Tag Archives: member spotlight

TRU TRIBE Member Spotlight: Carolyn Abraham

Posted on by by Lisa Pozzoni

Every week we highlight one of our members from the TRU Tribe Running Team. Meet Carolyn!  If we can do it, so can you!

I picked Carolyn because she just did her first 50K…she started out hating trails and hills (and maybe still does) and did her first trail race in March of this year…then first double down (first night trail race) then Jackass 31K with longest trail and night run…. she got out of her comfort zone all year!

Why did you start running?
My personal trainer in high school was the biggest inspiration (still is). She turned me onto treadmill running and fitness. In college I taught spinning class for extra money, and some friends talked about doing a 10 Miler (Broad Street Run!), so I thought it sounded fun. I liked the challenge, the goals and the feat, and how I felt afterwards. So it continued.

What age did you start running?
19

How old are you now?
34 

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far from your running journey?
Never doubt yourself, and never let other’s negative words influence what you can and can’t do. If I stopped every time someone said I shouldn’t, or couldn’t, I wouldn’t be where I am today. And the journey to be where I am today, has been such a great one!

What advice would you give a beginner runner? 
Find a group that supports you and your goals. I’ve been most successful when I’ve found a group that sees me for me and never made me feel less of an athlete because I was in the back of the pack.

What would you do differently knowing what you know now?
As soon as you feel aches and pains get new shoes, don’t wait.  (Says the the woman who has a million blisters post race). What else would I do differently, don’t settle for the first group or coach that you find, it’s like trying on shoes you have to find one that matches perfectly for you (like the #tru tribe) and not one that’s just convenient. Especially when you get going towards long slow distances.

What is your longest race distance and why?
50k!! It’s fun to do the perceived impossible. And it’s amazing what the body can accomplish with dedication and perseverance!

Do you have a bucket list race or distance?
Full marathon, but now that I’ve done an ultra 🤷🏻‍♀️

What has been your favorite race and/or distance so far?
Shamrock half marathon in Virginia Beach- great beautiful course that finishes on the boardwalk and then leads you into a yuengling beer tent with Irish stew. Big Pine is a favorite trail race!

What is your favorite color?
Teal

What is your favorite post race food and drink?
I’ve started to day dream about Aravaipa’s grilled cheese before my last race, so maybe that, or pizza. Drink wise, whatever sounds refreshing and good, beer, cider, nuun, ginger ale

Anything else you want to share with the TRU TRIBE Online 🥰 
Thank you all for always being so super supportive! It means so much to know I have you all in my corner!! 🤗

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TRU TRIBE Member Spotlight: Jan Rice

Posted on by by Lisa Pozzoni

Every week we highlight one of our members from the TRU Tribe Running Team. Meet Michelle!  If we can do it, so can you!

I nominated Jan because she is so positive and is inspires me by being vulnerable and real. She is a team player, committed and one of the most active people in our community.

Why did you start running? 
After retiring from playing Gaelic Football and Soccer, I was looking for a way to keep fit and to meet fun groups of people in the US as I had moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico with work.
The most important thing running does for me now is it helps me manage my anxiety.  It is crucial for my ongoing strong mental health, and a big part of my wellness strategy.

What age did you start running?
33

How old are you now? (to inspire the others! but you don’t have to answer if you don’t want to)
41

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far from your running journey?
That I am capable of way more than I think.  I always under-estimate how far or how fast I can go.  I do know now that there will be times when running seems easier to me, and times when it feels tougher and just to take every run as it is and not put pressure on myself.

What advice would you give a beginner runner?
Find a group to run with who are non-competitive and supportive.  If they are also fun and crazy, that is a super bonus!  Also, if you run at all, you are a runner, you don’t have to be super fast, or even run the whole race.  Don’t be scared to take walk breaks and build up mileage and speed slowly to avoid injury.  And run trails… they are so much more interesting than road.

What would you do differently knowing what you know now?
I would have started running trails sooner!  And i would have taken early advice on shoes.  Part of me being out of running for 9 months with Plantar Fasciitis was from running in shoes that were too narrow for my feet.  Once i got the right shoes (and some shockwave therapy to repair the damage), I’ve never looked back.  Chi Running has also ensured that I don’t injure myself while running.

What is your longest race distance and why?
Half marathon on road, and I did complete the 6 hour Jackrabbit Jubilee race this year where I achieved over 20 miles.  The why?  Because my crazy running friends talked me into it.  And I am glad they did.  Also, i got to 20 miles because there was a snake on the trail and i was too afraid to step off the track in case it was in the darkness.  So i just kept running.

Do you have a bucket list race or distance?
My big goal for next year is to run the 31km loop at Javelina Jundred.  I also want to get back to half marathon distance on road.  And *whisper it quietly, if I ever did complete a marathon, my bucket list race is the Dublin City Marathon back in Dublin, Ireland.  I would love to complete it once in my lifetime 🙂 I have completed 5 sprint/super sprint triathlons and am pushing to do more.  Hopefully building up to an international/olympic distance (1.5km swim, 40km bike, 10km run)

What has been your favorite race and/or distance so far?
Ragnar Trail McDowell was super special.  It was way out of my comfort zone and, yes there were tears after the yellow loop when my long suffering boyfriend had to convince me not to quit.  But to complete it, running the red loop at dawn was my best running experience to date.

What is your favorite color?
Green of course 🙂

What is your favorite post race food and drink? 
Beer, lots of beer.  And good Pizza or Mexican food.

Anything else you want to share with the TRU TRIBE 😀
I met Lisa and lots of her tribe at Running for Brews.  After moving to Arizona I was looking for a fun running group and Meetup.com suggested i get myself to Gordon Biersch on a Tuesday evening.  What a great decision that was!  Not only did i find my tribe, but I also met my lovely boyfriend Andre at RFB when i was just living my best life and totally not looking for a relationship.  I moved back to Ireland in 2014 and have just returned to Arizona, this time for good.  Excited to continue to meet fun people through the TRU tribe

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TRU TRIBE Member Spotlight: Michelle Cavner

Posted on by by Lisa Pozzoni

Every week we highlight one of our members from the TRU Tribe Running Team. Meet Michelle!  If we can do it, so can you!

I am nominating Michelle because she got out of your comfort zone with the Jackass 31K: doing her longest run, longest trail and night trail run, she leads by example and she is one of the most active people in our TRU TRIBE.  I’ve enjoyed getting to know her better through through our 30 Day Giving and Receiving Challenge.
Why did you start running?
I ran high school track (sprints only) and then picked running back up about 10 years ago.  It was a way for me to be a good role model for my girls and also provided “me” time.  Running is therapeutic for me, it allows me to bring balance to my life.
What age did you start running? 
39
How old are you now? (to inspire the others! but you don’t have to answer if you don’t want to)
49
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far from your running journey?
Your body is capable of much more than you think.  I always told myself I am a sprinter and not made for long distances.  But once I started training for 5Ks and then half-marathons, I found that I CAN run long distance.  For me,  it has always been a mental game of telling myself I CAN DO IT.
What advice would you give a beginner runner?
Anyone can become a runner.  Just start slow and celebrate the small victories along the way.  Secondly, find a friend or a group to run with… it is so much more fun when it becomes a social event as well.  You may find that you really enjoy running and spending this time with others.
What would you do differently knowing what you know now? When I first started running and training for races, I always trained by myself because I was intimidated to run with others as I did not think I was fast enough.  But in reality, a good running group will support you regardless how fast or slow you are.  Running with the TRUTribe has been that running group for me.
What is your longest race distance and why?
The Jackass 31k was my longest run.  I was doing the track workouts and the ladies were talking about it.  I thought to myself, I can do that.  I always look to challenge myself so I signed up and drank the Kool-Aid.
Do you have a bucket list race or distance?
I would love to run a destination half-marathon with my youngest daughter one day.
What has been your favorite race and/or distance so far?
My favorite race was the Nike Women’s Half Marathon in San Francisco.  The course was challenging but my family was there cheering me on and providing that extra energy I needed.
What is your favorite color?
Blue
What is your favorite post race food and drink?
I really don’t have a favorite… but I did enjoy my beer and pizza after the Jackass run.
Anything else you want to share with the TRU TRIBE 😀
The TruTribe ladies are one of a kind.  Coach Lisa inspires and encourages everyone and the ladies have become my friends. The group lifts each other up and welcomes everyone… I never felt like I did not belong.

Click here for more Member Spotlight Inspiration!

TRU TRIBE Member Spotlight: Karla Halaschak

Posted on by by Lisa Pozzoni

Every Saturday we highlight one of our members from the TRU Tribe Running Team. Meet Karla!  If we can do it, so can you!

I picked Karla because she got out of your comfort zone with Jackass doing her longest trail and night trail run, she focuses on her ChiRunning and shares comments in Final Surge about her runs, she has a high compliance rate to her Final Surge plan and is one of the most active people in our TRU TRIBE.
Why did you start running?
I started running when other, mostly team sports, did not work out for me. I decided to try cross-country my junior year of high school. The coach needed people-it was a small program- so I joined.
What age did you start running?
17
How old are you now? (to inspire the others! but you don’t have to answer if you don’t want to)
48
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far from your running journey?
Running is much more than moving your legs. No matter your speed, you are doing something good and healthy for your body, your mind, and your soul! Whether I’m pushing myself on the track or taking a nice, easy run through the neighborhood, I always feel refreshed afterwards.
What advice would you give a beginner runner?
Do not worry about your speed or what other people may think. Take your time, build up slowly, focus on your form, get some strength training in to smooth out any imbalances. Hire a coach to help you with all this so you don’t fall into bad (injury producing) habits!
What would you do differently knowing what you know now?
I would take my own advice given to the beginning runner above! 😀
What is your longest race distance and why?
My longest distance so far is a full marathon. It was a “milestone” distance. I did my first one to raise money for the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society..
Do you have a bucket list race or distance?
I would like to do a 50K. (she jus signed up for the Crown King 50K Ladies Training Program!).
What has been your favorite race and/or distance so far?
I really enjoyed the Jackass 31K. It was just the right distance, the course was just challenging enough and the vibe was awesome!
What is your favorite color?
Green
What is your favorite post race food and drink?
As much as I would like to say it is a recovery drink followed by a hearty meal of protein and vegetables, it is really beer and pizza.
Anything else you want to share with the TRU TRIBE 😀
We are very blessed to have such a wonderful running community! This is the first running group I have joined that hasn’t focused solely on racing and speed. Thank you, everyone, for being an inspiration, and thank you Lisa, our fearless leader!.

 

TRU TRIBE Member Spotlight: Virginia Leandro

Posted on by by Lisa Pozzoni

Every Saturday we highlight one of our members from the TRU Tribe Running Club . Meet Barbara!  If we can do it, so can you!

I picked Virginia as she was our first official non local person to join the TRU TRIBE and is one of the most active people in our group by playing along in both challenges and engaging in posts.
Why did you start running?
I was sick and tired of being sick, and tired.  I started walking.  I later joined OrangeTheory where part of the workout is on a treadmill.  I usually power walked; but then decided to start challenging myself with running.  I wasn’t really jazzed about running to be honest.  At some point in the journey, I decided to do a Tough Mudder Race.  They were offering a half which is just 5 miles and I thought, “I could do that”.  So I started running.
What age did you start running?
50
How old are you now? (to inspire the others! but you don’t have to answer if you don’t want to)
54
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far from your running journey?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that I can do anything if I put my mind and heart into it.  I just have to be patient..
What advice would you give a beginner runner?
Run your own run.  Don’t worry about what everyone else is doing, what they say you should be doing, or trying to keep up with them.  Listen to your body and find a program that works for you and that you can stick with.
What would you do differently knowing what you know now?
I would have taken my advice in Question 5.  <laughing> I should have not let other runners rent space in my head and impact my running.  I should have focused on my own progress and go a bit slower.
What is your longest race distance and why?
Great story.  In 2017, I was convinced I absolutely hated running.  I just despised it; but, I was determined as hell to make my peace with it. So, that December I decided the only way to make my peace with running was to throw myself all in.  I signed up for my first 25K trail race.  At the time the longest distance I had ever run was 5K.
I had a plan on how to attack the training.  With the race in April 2018, I completed my first 10K, 15K, half marathon and then capped it off with the 25K trail run.  I’ve been in love with running ever since.
Do you have a bucket list race or distance?
I can’t seem to get a race like a 50 mile or 100 mile out of my head.  It’s crazy.  I haven’t even run a marathon and yet the idea of these bigger distances seem to keep calling to me.  I would love to be able to run a race like Leadville, Western States or even the UTMB. .
What has been your favorite race and/or distance so far?
It has to be the The Wild Canyon Ultra (this is the 25K I did).  It was at Caprock Canyons State Park; one of my favorite state parks.
https://www.ultraexpeditions.com/thewildcanyonultra
What is your favorite color?
Blue or black
What is your favorite post race food and drink?
My favorite post race food would have to be a big fat burger.  Drink would be a really cold pilsner right after the race; and then an Old Fashioned later on at the celebration dinner.
Anything else you want to share with the TRU TRIBE 😀
Back in August I decided to refresh my run.  I effectively decided to start over.  Go back to ground zero.  Each week I’m trying to increase my distance by 10%.  This has been really great for me as it’s allowed me to successfully rehab a recurring hamstring injury that I’ve struggled with for a couple of years now.  My first trail race in nearly a year or two is in Feb. 2020.  It’s just a 5 miler, but I want to set myself up to be successful.  I need this win under my belt.   Oh, and I’m glad I’ve found this Tribe.
I may not live in AZ (I live in the flat lands of North Texas), but you never know when I might decide to fly out and meet everyone!

 

TRU TRIBE: Member Spotlight Barbara Brownlee

Posted on by by Lisa Pozzoni
Every Saturday we highlight one of our members from the TRU Tribe Running Club . Meet Barbara!  If we can do it, so can you!

Big finish line smiles!

I picked Barbara because as soon as she joined TRU TRIBE, she kept pushing herself out of her comfort zone.  She sets an example as one of the older people in our group (and she’s not old! LOL).   Her Final Surge is almost always all green and she participates in our online group.
Why did you start running?
I started running to train for the Phoenix Rock and Roll Half Marathon.  I was inspired by two co-workers who were planning to run the race.  They had both done it before and made it sound like fun, so I thought I would give it a try.   It was supposed to be a one-time thing for me, just to see if I could do it.  Little did I know that I would get hooked!
What age did you start running?
58
How old are you now? (to inspire the others! but you don’t have to answer if you don’t want to)
61 years old
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far from your running journey?
Your question really holds the answer.  It is a journey, and journeys have ups and downs, detours, stops and starts, and will take you to wonderful places.  Just have a map, and be prepared to sometimes go to places that aren’t on the map!  (Like running on trails at night-NEVER saw that coming!)
What advice would you give a beginner runner?
I had to start with alternating walking and running.  At the time I felt like I wasn’t a “runner.”  Now I realize that the moment I transitioned from a walk to a run, I became a runner!  So, I would advise a beginner to think of herself as a runner, regardless of speed, body type, age or experience.  I also recommend getting a running coach to help you with your mechanics.  You probably ran very naturally as a child, but as an adult you may need to re-learn good form.  It may be the key to staying injury-free.  Lastly, find a running group!  I love my time alone when I run, but I also love running with my Tribe!
What would you do differently knowing what you know now?
I would have sought out a coach sooner.  I suffered from groin injuries after my first two half marathons.  Once I worked with a physical therapist who was a runner, and then a coach, I have stayed injury free (not counting injuries from falling—I am not very graceful!)
What is your longest race distance and why?
My longest distance was at a timed event, the Jackrabbit Jubilee.  I did just over 23 miles in the 6 hour event.  My longest trail run was just a week ago at the Jackass Night Trail Run, 31 K.
Do you have a bucket list race or distance?
I have 3 goals right now.  First up, I am training for my first marathon, The Phoenix Rock and Roll Marathon in January.   After that, I want to do my first ultra trail race, a 50 K.  There, I said it!  Now I have to do it!  I also want to run a race in another country.
What has been your favorite race and/or distance so far?
I have two favorites.  My first race will always be special, that was the Rock and Roll Half Marathon in 2017.  My other favorite was the double down Blackout 6 K and Big Pine 13 K this year.  It was my first trail race, first night race, first double down and first race that I ran with TRU Tribe ladies!
What is your favorite color?
Purple
What is your favorite post race food and drink?
A banana with nut butter, if it’s a morning race, and just water to drink. At night I gravitate towards pizza with wine or beer.
Anything else you want to share with the TRU TRIBE 😀
You ALL inspire me!  I love the way we train together and encourage each other in spite of different ages, paces and running experiences.

Make sure to check out Barbara’s blog:  BoomerChiX 😍

TRU Tribe: Member Spotlight Mellie Frei

Posted on by by Lisa Pozzoni

Every Saturday we highlight one of our members in TRU Tribe Running Club .  Meet Mellie!  If we can do it, so can you!

Mellie’s 1st 50K!

Why did you start running?
I started running for health reasons. I was diagnosed with COPD and Chronic Pancreatitis in the same year and wanted to do something to be able to keep breathing!
What age did you start running?
50
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?
You can’t finish if you don’t start, and it is ok to be DFL! (Dead F*&n Last)
What advice would you give a beginner runner?
You have to start somewhere, set realistic goals, don’t be hard on yourself, surround yourself with positive, supportive people!
What would you do differently knowing what you know now?
Learn how to run the right way, so you don’t get injured!
What is your longest race distance and why?
Recently completed Javalina Jangover 50k with Cindy Richardson!  I wanted to try a 50k, as my goal is to challenge myself continually, and defy the odds.
Do you have a bucket list race or distance?
The National Pancreas Foundation is currently a charity partner with the Marine Corps Marathon. The cutoff is 7 hours for the full, which will require some speed work for me to maintain that pace for 26 miles.
What has been your favorite race and/or distance so far?
I have many favorite races!! I love the challenge of the half marathon distance and my goal is to complete all the Vacation Races! My favorite was the Grand Teton Half, simply beautiful!
What is your favorite color?
I don’t have just one!
What is your favorite post race food and drink?
I love a juicy IPA after a run!! Love going out for breakfast after weekend runs
Anything else you want to share with the TRU TRIBE 😀
When you are surrounded with the right people, anything is possible. TRU TRIBE ladies are so inspiring!

Click here for more Member Spotlight Inspiration!

 

TRU Tribe: Member Spotlight Kisha Ferullo

Posted on by by Lisa Pozzoni

Every Saturday we highlight one of our members in TRU Tribe Running Club .  Meet Kisha!  If we can do it, so can you!

Why did you start running? 
A friend was doing a race and asked me if I wanted to do it too.

What age did you start running?
35

How old are you now?
46

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far from your running journey?
To enjoy the ups and persevere through the downs.

What advice would you give a beginner runner?
Find a supportive group to run with.

What would you do differently knowing what you know now?
Stretch more, rest more, cut myself some slack for hard runs

What is your longest race distance and why?
100k at Javelina Jundred….I volunteered at this event about 6 months after I started trail running and I saw “real” people with “real” bodies and thought if they could do it so could I.  Made a 3 year goal to do it for my 45 birthday..

Do you have a bucket list race or distance?
I would like to get 100 miles at a timed event..

What has been your favorite race and/or distance so far?
I really enjoyed Punisher 30k….it’s a nice course at night.  I also thought the Black Canyon Trail was beautiful (at least the 20 miles I saw 😜)

What is your favorite color?
Purple

What is your favorite post race food and drink?
Beer and pizza.

Anything else you want to share with the TRU TRIBE Online 🥰
Thanks for being part of my journey!

Click here for more Member Spotlight Inspiration!

 

TRU Tribe: Member Spotlight Cindy Richardson

Posted on by by Lisa Pozzoni

Every Saturday we highlight one of our members in TRU Tribe Running Club .  Cindy Richardson was our first one!  Since she’s been a member, she’s crossed finish lines she never thought possible including her first 50K on 9/27/19!

Cindy and Mellie completing their first 50K..at night! They are still smiling at the finish even if the sunrise beat them to the finish 💜

Why did you start running?
I needed a new challenge in my life and running had always been something I was scared of.

What age did you start running? 
58

How old are you now? 
59

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far from your running journey?
Just start and quit thinking about it. Even if I have a setback, I need to work within my own limits but keep moving forward towards my goals.

What advice would you give a beginner runner? 
Just start and quit thinking about it. Find a coach and stick to a workout schedule. Having an event as a goal will help keep you focused.

What would you do differently knowing what you know now?
I would try to be more consistent with my workouts.

What is your longest race distance and why?
50K – recently completed. It was a tough event but I finished within the cutoff time.

Do you have a bucket list race or distance?
Not any more. I am happy with the 50K, but may decide to do other 50K races. 

What has been your favorite race and/or distance so far?
I really enjoyed my first night race, it was a 9K at San Tan and beautiful weather with full moon, and I ran with a companion Melinda the entire race.

What is your favorite color?
None really but wear lots of purple now.

What is your favorite post race food and drink?
Beer garden is always fun to sit and visit with group, beer and something salty for post race snack. 

Anything else you want to share with the TRU TRIBE Online 🥰
Having the TRU Tribe group as inspiration and companions is a great way to keep focused and have fun. Lisa is a great coach — working on technique, running workouts and auxilliary excercises plus cheering us on the entire time.

Click here for more Member Spotlight Inspiration!