It has been a while since I’ve featured one of my athletes on the blog, so this time around, I am highlighting my athlete Leann whom I have been working with for almost a year now.
She is one of my most diligent athletes and never misses a workout. Over this last year, she has made so much progress yet she is nowhere near her potential. There was one workout in particular I wrote for her last fall that included four mile repeats at 7:00 pace. I was hoping she could hit these paces but also pushing her outside her comfort zone a bit. She, of course, nailed it and said that used to be her all-out mile pace! She has worked so hard, and I can’t wait to watch her compete at some in-person races this year because I know she is going to crush it and achieve her goal of a Boston qualifier this year!
Tell us a little about yourself: family, work, where you’ve lived, etc.
I am from a little bit of everywhere (Nebraska, Minnesota, Texas, Georgia, & Arizona), but if I have to pick somewhere to be from, I say I grew up in a town called Peachtree City. It’s just south of Atlanta, Georgia, and is known for the golf carts that everyone drives around town. I was actually able to drive my family’s golf cart to high school. Thank goodness for mild winters in Georgia! I have an undergraduate degree from the University of Georgia where I was also a Spin instructor. Immediately after graduation, I moved to Tucson, Arizona to begin my career with one of the largest car insurance companies in the U.S. After living in AZ for a few years, I relocated to Dallas, Texas and changed careers shortly after. I’ve been here for over 4 years now and don’t plan to move anytime soon! When I’m not out running, you can find me with my dog Zoë and my boyfriend Parker at one of the local breweries.
How did you get into running?
I have never been the most athletic in my family. I had asthma as a child and used every excuse in the book to avoid running. 12 full marathons later, I can say that is definitely no longer the case. Initially, I started running to avoid one of my college roommates, but it quickly turned into one of my favorite things! I never intended to run a marathon and only thought running was something fun I was doing to stay fit. Once I moved to Arizona, I was working the night shift at a call center, and I didn’t know anyone. To fill my free days and to meet new people, I joined the Fleet Feet marathon training group. I’ve been hooked on half marathons and marathons ever since!
What is your favorite race/race memory?
My favorite race memory is from the 2020 Mesa Marathon. This was the first marathon that both of my parents attended. Their friends live in Phoenix as well, so they all came to the race with my boyfriend. Since I’d run the Mesa Marathon 6 times prior, I told them a great spot to meet me. When I passed that point and didn’t see them, I was so disappointed because I thought they were stuck in traffic. Little did I know they were waiting for me a few miles later with the best handwritten signs I’ve ever seen. I’ve run a few marathons where I don’t have any family on the sidelines or at the finish, but there isn’t much better than seeing their smiling faces and funny signs along the way.
What motivates you in your running?
I love waking up and feeling like I’m really going to accomplish something big today. Over the last year, there haven’t been many opportunities to get out and do something exciting, but running can give that to me every day. My small (but mighty) running group has continued running multiple days a week, and some days, they are the only people I see and talk to all day due to working from home.
What are your running goals?
I want to get faster and qualify for the Boston Marathon. My qualifying time is a sub 3:30, so I’m aiming for a 3:28. I know I will qualify, but I may have to keep getting older to get there. My last marathon was a 3:36, so I’m getting close!
What was the strangest/coolest/weirdest thing that has happened (or that your saw) on a run?
I’m pretty sure the strangest thing that has happened to me on a run was when I was chased by a pack of Javelina. Thankfully, they don’t have very good eyesight, but for someone who didn’t grow up in the desert, it was pretty frightening!
How do you reward yourself after a hard run?
If I have extra time after my run or if I’ve planned ahead and parked there for my run, I swing by Starbucks for a Venti Iced Chai Tea Latte with Soy Milk and Light Ice. There are times when I will pick up my pace on the last few miles so I can have an extra few minutes to drive to Starbucks. During my long run, it’s hard not to start dreaming about it when I’ve decided I’m getting my post-run treat!
What are your upcoming races?
Currently, I’m signed up to run the Virtual Dallas Marathon on May 2nd, the St George Marathon on October 2nd, and the In-Person Dallas Marathon on December 12th. I’ll probably sign up for a few more between those, but I’m waiting to see once more restrictions are lifted. I have a hard time turning down races, so if I hear one of my friends is running a race, I just may have to sign up for it. Race FOMO is one of my struggles!
I love interviewing my athletes because I learn so much about them! Also, if I have a second life, I want to come back as Zoe–she gets so many walks every day! (Leann uploads all of the walks to Final Surge through her watch, which is how I know. Ha!) I am so glad Leann decided to work with me, and I’m so proud of all of the progress she’s made!
