Tell us a little bit about yourself, including what you do for a living and how you came to live in Austin.
I moved to Austin in 2004 to attend college and have lived here ever since. I am currently a project manager for a global consulting company.

How did you get into running and why is it such an important part of your life?
I first joined a running program in 2015 because a friend of mine wanted to train for a 10k and asked me to join her. There was a Groupon for the training program which enticed me. She ended up getting injured and didn’t continue but I completed the program, ran a 10k and wanted to train for a half marathon. I then met other runners and continued running. I’ve since gone on to run 5 marathons. Running is important to me because of the outlet it provides. I am able to clear my mind after a short run, connect with friends on a run, and I’ve found it’s one of the best ways to explore a new city. Running with a running group is where I’ve also felt supported, inspired and challenged. I’ve recently found solace in running while dealing with the difficulties of the pandemic and a recent loss of a close family member. I am also one of the leads of the evening run for Rise and Run South Austin group.

What drives you to volunteer at events and other causes? Why do you love to volunteer for running events?
The community spirit that is found in the running community compares to no other. Volunteering gives me the opportunity to learn about other groups, meet other runners and hear about their running journey, explore what is required of events, provide support or comfort to a runner who is running the distance for the first time or talk to veteran athletes for a specific race or distance. I always leave a volunteer event full of energy, a new perspective, and with newfound motivation.

What is your running routine and do you run with a regular group?
I am currently working on a chronic injury so my definition of success for running has changed. I am not chasing a PR, working towards improving my pace, or have a set goal distance, but instead I’m learning to enjoy the ability of running. I currently try to run every other day. I run every Monday evening with Rise and Run South Austin; we also run Tuesday and Thursday mornings, run Mt. Bonnell the first Sunday of the month or run for coffee the third Sunday of the month. I also try to join other South Austin running groups like the GNR Runners.

What’s your favorite local post run treat?
Chocolate milk!

Why do you support ARC and what is your advice on becoming more involved with the running community?
I support ARC’s mission in giving back to the running community whether that’s providing financial support to other running organizations or enhancing the goal of other organizations in empowering people through running.

Can you share one thing that most people don’t know about you?
I can say the alphabet backwards really fast.

What’s your favorite local race and why?
My favorite is Run for the Water. I appreciate the cause that it supports and also the challenge the hills provide during the race.