WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO START RUNNING?
I started running on July 4, 1997. I was just sitting on the couch, reading about the new WNBA and all of these incredible women athletes and the sacrifices they made. I felt inspired to get in better shape, so I just got up for a run and never really looked back.
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST RUN LIKE?
The first time I went for a run, I walked one block and ran for one block. It was exhausting and lung-burstingly hard, but it was also exhilarating. My first couple of runs were like 2 miles in 12-13 minutes. Slowly but surely, I built up my endurance and increased my speed and distance over time.
HOW OFTEN DO YOU RUN?
I run anywhere between 6-14 miles five days every week. I’ll go running in parks, long-distance hikes, pretty challenging mountainous routes — anywhere my feet can take me.
WHEN DID YOU START RACING IN MARATHONS?
My first marathon was the Twin Cities Marathon in Minneapolis in October ‘98. I was scared yet really focused, and it went great. But the second one I felt much more confident because I had already done it before, and it was surprisingly difficult. I fell in love with running after my third marathon.
WHAT IS THE LONGEST ROUTE YOU’VE EVER RUN?
The most miles I’ve ever ran in a day was at the Comrades Marathon in South Africa in 2009. I ran 56 miles that day in 10 hours and 21 minutes. I pushed myself further than I had ever gone before.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO BEGINNING RUNNERS?
Find a club or a friend to run with. It’s more fun with others and they keep you accountable. They won’t let you sleep in or decide you're too tired and won’t flake on you if it’s blazing hot or cold and rainy. They encourage you to keep going no matter what.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT RUNNING?
Running has taken me not just to all 50 states, but across the world. I’ve run marathons in Cambodia, Ireland and Germany. I’ve run across sand dunes, streams and beaches. Getting to see all of these beautiful places by foot is amazing. My greatest experiences have all come from running.