I tried softball as a kid, but got knocked out by a fly ball in the outfield and that was the end of that.  Failed tennis in gym class during my senior year of high school and had to explain to my parents how the co-captain of the cross-country team was failing gym.  I have NO hand-eye coordination and never tried another sport that required coordination again. I have hiked and camped in several national forests. 

 What is your favorite sport?  I love to run.  It is what I do when I am frustrated and want to kill someone.  It is what I did to escape all of my teen-age angst.  I ran to get back into shape after I had kids.  And running is what I do when I need some ME time during my busy schedule.

I like to watch Penn State Football and really like going to those games, even more so than Steeler games. But of course, PSU is a cult.

 What are your goals?:  Well, I have qualified for Boston 4 times, and while I realize that is quite an accomplishment, I still feel like I have more in me.  Yes, I would like to run a 3;30 or better marathon, but I would like to become a more confident swimmer; maybe even to the point that I would be willing to try a swim meet or two.  I did the aqua-thon last summer and almost drown in the pool.  I could see me doing triathlons some day, but that training and gear do not fit into my schedule or budget right now.  But really, I am a runner and I want to run . . .fast, as long as I can. 

 What motivates you?:  Health has always motivated me.  I started running at 14 because an Italian uncle referred to my rear end as being big.  I joined Cross Country in high school because a boy I liked was on the team.  Soon I was passing him and lost all interest in him and wanted to be a better runner.  Running as always helped me stay thin and I always wanted to live a life that was healthier than I watched my parents live.  They were both smokers for over 20 years.  They have been cigarette free for over 15 years, but I have watched my grandmother, a life long smoker, grow incapacitated due to her years of smoking, poor diet and inactivity.  On the other hand, my husband Charlie has an aunt who is older than my grandmother, and still hikes, swims and bikes.  She was the oldest person to ever become certified in scuba diving in Belize.  That is how I want to grow old.  Beyond my own health though, I want to be an example for my own two daughters.  They really believe that their mommy can do anything and tell me that on a regular basis. I want them to see that eating well and exercising can make many things possible for them. 

 What's your favorite food?  I love all food, which is why I run and exercise.  I have become a more "eat to live," rather than "live to eat" person as I grow older and diet affects my performance more.  I need chocolate at least once a day and I require that morning cup of coffee.  I am a connoisseur, of sorts, of cake, good beer, wine and all things decadent and bad for you.  I like food and I like to cook.  Haven't met a meal that I didn't finish.

 What's your favorite song, band or music to listen to when exercising?  I have an eclectic variety of music on my IPod.  I like upbeat positive music.  For the past marathon I listened to the Black Eyed Peas, Sir Mix-a lot, The Wreckers, Yaz, Foo Fighters, Christina Aguilera, Coldplay, Liz Phair, Lady Antebellum, Carolina Liar and Ingrid Michaelson. 

 If you could pick one athlete to talk to or workout with, who would it be and why?  Joan Benoit Samuelson.  I was entering into high school when she ran the Olympic Marathon, I remember telling myself, I want to do that, be that, run like that.  I want to know how she has continued to run after all these years.  It just all fascinated me that someone would choose to run 26.2 miles. I want to know what drove her to do it when she did not have someone like herself as a role model.

 What is your favorite sports drink and energy fuel?

Water and water with powdered Propel.  I really don't like Gu, but I tolerate it during actual marathons.  Until last winter I never use to take water or anything on my long runs. 

 If you compete, what is the one race or competition you would like to do at least once?  What is your favorite race you've competed in?   I want to do the Anchorage Marathon just once.  It is on the first day of summer and it starts at midnight.  It's just one of those things that I want to experience; and then take the girls to Denali National Park.

 My favorite race to date is the Buffalo Creek ½ Marathon.  That was the first big race I competed in after children.  All I did was add distance on to my long runs for 10 weeks straight; no speed or pace work; and finished it in 1:39.  I have to say that my least favorite race is the Baltimore Marathon; but of course who hasn't heard that story.

 List some of your major athletic or health accomplishments?

In high school I won a race in the mile and I qualified for state finals in the 2-mile as a senior.  That race is the only time that I broke 6:00 in the mile; it was during the 2 mile. 

 Anything else you would like to add?

I hope this doesn't sound trite, because it is meant with all sincerity.  I have to acknowledge my husband, he has been very tolerant and understanding of my training schedule over the last 15 months and even put up with some abuse via the phone when he was late or out of town longer than scheduled.  Without him, this would not be possible.  My poor kids have been shuffled to and from several child care situations due to my training schedule and my husband's work schedule.  I thank God everyday that they are so good and flexible. 

And I have to acknowledge Joella.  Little did I know that when I inquired about the running group last spring that I was being initiated into a cult.  The Kool-aid didn't kill me, but there were times when it hurt. Running with the group that has been brought together by Joella has been very motivating.  I have been pushed to my limits; I have run in sub-zero temperatures, in pounding rain, on Thanksgiving with my daughter, and before and after horrendous spinning classes.  These people have been a great source of both comfort and motivation and I only hope that I have added as good as I have received from everyone who has been there with me.