Outside of running, some of the things I like to do are travel around the world (I’m always looking for my next adventure), eat my way around the city (I have a weakness for cheese, ice cream, and french fries), catch a ballet at Lincoln Center (ABT mainly, I am a ballet snob), and scuba dive (I love being in the water).

By day, I’m a brand marketer which is really fun. I’ve always loved having a job with a tangible output – it’s so cool to see the products I work on in stores or advertised on TV! And it just so happens I’m a beauty product junkie, so it fits really well that I work for a cosmetics company.

I joined the Whippets in early 2013, right before starting to train for my first marathon, the NYC marathon. I decided to join the Whippets since I was looking for training buddies and because the team always seemed so friendly and spirited at every NYRR race. Since then, I’ve done two NYC marathons and met some great teammates who I consider some of my closest friends. This year, I plan to run my 3rd NYC marathon and would like to improve my overall speed. I enjoy going to the Tuesdaynight Central Park workouts, the Thursday East River track workouts, and the Saturday morning long runs (especially since the routes have been more varied and often end with food now!) Making plans to run with other Whippets has been great motivation to keep up the running, especially in the winter. I know a lot of people enjoy the cooler temps for running, but I run best when it’s warm. I grew up in Texas, so maybe I’m just used to it! My favorite races are the Scotland 10K and the Mini 10K. I always find those two races to be really fun and full of great energy.

I was and still am very injury-prone, and I learned the hard way about the importance of regular cross-training and stretching. I have had almost every running injury that those new to running experience: stress fracture, IT band syndrome, peroneal tendinitis, metatarsalgia…all within the first few years of starting to run. Cross training is a great way for me to add variety to my workouts while strengthening my body so I don’t get injured as much. I ramped up my cross-training in preparation for my 2nd marathon, and I believe it really helped me be a stronger runner. Now I just need to work on improving my speed! I try to get to yoga at least once or twice a week and also really enjoy the body conditioning classes at my gym. My other cross training includes Barry’s Bootcamp and Beyoncé/Britney Spears themed cardio dance classes, which are so much fun!