The one question I’m always asked is how did you get started running? Like many others, I was introduced to running in my pursuit to get healthy and lose weight.
My Story: February 2005, I mustered up the courage to join a gym and hire a personal trainer to help me stay committed to getting fit and losing weight. At the time I was 5’5 and weighed 245lbs (that’s all I will admit to) and my goal was to get to any weight below 200lbs and my song was “199.9 is just fine.”
My personal trainer asked me what aerobic exercise I liked and I said running just because I didn’t want to ride a stationery bike or glide on an elliptical machine. I can recall like it was yesterday; I could hardly breathe when I fast-walked 100 yards and if I jogged or lifted both feet off the ground I thought I might need oxygen. I’ve come a long way and I’m grateful.
After two years of working with a personal trainer my weight dropped to 180lbs and I was bored with just running around the track in the gym and decided to run my first race. It was a 10K (6.1 miles). INSANE! I didn’t have a running coach and needless to say I was a Hot! Hot! Hot! Mess. I finished dead last and everyone had left the race location, with the exception of the two friends who came with me.
Let’s fast forward… Since that first race I have completed numerous 5K races, 10K races, and Half-Marathons and completed my first Marathon, the Marine Corp Marathon, October 2011. In 2009, I became a Triathlete and now compete in several Open Water Triathlons yearly. A major goal for me in 2012 is to do a Century Bike Ride; yes that’s 100 miles!
I truly enjoy biking and swimming, but I LOVE to RUN. For me it’s invigorating. My favorite spots are running through parks and around water to see nature at its best.
If there was just one word to describe me as a runner it is Happy!. I’m always complimented on my big smile when I run or train. 😀
Coaching is my passion and I have been in the coaching field for nearly two decades.
I love to run because I get to meet and run with many extraordinary wonderful people.
If you choose to use me as your coach and trainer relax and Lets Run 4 Fun!!
Races I have run include:
- Marine Corp Marathon
- Diva Half-Marathon
- Long Branch Half-Marathon
- Giralda Farms 10K
- Cherry Blossom 10K
- Newport Liberty Half-Marathon
- CJRRC Hangover 5K
- Westfield Pizza 5K Run
- Beauty on the Beach 5 Miler
- Miles for Music 20K
- Run for Chocolate 15K
- Ashenfelter 8K Classic – Thanksgiving Day
- Fred d’Elia Ridgewood Run – Memorial Day