Runner of the Week Archive
Every Wednesday throughout the Summer, we will introduce to you one of our many runners and share their inspirational stories, funny anecdotes and training tips to keep you motivated and moving as you train for your Fall races. Earlier this Spring we surveyed many of our most loyal fans, those who completed our “Live, Love, Run VB Challenge” by running in all four J&A events. We asked them five questions that we are often asked by runners, and the stories came pouring in. We love our runners! If you would like to share your funny or inspirational running story, send us an email.
Runner of the Week - August 31 - Margaret Worley from Sutherland, Va.
Why do you run?
I run to stay a few steps ahead of "father time." I am not a fast runner, but I keep going just to say I can. When I finish a race, I don't dwell on how far down the finishers list my name appears. It's more important to me that I'm on the finishers list!
Of the four J&A Racing events, which is your favorite and why?
My favorite J&A Race is the Surf N Santa 10 Miler. Many races are fun and festive, and J&A Racing really goes the distance to treat their runners well, but the extra touches at this race made it over the top. The thousands of Santa hats and jingle bells heading up and down the streets of Virginia Beach were something to see and hear.
What is your most memorable J&A race moment?
My most memorable J&A race moment was crossing the finish line at the 2010 Wicked 10K. For many years I had suffered with knee pain, and after enduring countless unsuccessful treatments, I had knee replacement surgery in May 2010. Soon after surgery I began intensive therapy and on October 30, 2010, me and my brand new knee crossed the finish line together. Since then, I have completed five more races including three half marathons and a 10-miler. I plan on continuing to enter races as long as I can!
How do you stay motivated to train?
I stay motivated to train to control my weight and give me a direction for my activity. If not for an upcoming race, I would probably go weeks without seeing the inside of the gym. I try to do much of my training inside - treadmill, stationary bicycle, and spinning classes to keep the stress of running on pavement to a minimum. Just knowing I have committed to a race by sending an entry keeps me motivated.
What is your most embarrassing training moment?
My most embarrassing training moment was the day I ran thru the battlefield park near my home. I was wearing pale gray shorts and it was very hot and humid. After running four miles thru the park and meeting or passing other runners along the way, my husband picked me up at the park exit. As I approached the car, he commented how cute I looked in my "polka dotted shorts" - my underwear was showing thru the thin gray fabric. I will never wear anything but black again!
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Runner of the Week - August 17 - Bethany Sanchez from Virginia Beach
Why do you run?
I run because I'm addicted to all the race-day excitement. Something about the rush of the start line, the crowd's cheer, and seeing that finish line in front of me... I can't resist! I began running in 2006 and have run 16 half marathons and lost 65 pounds along the way. Last year I completed my first full marathon, the Marine Corps Marathon. I was bummed earlier this year because I missed out on the Shamrock Marathon due to an injury. But watch out, I'm already signed up for Shamrock 2012!! Training has begun, and I am ready to run!!
Of the four J&A Racing events, which is your favorite and why?
The Blue Moon Wicked 10K, because of all the great costumes out there!! It's hard enough to run in workout clothes, so seeing SpongeBob and Santa run by (passing me, I should add) is quite impressive!! The after party is great, too!
What is your most memorable J&A race moment?
That would have to be the 2010 VIFL 14K. I could not resist the cupcake stop! I shoved an entire red velvet cupcake in my mouth! Needless to say, the next water stop could not come fast enough. That was a very memorable, cold and snowy event. Still loved it, and is one of my favorites!
How do you stay motivated to train?
I stay motivated by entering races, looking at photos from when I was out of shape, and counting on my great running friends for support! :-)
What is your most embarrassing training moment?
That would definitely be the day I was at the gym lifting weights. I kept trying to figure out why my pants were bunching up in the front, and sliding down in the back... until someone told me they were on backwards! Now I'm reminded of that day everytime I do squats. It makes me laugh!!
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Runner of the Week - August 3 - Danny Rashkind from Virginia Beach
Why do you run?
I run for my 4 year old daughter Mia. She and I both have Neurofibromatosis (NF) and I have been running since 2008 to raise awareness and money for NF research.
Of the four J&A Racing events, which is your favorite and why?
I would have to say the Wicked 10k because of all the costumes and the fun post-race party... that bread bowl full of chili was yummy! :-)
What is your most memorable J&A race moment?
Every race is memorable for Mia and I. I may not be the fastest runner, but as soon as I see her smiling face at the finish, all the pain melts away and I know why I am out there.
How do you stay motivated to train?
Mia's smile keeps me moving!
What is your most embarrassing training moment?
So far I don't have one and I hope to keep it that way.
Thank you J&A Racing for all that you do!
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Runner of the Week - July 27 - Margot Richards from Virginia Beach.
Why do you run?
I run to continue my new healthy lifestyle which started by running the 2008 Shamrock Half. Since then I have lost 94 pounds.
Of the four J&A Racing events, which is your favorite and why?
Shamrock of course! This was my first half marathon and I will continue to run it every year that I am able.
What is your most memorable J&A race moment?
My most memorable moment was crossing the Shamrock finish line this year. Not only did I finish my first marathon, but I also completed the whale challenge by running the 8k on Saturday. Hearing Leprechaun Bob call out my name as I ran to the finish means more to me than anything! Thank you J&A Racing for the wonderful reward.
How do you stay motivated to train?
I stay motivated to train because I love collecting my medals and race shirts. I love the bling!!!
What is your most embarrassing training moment?
I honestly don't have an embarrassing training moment as all training is a learning experience!
Keep up the great races! I will continue to run them! They really are the best.
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Runner of the Week - July 20 - Kelli Ramirez from Glen Allen, Va.
Why do you run?
My husband and I really got to know one another while training. He got me involved in running and we eventually trained for a full marathon. When we crossed the finish line together at Shamrock in 2008 he surprised me with an engagement ring! Running is a healthy way to enjoy family time for us and make our team stronger. We now take our 22 month old son on our training runs.
Of the four J&A Racing events, which is your favorite and why?
The Shamrock. It was my first ever organized event (8K 2004) and it has an awesome atmosphere. It is the precursor to spring!
What is your most memorable J&A race moment?
Missing the '09 Shamrock due to morning sickness. It was really hard to go to the finish line as a non-finisher.
How do you stay motivated to train?
We like to sign up for the year's races on New Year's Day. That way there is always a goal in mind.
What is your most embarrassing training moment?
More of an era than a moment...we tended to get lost and go several extra miles on weekend team trainings for the marathon.
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Runner of the Week - July 13 - Jami Brayton from Williamsburg, Va.
Why do you run?
I run because it's what I love to do! It makes me feel good and helps me feel like "me" during the day. Running seriously starts my day off right. If I'm ever in a bad mood, my husband will say, "Maybe you should go for a run." :)
Of the four J&A Racing events, which is your favorite and why?
My favorite J&A race would be the Shamrock Marathon. It's my favorite race because I have raced it 6 years in a row and I always have a fun time at the race. I love seeing all the Green and it's such a fun holiday! It's also my favorite race because I ran my marathon PR there! :)
What is your most memorable J&A race moment?
When I got onto the podium for the Wicked 10K. It was the first year it was run and was a huge success! The costumes were great to see! I felt like a pro because I was interviewed after the race and also won a pair of racing shoes and a running jacket!
How do you stay motivated to train?
Races keep me motivated and just the fact that I don't feel like myself if I don't run keeps me motivated! Also running with friends makes it a lot of fun.
What is your most embarrassing training moment?
Hmmmm.....maybe having to go to the bathroom really badly during a run and having to duck into the woods. :(
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Runner of the Week - July 6 - Jonathan Gable from York, Pennsylvania
Why do you run?
Because I enjoy it! It’s a great way to keep in shape as one ages as well as an extra reason to be active in all the awful weather (instead of being a bump on the log – couch). I have some great friends where I work, to run with during lunch and to log long runs on the weekends with as we train for our races. It helps give us another layer of accountability and something to be a part of. The camaraderie is amazing in the running community.
Of the four J&A Racing events, which is your favorite and why?
This is impossible for me to answer because they are all very fun in their own way. I’ve managed (at some point or another) to PR in all of the events which is awesome! Shamrock is just a fun party atmosphere, Wicked is an awesome costumed wonderland, Santa lets you check out the boardwalk Xmas lights, and (for me) Virginia is for Lovers was a confusing (I’m totally lost), twisty course (helps lose track of distance). All have fantastic people coordinating, volunteering and running. Plus as a runner it’s great to be fed and get some good beer!
What is your most memorable J&A race moment?
Knowing that I was PR'ing on a very hot day (first wicked) while wearing a terrible non-breathable count’s cape!
How do you stay motivated to train?
Having great people around to keep me going when I don’t want to go (ie snow / sleet / wind / heat / humidity). It doesn’t hurt to know that I am improving myself through the speed workouts and repeats!
What is your most embarrassing training moment?
Almost biting it on the curb when I was just told to watch my footing from the ice. Gotta love the winter wonderland!
Thank you J&A for allowing me to participate in such wonderful races.
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Runner of the Week - June 29 - Toni Fox from Virginia Beach
Why do you run?
I run because running has changed my life. When I started 7 or so years ago, I was so out of shape I could only run a block at a time. I wasn't sure I'd ever be able to run a 5K, but once I did, I couldn't wait to see what else I could do. Now I've run many halfs, 3 fulls, and recently, my first 50 mile ultra. The sense of knowing I can do anything I set my mind to is just amazing and carries over into other areas of my life.
Of the four J&A Racing events, which is your favorite and why?
So hard to choose! I love seeing the costumes in the Blue Moon Wicked 10K, but the race that holds the "favorite" spot in my heart is Shamrock because it was my first half marathon and first full marathon.
What is your most memorable J&A race moment?
My most memorable race moment was running my first Shamrock full. I felt utterly depleted at mile 22 and thought there was no way I could keep my body moving... but somehow I did, and running across that finish line gave me the most incredible feeling of accomplishment.
How do you stay motivated to train?
My weekend long runs are with my two best friends and I relish having the time to connect with them while staying fit. Scheduling races together, and knowing they're counting on me to be there, keeps me motivated-- not to mention the physical and mental health benefits.
What is your most embarrassing training moment?
Well, I'm admittedly terrified of snakes, and once or twice a year, have a snake sighting on the trail. My running pace is usually middle of the pack, but put a snake in my line of vision and I could qualify as an Olympic sprinter. And I can't help but mistake suspicious looking sticks or leaf-rustling squirrels for a snake from time to time. As imagined, I've taken some ribbing from my apparently fearless running buddies.
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Runner of the Week - June 22 - Jana Keplinger from Virginia Beach
Why do you run?
I am a ballroom dancer. Three years ago I danced in my first major ballroom competition in Los Angeles CA. I found that my stamina to get through the many rounds of competition was not what it needed to be. My instructor advised me to add "light jogging" to my training schedule. At the time, I couldn't even run for five minutes without getting winded. I started training as all runners do...run for a minute, then walk for four, repeat, and gradually increase. The day that I finally ran for 30 minutes consecutively I couldn't believe it - I was a runner!
Of the four J&A Racing events, which is your favorite and why?
My favorite is the Blue Moon Wicked 10k. Running in costume...Awesome!!
What is your most memorable J&A race moment?
The Shamrock Half...I remember the sinking feeling I got in my stomach as I approached the packet pick up line with the big "Half Marathon" sign over top of it. I was terrified! I remember standing at the starting line and crying, thinking that I didn't have what it took to finish, but reminding myself that I had trained and was prepared, and even if I had to walk across the finish line I was going to do what I thought I could never do and FINISH. And then...when I crossed the finish line in just over two hours...I cried again!!
How do you stay motivated to train?
Since finishing at Shamrock, I have run my second half marathon and am now planning on attempting my first full marathon next year (Shamrock, of course!!). What's more, I competed in the United State Dance Championships last year and WON the US Pro/Am Standard title!! And the stamina for my victory? I owe it all to running!! Thank you J&A for giving us these races and the chance to find out that we can do more than we ever dreamed we could do...and have a blast doing it!!!
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Runner of the Week - June 15 - Kristy Niebuonrit from Newport News
Why do you run?
I run to be free. Running is my natural escape from every day stress. It is a great chance to have "me" time and not feel guilty about it.
Of the four J&A Racing events, which is your favorite and why?
My favorite is the Blue Moon Wicked 10K. My birthday is on Halloween so it’s nice to have a run around my birthday. I love dressing up in costume and love seeing everyone else's great costumes!
What is your most memorable J&A race moment?
My most memorable J&A moment was in 2010 at the Shamrock half. I set a personal record AND I raised $2000 for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society!
How do you stay motivated to train?
I think of all of the people with different illnesses or disabilities or children whose parents can't afford running shoes and run FOR them. I am blessed to have two feet that support me and push my body along the way.
What is your most embarrassing training moment?
I really don't have a most embarrassing moment. I mean one time I was using a port o potty and I forgot to lock the door and someone walked in on me. That's what I got and that's not even too embarrassing!
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Runner of the Week - June 8 - Kristin Harmon from Virginia Beach
Why do you run?
I run in honor of my husband, CPL Joshua S Harmon, who was KIA in 2007 in Iraq, as well as all of America's Fallen Heroes. I was never a distance runner, but my husband and I made plans to take on training and get involved in distance running once he returned from deployment. Since he never came home, I decided I was going to use that as my motivation to get out there and pound the pavement.
Of the four J&A Racing events, which is your favorite and why?
For me it's a toss up between the Wicked 10K and Shamrock. Both are outstanding, well put together events, but I think Wicked takes it with the awesome costumes everyone comes up with each year; they definitely make for some great entertainment along the course!
What is your most memorable J&A race moment?
My most memorable J&A racing moment would have to be crossing the finish line at the 2009 Blue Moon Wicked 10k. It was only 6 days after I completed my first ever race (Marine Corps Marathon 10k) and it was an exciting and emotional moment to know I was able to push myself to not only do what I never thought I could, but to do it twice in one week!
How do you stay motivated to train?
Any time I really don't feel like hitting the streets for any kind of run whatsoever - long, short, slow, fast - I remind myself why I run and how far I've come. When I first started it was torture just to run a mile and it's been such a great feeling crossing the finish line every time, especially when I finished my 5th half marathon! It's fun to see how I can improve and find new ways to change up my training routines.
What is your most embarrassing training moment?
Believe it or not, I can honestly say I don't have one...yet As clumsy as I am, I'm sure there's one waiting to make it's move. Hopefully it won't be anything too bad!