Member-At-Large
Lake County
IT'S THE JOURNEY, NOT THE DESTINATION...
This is what running means to me. It's getting up when it's still dark outside and having the world to yourself, it's having friends that are like family who share those miles and their inspirational stories, it's accomplishing goals that you've set, and it's about the dedication and discipline that you accept and invite as a runner. Running is a way of life, it's about never giving up, it's about digging deep within to keep going, and it's about celebrating accomplishments in life.
I am 31 years old, a wife of a wonderful husband, and a mother of 2 beautiful little girls. (Autumn is 5, and Brooke is 3) I work part-time as a dental assistant and I am an instructor at DATS Northwest Indiana. (Dental Assisting Training School) Finding time to train can be challenging, but Chris (my husband) has always been there for me. As for my girls... they think it's cool that mommy runs races, and they ALWAYS think that I win (ssh.. we won't tell them any different).
My first race was the Friendship race at Wicker Park. That is where it all started. I huffed and puffed and almost passed out at mile 2 1/2, but kept going and finished in 28 minutes. At that point, I decided I should probably start training. What would I train for? I really didn't know yet.
I decided to join the Team in Training and run the Indianapolis Mini Marathon. I raised money for the Leukemia Society, and finished. I was hooked. Considering I was already trained to run 13.1 miles, I joined Opportunity Enterprises that summer and started training for my first full marathon. I met so many wonderful people, made so many great friends, and had the time of my life. I finished the marathon and was determined to run the next one faster.
I joined the Calumet Striders last year and competed in the Gold Cup Series. I've run and completed a number of 5k and 10k's, a handful of mini marathons, 2 Chicago marathons and I plan on running many more.
As a member-at-large for Lake County, I plan on starting a Rookie Runner program to help new runners complete their first 5k, and expose them to all the joys that I have found in running. I hope to increase membership in Lake County, and continue to organize group runs for us seasoned runners.
It's all about the journey and the people that you share that journey with. I am honored to be a part of such a wonderful running organization. I look forward to the many miles and memories that we all will share.
Contact Information:
E-Mail:
Phone: (219) 374-4678
Cell: (219) 689-1106