Why did you start running?
I was on a weight loss journey with WW and my young teenage niece was a runner, I figured if I could train and run a 5k we could do it together. We ran many 5k’s, 10k’s, our 1st half marathon and a few more.

What age did you start running?
43

How old are you now?
50

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far from your running journey?
If I put my mind to it I can do pretty much anything and I’m stronger than I thought.

What advice would you give a beginner runner?
Just keep moving. It doesn’t matter how fast, or if you have to walk, just keep moving forward. Forward is a Pace! .

What would you do differently knowing what you know now?
Originally I wasn’t running during the winters, (New Hampshire is cold!) but trying to learn to run again the next spring was terrible!

What is your longest race distance and why?
100k (The Hamsterwheel in New Boston, NH) Why? Well I guess to see if I could do it. Also for the fun, when all of your friends are runners it becomes a large party on the trail and a trail party is always the best!

Do you have a bucket list race or distance?
I would love to do Javelina Jundred! I crewed 5 runners there 2 years ago. I was supposed to do the 100k but was very sick so I crewed and even sick it was the most fun I have had at a race.

What has been your favorite race and/or distance so far?
Half marathon is my favorite. I have done 18 or 20 halves since I started running  .

What is your favorite color?
Purple!!

What is your favorite post race food and drink?
Short races, breakfast food. Long crazy races, burgers and fries. As far as drink, milk. Though some friends have a tradition of a Tequila shot after an ultra, crew and runners.

Anything else you want to share with the TRU TRIBE Run Team.
As much as I like being a runner, I absolutely love crewing ultras, any ultra. Crewing is my jam!

Why did you start running?
I mostly started running wanting something to do. I liked the challenge of seeing what I could do and it kind of took off from there

What age did you start running?
I ran in high school but didn’t pick it up seriously until I was in my 30’s after I had my kids

How old are you now?
38

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far from your running journey?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned so far is just to keep going. Don’t question everything and put labels on it. If you’re moving you’re a runner.

What advice would you give a beginner runner?
This goes along with what I’ve learned don’t get in your head about it. If your feet are moving that’s great! Don’t put any other qualifiers to it. You’re not good or bad you’re just running .

What would you do differently knowing what you know now?
I think I would have gone with my gut more. I knew early on that my form and the way I ran was off but when I sought out help everyone would just say you’re fine. Lisa was a game changer for me.

What is your longest race distance and why?
half marathon mostly because of the time it takes to train for longer distances. I am going to school while working and raising kids so something’s gotta give. 🙂  .

Do you have a bucket list race or distance?
I would love to do longer distances but again when I’m free. I’m going with my gut for now, but I’d love to do a marathon or ultramarathon. I love challenges

What has been your favorite race and/or distance so far?
I really love the 10K it’s long but still pretty fun.  .

What is your favorite color?
Blue

What is your favorite post race food and drink?
I’m a pretty weird eater. I love my protein shakes and I honestly will eat whatever is put in front of me post race so it’s usually what my kids will eat.

Anything else you want to share with the TRU TRIBE Run Team.
You guys are such a wonderful and positive group of women I love hearing your stories and questions. In the current state of the world it’s nice to have a haven like this.

Why did you start running?
Initially, I started running to get back into shape after my son was born as well as to help alleviate stress

What age did you start running?
I’ve dabbled in running since I was around 14, but started seriously running at age 44. My brother started posting pics of the 5K’s he was doing and it looked like fun.  So I found a local 5K that blended my new found love of running with my long-running (pun definitely intended) love of wine.  This was back in 2016.  Once I crossed the finish line, I was hooked on racing!  I still have that first medal up on my wall!

How old are you now?
I will be 50 in just a few months and I’m healthier now than I was in my 20’s!

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far from your running journey?
It’s my journey.  My pace, my body, my heart, my soul.  I can’t run like someone else and no one can run like me.  Learning to love where I’m at in my running journey and accepting that my running outcome (pace, stamina, whatever) as the special gift that it truly is

What advice would you give a beginner runner?
Be kind and patient with yourself.  Push yourself for sure but remember that your journey is yours and you need to let it unfold in its own time

What would you do differently knowing what you know now?
I’d have started running with other people much sooner.  I was always so intimidated to run with a group or even with just one other person.  I always felt so slow and embarrassed about my pace, my form, etc.  I figured folks would be annoyed and want to run ahead.  Boy was I wrong!  Most folks in the running community are great!  Running with others is about being together doing something we both enjoy.  It’s fun to push each other as well as just relax and let the run unfold as it will

What is your longest race distance and why?
So far I’ve run a handful of 1/2 marathons.  Initially, just to prove to myself I could do it (yep.. still have that medal up on my wall as well!).  I ran that race by myself.  I’d only been running about a year.  I went to the race alone, I ran alone, I crossed the finish line alone and I drove home alone.  And I felt GREAT.  It was so far out of my comfort zone to do something like this.. it broke a lot of mental barriers for me.

Do you have a bucket list race or distance?
I have 2… The first is to complete a full marathon.  I’m 0 for 2 at attempts thanks to injuries.  My next go at it is (Covid permitting) the Maui Marathon in April.  It’s special to me b/c it’s in our 50th state, it’s the 50th annual Maui Marathon and it’s literally just a couple days before I turn 50. The second is to complete Disney’s Dopey Challenge… Jan 2022 (again, Covid permitting)

What has been your favorite race and/or distance so far?
Hmmmm…  For the shear beauty of it… the Mt Nebo 1/2 marathon just outside of Provo, Utah But overall.. so far is the Xterra Black Canyon run  in March.  It’s a beautiful run and my son always runs it with me..

What is your favorite color?
Dark Green

What is your favorite post race food and drink?
Anything as long as I’m with good friends

Anything else you want to share with the TRU TRIBE Run Team.
To me, running is so much more than just a physical activity.  It’s the fuel my soul needs for me to feel complete, to feel grounded. Over the years, I have met some amazing people and made some lifelong friends.  Most of them at the “back of the pack”.  I have learned that anyone who runs IS a runner.  A mile’s a mile whether it takes 5 minutes or 15 minutes.  I have a lot of respect for the work it takes to be at the front of the pack.  I have even more respect for the work it takes, both physically, mentally and emotionally to be in the back.  It’s taken me a long time to accept my body for what it can do as well as what it can’t do.  Not only do I love who I am, I love my body, I love my flaws and I love the journey I am on.  And I love that we can come together in this TRU Tribe community as friends, as sisters with full acceptance of who we are, where we are and as we are.  Thank you, Lisa, for building this community of amazing women!

Dr. Melinda Striyle also owns 43rd Ave Animal Hospital!

website: 43rd Ave Animal Hospital
facebook: 43rd Ave Animal Hospital
instagram: 43rd Ave Animal Hospital

Why did you start running?
I was envious of people that I saw out running. It just looked like it would be so nice! Even though running had always been hard for me l got it in my head that I was going to become one of those people!

What age did you start running?
28

How old are you now?
41

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far from your running journey?
That it takes work but consistency pays off. You get out of it what you put in. Just like so many things in life!

What advice would you give a beginner runner?
Don’t compare yourself to anyone. There will always be faster people out there so enjoy your journey.

What would you do differently knowing what you know now?
Honestly, nothing. I’ve learned so much about myself through running and have met some amazing people!

What is your longest race distance and why?
Longest road race has been marathon and longest trail is 25k. Once I started running races I just continued to build up to longer distances. I enjoyed seeing how far I could push myself.

Do you have a bucket list race or distance?
I still have in my head that I will complete a 50k

What has been your favorite race and/or distance so far?
My current favorite race is Copper Canyon. Favorite distance has always been around 15k. Feels like you accomplished something but at the same time don’t feel too worn out .

What is your favorite color?
Blue

What is your favorite post race food and drink?
Water and beer!  Veggie burger and fries are always satisfying after a long race.

Anything else you want to share with the TRU TRIBE Run Team.
I am so happy I found Lisa and all of you ladies. This is a great group!

Why did you start running?
Signed up to run with Team in Training raising money for Lukemia.. can’t remember what year but a long time ago..

What age did you start running?
30.. guessing..again I don’t remember

How old are you now?
65..and this is why I can’t remember 😁

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far from your running journey?
Slow is ok..

What advice would you give a beginner runner?
Build your base to keep healthy from injuries

What would you do differently knowing what you know now?
Start with a heart rate monitor

What is your longest race distance and why?
50 miles..Zane Grey..

Do you have a bucket list race or distance?
Signed up for a100 miler Feb 2021

What has been your favorite race and/or distance so far?
I am not built for fast and short distances so like the longer distance runs.. can’t think of a favorite, they are all interesting .

What is your favorite color?
Green

What is your favorite post race food and drink?
Everything..

Anything else you want to share with the TRU TRIBE Run Team.
All you ladies inspire me

Why did you start running?
Because I needed “ME” time.  When I started running my life was really busy, with  work, children, husband and keeping up with the house, running is all about me.

What age did you start running?
40

How old are you now?
52

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far from your running journey?
Running is the best therapy for your soul and your body.  

What advice would you give a beginner runner?
Take your time, don’t rush.   If you decide to train for a race, go for it, but always make sure you enjoy the journey no matter what.

What would you do differently knowing what you know now?
Focus on injury prevention.  The more we work on it, the longer years we’ll run

What is your longest race distance and why?
26.2, my best friend was my inspiration.  She was fighting for her life after an aneurysm burst, she  has been running her own race to recovery.  I decided to train and run a race in her honor.

Do you have a bucket list race or distance?
Boston, I know is a long shot.  One can only dream, sometimes dreams come true 🙂

What has been your favorite race and/or distance so far?
My Solo Marathon in May of 2020.  This pandemic didn’t stop me from accomplishing it.

What is your favorite color?
Ocean blue

What is your favorite post race food and drink?
A nice set of pancakes or smoothie with berries and spinach.

Anything else you want to share with the TRU TRIBE Run Team.
I like to inspire others to run. We don’t need to be the fastest runner, it is about the journey and accomplishment. It is something we do for us and can’t be taken it away. My biggest accomplishment running was to inspire my family (Husband and two daughters 12 and 15 yrs old) to train and run a Half Marathon together in 2013.