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!

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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!

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1st marathon 11 years ago

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!

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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!

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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.

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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

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

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.

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.

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!

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