Crazy Legs 10K - Photo by Paul Stofko
How did you get into running?
My sister (who is four years older than me), ran for our high school cross country and track team. She heard of a junior high school team and told me I should go try out! I did and the rest is history.
You grew up in Michigan and attended UNLV, how distracting was it to go to college in Sin City?
Going to college at UNLV was not distracting to me. I knew what I was there for (an education and running) and stayed focused on that. It wasn't very difficult because I ran cross country, indoor, and outdoor track so I was traveling and competing all the time.
Your PR in the marathon is a 2:38:37 that you ran at the Seattle Rock ‘N’ Roll Marathon in 2009. You recently finished 34th at the NYC Marathon in 2:45:27, how did you feel the race went?
I was disappointed with my performance in New York. I had hoped for a PR and a higher place and came up empty handed in both. I am not devastated by it, I never gave up mentally and felt I put forth a solid effort...it just wasn't my day.
At the NYC Marathon the professional women’s start is 25 minutes before the men’s start. Did this impact your race at all? Would you have rather started with the men to have had more runners to run with?
Starting before the men didn't have an extreme impact on me, however, it is always a great advantage to have more people/men to run with at the marathon distance.
You’ve clearly stated the making the Olympics in 2012 is your goal, was the NYC Marathon a setback to this goal?
I don't see how NYC is a setback to this goal, especially because I basically just need to have a good day in January 2012 to make the team. I know that I still need to lower by time to have a realistic goal of doing that, but I have a year to do it and a lot can happen in a year. With God all things are possible!
You were Miss Fitness Colorado in 2008. Do you still spend time weight training or do you have to scale back so that it does not affect your running?
I've never adjusted my weight training much for and figure/fitness competitions...I only ate more (specifically protein). My weight lifting/resistance regimen still contains a full body lift with emphasis on core work three times pet week at lighter weights with higher repetitions.
To supplement your income you work as a personal trainer and as a go-go dancer at Ultra Sheer, do the late nights at Ultra Sheer make racing and/or running more difficult?
Yes they do, the main reason is that I live so far away that I just can' t cruise home in 5mins and get to bed...by the time I do get home, shower, eat I don't get to bed until 3:30a.m...which throws off my sleep schedule a lot. Especially because I have a seven month old puppy who is on our 7am wake up schedule!
Do you still do any modeling?
Yep! Not anything too recent, but when I have time I still do.
Describe your training and diet?
As mentioned above, weight lifting three times per week, as well as a morning tempo run and an evening speed training session on those days. Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday’s are recovery days with Sunday being a moderate long run.
My diet has changed somewhat in the last three months. I found out I am lactose, gluten-wheat intolerant. It has helped me feel better significantly.
However, I haven't had to change much. I usually eat pretty healthy anyhow, with salmon and veggies being my favorite dinner! I eat a lot of the same things, on the same schedule, the only difference is that I replaced regular cheese with veggie (soy) cheese and I drink lots of water as well.
Ok, who hits on you more, the guys at Ultra Sheer or the guys at road races?
Hmmm..I'd have to say the guys at Ultra Sheer. I am actually a little more approachable, smiley and bubbly there where as at a race I am pretty focused and probably give off a cold shoulder when it comes to any flirting!
Currently you are sponsored by Saucony, are you being coached by anyone and do you have any training partners in the area?
Yes! Sponsored by the best brand for running out there, Saucony! I don't have a coach at this time or a training partner. I am leaving my options open and I am focusing on what is to come for 2011.
What do you have planned for 2011?
Again, keeping coaching options open. I am defining my race schedule as we speak but for the most part it will consist of two marathons (hopefully fast and flat to lower my time), but more trail racing as well!
I tapped into that scene this past year after I discontinued training with a coach that was weary about it. Trail racing is truly my passion and I do hope to take that to the highest level possible!
I am also planning on making some changes on a personal level. Possibly eliminating personal training and dance (which would be extremely difficult to do because as you know, dance is my second love next to running) but it was a tough year for me financially and I am looking to possibly get a full time position (that won't take away from running too much) so I can be better prepared/worry free for the end of the year when I start training for the Olympic Trials.
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