recent blog about how and why to run in the heat. 

    • Once I had my mid race melt down, I was able to dig deep and remind myself of my Why.  This is a question I ask all the athletes before they start training for a race with me. Even more important now that we don’t know if races are happening. This was going to be my big bucket list A race this year and I would’ve been training for 4 months leading up to it.  That opportunity was taken away from me by COVID19 so I replaced it with the virtual event.  I was going to finish this race no matter what it was going to take.  Here is my IG post about my meltdown and the IGTV video that I did later that day.
    • One of the things I loved/hated about the challenge was trying to figure how I was going to get it all done.  It was so rewarding at the end to know that it all came together although I doubted myself several times!

Yesterday was 8/19, my half birthday.  I turned 49 1/2 and I’ve never felt better!  I know too many people that keep repeating how old they are, and how much harder things are….while some of this is fact that I can’t deny, mindset and how you take care of your body have a lot to do with this as well.

As I age, I keep surprising myself by doing things I never thought possible. This is a first time experience for me as far as number of miles in this short of time, without taking a day off….I have some pretty big goals as I prepare for my 50th year around the sun in 2021, and the real TransRockies Run is definitely on the list among a few other crazy endeavors…..stay tuned!

TRU TRIBE Member Spotlight: Pat Eisenberg

Posted on by by Lisa Pozzoni

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

 

Why did you start running?
To catch the bus! Seriously, I took public transit to the university for years and every day I was running, either to get to class on time or to catch the last bus home.

What age did you start running?
40 ( I know, late) – I always walked a lot though.

How old are you now?
60+

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far from your running journey?
Summer is not my favorite season!

What advice would you give a beginner runner?
Remember your goals! When you get discouraged, wondering why you’re doing this, remember WHY you wanted to do it! It’s still there for you!

What would you do differently knowing what you know now?
I’d start earlier!

What is your longest race distance and why?
I haven’t raced – more focused on walking – probably 18 miles is my longest walk, and that was years ago in my 20’s

Do you have a bucket list race or distance?
No

What has been your favorite race and/or distance so far?
I am still a beginner really, trying to do ChiWalking well enough to move into running

What is your favorite color?
Periwinkle – a blue just starting to shade into purple

What is your favorite post race food and drink?
Water and lots of it, then iced tea and an apple

Anything else you want to share with the TRU TRIBE Run Team.
I love this group! The meeting with Courtney Dauwalter was great, and the one before that too, with Robin Afinowich. Seriously, you guys are keeping me going.

Click here for more Member Spotlight Inspiration!

TRU TRIBE Member Spotlight: Buffy Halvorson

Posted on by by Lisa Pozzoni

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

Why did you start running?
Feel better, and meet friends and like minded people.

What age did you start running?
38

How old are you now?
Will be 40 in August.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far from your running journey?
To be patient with yourself.

What advice would you give a beginner runner?
Start out slow and don’t burn yourself out. .

What would you do differently knowing what you know now?
I wouldn’t have gone so hard right away.  I kinda got burnt out the first year juggling family and running events.

What is your longest race distance and why?
Half marathon

Do you have a bucket list race or distance?
Not really, I would like to build up to a half again.

What has been your favorite race and/or distance so far?
Pine Runs. I think it was a 9 mile. I love the trails and night races.  Very calming to me.

What is your favorite color?
PINK. Anything bright. 😜💕

What is your favorite post race food and drink?
Pasta and wine of course hahaha

Anything else you want to share with the TRU TRIBE Run Team.
I would love to get to know the rest of all of you ladies.

Buffy Halverson, Buffy’s Salon

1030 s Gilbert rd. Gilbert, AZ 85296, 480-431-2036

FB:  www.facebook.com/buffyssalon
IG: www.instagram.com/buffyssalon
https://www.vagaro.com/buffyssalon

 

TRU TRIBE Member Spotlight: Darla Demlong

Posted on by by Lisa Pozzoni

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

Why did you start running?
For tennis and stay in shape

What age did you start running?
Mom said that I left the crib running……

How old are you now?
Senior 60!

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far from your running journey?
Stay in the moment. Be grateful to have a body and mind to go any distance

What advice would you give a beginner runner?
Be kind to yourself at whatever level of running.  Get solid training from a coach who you can connect with 😀 .

What would you do differently knowing what you know now?
Have a coach

What is your longest race distance and why?
Sierra Nevada Double Marathon 52.4 Trail race.  Part of it was on the Western States course.   A very Magical place

Do you have a bucket list race or distance?
60K

What has been your favorite race and/or distance so far?
Avalon 50 Miler

What is your favorite color?
Pink

What is your favorite post race food and drink?
Potato Chips & Wine

Anything else you want to share with the TRU TRIBE Run Team.
Grateful for the positive vibes.

 

TRU TRIBE Member Spotlight: Katherine Ramirez

Posted on by by Lisa Pozzoni

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

Why did you start running?
I was in one of life’s rough patches and decided to start taking care of myself.

What age did you start running?
I ran track in high school, but didn’t really start running until 2012. ( I was 33 then.)

How old are you now?
41 and proud of it lol

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far from your running journey?
Endurance for the journey, regardless of speed.  And it allowed me to accomplish something that someone else couldn’t take credit for.

What advice would you give a beginner runner?
Love the ride…  Good runs, bad runs, wet runs, hot runs, snow runs, hill runs- be proud you got it done.  And don’t compare- you are running your own journey, not theirs.

What would you do differently knowing what you know now?
Nothing…  All of it compiled makes me the runner and person I am today.

What is your longest race distance and why?
It was actually with Sonia on Mt.Ord training for Crown King.  I think we did around 18 miles.  I usually run alone, so I was thankful to have the company and energy she provided.

Do you have a bucket list race or distance?
I’ve always wanted to do at least one marathon- but am still eyeing Crown King since the race was cancelled earlier this year.  I’m also interested in vacation running.  Having run in about 8 or so states, I’d like to vacation in all the states and tackle a run 🙂

What has been your favorite race and/or distance so far?
By far- the half marathon called Queen Bee in Ohio.  It is geared towards women and had some kind of goody at each mile.  But I think it was my favorite because I had just given birth to Kora 4 months earlier and I was worried I would DNF, but finished well despite the minimal training.

What is your favorite color?
Seriously a hard question for me because there’s no favorite here lol.  However, I gravitate towards charcoal grey and a deep purple.

What is your favorite post race food and drink?
Pizza and Coca Cola!!!

Anything else you want to share with the TRU TRIBE Run Team.
I’ve never really done group runs prior to TT- and though my schedule keeps me from doing it often, I’ve loved all the moments.

 

TRU TRIBE Member Spotlight: Janet Little

Posted on by by Lisa Pozzoni

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

 

Why did you start running?
I’ve ran for years off and on.

What age did you start running?
In grade school.

How old are you now?
I’m a proud 54 year old women that still is out there running.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far from your running journey?
Listen to your body. There are some days you don’t have it in you to run, so walk instead.

What advice would you give a beginner runner?
Go slow. Make it an enjoyable activity so you’ll continue with running.

What would you do differently knowing what you know now?
Join a running group/club sooner. Of course back in my days we didn’t have FaceBook or the internet so it was much harder to find like-minded people.

What is your longest race distance and why?
Crown King 50K. I love the challenge of the course; it’s not Easy-Peezy!

Do you have a bucket list race or distance?
50 miler is my next goal. Also (doesn’t involve running) but I want to cycle from Seattle to San Diego someday.

What has been your favorite race and/or distance so far?
Dublin marathon has been my most favorite race of all times.

What is your favorite color?
Yellow; it makes me happy

What is your favorite post race food and drink?
Beer and anything salty

Anything else you want to share with the TRU TRIBE Run Team.
I’ve found that as I’ve age, it’s so important to surround myself with other active and positive women; it feels my soul with joyfulness.

Click here for more Member Spotlight Inspiration!

 

TRU TRIBE Member Spotlight: Dolly Stevens

Posted on by by Lisa Pozzoni

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

Why did you start running?
Because leukemia and repeating rounds of treatment made me feel like I didn’t have control over what was happening to my body. Running gave me some control back.
What age did you start running?
46
How old are you now? (to inspire the others! but you don’t have to answer if you don’t want to)
52
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far from your running journey?
Running can be very mentally therapeutic if I let it. I shouldn’t get inside my own head and beat myself up when I’m disappointed in my performance. I really love running but it’s very difficult most of the time. So I shouldn’t compare myself to other people especially since they are not on MY journey. I shouldn’t let other people define for me what a “runner” is. I hesitated calling myself a runner even after doing 20+ halfs because I couldn’t do what my friends were doing… and that’s just silly.
What advice would you give a beginner runner?
It’s ok to start slow and small. 5ks are great. Listen to your body. And learn about Chi running from Lisa; it will help you immensely.
What would you do differently knowing what you know now?
Don’t stop moving. As you get older it’s harder to start back up. I love running so it’s the only thing I want to do. Surgeries and recovery from a broken leg made it impossible to run for over 18 months. During that time I should have switched to spinning or swimming or something else because now it’s very hard to getting back into it.
What is your longest race distance and why?
13.1 – I had a goal to complete 50 half marathons by my 50th birthday. I was happy that I completed 47 and planned to finish by the end of the year but then I broke my leg while hiking in Peru and it derailed my plans.
Do you have a bucket list race or distance?
Short term: a trail half marathon. Long term: Marine Corps Marathon
What has been your favorite race and/or distance so far?
Favorite distance is between 5k and 10k on trail and especially at night. Favorite race so far is Ragnar Trail Zion.
What is your favorite color?
Orange
What is your favorite post race food and drink? 
Cheeseburger, fries, and beer (preferably Negra Modelo)
Anything else you want to share with the TRU TRIBE 😀
I’m thankful to have a tribe in you ladies. I’ve been struggling a lot with health issues and probably always will, but I’m glad to have a community of like-minded and supportive women around me.

Click here for more Member Spotlight Inspiration!