I'm a mother of a 5-year-old daughter and I have been married for 7 years. I'm a marketing manager for a military Bank and insurance company. I've worked there for 11 years. When I'm not working, I enjoy my personal space to dedicate a few hours a week to my hobby of running. I've run for 28 years and hope to continue as long as my body will allow.
It was only in the last 15 years that I've dedicated myself to running longer distances. I've completed two full marathons, 26 half marathons, numerous 10-milers, 10Ks and 5Ks. I ran my last full marathon in 2008 in San Francisco and did fundraising for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. The reason I chose this Society is because I lost my mother to blood cancer in 2007 and my dad was diagnosed with Lymphoma in 2008. Since then I've participated as much as I can to help raise funds and create awareness of blood cancers. Apart from fundraising, I have a personal goal of running a half marathon in every state and to complete 100 half marathons. I don't have a time limit and I may be 98 years old when I'm done but will try as hard as I can to do so.
I found out about 261 through the Rock and Roll website. I want to be a part of the 261 history but right here in the present! What 261 Fearless represents, the drive and determination from Katherine to put one foot in front of the other is what is going to get me through training runs and race events. I know that I'm making a difference in my life and hopefully it will give other women hope if they feel like they can't run a race. Knowing that someone, even men, can doubt that I can run "that far" keeps me motivated. I've experienced those comments from men in my family and I guess their doubt and skepticism fuels my fire! I prove I can do it with every 5 or 10K, 10-miler, half marathon or the full marathons I did in my life. That is being fearless! When I'm not running and spending quality time with my family, I enjoy cooking new recipes from my many cookbooks from chefs off the Food Network. I've even met one of my favorite Food Network celebrity chefs, Ree Drummond, and had her sign my cookbooks as I'm an aspiring wanna-be chef – but only at home with my husband who thinks I do a fabulous job at cooking for our little family!
I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I'm blessed with one day being able to meet Katherine and just listen to her inspiring other people in person – what an honor that would be!
